# file2

GEN:
A small remnant of unenclosed land to the south of Mytholmroyd. Main habitat is dry heath dominated by heather {\it( Calluna vulgaris)}. Smaller areas of wet heath/acidic grassland. Localised tree colonisation.

OWNERS:
Part owned jointly by two private owners. Part owned by one private owner. Remainder subject to the protection of the local authority under Section 9 of the Commons Registration Act, 1965.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies in a former urban borough). A minor, metalled road runs along the southern edge. Along the NE edge runs an unmetalled track/public footpath, while a further such track crosses the centre of the site. The common is also crossed by a number of public footpaths. Several of these appear well-used (dog-walking etc.) and there are also signs of use by horseriders.

GNOTES:
No rights. There are a total of 15 claims to a right of way across the common (foot and vehicles). Note erection of temporary electric fencing.


GEN:
A section of moorland to the east of Marsden. Main habitat is {\it Molinia caerulea} marshy grassland with small remnants of dry and wet heath.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). There are also certain provisions for public access by virtue of National Trust ownership (National Trust Act, 1907). Lies adjacent to the B6107 Marsden-Meltham road along its northern edge. A number of unmetalled roads also cross the common and are associated with a number of abandoned quarries. There are also several public footpaths crossing the site, one of which lies along the route of the "Colne Valley Circular Walk". Being situated near to houses on the outskirts of Marsden, the common is probably popular with local people. The area provides an excellent viewpoint across the Colne Valley.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89, 1990); Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). National Trust Biological Survey Report, Marsden Moor (1987). D. Finnis (pers. comm.). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 4 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (1); sheep and cattle (2); cattle only (2). There are also 2 rights of turbary (as turves) and 2 of estover (as "bedding"). There are 3 rights entries cross-referenced: CL 37 (3); CL 39 (3); CL 41 (3); CL 124 (3) and CL 125 (3). Contiguous with CL 532 (separated from CL 41 only by the Deer Hill Conduit).

Lies within the North Peak ESA. Note dumping of rubbish on common.


GEN:
An area of moorland to the east of the Wessenden Valley near Marsden, part of the National Trust Marsden Moor Estate. Habitats include {\it Molinia caerulea} marshy grassland/wet modified bog, acidic grassland, wet and dry heath, plus acidic flush.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). There are also certain provisions for public access by virtue of National Trust ownership (National Trust Act, 1907). The site is crossed to the north by unmetalled tracks associated with disused quarry workings. A public footpath skirts the western edge, running in places along the edge of the Deer Hill Conduit. This lies along the route of the Colne Valley Circular Walk. There are attractive views from here along the Wessenden Valley and the route appears popular. The rest of the common is probably not much visited by the public.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89, 1990); Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). National Trust Biological Survey Report, Marsden Moor (1987). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 11 rights of pasture registered as follows: horses, sheep and cattle (1); cattle only (6); cattle and sheep (1); sheep only (3). There are also 3 rights of turbary ("turves") and one right of estover ("bedding"). A total of 8 rights entries relate to part of the unit only. There are also 8 entries which are cross-referenced: CL 37 (5); CL 39 (5); CL 124 (5); CL 125 (5); CL 40 (3); CL 532 (6), CL 607 (1); CL 126 (1). Contiguous with CLs 607 and 125 (separated from CL 40 only by the Deer Hill Conduit). 

Lies within the Dark Peak SSSI/pSPA, the North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park.


GEN:
A small common to the NW of Keighley. Habitats include neutral grassland/tall ruderals, plus a small area of dry dwarf shrub heath.

ANOTES:
The common lies at the edge of a minor, metalled road, from which it is unfenced. This is a very minor route, leading only to an isolated farm. The O.S. 1:10,000 map shows a track crossing the common, but this is now overgrown and unused. There is a small pull-in/turning area next to the road. There has been dumping of rubbish, both here and at the western end of the common next to the road. Appears to have no recreational use.

GNOTES:
No rights. Note dumping of rubbish on common.


GEN:
An area of urban open space used as an amenity area, largely comprising amenity grassland, with occasional planted trees along roadsides.

ANOTES:
The common lies within the village of Drighlington, part of the suburbs mid-way between Leeds and Bradford. The site is surrounded by housing and a variety of industrial premises and is crossed by a number of unfenced roads which includes the B 6125. The A 58 runs adjacent to the NW side of the common. There are several public footpaths crossing the common and there is {\it de facto} access to the whole site, which is of major recreational importance for the surrounding housing. The main activity appears to be the walking of dogs, plus pedestrians crossing from one side to the other. To the NW, adjacent to the A 58 there is an area which includes a fenced playground and a bowling green. There are both a rugby pitch and a football pitch marked-out on the common (plus goalposts), while to the extreme south, a pair of travellers' caravans were noted, with tethered horses nearby. There are signs erected which prohibit the riding of motorcycles and of playing golf on the common. Note that the common lies within the Metropolitan Borough of Morley and as such is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925.

GNOTES:
The common is regulated under a scheme brought about by the district council under the provisions of the Commons Act, 1899. There are no rights registered. Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
A hilltop area, mainly heather moorland, between Denholme and Oxenhope. Large disused quarry is a major site for motorcycle scrambling. The only West Yorkshire site for Labrador Tea {\it (Ledum palustre subsp. groenlandicum)}.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. it lies in an urban district). The common is adjoinded along its western edge by the A629 main Keighley-Halifax road, while a minor, metalled road runs along the southern edge (both fenced). The dominating recreational feature of the common is the disused Rough Hallas Quarry which lies at the edge of the A629. This is a major locality for scramble bikes and appears to be used by patrons from many miles away. From personal observation, this activity has been popular here for at least the last 20 years. As a result, around 85 per cent of the internal area of the quarry is now bare ground. These activities have resulted in the development of a large bare ground lay-by alongside the A629. This is also used by motorists and lorry drivers, and there is usually a mobile caravan selling refreshments. The perimeter of the old quarry is fenced (stockproof) and appears to have been successful in restricting the area affected by motorcycles to the quarry. A recent development since the date of the site visit is the construction of a new section of metalled road from the A629 into the old quarry. The purpose of this is not clear at present. 

The remainder of the common is crossed by a number of public footpaths. One of these, running NW-SE is more of a rough track. Compared to the quarry, recreational pressure on this part is slight. These paths are used by occasional walkers and joggers etc. Many are in fact not clear on the ground and are probably little used.

SOURCE:
WYEIAS Phase 1 survey. Ecological Advisory Service SSI/Biological Data Bank (site file no. 113). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of three pasture rights, registered as follows: sheep only (1); sheep and cattle (2). The common also appears to be regulated by a management scheme dated 08.07.80. Note encroachment of motorcycling. Part of site is EAS Site of Scientific Interest (SSI). Note internal fence around old quarry.


GEN:
A small common with a mixture of habitats which include a mosaic of dry heath and acidic grassland, semi-improved acidic and neutral grassland, plus dense and scattered bracken.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. it lies in an urban district). It lies at the western edge, adjacent to the A629 main Keighley-Halifax road (fenced). There are no public rights of way across the common, which has the appearance of enclosed grazing land and appears not to be visited by the public.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey. Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There is a single right entry specifying pasture for sheep and cattle. Note internal fencing on common.


GEN:
This common is centred upon Redbrook Reservoir, lying to the SW of Pule Hill. Edges of reservoir adjoined mainly by {\it Molinia} marshy grassland, grading elswehere to acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The A62 Oldham-Huddersfield road runs along the north-western edge. The reservoir is used by a sailing club. Facilities are located to the NW of the reservoir and include a small jetty and various small sheds/buildings. There are no other paths crossing the common and the rest of the area does not appear to have any recreational use.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 8 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (6); cattle only (1); sheep and cattle (1). There are also single rights of turbary and of estover (specified as "bedding"). A total of 7 entries relate to part of the unit only. There are 8 rights entries cross-referenced as follows: CL 39 (8); CL 37 (6); CL 41 (5); CL 125 (6); CL 40 (3); CL 532 (3); CL 484 (1); CL 487 (1); CL 126 (1). Contiguous with and, in this case, lying completely within CL 39. 

Lies entirely within the Peak District National Park and also the North Peak ESA. Part lies within the Dark Peak SSSI.


GEN:
A small area of land lying within the Wessenden Valley just below the dam of the Wessenden Reservoir. Habitats comprise a mixture of acidic grassland and dense bracken.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Remainder subject to the protection of the local authority under Section 9 of the Commons Registration Act, 1965.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). Crossed by a track which leads up to the Wessenden Reservoir - also a public footpath. Parts of the common have the appearance of enclosed in-bye land and are probably not visited by the public. Small section includes the farm buildings at Wessenden Lodge.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89 and 1990). Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). Brief site inspection.

GNOTES:
There is a single right of pasture for sheep only. This entry is cross-referenced to CLs 124, 125, 37, 39 and 41. Contiguous with CL 37. 

Lies within the Dark Peak SSSI/pSPA and the Peak District National Park. Note presence of internal fencing on the common. Farm buildings pre-date registration.


GEN:
A hillside strip overlooking Oxenhope, formerly used for quarrying and now supporting dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

ANOTES:
The common is reached by a track leading from a minor road at the edge of the village of Oxenhope. There are several public and other footpaths across the common. These appear to be popular with local residents for dog-walking etc. Appears to offer good views across Oxenhope. The crags running along the top of the common make it a distinctive landscape feature.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Distant inspection by binoculars.

GNOTES:
There are two rights entries, one as pasture for cattle, while the other is for common in the soil (ie. stone). This latter entry has been registered by the Mayor/Borough of Keighley and is therefore held in gross (ie. not attached to land/property). There is one claim to a right of way across the common.


GEN:
A small area of common land which is divided by dry stone walls into a number of enclosures! Mostly semi-improved neutral grassland, with one allotment which has dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by heather {\it (Calluna vulgaris)}.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the law of Property Act, 1925. The O.S. map shows there to be two public footpaths crossing this common. However, there is no evidence of these on the ground and there appears to be no public uasge of the common.


GEN:
A large and well-known block of heather moorland to the south of Ilkley, part of the Rombalds Moor complex.

OWNERS:
Part owned by the Yorkshire Water Authority. Part owned by Ilkley Urban District Council. Part owned jointly by three private owners. Part reigstered under the Land Registration Acts, 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). There is easy access onto the common from the edge Ilkley and a minor road which runs from the town along the NE edge of the common, towards the village of Menston. In addition, there is an extensive network of public footpaths over the common. The area is one of major recreational importance for the town and surrounding area. There are car parking areas on the common adjacent to Ilkley College, at West View Park, and further east, just below the famous Gritstone outcrops known locally as the "Cow and Calf". At the latter location, the car park is metalled and there is a permanent refreshment kiosk. The rocks themselves are just a short walk from the car park and offer spectacular views across the Wharfe Valley. Other activities taking place on this part of the common include, climbing on the rocks (which includes a large disused quarry), picnicking, horse riding, walking and a school study group was also noted. 

West View Park, is a small area managed as a formal garden and is provided with a second car park. This feature is immediately accessible to residents of Ilkley. There are further, smaller parking places along the edge of Keighley Road which runs south-westwards across the fell (although this turns eventually into an unmetalled track and does not provide a through route). Recreational activities appear to be at their highest on this northern slope of the common, with numerous well-walked paths criss-crossing the slope. A further feature is the house at White Wells. The plateau of the common appears to be visited by the more adventurous walkers and is probably not subject to the same recreational pressure.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. Ecological Advisory Service Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Ilkley Moor, site ref. 13. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey, 1989. Survey of Upland Habitats in the North Pennines: Rombalds Moor, Sub-block 16 (iii). Report no. 16/6, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1993. Invertebrate Site Register (ungraded). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 7 rights of pasture, all for sheep only. Five of these relate to part of the unit only and five are also cross referenced: CL 233 (2) and CL 295 (4). Two rights are held in gross (ie. by specified individuals/groups rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CLs 233, 288 and 295.    

Most of the common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and is also on the Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (EAS).


GEN:
A small plot of common land in the SE suburbs of Bradford, largely comprising overgrown neutral grassland.

OWNERS:
Owned by Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Borough of Spenborough.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road. There is a legal right of public access under S. 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. the common lies within a metropolitan borough). The larger portion is crossed by a track and appears to be used as a thoroughfare by local residents and for walking dogs etc. A bonfire site was noted on this area. The entrance to the track has bollards to prevent vehicular access. The local authority have erected a sign here which prohibits the tethering/grazing of horses, riding of motorcycles and of shooting. The smaller section is open to the road and is little more than a grass verge, with use only by pedestrians. Once again there are bollards along the roadside edge, plus another sign, prohibiting motorcycles.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89). Site visit.


GEN:
A small complex of verges along a minor road and track within the village of Roberttown. Most of verges classified as amenity grassland, with a variety of trees/shrubs. Most lined by hedges of some sort.

ANOTES:
There is access to the whole length of the common, with a minor metalled road running along the northern portion and an unmade track, which is also a public footpath, running along the southern section. Forms a narrow area of open space overlooked by houses. Main use is probably for walking dogs. Note that the common lies within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees and as such is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925.

GNOTES:
The common is subject to a regulation scheme of the district council made under the provisions of the Commons Act, 1899. There are no rights registered. Note dumping of garden rubbish on part of site.


GEN:
Part of a plateau, plus a section of steep north-facing slope, lying to the south of Sowerby Bridge. Most of the common supports dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. A prominent local landmark and important recreational area.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). A minor, metalled road runs along the northern margin of the common, parallel with the base of the hillslope, and several minor roads cross the north-eastern tip. There are several car-parking places, from where access can be made onto the common (eg. small public car park on the common at GR 054 217 (gravel surfaced) - picnic tables and litter bins provided). The whole site is crossed by a mosaic of public footpaths. The site is a popular local recreational area, with visitors climbing to the top of the hill to enjoy the fine views northwards across the Calder Valley and the fells beyond. Children enjoy scrambling among the boulders and small disused quarries which lie along and below the top of the ridge. A main path runs along the edge. There is also some horseriding across some of the paths of the plateau area, with local erosion.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (Ecological Advisory Service): Northdean Wood/Norland Moor (Site file no. 67). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are two rights of pasture, both specifying cattle and sheep.


GEN:
A small common at East Bierley situated adjacent to an infants school, with the appearance of a village green/school playground. Amenity grassland with mature planted trees. Small ornamental pond.

OWNERS:
Owned by Mayor Aldermen and Citizens of Borough of Spenborough.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to minor, metalled roads and an infants school within the village of East Bierley. There is a legal right of access under S. 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within an urban borough (Spenborough). The common is a pleasant and well-maintained amenity area, used by both the school and the local inhabitants. The northern portion lies adjacent to the school. The focus of this part is a small pond which appears to be maintained by the school. There are seats and litter bins overlooking this. Erected within the pond are several "duck boxes" on stilts. There is also a small paved area near to the school, with two seats and  a litter bin. The southern portion lies adjacent to housing and has a small childrens play area (slide and swing), with the rest as manicured amenity grassland.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89). Ecological Advisory Service: Biological Data Bank, site file No. 268. Site visit.


GEN:
A major portion of the northern section of the Dark Peak Moorlands. Extensive plateau areas of typical South Pennine blanket mire. Valleys contain a variety of other habitats which include acidic and marshy grassland, dry heath, bracken and acidic flush.

OWNERS:
Part owned by the National Trust. Remainder of the land is unclaimed.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). There are also certain provisions for public access by virtue of National Trust ownership (National Trust Act, 1907). 
The common is crossed by a minor (fenced) road to the east and adjoined by a minor road at one point to the NW. The SE edge of the common runs close to the A635 Holmfirth to Oldham road. Wessenden Reservoir is reached by an access road. 

There are a number of public and other footpaths crossing the common. The main ones are those following the Pennine Way long distance footpath. The original route follows the western edge of the common, while an alternative route runs along the edge of Wessenden Valley itself, to the east of the common. Both appear well-used. The Kirklees Way also follows part of the Pennine Way from Wessenden Head to Wessenden Reservoir. In addition there are footpaths forming an attractive walk up to Wessenden Reservoir, plus a footpath route between Wessenden, Black Moss and Red Brook Reservoirs.

At the SE corner of the common, the National Trust have provided a car park in a small disused quarry, adjacent to the road. This point offers an excellent vantage point from which to view the Wessenden Valley. There is a lay-by next to the A635 not far from here, providing a further possible point of access.

The main plateau of Wessenden Moor is not crossed by any rights of way and appears to be an impassable block of moorland, probably not visited by the public.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: The Dark Peak. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89, 1990); Biological Data Bank, site files 35 and 457. Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). National Trust Biological Survey Report, Marsden Moor (1987). D. Finnis (and other NT staff from Marsden Moor Estate), pers. comm. English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. The West Yorkshire Plant Atlas, Eds. Lavin, J.C. and Wilmore, G.T.D., City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, 1994. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 8 pasture rights registered as follows: cattle only (2); sheep only (5); sheep and cattle (1). There are also 2 rights of turbary and 2 of estover (specified as "bedding"). All of the pasture rights appear to apply to part of the unit only. A total of 7 rights entries are cross-referenced as follows: CL 38 (1); CL 39 (6); CL 41 (5); CL 124 (6); CL 126 (1); CL 125 (6); CL 40 (3); CL 532 (2). There are 5 rights entries which are held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individuals, rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CLs 39, 38, 126, 125.  

Lies for the most part within the Dark Peak SSSI and entriely within the Dark Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park.


GEN:
A major block of the South Pennine Moors, forming a part of the National Trust Marsden Moor Estate. Major plateau areas with blanket peat which has seen extensive local peat erosion, initiated by accidental fires. Marginal areas tend to have marshy or acidic grassland, with small amounts of bracken locally.

OWNERS:
Part owned by the National Trust. Part registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act (ie. it lies within a former urban borough). The (major) part in National Trust ownership is also subject to certain provisions for public access under the National Trust Act, 1907. The common is crossed to the north by the A640/B6114 and to the south by the A62 and a minor road across the south of Pule Hill. 

Public rights of way are relavively few and large areas appear to be un-visited by the public. However, there are a number of localities which are subject to a high degree of recreational use. The Pennine Way long distance footpath runs along the western edge of the common. There has been localised erosion of blanket peat along the route. Repair work to date has mainly involved a hardcore surface laid onto matting. A more recent form of repair is to lay a line of recycled gritstone flags. This is much more long lasting and also more aesthetically pleasing. 

There is a car park provided by the National Trust at Buckstones Edge, at the point where the B6114 branches from the A640. This spot provides spectacular views across the moors to the south and is probably one of the finest vistas in this part of the South Pennines. There are information boards here about the Marsden Moor Estate. There is a certain amount of walking about on the common here, enjoying the view and picnicking.  A public footpath leads from here, south-eastwards down into the valley. It also appears to be a popular spot for people to park and set-off mountain biking. Buckstones Edge is also used for Hang-gliding and paragliding.

Just to the west is a second public parking area opposite the pub at Buckstones House, plus another small parking space adjacent to CL 455, to the western side of the common. From here, a public bridleway runs to the south of March Haigh Reservoir, over the plateau to Marsden and appears also to be popular with walkers/mountain bikers.

There are also several parking spaces/lay-bys adjacent to the A62, and the minor road across the south of Pule Hill. There is quite extensive public access on this part of the common. In addition to the public footpaths, a number of other paths are present, with use for walking dogs/mountain bikes etc. A sailing club is situated alongside Red Brook Reservoir, but this has been excluded from the registration. 

There are several fenced areas on the common, associated with erosion management. The largest lies at Buckstones Moss and has regular stiles provided for access, plus explanatory notices about the work. Signs placed on the route of the Pennine Way warn of the danger of accidental fire.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors; The Dark Peak. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89). Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). National Trust Biological Survey Report, Marsden Moor (1987). D. Finnis (and other NT staff from Marsden Moor Estate), pers. comm. English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. The West Yorkshire Plant Atlas, Eds. Lavin, J.C. and Wilmore, G.T.D., City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, 1994. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 36 rights of pasture registered as follows: beast and sheep (8); sheep only (20); cattle only (7); sheep, cattle and pigs (1). There are also 9 rights of turbary and 9 of estovers (specified as "bedding"). A total of 37 entries relate to part of the unit only. Thirty entries are cross-referenced: CL 384 (7); CL 455 (12); CL 456 (2); CL 484 (4); CL 485 (6); CL 486 (6); CL 457 (2); CL 124 (8); CL 125 (5); CL 37 (6); CL 41 (5); CL 40 (3); CL 532 (2); CL 580 (2); CL 454 (2); CL 534 (1); CL 126 (1); CL 310 (5); CL 494 (5); CL 533 (5); CL 608 (1); CL 487 (1). 

There is one claim to the right to shoot grouse. Contiguous with: CLs 124, 427, 484, 485, 384, 454, 534, 455, 533, 486, 310, 494, 487, 457, 456, 535, 37. 

Most of the common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Small part to the south lies within the Peak District National Park and the Dark Peak SSSI. All of the commmon lies within the North Peak ESA. 

Note internal fencing on common (in association with erosion control measures).


GEN:
A peripheral portion of the plateau of Deer Hill Moss, overlooking the Wessenden Valley near Marsden. Main habitat is wet modified bog dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}.

OWNERS:
Claimed by Trustees of Lydgate Rifle and Pistol Club.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). A public footpath fringes part of the western edge of the common. This lies on the route of the Colne Valley Circular walk, which takes in this attractive section overlooking the Wessenden Valley. There are no other rights of way as such across the common which is unlikely to be visited frequently by the public.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: The Dark Peak. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89, 1990). Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 6 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (4); sheep and cattle (1); cattle only (1). There are also single rights of turbary (as "turves") and estover (as "bedding"). Six rights entries relate to part of the unit only. Six entries are also cross-referenced as follows: CL 37 (6), CL 39 (6); CL 41 (5); CL 124 (6); CL 40 (3); CL 532 (3); CL 126 (1). Three rights entries are held in gross (ie. they are held by a specified group or individuals rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CLs 41 and 37. 

Lies within the Dark Peak SSSI/pSPA, the North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park. Small section at the edge of the plateau has been divided into fields by enclosure walls which pre-date registration.


GEN:
Three parcels of land peripheral to CL 207, Ilkley Moor. Habitats include semi-natural broadleaved woodland, dense bracken, planted coniferous and mixed woodland and semi-improved neutral grassland.

ANOTES:
All three segments of the common are subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lie within a former urban borough). The westernmost portion adjoins a small track/footpath, but lying fairly remote from Ilkley, is unlikely to have much recreational pressure. The other two sections both adjoin and include stretches of minor, metalled roads within the town itself and as such are much more extensively used for recreation. The central portion reaches fairly close to the town centre and forms a pleasant pedestrian route to the edge of Ilkley Moor and the College. A section is managed as "amenity woodland" and includes a fenced enclosure which contains several decorated bronze age boulders found on the moor. The easternmost portion forms a popular pedestrian route linking the Ben Rhydding area of the town with the moor, a short distance from the "Cow and Calf".

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey, 1989. Field survey.

GNOTES:
No rights. There are two claims to a right of access. Contiguous with CL 207. Westernmost portion lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and also the EAS Site of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (see under CL 207).


GEN:
A small block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland below the dam of the Sharlston Common Pond (CL 8).

ANOTES:
There appears to be { \it de facto} access onto the site from the dam of Sharlston Common pond. A number of well-used paths are present within this area.

SOURCE:
Ecological Advisory Service Biological Data Bank: site file no. 276. WYEIAS Phase 1 survey. Site visit.

GNOTES:
No rights. Contiguous with CL 8. The common was removed from the (provisional) Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest within the county, during the 1991 review (ref. Ecological Advisory Service).


GEN:
A peripheral section of Rishworth Moor. Main habitats are marshy and acidic grassland, plus areas of dry heath. Other habitats include neutral grassland, tall ruderals, wet heath and flush.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The small, eastern section is crossed by an unfenced, minor, metalled road. A small track leads up from here to a small disused quarry at the top of the hill. This is also followed by a public footpath which runs westwards along the entire length of the common. In practice there appears to be no sign of this being used. However, the field boundary at the west, between this common and CL 427, is provided with a stile. The common appears to have little, if any, recreational use.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (?1991). Site survey.

GNOTES:
There is a single right of pasture for cattle. Contiguous with CL 427. Note dumping of rubble and other rubbish at various points on the common.


GEN:
A small block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland close to the village of Pool-in-Wharfedale.

OWNERS:
Part owned by Pool Parish Council. Remainder of the land registered under The Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road along the edge of Pool Bank. It is crossed by a public footpath to the east, while a track runs along part of the southern edge. A second path leads into what appears to be a small disused quarry. These paths appear moderately well-used by local people. Most of the site appears to be relatively undisturbed, forming a visually attractive area of woodland.

GNOTES:
There is one right of common in the soil, registered by the parish council on behalf of the freeholders of the parish (and therefore may be held in gross). Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
Several small parcels of land contiguous with CL 207, Ilkley Moor. Habitats include dry heath, acidic grassland and dense bracken.

ANOTES:
The individual small segments of the common are too small individually to have any meaningful recreational use. All are, however, subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lie within a former urban borough). The larger, easternmost section, lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road. This and other segments appear to be crossed by public rights of way. For a full account of the recreational scope of the area please see under the contiguous CL 207, Ilkley Moor.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. Ecological Advisory Service Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Ilkley Moor, site ref. 13. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey, 1989. Survey of Upland Habitats in the North Pennines: Rombalds Moor, Sub-block 16 (iii). Report no. 16/6, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1993. Invertebrate Site Register (ungraded).

GNOTES:
There are three rights of pasture for sheep only. One entry relates to part of the unit only. Two entries are cross-referenced to CL 207, while one is held in gross (ie. by a specified individual or group, rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CL 207. All of the common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA, and also within a Site of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (Ecological Advisory Service). For full details see under CL 207.


GEN:
A section of open moorland on hills to the north of the Calder Valley. Habitats include dry and wet dwarf shrub heath, dry modified bog, acidic grassland and marshy grassland.

OWNERS:
Part claimed by one private owner. Three parts registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The common can be reached only by unmade roads and farm tracks. However, it is crossed by a number of public footpaths and bridleways. These rights of way appear to be used fairly lightly by occasional walkers and mountain bikers. One such footpath, lying along the route of the Calderdale Way long distance footpath, runs along the SW edge of the common. The bridleway running across Shore End Top is marked by a series of stones and forms part of a route across the fell known as "Limers Gate".

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath".  Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 16 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep and cattle (8); sheep only (5); cattle only (2); sheep, cattle and horses (1). Other rights are turbary (3) and common in the soil (1 - as sand and gravel). A total of 9 entries relate to part of the unit only. There are 15 cross-referenced entries: CL 498 (15); CL 18 (1) and CL 531 (1). The rights to graze cattle are limited to between June 1st to 31st August each year. The Yorkshire Water Authority claim the right to maintain a water supply works under the Water Resources Act, 1963. There is also one claim to a right to the flow of water. Contiguous with CL 498. 

Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small section of Wessenden Moor at the head of Butterly Clough, Habitats present are dry modified bog, acidic grassland and dense bracken.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Colne Valley). There are also certain provisions for public access by virtue of National Trust ownership (National Trust Act, 1907). This said, there are no rights of way as such across this small common, and it is unlikely that it is ever visited by the public.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: The Dark Peak. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89, 1990). Phase 2 survey, M. Smedley/English Nature, 1992 (Dark Peak). National Trust Biological Survey Report, Marsden Moor (1987).

GNOTES:
No rights. Contiguous with CL 37. Lies entirely within the Dark Peak SSSI, the North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park.


GEN:
A small block of moorland to the eastern edge of Wessenden Head Moor. Mainly dry modified bog, with some dry heath.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Holmfirth). It lies at the edge of a public footpath. Otherwise it sits within a keenly-managed block of grouse moor, with signs along the nearby A635 requesting visitors to keep strictly to rights of way. It is unlikely therefore that members of the public ever visit the common.

SOURCE:
Phase 1 survey (English Nature ?date/origin). Phase 2 survey: English Nature/M. Smedley; Dark Peak, 1992. Brief site inspection (from the A635 through binoculars).

GNOTES:
There is one right of turbary for "peat and turves". This was registered by the UDC on behalf of the inhabitants of the Graveship of Holme. Lies within the Dark Peak SSSI, North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park. Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
A small common at the edge of the blanket mire on Wessenden Moor, adjacent to the A635. Habitats are dry modified bog plus acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Holmfirth). Lies adjacent to the (unfenced) A635. However, it is not crossed by any rights of way and appears to be unvisited by the public.

SOURCE:
Phase 1 survey (English Nature ?date/origin). Phase 2 survey: English Nature/M. Smedley; Dark Peak, 1992. Brief site inspection.

GNOTES:
There is one right of turbary for "peat and turves". This was registered by the UDC on behalf of the inhabitants of the Graveship of Holme. Lies within the Dark Peak SSSI, North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park.


GEN:
A small section at the fringe of the blanket mire on Wessenden Head, adjacent to the A635. Habitats are dry modified bog and acidic flush.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Holmfirth). Lies adjacent to one of the routes of the Pennine Way across Wessenden Head. No rights of way crossing the common. The adjacent moorland is managed as grouse moor, with signs along the A635 requesting walkers to keep to rights of way. The common is therefore unlikely to be visited by the public.

GNOTES:
There is one right of turbary for "peat and turves". This was registered by the UDC on behalf of the inhabitants of the Graveship of Holme. Lies within the North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park. Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
A small section of moorland which includes both dry {\it Calluna} heath and dry modified bog with {\it Calluna}.  The most southerly common in the county.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Holmfirth). It lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road, from which it is fenced. There are, however, no rights of way as such across the common, which does not appear to be visited by the public. A track leads from to road across the centre of the common to an area of active peat cuttings at the edge of an expanse of blanket mire.

SOURCE:
Phase 1 survey (English Nature ?date/origin). Phase 2 survey: English Nature/M. Smedley; Dark Peak, 1992. Claire Trinder (pers. comm.). Brief site inspection.


OWNERS:
Unclaimed. (Caution registered by Council against land at the Land Registry)


GEN:
An area of moorland lying to the north of Bradford and the Aire Valley. This mostly comprises acidic grassland and dense bracken. Part used as a golf course. Small remnants of heath vegetation. The only W. Yorks site for lesser twayblade {\it (Listera cordata)}. Includes a section of attractive broadleaved woodland along Shipley Glen.

OWNERS:
Part owned by City of Bradford Metropolitan Council. Remainder owned by the Yorkshire Water Authority.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925. The common is crossed by a number of minor, metalled, unfenced roads. There are two parking areas associated with these (seats/litter bins provided here). A number of public footpaths also cross the site. There appears to be free access to much of the common from the two car parks. There is also parking all along the common at the edge of a further minor road which adjoins the upper edge of Shipley Glen. The common is an extremely important area of open space, not merely for the adjoining Baildon, but all of Bradford and the surrounding area. It forms the nearest significant area of open moorland to the city. Recreational activities noted were, walking/taking fresh air, flying model gliders, hang-gliding, paragliding, horseriding. The common is also home to the Baildon Golf Course. In addition, situated within an area which has been excluded from registration is a fairly large camping/caravan site, which exerts further recreational pressures on the site. Signs have been erected at various points to prohibit vehicles from being driven onto the common.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1989). Ecological Advisory Service Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Baildon Moor (site ref. no. 15); Shipley Glen (site ref no. 88). Allan Stewart/English Nature Phase 2 woodland Surveys: Shipley Glen (W), Sept. 1993. West Yorkshire  Inventory of Ancient Woodlands, English Nature, 1994. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 6 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (2); sheep, cattle and horses (3); sheep and cattle (1). The common is regulated by the provisions of Section 4 of Schedule 2 to the West Yorkshire Act, 1980. Includes areas scheduled as Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (Ecological Advisory Service).


GEN:
A narrow, strip of land at the edge of Baildon Moor, adjoining residential areas. Varied habitats include acidic, neutral and amenity grasslands, dense bracken, dry heath, scattered trees and broadleaved woodland.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Remainder owned by City of Bradford Metropolitan Council.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The site comprises several parcels of land adjacent to minor, metalled roads at the edge of Baildon. Several public footpaths runs along the edge of Baildon Bank. Other footpaths cross this and other parts of the site, which lies adjacent to a residential area. The common appears to be a popular local amenity area for walking dogs and playing children etc. The steep hillside along Baildon Bank, with its craggy outcrops and old quarries/spoil heaps, is a mecca for local children. There are frequent paths throughout this area. One section of the old quarry cliff appears to be used by local climbers.  A bonfire site was noted elswehere on the common.

GNOTES:
There is one right of pasture for horses and geese. There is one claim to the right to hang washing out. Contiguous with a part of CL 350. Note presence of bonfire site and tipping of garden rubbish.


OWNERS:
Owned by City of Bradford Metropolitan Council.


GEN:
The largest common in the county, lying astride the South Pennine Moors to the east of Blackstone Edge. Crossed by the M62 Motorway. Principal habitats are dry and wet modified bog, marshy and acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. it lies within a former urban borough, in this case, Ripponden). It is crossed by the M62 Motorway, from which the common is fenced. It is also crossed by the A672 Halifax - Oldham road, which is unfenced. To the north the common adjoins the A58 Halifax - Littleborough road. 

Despite the right of access, much of the common is bleak moorland with few paths of any sort and appears to have little recreational use. However, there are a number of exceptions to this. For example, the Pennine Way long distance footpath, which crosses the M62 on a purpose-built single span bridge. The path follows the western boundary of the common in this vicinity, but after crossing the footbridge in a northerly direction, it then turns north-westwards onto the contiguous CL 675, to follow Blackstone Edge. 

There is a walk around the Green Withens Reservoir, which is accessible from a lay-by along the A672. There are several more small lay-bys at the edge of this road. Where the A672 meets the eastern boundary of the common, there is a small disused quarry (Derby Delph) which has over recent years been the site of a locally publicised peregrine falcon nest. It has been possible to view the nest from a hide managed by the RSPB, although the nest appears to have been unoccupied for the past couple of years. There is a path crossing Blackwood Common, to the north of here. A stile is provided at the field boundary with the contiguous CL 240. This path appears only slightly used.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Ecological Advisory Service: Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Green Withens. English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 14 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep and beasts (3); sheep only (10); sheep, cattle and horses (1). There are also single rights of turbary (as peat) and one of common in the soil (as "stone"). Three entries relate to part of the unit only. Contiguous with CLs 39, 240 and 675.     

Most lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Includes part of a "Site of Biological Interest in West Yorkshire" (ie. 0.6 per cent).


OWNERS:
Part owned by Collingham and Linton Parish Council. Remainder of the land registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.


OWNERS:
Owned by Collingham and Linton Parish Council.


GEN:
Land surrounding the edges of March Haigh Reservoir. Main habitat is {\it Molinia} marshy grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. it lies within a former urban borough). The site can only be reached by a public footpath. This is probably not used very much and the common is unlikely to have significant recreational use.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Site visit (from a distance through binoculars).

GNOTES:
There are 4 rights of pasture, two for sheep and cattle and 2 for sheep only. There are also single rights of turbary and also of estover (specified as "bedding"). Two entries relate to part of the unit only. There are 4 cross-referenced entries: CL 39 (4); CL 485 (1); CL 486 (1); CL 455 (3); CL 487 (1); CL 124 (1); CL 384 (1). Contiguous (ie. surrounded by) CL 39.     

Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and the North Peak ESA. Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
A small section of open moorland on the flanks of Cupwith Hill. Habitats include dry and wet modified bog, marshy and acidic grassland. Also a small acidic flush feature.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It lies adjacent to the A640, from which it is unfenced. There are no rights of way crossing the common, which despite the right of access, appears to have no recreational use. However, there is a lay-by on the common at the edge of the road.

GNOTES:
There are 6 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (5); sheep and cattle (1). There are also 2 rights of turbary and 2 of estover (specified as "bedding"). There are a total of 6 cross-references of rights: CL 486 (6); CL 455 (6); CL 39 (6); CL 484 (1); CL 533 (5); CL 494 (5); CL 310 (5). One right is held in gross (ie. by specified individual or group, rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CL 39.

Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and the North Peak ESA. Measured area less than registered area.


GEN:
A small section of the South Pennine Moors. Lies on the plateau above March Hill. Habitats typical of the surrounding area, mainly blanket bog, with an area of acidic flush/marshy grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). Two public footpaths cross this common, one of these being the Pennine Way long distance footpath. The other of these runs along the northern boundary and is used by occasional walkers, providing a route across the plateau, eastwards. The common lies not far from the A640 at the point where the road completes its ascent up the plateau from the Greater Manchester side. There is a small car park close to the common for use by the various walkers.

GNOTES:
There are 6 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (5); sheep and cattle (1). There are also 2 rights of turbary and 2 of estovers (specified as "bedding"). One right is held in gross (ie. by a specified individual rather than attached to land/property). There are 6 cross-referenced rights entries: CL 485 (6); CL 39 (6); CL 533 (5); CL 494 (5); C: 455 (5); CL 484 (1); CL 310 (5). Contiguous with CLs 39, 533 and 455.            

Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and the North Peak ESA. Also note that the common lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester, although it is registered in West Yorkshire.


GEN:
A large area of open moorland lying in the area between Oxenhope Moor and the Calder Valley at Mytholmroyd. Habitats include those typical of the South Pennine Moors: dry modified bog, dry dwarf shrub heath, acidic flush, acidic and marshy grassland etc.

OWNERS:
Part originally owned by Ministry of Defence conveyed to University of Bradford (28/3/74). Part purchased and owned by one private owner. Parts also registered under the Land Registration Acts, 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The larger, northern portion of the common is crossed by the A6033 Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope road (fenced). A number of public footpaths and bridleways cross this part of the common. The most heavily-used appears to be the bridleway to the south of this area, which runs across High Brown Knoll, and appears to be used by occasional walkers and mountain cyclists. Other rights of way across this part of the common appear only lightly used. Much of this section comprises a large tract of Pennine blanket mire, which appears remote and hardly, if ever visited by the public. 

The Smaller, southern portion lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road at one point on its southern edge. This part of the common is criss-crossed by a fairly extensive network of public footpaths, plus one short length of bridleway. This area lies much nearer to settlement along the Calder Valley and appears to have a higher recreational pressure than the more remote, northerly portion. However, some paths appear unused, with no evidence of a path on the ground. The Calderdale Way long distance footpath crosses this section, with one stretch being paved with gritstone slabs, possibly lying along an old pack horse route. Possible use by occasional horseriders.

GNOTES:
There are 21 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep, cattle and horses (1); cattle only (2); cattle and sheep (13); sheep only (5). There are also 6 rights of turbary and two of common in the soil (one specified as sand and gravel, with the other as stone, sand and gravel). A total of 22 entries relate to part of the unit only. 15 entries are cross-referenced as follows: CL 267 (15); CL 18 (1) and CL 531 (1). Grazing by cattle is limited to between the 1st of June and the 31st October. There is one claim to the water catchment, by the Yorkshire Water Authority under the Water Resources Act of 1963. There is also one claim to the right for flow of water. Measured area greater than registered area. Contiguous with CLs 297, 404 and 531. Small area appears to have been registered in error. 

Major portion lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small common on the perimeter of Yeadon Airport. Mainly comprises a variety of grassland types. Notable as the second-most amphibian site in West Yorkshire.

OWNERS:
Part owned by Leeds City Council. Remainder owned by the Public Trustee.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road on the outskirts of Rawdon. The eastern portion of the site lies within the boundary of Yeadon (Leeds and Bradford) Airport and as such has no public access. The western/central part is crossed by a public footpath which leads to a circular route around this area which is popular with local residents for walking dogs etc.

SOURCE:
Ecological Advisory Service: Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Rawdon Ponds. Site visit.

GNOTES:
No rights. Part of site fenced and lies within boundary of Yeadon Airport. Other internal fencing. Part of site ("Rawdon Ponds") is on the Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire (EAS).


GEN:
An extremely attractive narrow and secluded wooded valley, along the course of Harden Beck, lying to the east of Cullingworth. Woodland appears to be "ancient" in origin and an excellent example of a Pennine Clough Woodland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925. It lies adjacent to minor roads at the edge of Cullingworth. There is also a further narrow road leading from the B6429 to a caravan park situated on the common. None of these are through routes, and some are also designated as either public footpaths or bridleways. There is a well-used series of public footpaths running along the length of the common. Users probably include local residents and patrons of the caravan site (which appears to belong to the owner of the common), but otherwise the common appears to be relatively inaccessible and little-known. The paths along the narrow wooded valley form a visually attractive and tranquil walk. Harden Beck adds further interest and also includes a very attractive waterfall towards the south of the valley.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (Ecological Advisory Service site file No. 484). Phase 2 woodland survey - Allan Stewart (1993). West Yorkshire Inventory of Ancient Woodlands (P. M. Phillips/English Nature, 1994). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
No rights. Note presence of caravan park on common. Some dumping of garden rubbish.


GEN:
A small common on the western fringe of Wadsworth Moor. Main habitat is dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}, much of which occupies an old quarry. Smaller areas of acidic grassland and grass/dry heath mosaic.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by an unfenced, minor, metalled road. There are several tracks/public footpaths shown crossing the common. The only one which appears to be used to any extent is the path which leads along the northern edge and serves as a route onto the open fell of the contiguous CL 498. Evidence of use by horseriders. A significant portion of the common is a disused quarry. This has numerous rutted tracks (1.0-2.5m wide), suggesting use by motorcycles.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Field survey.

GNOTES:
There is one right of pasture for sheep and cattle. This entry is cross-referenced to CLs 18, 297 and 498. Contiguous with CLs 18 and 498. Note dumping of brick rubble in base of old quarries.


GEN:
Several small parcels of land on the peripheral edge of Binn Moor/Holme Moor. Habitats are dry heath, acidic grassland, wet heath and marshy grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). All parts of the common are crossed by tracks/public footpaths skirting the edge of the fell. These appear to lie, in part at least, on the route of the Colne Valley Circular Walk (see CLs 40 and 41).

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1988/89). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 5 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (1); cattle only (3); sheep and cattle (1). There are also 3 rights of turbary and 1 of estover (as "bedding"). Two rights entries relate to part of the unit only. A total of 5 rights entries are cross-referenced as follows: CL 41 (5); CL 40 (3); CL 37 (3); CL 39 (3); CL 124 (3); CL 125 (2). Three entries are held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individual, rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CLs 40 and 41. 

Lies partly within the Dark Peak SSSI/pSPA and entriely within the North Peak ESA and the Peak District National Park.


ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The Pennine Way long distance footpath runs along both the northern and southern tips of the common. The site is crossed by the A640 at the point where the road completes its ascent up the plateau from the Greater Manchester side. There is a small car park close to the common for use by the various walkers.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 5 pasture rights, all for sheep. Other rights are turbary (2) and estovers (2 - specified as bedding). One entry is held in gross (ie. by a specified individual, rather than attached to land/property). There are a total of 5 cross-referenced entries: CL 455 (5); CL 486 (5); CL 485 (5); CL 39 (5); CL 310 (5); CL 494 (5). Contiguous with CLs 39, 486 and 310, plus at one point only, CL 494.  

Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA and the North Peak ESA. Also note that the common lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester, although it is registered in West Yorkshire. Note that measured area is greater than the registered area (the latter being less than the survey threshold value of 1.0ha).


GEN:
An area of marginal enclosed land on the hill above Hey Green, to the west of Marsden. Habitats include unimproved and semi-improved acidic grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland, plus a small acidic flush.

ANOTES:
Crossed by a minor, metalled road and a single public footpath. Unlikely to be any siginificant recreational use.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Site inspection (from a distance through binoculars).

GNOTES:
There is a single right entry allowing the pasturing of 8 sheep and 1 beast. This is cross-referenced to the contiguous CL 39. Lies within the North Peak ESA.


GEN:
A section of a steep hillside on the northern flanks of Pule Hill. Appears to be semi-improved acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
Subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). However, the common is not crossed by any actual public rights of way, having the appearance of an enclosed field, and does not appear to have any recreational use.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey. Brief site inspection (through binoculars).

GNOTES:
There is a single right of pasture for cattle only. This is cross-referenced to CL 456. Contiguous with CLs 456 and 39. Lies within the North Peak ESA.


OWNERS:
Owned by the Trustees of Harden Moor Allotment Trust.


GEN:
A small former quarry to the West of Keighley, now supporting a mosaic of coarse neutral grassland and tall ruderals, plus an area of dry dwarf shrub heath.

ANOTES:
The common lies at the junction of two minor, metalled roads. One of these borders the northern edge, while the other crosses the site. There is no particular recreational use of this small site. Hovever, there is one well-used pull-in at the edge of one of the roads. There is a lot of litter in this vicinity.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are two rights entries for common in the soil (one specified as stone and one as gravel). These are held in gross by the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough of Keighley. Note dumping of rubbish on the common.


GEN:
A field of walled, enclosed pasture, indistinguishable from the surrounding enclosed land. Lies to the west of Keighley.

ANOTES:
No public access. Lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road. Completely surrounded by dry stone enclosure walls.

GNOTES:
There are two rights entries for common in the soil (one specified as stone and one as gravel). These are held in gross by the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough of Keighley.


GEN:
A small common to the west of Keighley. Lies on a hillside edge with outcropping rocks. Main habitat is dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

ANOTES:
Crossed by a minor, metalled road. This road is a very narrow one, used mainly by local farm traffic. The common is unfenced from this road. There is a network of narrow, but clearly marked paths crossing the common. The "Grey Stones" form a small, but distinctive landscape feature on the hillside.


GEN:
A small area of common land lying at the fringe of a block of unenclosed moorland on Rivock Edge, to the north of Keighley. Habitats are dry heath being invaded by bracken.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1989). Site inspection (binoculars).

GNOTES:
There are two rights entries for common in the soil (one specified as stone and one as gravel). These are held in gross by the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough of Keighley. Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small disused quarry overlooking the Worth Valley. This now contains dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to and unfenced from a minor, metalled road. It is crossed by a track which is also a public footpath. In addition, there is quite a network of narrow, but well-defined other paths crossing the site. There is a small pull-in next to the road, where a picnic table and litter bin have been provided. The common overlooks the Worth Valley, with panoramic views southwards. Appears to be a popular place to stop and admire the views.


GEN:
A small piece of common land at the periphery of Penistone Hill (ie. CL 2). Main habitat is a mosaic of dry heath and acidic grassland. Smaller areas of bare ground and semi-improved acidic and neutral grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by several tracks/public footpaths. There appears to be {\it de facto} access to the whole of this common, which forms a peripheral part of the Penistone Hill Country Park (which occupies the eastern part of CL 2). The tracks across the common are used to reach car parking places in old quarries further into the park. Bare areas on this common have also been created by vehicles parking and turning here. At the southern edge there is an untidy mess of stored/dumped and other items which include a pigeon loft, small shed, touring caravan, truck cab, container, pile of silage, dumped rubble, plus several bonfire sites.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1989). Field survey.

GNOTES:
There is one right entry which specifies turbary and common in the soil (ie. stone, gravel and sand). This is held in gross (ie. by a specified individual or group, rather than attached to land/property) in this case by the mayor etc. of Keighley. Contiguous with CL 2. Note dumping of rubbish and siting/storage of other items on the common.


GEN:
A section of Drop Clough, a narrow hillside valley to the north of Marsden. Habitats include broadleaved clough woodland, wet heath, scattered trees and scrub, plus bracken. Second portion lies at the moorland fringe and has dry heath.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). However, the larger portion has no public rights of way across it and appears not to be visited by the public. The smaller portion is crossed by a public footpath at the downslope (ie. SE) side. This is only lightly used.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey. Ecological Advisory Service: Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Drop Clough (Site ref. 553). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are two rights entries, both for pasture. One is for sheep and cattle, while the other is for "beasts". One entry relates to part of the unit only. Both are cross-referenced as follows: CL 454 (2); CL 384 (2); CL 39 (2); CL 608 (1). Contiguous with CLs 608 and 39 (plus CL 475 at one point only). Includes a part of the Drop Clough Site of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire, as scheduled by the Ecological Advisory Service. 

Lies within the North Peak ESA. Measured area greater than registered area.


GEN:
A small strip of land on the Haworth Moors. Habitats are dry dwarf shrub heath and dry modified bog.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie it lies within a former urban borough, in this case Keighley). However, it is not crossed by any public rights of way. The common forms a narrow corridor across private, non-registered moorland joining CL 2 with CL 498. In theory at least, there is a legal right to walk across this strip of moorland from CL 2, which also has a legal right of access under S. 193. However, upon reaching the boundary of CL 498, one would then no longer have a legal right of access. In practice, access to this area of moorland is resisted by landowners, but groups such as the Ramblers Association have recently been lobbying to open-up such areas of moorland to the public, under a "right to roam" policy. The Haworth Moors have been highlighted as a case in this context because they are well-known through the "Wuthering Heights" connection. Few people are probably aware that there is a legal right to walk across the strip of moorland formed by CL 582 and it is probably seldom, if ever visited by the public. Future proposals by the Ordnance Survey may include highlighting these "Section 193" areas of common land on their 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 scale maps.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey.

GNOTES:
There is one right entry allowing turbary plus common in the soil (specified as stone, sand and gravel). This is held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individual, in this case by the Mayor etc. of the Borough of Keighley). Contiguous with CLs 2 and 498.


GEN:
A small common with a disused quarry overlooking Oxenhope. Habitats include dry Calluna heath, acidic grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland and tall ruderals.

ANOTES:
The common lies next to a minor, metalled road, at the head of the valley to the SE of Oxenhope. It is also crossed by a narrow metalled road which is unfenced from the common. There are several other tracks and paths crossing the common which appear to be used by local people for walking dogs etc. The common offers excellent views across Oxenhope and the hills to the north beyond. Part of the site is a deep quarry about 20m deep. This has been fenced to keep people out.

GNOTES:
There is a single right entry which allows both turbary and common in the soil (for sand, stone and gravel). This is held in gross by the Mayor/Borough of Keighley (ie. not attached to land). Old quarry is unfenced and used for tipping.


GEN:
A small common to the NE of Oxenhope with habitats which include dry dwarf shrub heath, grass heath/mosaic, neutral grassland and tall ruderals.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by an unfenced, metalled, minor road. It is crossed just in front of Upper Naylor Hill Farm, by a public footpath which lies on the route of the "Worth Way". Otherwise there is no recreational use of this common.

GNOTES:
There is one right of common in the soil. This is held in gross by the Mayor/Borough of Keighley (ie. not attached to land/property). Contiguous with CL 1. Lots of items littering the common in front of Upper Naylor Hill Farm.


GEN:
A small section of Oxenhope Moor centered around a small disused quarry, now vegetated with an acidic grassland sward.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Remainder owned by the Yorkshire Water Authority.

GNOTES:
There is a single right entry, for common in soil (as "stone"). This held in gross by the Mayor etc. of Keighley (ie. by a specified group or individuals, rather than attached to land/property). Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small portion of Oxhenhope Moor, comprising dry modified bog.

GNOTES:
There is one right entry for both common in the soil ("stone") and turbary. This is held in gross by the Mayor etc. of Keighley (ie. by a specified group or individuals, rather than attached to land/property). Measured area less than registered area. Lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small plot of amenity grassland on the outskirts of Addingham, a village in Wharfedale, to the west of Ilkley. A number of mature planted deciduous trees along roadsides.

ANOTES:
Two sides of the common are adjoined by roads, one being the former A65 (now by-passed). The common is an open area of amenity grassland. The Parish Council, as trustees for the land, have set it aside for the children of Addingham to play games. The grassland is regularly cut and there is one set of goal posts. A sign has been erected to prohibit horses. There are walls along the boundaries next to both roads, with gates provided. Private gardens overlook the two other sides.


OWNERS:
Part owned by the Yorkshire Water Authority.


GEN:
A small plot of overgrown neutral grassland in a suburban area to the SE of Bradford.

OWNERS:
Part owned by Bradford Corporation and part owned by Municipal Borough of Spenborough.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by a public bridleway and lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road. In addition, there is a narrow bare earth track running along the southern edge of the common in front of houses. There is public access to the whole site by virtue of it lying within an urban area (ie. under S. 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925). The site is used as a thoroughfare by local residents and also for walking dogs. There is a small area with flattened turf and two old plastic milk crates used as goal posts. There is also a bonfire site. A sign has been erected by Kirklees Metropolitan Council at the entrance to the common which prohibits the tethering or grazing of horses, motorcycling, or shooting.

GNOTES:
No rights registered. Measured area less than registered area. Note dumping of garden rubbish on common.


OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner (application). Remainder owned by Leeds City Council by virtue of Shadwell Enclosure Award 1807.


OWNERS:
Owned by the Secretary of State for Transport.


OWNERS:
Owned by the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of Halifax.


GEN:
A remnant of unenclosed land on the ridge to the NW of the village of Heptonstall. Habitats include a mosaic of dry heath with acidic grassland, neutral, acidic and amenity grassland, tall ruderals, scattered scrub and decidiuous trees.

OWNERS:
Owned by the former Rural District Council of Hepton.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by and adjoined by minor, metalled, unfenced roads, plus a variety of metalled drives and unmetalled tracks. There are also a number of public footpaths crossing the common, which appears to have {\it de facto} access. The eastern part of the common in particular is popular with the local residents. There are excellent views from Knoll Top, eastwards across Heptonstall and, in the far distance, Stoodley Pike. Paths along the NW strip are also moderately well-used. Amenity area of cricket ground now mainly used by children. Plot to the east of here has a bonfire site.

GNOTES:
There are 9 rights of pasture registered as follows: cattle only (3); sheep and cattle (5); sheep, cattle and horses (1). There are also  rights of turbary (6 entries - "turf"); plus estovers (6 - incl. 2 as "wood" and 1 as "moss, woods and underwoods"). A total of four rights entries are cross-referenced: CL 139 (4) and CL 397 (4). Three entries relate to part of the unit only. Contiguous with CL 139.


GEN:
A section of open fell mid-way between Bacup and Todmorden. Most of site vegetated with heavily-grazed acidic grassland. Smaller areas of other habitats include dry modified bog and wet heath.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Remainder of the land is registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It lies adjacent to the A681 Todmorden to Bacup road at its western end. To the east, the common is crossed by an unfenced, metalled minor road. In addition, there is an unfenced and unmetalled track crossing the site which links these two roads. There is also a network of public footpaths and bridleways crossing the common. These are generally well-provided with right of way signs, one of which is designated as the "Todmorden Centenary Way Link". These rights of way appear moderately well-used by walkers and horseriders. A popular point of access onto the common appears to be from a lay-by adjacent to the A681. A sign has been erected here to prohibit tipping (with no effect!). The track across the common appears to provide a through route occasionally used by 4 wheel drive and other vehicles. Several cars were noted to have driven a short way onto this track away from the A681 to park on the common and enjoy the view. Several cyclists and horseriders were noted negotiating the track during the site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 27 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep only (2); sheep and cattle (4);  sheep, cattle, asses, geese and horses (21 - given as "beastgates). There is also one right of turbary. One entry is cross-referenced to CL 472 (but there appears to be no mention of this in the rights section for CL 472). Note dumping of rubbish on the common.


GEN:
A large block of moorland stretching across a plateau to the SE of Todmorden, which has an extensive tract of typical South Pennine blanket bog. Steep slope on valley side to the north has acidic grassland. Stoodley Pike monument to the north of this slope.

OWNERS:
Claimed by the Trustees of the Freeholders of Langfield. Commons Commissioner decision, 1990: Owned by the Public Trustee.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough - in this case, Todmorden). The northern edge of the common is adjoined to the north-west by a minor, metalled road. The slope to the north of the common is crossed by several well-used public footpaths. These include both the Pennine Way and the Calderdale Way long distance footpaths. The latter is a 50 mile circular route around the circumference of the district of Calderdale. A section of this above Mankinholes appears to follow the route of an old paved pack horse route leading southwards from the Calder Valley.  The Pennine Way passes the Stoodley Pike mounument. This structure forms a prominent and well-known local landmark overlooking the Calder Valley. Two very obvious and heavily-used footpaths lead up the hillside to this. The Pennine Way runs south-westwards along the ridge from Stoodley Pike and skirts the edge of the plateau within which the southern portion of the common lies. Once onto the plateau, the footpath crosses deep peat. There has been some erosion of the peat surface here, with repairs carried-out using a type of matting to seal the eroded peat surface. The ideal way of making a long-term and more visually attractive repair would be to use a line of stone flags, reclaimed from old mill buildings, as has been already used to good effect on other sections of the Pennine Way in the South Pennine area. 

There was evidence in the form of tracks, that some of the footpaths are being used by mountain bikes. As well as being illegal, this may further accelerate erosion. Even the section of the path along the top of the ridge leading to Stoodley Pike is very well-worn, being eroded to 2.0m wide in parts. The southernmost section of the common is a tract of Pennine blanket bog which is not crossed by any rights of way and does not appear to be visited by the public.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Sites of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester: White Holme Moss and Moss Reservoirs. Greater Manchester Countryside Unit. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 47 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep and cattle (2); sheep only (5); cattle, sheep and geese (4); cattle, sheep, horses and geese (36). Of these, 44 entries are held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individuals, rather than attached to land/property). There is also one claim to the shooting rights. The Yorkshire Water Authority claim the right to gather water. Contiguous with CLs 673 and 674. 

Almost all lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Part lies within a "Site of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester" (although the common itself is entirely within West Yorkshire - district of Calderdale).


GEN:
A major portion of Heptonstall Moor lying adjacent to the Lancashire border. Range of habitats typical of the South Pennine Moors: blanket mire (wet and dry modified modified types), dry and wet heath, plus acidic grassland.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Part owned by Calderdale Water Board (now Yorkshire Water Authority).

ANOTES:
The common lies within a fairly remote area of moorland and can only be reached by minor farm/water board tracks and public footpaths. One of these tracks also crosses north-south across the central part of the common and is also designated as a bridleway. There are a number of public footpaths crossing the central and eastern part of the common. The most heavily used is the one which lies on the route of the Pennine Way long distance footpath. In some places, this has developed into a multiple path. At one point along this route, a bridge has been constructed out of gritstone flags across a spring. Occasional use by walkers of some of the other paths. Mountain biker noted on the bridleway, which is also used by occasional horse riders. The western part of the common is not crossed by any rights of way and is probably not visited by the public.

GNOTES:
There are 16 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep and cattle (14); sheep only (1); cattle only (1). There are also 8 rights of estovers (2 specified as "wood" and 3 specified as "ling"), 7 rights of turbary and 4 rights off common in the soil (3 as "stone" and 1 as "mines delves and quarries"). A total of 13 entries relate to part of the unit only. There are 7 cross-referenced entries: CL 13 (4) and CL 397 (7). There is one claim to the shooting rights. Contiguous with CLs 397, 659, 665, 666 and 13.  

Lies almost entirely within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
A small field of marshy grassland on the fringe of the South Pennine Moors.

OWNERS:
Owned by Wakefield and District Water Board (now Yorkshire Water Authority). Part is unclaimed.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to the B6138 Mytholmroyd to Littleborough Road and a minor road which joins this. There are no rights of way across the common, which is not visited by the public. However, it is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925.

GNOTES:
There are two pasture rights. One entry specifies poultry, sheep and cattle, while the second specifies sheep and cattle.


GEN:
A remote section of the South Pennine Moors, lying adjacent to the Lancashire border. Most of common covered by dry modified bog, typical of the blanket mires covering extensive areas of the surrounding hilltops.

ANOTES:
A remote farm track, which is also a public footpath, crosses the eastern tip of the common. This may be used by an occasional walker. Other paths across the eastern part of the common do not appear to be used at all. This area is rather remote. Even the farmsteads in Noah Dale have been abandoned for many years and are now in a state of decay. Appears to be an undisturbed area of the South Pennine Moors.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 7 rights of pasture, all allowing grazing by both sheep and cattle. Other rights are: turbary (7); estovers (8 - incl. 2 as "wood" and 3 as "ling"); common in the soil (3- as "stone"). A total of 7 rights entries are cross-referenced: CL 13 (4); CL 139 (7). Three entries relate to parts of the unit only. There is one claim to the sportion rights. Contiguous with CLs 139, 659, 660 and 661.     

Most of common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
An area of open moorland on hills to the south of Hebden Bridge. Main habitats are species-poor {\it Molinia} marshy grassland plus suppressed wet heath. Smaller areas of other habitats.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to several unmade roads/tracks. The site is crossed by a mosaic of public footpaths. These appear only very lightly used. Occasional walkers were noted on the path which runs round the upper reaches of Broadhead Clough. Overall recreational pressure appears slight.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: Broadhead Clough. WYEIAS Phase 1 survey (1991) - includes target notes for Broadhead Clough (site file ref. 36). Invertebrate Site Register (Grade C). Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 17 pasture rights, held in "gaits". One gait is defined as: 1). 1 cattle up to the age of 2 years, between the dates of 1st June and 30th September; or 2). 3 ewes plus lambs at any time (lambs equivalent to ewes after 30th September in the year they were born). There are 2 claims to sporting rights. Includes part of the Broadhead Clough SSSI. Contiguous at one point with CL 549.


GEN:
An area of open moorland to the south-west of Todmorden. Most of site dominated by grazed {\it Molinia} marshy grassland. Includes a part of the attractive Gorpley Clough Woods.

OWNERS:
Part owned by the Public Trustee and part owned by the Yorkshire Water Authority.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The common lies adjacent to the A681 Todmorden to Bacup road at one point along its northern edge. An unsurfaced track crosses the southern part of the common. There is a well-used public footpath passing through the Gorpley Woods, which run along the NW edge of the common. The remainder of the common is open fell which is crossed by several other public footpaths. The one leading SE from the edge of Gorpley Reservoir appears unused by the public and may be typical of the other paths across this open part of the common, which appears to have little recreational use.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Phase 2 woodland survey, Allan Stewart, English Nature, 1993. Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
There are 9 pasture rights all allowing grazing by sheep and cattle. There is also one right of turbary and one of estovers. Three rights are held in gross (ie. by specified individuals/groups, rather than attached to land/property.


GEN:
A small common at the upper edge of a steep valley on the NW edge of Todmorden. Habitats include acidic grassland, sometimes as a mosaic with dry heath. Some large prominent gritstone boulders on skyline.

OWNERS:
Part owned jointly by two private owners. Remainder subject to the protection of the local authority under section 9 of the Commons Registration Act, 1965.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the law of Property Act, 1925. A track, which is also a public bridleway, crosses the southern portion of the common, with a further bridleway branching off from this. The track is paved and rutted and appears to be an old pack horse route. It is probably used by occasional walkers. Taking the second route northwards onto the common, leads past the Whirlaw Stones. These are an impressive outcrop of Gritstone boulders which form a prominent landscape feature within this part of the Calder Valley. Excellent views from here across the valley. The northern part of the common does not appear to be much visited by the public, as it is not crossed by any paths.

GNOTES:
There is one right of pasture for cattle and sheep.


GEN:
A section of common land adjacent to the A1 Hook Moor interchange. Comprises an area under arable production which is crossed by the A1 - M1 link road, now under construction.

OWNERS:
Owned by the Midland Bank Trust Company.

ANOTES:
This common lies adjacent to the A1 and the B1217 at the Hook Moor interchange. The O.S. map shows the common to be crossed by a public footpath. However it is also now crossed by the construction site of the new A1 - M1 link road. The road used for construction traffic to gain access to the site appears to follow the line of the public footpath from the B1217 and there are signs declaring the site as a hard hat area. There is no indication of a public right of way and it is not clear whether the DoT have extinguished this path. In effect, there is at present no public access across this common.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: Hook Moor. Site visit.

GNOTES:
No rights. Site now crossed by route of the A1 - M1 link road, under construction. Part contiguous with CL 594. May include part of the Hook Moor SSSI.


GEN:
A steep NE-facing slope overlooking the Calder Valley, SE of Hebden bridge. Comprises a mosaic of representative but diverse woodland/flush, heathland and acidic grassland habitats. Good populations of common cow wheat {\it (Melampyrum pratense)}.

ANOTES:
Land subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies in a former urban borough). Lies adjacent at both the upper and lower edges, to small unmetalled farm tracks. The common is crossed by a fairly well-used public footpath which ascends the hillside across the middle of the site. Within the woodland this breaks up into a number of smaller routes. There is a right of way sign at the lower edge.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). EAS Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire: Wood Hey. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are two rights of pasture, both for sheep and cattle. Most of the common is desginated as SSI in West Yorkshire (Ecological Advisory Service). Contiguous at one point with CL 422.


GEN:
A complex of road verges, plus an arable field at the A1 Hook Moor interchange. Includes a section of the Hook Moor SSSI, scheduled for thistle broomrape ({\it Orobanche reticulata}). Includes a range of habitats, principally broadleaved woodland and arable.

OWNERS:
Part owned by the Midland Bank Trust Company. Part registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936.

ANOTES:
The western portion comprises road verges at the Hook Moor interchange. These can be accessed by parking in a lay-by on the west-bound A 642, just off the common. However, it is unlikely that there is any public use of this area, due to the presence of the very busy roads. The two other portions of the common are also unlikely to have any public access.

GNOTES:
There is one right of pasture for "two horses", registered over part of the unit only. This entry is held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individual, rather than attached to land). The common includes part of the Hook Moor SSSI. Part contiguous with CL 469. Note dumping of rubbish on site.


GEN:
A small field of marshy grassland. Appears to be an old enclosure allotment at the edge of the open moor.

ANOTES:
The easternmost point is adjoined by a public footpath. However, this area is remote and appears seldom visited by walkers. No rights of way across the common itself, which appears to have no recreational use.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Site visit (viewed through binoculars).

GNOTES:
No rights. Contiguous with CLs 139 and 397.


GEN:
A small area of acidic grassland on a peaty substrate along the edge of Heptonstall Moor.

ANOTES:
A public footpath runs along the southern edge of the common. No public rights of way across the site.

GNOTES:
No rights. Measured area greater than registered area. Contiguous with CL 397.


GEN:
A small common lying within the valley of Cross Clough, adjoining the boundary fence of the South Pennine Moors SSSI. Habitats are marshy grassland, dry modified bog and dry dwarf shrub heath.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by a public footpath. However, there does not appear to be any evidence of this on the ground. No recreational use apparent.


GEN:
A section of moorland lying at the edge of the Valley at Todmorden, and stretching onto the adjacent plateau. Principal habitats are acidic grassland on the valley side, dry modified bog on the plateau, with an intermediate zone of remnant blanket bog grading into dry heath/acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It is crossed by a number of relatively well-used public and other footpaths, the most heavily-used of which is the Pennine Way. It appears to be a popular area for hillwalkers, being easliy accessible from Todmorden. A section of footpath across an area of blanket peat between Gaddings Dam and Warland Reservoir is becoming badly eroded.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Sites of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester: White Holme Moss and Moss Reservoirs. Greater Manchester Ecology Unit. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 5 rights entries registered as follows: sheep and cattle (3); sheep only (1); sheep, cattle and horses (1). The common has been transferred from the Lancashire register, where it appeared as CL 167. It was registered originally by the East Lancashire Commoners Association. 

Almost all of the common lies within the boundary of the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Part lies within a "Site of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester" (although the common itself is entirely within West Yorkshire - district of Calderdale).


GEN:
A section of the western fringe of the South Pennine Moors above Oldham. Plateau of intact blanket mire grading into a badly degraded fringe. This gives way to lower slopes with {\it Molinia} marshy grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It is crossed along the northern edge by the A640 Huddersfield Road (fenced), making its ascent onto the Pennine Plateau. There are two small lay-bys about half way up the hill (actually situated on CL 494). A public footpath crosses CL 310, being signposted from the road in this vicinity. There also appear to be a number of other paths on various parts of the common, used to some degree by walkers.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 6 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep only (4); cattle and sheep (2). Other rights are turbary (3) and estovers (1 - specified as "bedding"). A total of 6 entries relate to part of the unit only and 6 are cross-referenced: CL 39 (4); CL 494 (6); CL 455 (4); CL 486 (4); CL 485 (4); CL 533 (4); CL 536 (2). There is one claim to the right to shoot grouse and also a claim to the right to gather water (West Pennine Water). Contiguous with CLs 536, 494, 533 and 39.

Lies for the most part within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.


GEN:
An area of open fell mid-way between Todmorden and Bacup. Most of common has grazed sward either of acidic or marshy grassland. Small isolated remnants of dry modified bog.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). The A681 Todmorden to Bacup road passes adjacent to the northern tip of the common. A track, which is also a public bridleway, runs southwards across the common from this point (signs of use for horse-riding). There are also a number of public footpaths crossing the site, one of which has been designated the "Rossendale Way". There are a number of right of way signs on these paths, which appear moderately well-used by walkers.

GNOTES:
There are two rights of pasture, one for cows and one for sheep. There is one right from CL 72 which has been cross-referenced to this common, but there appears to be no mention of this in the rights section. Note tipping of discarded ceramic pipes on the common.


GNOTES:
Lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.


GEN:
Lies on the western fringe of the South Pennine Moors above Oldham. Includes a section of the plateau, with badly eroded peat at the margin. Gives way to steep slopes with a mixture of marshy and acidic grassland.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It is crossed by a number of public and other footpaths. The main one of these is the Pennine Way long distance footpath which runs along the edge of the plateau. There has been extensive erosion af the peat on this part of the common. In places, the eroded strip of peat along the Pennine Way is as much as 20m wide. Where the path runs across the plateau to the north, the eroded area is much narrower, but the path now lies in a deep trench which has cut through the entire depth of the peat (1.5-2.0m) to the underlying mineral substrate. 

Two smaller portions of the common lie at the other side of the contiguous CL 310, at the edge of the A640 Huddersfield Road. There are two small lay-bys here, which lie close to the point at which a public footpath runs southwards across CL 310.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 7 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep only (5); sheep and cattle (2). There are also 3 rights of turbary and 1 of estover (specified as "bedding"). Seven entries relate to part of the unit only. One right is held in gross (ie. by a specified group or individual, rather than attached to land/property). There are 7 cross-referenced entries as follows: CL 39 (5); CL 310 (7); CL 455 (5); CL 486 (5); CL 485 (5); CL 533 (5); CL 536 (2). Contiguous with CLs 536, 310, 39 and 487.

Most of the common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.  Note tipping of rubbish next to one of the lay-bys at the edge of the A640. Lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.


GEN:
A small strip of land along the edge of Dowry Water, a stream draining westwards from the edge of the South Pennine Plateau, above Oldham. Main habitat is {\it Molinia} marshy grassland, with smaller areas of acidic grassland and dense bracken.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). However, there do not appear to be any rights of way as such across this common. Lying close to the fenced A640, it does not appear to have any recreational use.

GNOTES:
There are two rights of pasture, both for cattle and sheep. There are also two rights of turbary. There are two cross-referenced entries: CL 310 (2) and CL 494 (2). Contiguous with CLs 310 and 494. Dry stone internal boundary crosses northern part of the common, pre-dating registration. Lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.


GEN:
An area of the South Pennine Moors lying in the extreme NW corner of the county. Principal habitat of dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Small section of plateau with blanket mire (dry modified bog).

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former Metropolitan Borough). There is one access road to the SE part of the common, which leads to the Keighley Moor Reservoir (excluded). A public footpath also follows this route. A second public footpath crosses the northern part of the common but this appears to be seldom used. Occasional use noted of a path leading via the contiguous CL 11 (North Yorkshire) to the "Hitching Stone" at the border between these two commons. Finally, a third public footpath crosses the plateau section to the SW. This lies on the route of the Pennine Way long distance footpath. A new stile has been constructed on this route, to cross the boundary fence separating this common from the contiguous CL 15 (North Yorkshire). The Pennine Way is well-trodden and there has been localised damage to the peat surface across the blanket mire. Locally this has given rise to discrete areas of acidic grassland.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1989). Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There is a single right of turbary registered. This is held in gross by Keighley Borough (ie. by a specified individual or group rather than attached to land/property). Contiguous with CLs 11 and 15 (both in North Yorkshire). Lies entirely within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
An area of moorland on the margin of the South Pennine Moors SSSI. Dry modified bog on plateau grades to dry heath vegetation on the moorland fringe.

ANOTES:
Lies adjacent to a minor, metalled road. No access onto the common.

SOURCE:
WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There is a single right entry allowing pasture for 100 ewes. Lies within the boundary of the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


GEN:
Lies at the edge of the South Pennine fringe to the east of Greater Manchester. Includes a portion of the plateau plus the slopes leading down to the River Roch from Blackstone Edge. Habitats include dry and wet modified bog, marshy and acidic grassland, acidic flush and dense bracken.

OWNERS:
Part owned by one private owner. Part registered under the Land Registration Acts 1925 and 1936. Part unclaimed.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925 (ie. lies within a former urban borough). It is an important and well-known recreational area for Greater Manchester and Calderdale. It is crossed to the south by the A58 main Rochdale to Halifax road, which here makes its ascent of Blackstone Edge. The B6138 branches from this just east of Blackstone Edge Reservoir. The A58 is fenced in the vicinity of the reservoir, but unfenced from the common elswehere. The western edges of the common are adjoined by a number of minor roads/tracks (farms and disused quarries). Various Water Board tracks run across the plateau edge linking the three reservoirs and the associated series of catchwater drains. A well-preserved pack horse road, originally derived from a Roman Road, runs directly up Blackstone Edge, being situated along the southern edge of the common. 

There is a lay-by for parking on the A58 adjacent to Blackstone Edge Reservoir, where an ice cream trailer is parked in summer. There is also a separate public car park near to the pub which lies just to the west of the reservoir and also a pull-in area further down the hillside near Jacob's Well, at the point where the Roman Road reaches the A58. All of these are regularly used by visitors to the area. The common is crossed by a number of public and other footpaths, one of which includes the Pennine Way long distance footpath. There is also a bridleway which ascends Blackstone Edge to the pub. This lies on a popular mountain bike trail and is very well-used. The Pennine Way contours along the edge of a cathwater drain for most of its journey across the common. There is a way-marked circular walk which takes in the three reservoirs. Blackstone Edge is a popular area with local fellwalkers and more casual visitors from the surrounding area. It offers one of the better-known vantage points across Rochdale/Manchester from the western edge of the South Pennines, with spectacular views on a clear day. It is also a popular location for paragliding and hang-gliding.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). Greater Manchester Ecology Unit: Rochdale Phase 1 survey (1988). English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991.  Sites of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester: White Holme Moss and Moss Reservoirs. Greater Manchester Ecology Unit. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 12 pasture rights registered as follows: sheep and cattle (10); sheep only (1); cattle only (1). There is also one right of turbary and one of estovers (specified as bracken). A total of 9 entries relate to part of the unit only. Three entries are cross-referenced to CL 675. The common was originally registered in Lancashire by the East Lancashire Commoners Association as CL 169, but was subsequently transferred to the West Yorkshire register and renumbered (however, note that the common lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester). Contiguous with West Yorkshire CLs 673, 121, 677, 427 and 675. The Yorkshire Water Authority claim the right to gather water on the common. 

Most of the common lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Part lies within a "Site of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester".


GEN:
A block of the South Pennine Moors lying to the west of Blackstone Edge. Habitats include dry modified bog, dry heath, marshy and acidic grassland, dense bracken and acidic flushes.

ANOTES:
The common is bisected by the M62 Motorway, from which it is fenced. This is the infamous section on its ascent of Blackstone Edge. To the south the common is also crossed by the fenced A672 Halifax - Oldham road. 

There are relatively few rights of way across the common, especially on the southern section. However, the Pennine Way long distance footpath follows Blackstone Edge along the entire eastern boundary of the common. Much of this route crosses areas of blanket mire on this common. This has led to a significant erosion problem. This is true, for example, of the slopes to either side of White Hill (GR 990 132). The tracks of mountain bikes were noted in the section between here and the radio mast at GR 982 144. One section has been paved with stone flags. There has also been erosion across the plateau of blanket mire to the north of the M62 (square SD 9715). Here there have been repairs comprising a nylon mesh with a hardcore top, in addition to further paved sections. Around the rock outcrops at Blackstone Edge summit itself (GR 973 164) there has also been extensive erosion of peat along the footpath and the surrounding area. 

There is a large lay-by adjacent to the northern side of the A672, at a point adjacent to the transmitter mast. Here there is a refreshment caravan parked. This facility is used by lorry drivers and other motorists and the ground is badly churned by tyres.

The only other part of the common which is crossed by rights of way is Clegg Moor, to the north-west. Here the common is adjoined by minor roads and is skirted by a track, public footpaths and bridleways. There appears to be {\it de facto} access onto this area, which lies in fairly close proximity to the country park at Hollingworth Lake. The locality is popular with walkers and mountain bikers. There is also a pony trekking centre adjacent to the common, with evidence of riding noted. A school party was also seen during the site visit (playing in an area of bracken frequented by sheep!).

Possible hang-gliding/paragliding from Blackstone Edge.

SOURCE:
English Nature SSSI files: South Pennine Moors. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1991). English Nature Research Report No. 172: "Literature review of the historical effects of burning and grazing of blanket bog and upland wet heath". Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors, Brown, A.F. and Shepherd, K. B. JNCC Report no. 7, 1991. Site visit.

GNOTES:
There are a total of 14 rights of pasture registered as follows: sheep only (8); sheep and cattle (5); cattle only (1). There are also 4 rights of turbary and one of estovers (as bracken). Seven rights entries relate to part of the unit only. Three entries are cross-referenced to CL 169. There are two claims to a right to draw water and the Yorkshire Water Authority also claim the right to gather water. The common was originally registered in Lancashire as CL 170, but was subsequently transferred to the West Yorkshire register and renumbered. However, it now lies entirely within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester. 

Contiguous with CLs 674, 427 and 39. Lies mainly within the boundaries of the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA. Note encroachment of the fenced M62 Motorway onto the common, plus a fenced area around a transmitter mast.


GEN:
A complex of verges to either side of the busy B 6428 on the edge of Ryhill. Habitats include semi-improved neutral grassland, tall ruderal plants, scattered scrub and trees.

OWNERS:
Owned by Havercroft and Cold Hiendley Parish Council.

ANOTES:
The common is crossed by the busy B 6428, from which it is unfenced. There is a path leading down from a contiguous village green, to the part of the common which lies to the south of the road. This area is managed as a nature reserve by Wakefield Council. A glass-fronted reserve sign has been provided, but this has been smashed by vandals. There are several mown grassy paths through the nature reserve. A cyclist was noticed on one of these. There are several sculpted wooden picnic tables in one part of this area. To the south there is a section of boardwalk. A small bonfire site was also noted.

GNOTES:
There are four rights of pasture registered as follows: horse/pony (1); geese only (1); beast only (1); cattle only (1). The right for geese also allows for them to swim in a pond, which appears to lie on the contiguous village green. The rights are also cross-referenced to this village green (ie. VG 17). Barnsley Borough Council claim the right to maintain an underground water main under the 1945 Water Act. Part of common designated as a nature reserve by Wakefield Council.


GEN:
A smallish area of common land straddling the A638 to the SE of Wakefield. Habitats include semi-improved neutral grassland, tall ruderals, scrub and scattered broadleaved trees.

ANOTES:
The common is bisected from the A638(T), main Wakefield Road. This is excluded from the registration. A minor, metalled unfenced road, King Royd Lane, crosses the northern portion of the common. There is {\it de facto} access to the whole area, with several paths crossing the site, which appears to be popular with local residents for walking dogs etc. There are small signs informing the public that the site is a nature reserve. These prohibit shooting, hunting (dogs, ferrets), fires or motorcycles. A separate sign has been erected to prevent tipping. There are lay-bys on the commmon, at both sides of the main road.

GNOTES:
No rights. The common has been designated as a nature reserve, possibly by the local authority, owner, or the parish council.


GEN:
A small area of common land with the appearance of a series of wide road verges, to the SE of Wakefield. Habitats include semi-improved neutral grassland, tall ruderals, dense bracken, acidic grassland, scrub and trees.

ANOTES:
A minor, metalled, unfenced road runs along the entire western edge of the common. There appears to be {\it de facto} access to the whole site, which in common with the nearby CL 149, has been designated as a nature reserve. There is a complex of well-used paths crossing the southern area. There are some seats provided made out of old railway sleepers. Horseriding appears to be popular across this part of the common. Toward the north of the site there is a short section of an old paved stone path leading to a small bridge across a stream.


GEN:
A small block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland at the southern edge of Wintersett Reservoir.

ANOTES:
The common lies adjacent to, and is bisected by minor, metalled roads. There is also a metalled drive leading to a private property at the edge of the common. There is one small car parking space next to the road which bisects the site. A path leads from here along the edge of the reservoir and is probably used by anglers. There is also a quite well-defined path leading through the wood, which is probably used by local people. At the southern edge of the common is a small surfaced area at the edge of the road. There are dumped tyres and brick rubble here, but no access onto the rest of the common from this point.

SOURCE:
Ecological Advisory Service: Schedule of Sites of Scientific Interest in West Yorkshire, Wintersett/Cold Hiendley. WYEAIS Phase 1 survey (1987/88). Brief site visit.

GNOTES:
No rights. Site lies within a scheduled second tier site (EAS: Wintersett/Cold Hiendley). There is a claim by Barnsley Council, under the Water Act, 1945, to the right to maintain a water main and other apparatus.  Measured area less than registered area. Note dumping of rubbish at two points.


GEN:
A small area of common land lying on the eastern edge of Midgley Moor. A diverse and interesting mosaic of ungrazed habitats which include dry and wet heath, neutral, acidic and marshy grassland, plus numerous flush features.

ANOTES:
The common is subject to a legal right of public access under Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925. It is crossed by a number of unfenced, minor, metalled roads, plus a single public footpath. The SW portion of the common lies on a steep slope at the edge of the open fell of Midgley Moor, with the path linking this portion with the larger, northerly section. This path onto the open fell may be used occasionally by walkers, but to the north it appears unused. As a whole, the common appears to have no recreational use.

GNOTES:
No rights. There is one claim to an entitlement to free flow of water. Contiguous with CL 404. Small portion lies within the South Pennine Moors SSSI/pSPA.


# file3

FAUNA:
On site visit,  the following species  were noted:  Swallow,  Song Thrush,  Blackbird,  Rook,  Jackdaw,  Common Shrew

VEG:
The common consists almost entirely of unimproved  grassland which is however often rather species-poor. Complicating the picture are some acidophilous hummocks and areas at the foot of the slope which are flushed over a broad front by base-rich water. Prominent are Poa spp. Lolium perenne Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Luzula campestris, Belis perennis, Taraxacum officinale agg. Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense,  T.repens and Ranunculus acris. Also frequent or locally so are Festuca pratensis, Alopecurus pratensis, Phleum pratense, Achillea millefolium, Agrimonia eupatoria, Primula veris and Leucanthemu vulgare, whilst Carex hirta, Cirsium eriophorum, C. arvense, Hypochoeris radicata,  Lathyrus pratensis, Rumex acetosa, Senecio jacobaea, Ajugareptans,  Pimpinella saxifraga, Silaum silaus (rare), Prunellavulgaris, Cerastium fontanum were no more than occasional. The calcicolous flushed areas hold Bromus erectus Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Leontodon spp., Briza media Leucanthemum vulgare Carex caryophyllea, C. flacca, Centaurea nigra, Sanguisorba minor and Cirsium acaule. Deschampsia cespitosa, Cardamine pratensis, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus and Eupatorium cannabinum occur in the dampest places. One or two free-draining hummocks hold an Agrostis capillaris-Festuca rubra sward including Luzula campestris, Potentilla erecta Leontodon autumnalis and Hieracium pilosella. W of the road is sparse scrub of Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Rose with some Urtica dioica and Primula x thomasinii.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed throughout. There was some dumped spoiled straw in one spring runnel and bad vehicle  poaching in two places. Whilst many areas are rather poor, overall it is good quality, diverse grassland. If grazing pressure was allowed  to fall during the summer it might assist in boosting populations of some of the scarcer species which are not present in large amounts.


FAUNA:
On site visit,  the following species  were noted:  Blue Tit,  Wren,  Chiffchaff, Common Shrew.

VEG:
The common contains mature but storm-damaged Ashwwood on a steep slope with some English Oak, Wych Elm, Common  Lime and Beech. Sycamore is frequent at the top of the slope. A shrub layer, variable in cover has frequent Wild Privet, Wych Elm and Hazel with some Field Maple Spindle and a few Yew saplings. Bramble is also common.  The ground flora includes much Hedera helix Mercurialis perennis, Mycelis muralis, Galium aparine, G. odoratum, Ranunculus ficaria, Geranium robertianum and Anemone nemorosa. Also present are Dryopteris filix- mas Asplenium scolopendrium Melica uniflora, Iris foetidissima, Viola reichenbachiana Primula vulgaris, Allium ursinum Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Geum urbanum, Arum maculatum, Ribes rubrum, Daphne laureola and Viola odorata. Exposures of Oolitic Limestone within the wood some possibly old excavations, are present.

MANAGE:
No recent management within the wood  was apparent. The fence and stone wall along the county boundary is in disrepair. Non-intervention is recommended with fallen timber left to provide a dead wood habitat.


FAUNA:
On site visit,  the following species  were noted:   Blue Tit,  Blackbird, Chiffchaff,   Jackdaw,  Magpie, Common Shrew, Grey Squirrel, Speckled Wood.

VEG:
A thin belt of woodland vegetation dominated by Ash covers the common. Beneath there is a shrub layer of old Hazel coppice with much Field Maple and Wych and English Elms and Elder. The ground flora is well developed and diverse: Frequent are Hedera helix, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Galium aparine, Ranunculus ficaria, Asplenium scolopendrium and Urtica dioica. Also present are Veronica hederifolia, V. montana Melica uniflora, Alliaria petiolata, Silene dioica, Geum urbanum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Allium ursinum, Viola riechenbachiana, V. riviniana, Stellaria holostea, Adoxa moschatellina and Ranunculuas auricomus. A spring rises within the wood. At the west end the wood becomes dense scrub of Hawthorn, English Elm, and Blackthorn with a Crack Willow and some Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation. The west section of the common comprises Arrhenatherum elatus grassland with scattered scrub of Bramble, Ash and English Elm, and an area of disturbed species-poor neutral grassland.

MANAGE:
No management is apparent on the site, but some of the Hazel has been coppiced in the past. Non-intervention is recommended.


FAUNA:
On site visit,  the following species  were observed:   Woodpigeon,  Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Linnet, Magpie, Common Shrew, Rabbit, Orange Tip Peacock, Small White  Anthills. Recorded in 1979:  Small Copper,  Brown Argus, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small White, Common Blue.

VEG:
Most of the hill is covered in Bracken of various density with scattered and dense scrub. Associated with Bracken are bramble Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Silene dioica, Ranunculus ficaria, Glechoma hederacea, Stellaria holostea, Urtica dioica, Luzulea campestris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Hyacinthoides non-scripta (all frequent) and also Veronica chamaedrys, Agrimonia eupatoria, Viola riviniana, Potentilla sterilis, Cirsium arvense, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Knautia arvensis, Galium aparine Hypericum perforatum, H. pulchrum, Lotus corniculatus, Myosotis arvensis, Digitalis purpurea and Sison amomum. Scattered trees and scrub of Hawthorn and Bramble occur as do planted Sycamore, Field Maple and Bird Cherry. A small area of acid grassland in thnorth has Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Potentilla erecta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Stellaria graminea and Conopodium majus amongst others. The flat hilltop has much Arrhenatherum elatius grassland but also acid grassland and scattered bracken with some Calamagrostis epigejos. Around the fringe of the hill are areas of Urtica dioica tall ruderal herb and scrub woodland. The latter is of Ash with Hawthorn,  Blackthorn, Hazel, English Oak and Salix caprea with Symphoricarpos rivularis in one place. Ground flora includes Arum maculatum, Veronica  montana and Adoxa moschatellina and there is a defunct, shaded pond inside the scrub in the SW. Ophioglossum vulgatum was recorded on the hill in 1986.

MANAGE:
The common is apparently unmanaged except for a little tree planting. Selected Bracken clearance on the hill could encourage butterflies by increasing the incidence of sheltered areas with good herb diversity. Twice annual cutting over a period of several years, possibly with selective herbicide might be employed. The pond could be renovated.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species  were noted:   Woodpigeon, Swallow, Wren, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Starling,  House Sparrow.

VEG:
The E unit harbours broadleaved woodland of Ash and English Oak with much Hazel Hawthorn and Field Maple contributing to the canopy. There is a little Holly and a ground flora including Mercurialis perennis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris filix-mas, Circaea lutetiana, Adoxa moschatellina Veronica montana, Carex sylvatica and Arum maculatum. The main part of the common has semi-improved neutral grassland, locally with calcicolous species. The sward has Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus bulbosus, Bellis perennis, Trifoilum repens, T. pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale agg. most prominent, but also with Agrostis capillaris, Festuca pratensis, Plantago media, Leucanthemum vulgare, Medicago lupulina, Briza media (rare), Potentilla reptans, Bromus erectus, Lotus corniculatus, Leontodon autumnalis, L. hispidus, Hypochoeris radicata, Galium verum, Daucus carota, Agrimonia eupatoria Odontites verna, Rhinanthus minor (rare), and Pimpinella saxifraga. There is scattered scrub of Hawthorn Elder and Ash and locally dense stands of Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense especially on the NE margin with brambles Rumex spp. and Anthriscus sylvestris. A eutrophicated  pond is present in the S with Glyceria sp. Rorippa palustris, Rumex obtusifolius. A neglected detatched area to the north has tall herb vegetation of Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus agg.  and Calystegia sepium with Osier and Elder trees.  Below is an area of dense Blackthorn scrub and more tall herb including Equisetum telmateia, Epilobium hirsutum, Angelica sylvestris,  Pulicaria dysenterica and Hypericum hirsutum.

MANAGE:
Cattle graze the bulk of the site more intensely than the neighbouring commons probably because the most active rightholder lives adjacent to this unit. The dumping of machinery and palettes should be discouraged partly as it constitutes a health hazard.


FAUNA:
Much data  exists for this site -  see sources. The  following is a brief  summary:  64 spp. bird recorded, Sparrowhawk Green & Greater Spotted  Woodpeckers, Jay, Long-tailed & Marsh Tits, Treecreeper, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat Lesser, Whitethroat Spotted  Flycatcher (all breeding or probably so). 18 spp. mammal  including Badger (sett nearby) Fox Weasel, Pipistrelle & Noctule. Slow Worm Adder, Common Lizard, Grass Snake. Lepidoptera: records include High Brown Fritillary - a Red Data Book species, the notable moths Leioptilus carphodactyla and Telephia schmidtiellus and several local butterflies such as Dark Green and Silver Washed Fritillaries, Brown and Purple Hairstreaks, Grayling, Grizzled skipper, Brown Argus and Small Blue. There are also records for Odonata, Orthoptera (including Meconema thalassinum, Tettigonia  viridissima, Pholidoptera griseoaptera and Leptophyes punctatissima), Megaloptera, Mecoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Arachnida. 21 species of gastropod have also been recorded including the uncommon Helicigona lapicida.

VEG:
The following information is mostly taken from English Nature files (q.v.).  Much of the plateau grassland is calcicolous and is referable to a range of NVC communities: CG2 CG3 and swards close to the scarce CG1e type. Much is Festuca ovina dominated and influenced either by shallow soils or scrub succession. Herbs are often very prominent Helianthemum nummularia, Teucrium scorodonia, Origanum vulgare, Hypericum perforatum and Veronica chamaedrys in particular are conspicuous and give the site a very distinct and unusual appearance. Other notable species include Bromus erectus, Avenula pubescens,  Inula conyza, Carduus nutans, Filipendula vulgaris, Hippocrepis comosa, Viola hirta, Cynoglossum officinale, Rhinanthus minor and Orobanche minor. Area (1) is close to NVC CG1e grassland and its drought-prone soils support a number of interesting or scarce species such as Aira caryophyllea, Myosotis ramosissima, Deesmazeria rigida, Cerastium semidecandrum, C. diffusum and Vulpia bromoides. Lower plants feature importantly with Cladonia impexa/rangiformis, Pseudoscleropodium purum and Dicranum scoparium common and Trichostomum brachydontium the nationally scarce Pleurochaete squarrosa and the nationally rare Cheilothela chloropus (one of only two known sites in the country and here locally abundant over a small area). Mesotrophic drift soils occur in places on top of the down and support Arrhenatherum elatius grassland and Bramble scrub. Species such as Potentilla erecta and Veronica officinalis also indicate local changes in soil and Bracken is also present in such areas. Scrub is widespread scattered within the sward and dense around its periphery passing to woodland. Frequent are Hawthorn, Ash and English and Turkey Oaks. Woodland within the SSSI is of Ash and English Oak with Hazel and Field Maple in the understorey. Hedera helix and Mercurialis perennis dominated the ground flora.

MANAGE:
The down is no longer grazed by stock, but rabbit grazing and shallow soils maintain the botanically valuable CG1 grassland in area (1) and rabbits control other swards locally. Despite this scrub and possibly bracken encroachment have occurred and pose a continuous threat. At time of visit a large belt of scattered/dense Hawthorn and Oak scrub on the S slopes of the site had been cleared and dense Bramble also cleared from the plateau in places. Some grassland over deeper soils is also becoming rank.
The necessity for a careful monitoring programme on this site is emphasized, because of the potentially rapid changes stemming from the very lengthy grassland/scrub ecotone coupled with absence of stock grazing. There is a need to safeguard populations of several scarce and specialised species, notably the invertebrates and lower plants, by establishing and balancing their different management requirements. A programme might involve the reintroduction of sheep pasturing on a rotational basis. Some further scrub clearance and the treatment of regrowth would be still be desireable in the meantime, targeted especially on Turkey Oak, and bracken encroachment should also be monitored. In the woodland, storm-damaged timber should be left but it would be worth removing Sycamore, currently rare (?) on woodland margins in the SW of the site, whilst this is still practical.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Collared Dove, Great Tit, Blackbird, Starling  House Sparrow, Magpie.

VEG:
The smaller unit to the S is most species-rich, notable for the presence of unimproved acidic grassland of NVc type U1. Festuca rubra (F. ovina is local) and Agrostis capillaris are dominant with associates such as Anthoxanthum odoratum Luzula campestris, Hypochoeris radicata, Hieracium sp. H. pilosella, Rumex acetosella, Leontodon autumnalis, L. taraxacoides, Lotus corniculatus, Vulpia bromoides, Aira praecox and Teucrium scorodonia. Nardus stricta a rare species in Avon occurs along the E edge. The  semi-improved neutral grassland similar to that found on the bulk of the adjacent CL 29 referable to species-poor MG5 or MG6. The north part of the common lacks the character of the S unit being composed largely of poor semi-improved or improved grassland, the latter in the far N. Here rather open weedy grassland with frequent robust legumes suggests that the area is resown and very young, although vestighes of U1 grassland on the E verge indicate that once the sward was similar to that found to the S unit. There is a little bracken here also. Further south there is slightly older grassland with some damp patches at (A) including Carex otrubae, C. spicata and Juncus inflexus. Defining the wset margin is a stream, straightened in its N section and with a planted hedge, which although artificial is a useful wildlife corridor. Species of note are Oenanthe crocata, Veronica beccabunga, Nasturtium officianle, Juncus effusus, Epilobium hirsutum, Apium nodiflorum, Angelica sylvestris, Scrophularia auriculata, Phalaris arundinacea and Callitriche sp. The planted hedge generally contains native species but there is also some Salix elaeagnos. In the far N there is some damp MG1 grassland with bramble scrub. Unit (3) is a small area with an unsurfaced drive leading to houses where the grassland has been mown as a garden lawn. A steep manmade bank (old tramway) has quite species-rich grassland with basic and acidic elements in the flora: Bromus erectus, Lotus corniculatus, Rumex acetosella, R. acetosa, Daucus carota, Luzula campestris, Crepis vesicaria, Festuca ovina, F. arundinacea, Equisetum arvense and Geranium dissectum are present in a heterogeneous mix amid neutral grassland similar to that present on unit (2). There is also some scrub development with Hawthorn and Bramble, and associated areas of Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation and MG1 grassland. The top of the old tramway, which defines the boundary between this and CL29, harbours several thermophious and winter annual species, including Cerastium semidecandrum.

MANAGE:
Unit (2) is intermittently grazed. Unit (1) is mown and managed more for informal recreation with a part of the Avon Cyclepath running its length. Parts of unit (3) are mown as garden lawns. Dumping in the brook W of unit (1) should be prevented and the brook verges left uncut where they are abutted by amenity grassland. A pond could be dug at (A). The semi-improved grassland of greatest diversity in the S of unit (1) should be cut sympathetically in order to promote species diversity.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Wren, Blue Tit, Starling, Robin, Blackbird.

VEG:
Most of the down holds amenity grassland which is either improved or semi-improved. The plateau has Lolium perenne-Poa spp. grassland with a few forbs such as Bellis perennis, Plantago spp., Ranunculus bulbosus and Achillea millefolium. There are planted trees of Common Lime, Hornbeam Horse Chestnut and Silver Birch nad beds of bulbs within the grassland at the corners. Here the grassland is mown less often and as a consequence a little semi-improved  grassland persists amongst other places. Present are Bromus erectus, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Plantago media, Leontodon hispidus, L. autumnalis, Agrimonia eupatoria and Cirsium acaaule. The richest vestiges occur on slopes to the N, which also have Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, Hieracium pillosella, Primula veris (rare) and Potentilla reptans. Here there are also planted trees of Populus nigra and Sycamore and three circular  intact/defunct hedges of Hawthorn, Elder and Dog Rose with Clematis vitalba in which a few woodland species occur suchs Arum maculatum,   Ranunculus ficaria, Viola odorata and Hyacinthoides non-scripta. To the N at the foot of the slope is an area of resown grassland over spoil with some ruderals. Area (1) is a heavily improved sports pitch and in the NW lies some secondary woodland of Sycamore and Hawthorn with a poor ground flora and also an area of Balsam Poplar   plantation. Peripheral to these are areas of dense bramble scrub and Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation.

MANAGE:
The down is managed for formal/informal recreation with all grassland closely-mown. There are litter bins and benches and the site affords excellent views of the city of Bristol. To increase the nature conservation interest of the site a more sympathetic cut could be made in the areas of semi-improved calcicolous grassland. Less drastic mowing once a year around the end of July with the cuttings removed would benefit the grassland herbs and encourage butterflies.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Jackdaw, Song Thrush, Linnet, Starling, Wren.

VEG:
Semi improved acidic grassland which still retains a good diversity of species covers the bulk of the common.  Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra are dominant, with Poa annua, Dathonia decumbens, Anthoxznthum odoratum, Luzula campestris and Aira praecox also present.  Offorbs, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale agg., Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium repens, Hypochoeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis, Cononpodium majus, Rumex acetosa, Lotus corniculatus and Hieracium pilosella are frequently or locally so, whilst gentle, freer-draining hummocks, especially notable in the far W and N of the church, have a greater diversity of species including Campanula rotundifolia, Rumes acetosella, Centaurea nigra, Aphanes microcarpa, Leuncanthemum vulgare, Trifolium dubium, Ornithopus perpusillus (locally frequent) and Montia fontana spp. chondrosperma (rare).  The latter two species are rare in the county.  Bryophytes are locally conspicuous, with  records for Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Hypnum cupressiforme.  Cladonia furcata is rare.  Planted Lime and Hornbeam trees are present and there is a grove of Horse Chestnut and Lime by the school.  Peripheral areas of the common hold improved grassland, locally with garden escapes; mixed scrub of Bramble, Ash, Rasberry, Hawthorn and Snowberry with rather species-poor MG1 graaland, and tall herb vegetation by the church with Urtica dioica, Galium aparine, Mysostis silvatica (escaped), Chamaenerion angustifolium and Pentaglottis sempervirens.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is mown by Mangotsfield Parish Council and has the appearance of a village green. It is managed for landscape and informal recreation purposes with provision of benches and  litter bins.  The adjacent school also uses a part of it as a rounders pitch.  There is also car parking on the N part of the common.  The site is a valuable wildlife resource, as grassland of this type is scarce in the county. Mowing should continue, but with the clippings always removed, and the species-richer areas on the low hummocks could be left in early summer to enable the forbs to flower and seed more prolifically than at present. A late, low cut could then follow in these areas to keep the sward as open as possible.


FAUNA:
No species were noted during the brief visit to this site.

VEG:
A mix of grassland, disturded habitats, scrub and rock exposure occupy this site.  The former is rank, ungrazed, species-poor Brometum of the CG3d type.  Frequent are Bromus erectus, Festuca rubra, Poa spp., Lolium perenne, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Vicia sativa, Plantago lanceolata and Lathyrus pratensis, with other records for Allium vineale, Galium verum, Sanguisorba minor, Centaurea scabiosa, Pimpinella saxifraga, Vicia cracca and Avenula pubescens.  Close by is a gravel-surfaced car park with a weedy grassland flora and an area of bare, poached soil with 50% cover of Agrostis stolonifera with suckering Blackthorn and Snowberry.  Carboniferous LImestone is exposed in the N and has thin grassland and scrub.  The scrub follows a path and is of Hawthorn, Hazel, Wych Elm, Ash and Buckthorn.  The ground flora on the rocks includes Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium interjectum, Aspenium scolopendrium, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Melica uniflora, Arum maculatum and Geum urbanum.  The grassland is calcicolous but considerably more species-rich than that noted above; present are Festuca ovina, Bromus erectus and Koeleria m crantha in an open, patchy sward with Thymus praecox, Helianthemum nummularia, Lotus corniculatus, Daucus carota, Anthyllis vulneraris, Galium verum, Scabiosa columbaria, Plantago media, Hieracium pilosella, Aspenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and A. ceterach.  Lower plants are frequent with Rhytidiadelphus squarrasus, Ctenidium molluscum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Cladonia furcata and C. rangiformis.  Also present are Cerastium tomentosum, Sedum telephium ssp. telephium and the national scarcity S. forsteranum.  The last is  dubiously native on this site.  Several garden escapes also occur.

MANAGE:
Very little management is evident on the site.  A length of the scrubby margin alongside the path has been cleared, exposing the limestone.  Part of the site is an unofficial car park and a bench is provided as the site commands a good view of Blagdon Lake.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Blue Tit, Wren, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff,  Whitethroat, Linnet, Starling, Odonata: Calopteryx virgo.

VEG:
Damp overgrazed semi-improved neutral grassland occupies the E section of the common. It is NVC MG6 grassland with Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium spp., Potentilla anserina, Deschampsia cespitosa, Bellis perennis, Juncus inflexus, Taraxacum officinale. agg and Cerastium fontanum. Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense are locally abundant. There are a few planted trees. Ditches and banks in the central section are marginally more diverse with Vicia sativa, V. sepium, Torilis japonica, Crepis vesicaria, Lotus uliginosus and Medicago lupulina. The W end is most diverse with semi-improved verges as above but also banks beside the road with an unimproved, weakly calcicolous flora. Lotus corniculatus, Leucanthemu vulgare, Plantago media, Galium verum and Briza media are frequent with Achillea millefolium, Prunella vulgaris, Luzula campestris, Agrimonia eupatoria, Tragopogon pratensis, Leontodon hispidus, Veronica chamaedrys, Avenula pubescens, Lathyrus pratensis, Senecio erucifolius, Avenula flavescens, Leontodon autumnalis, Potentilla reptans, Hieracium pilosella and Ophrys apifera (1 spike). There is also much MG1 grassland at the back of the verges and some scrub of Hawthorn, Privet Ash, Rose and Blackthorn. At the far W is a stream with Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria and Apium nodiflorum. Conium maculatum, Angelica sylvestris, Carex spicata, C. otrubae and Brachypodium sylvaticum were also recorded on this site.

MANAGE:
The common is cattle grazed throughout except for a small area at the E end which is mown as a village green. Some areas are poached by stock horses and vehicles and caravans  are stationed on the common at ST 729767.  The species-richer verges should be cut annually to preserve their diversity. The small amount of pasture would be greatly improved if the stands of Cirsium arvense were eradicated.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Woodpigeon, Wren, Great Tit, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackbird, Starling, Magpie
Brimstone, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue.

VEG:
Much of the site consists of woodland and scrub. In the west is mixed wood of English and Holm Oak Sycamore and Yew (some fine old trees present). The rest of the wood is deciduous, with dominant Ash and Sycamore and a sparse scrub layer with Holly, Hawthorn, English and Wych Elms and rare Wild Cherry. In the central area the Sycamore has been cleared/coppiced leaving an open wood of tall Ash standards with quite a diverse ground flora including Ranunculus ficaria, R. auricomus, Arum maculatum, Conopodium majus, Melica uniflora, Viola riviniana, Arctium minus, Allium vineale and Hyacinthoides non-scripta. There is much Sycamore regeneration. Fringing the wood, notably to the E and SE are areas of scrub and scrub woodland in which Bramble, Hawthorn, Elder, Sycamore, Ash, Privet, Crab Apple, Bullace and Blackthorn are present. There is a little Viscum album. In a strip along the S is grassland with old limestone quarries. The former is mostly mown neutral grassland with some planted trees of Field Maple and Cherry and clumps of planted Myosotis silvatica but contains one or two areas of rank species-poor calcicolous grassland  dominated by Bromus erectus with a few associates such as Pimpinella saxifraga, Lotus corniculatus, Vicia sativa, Plantago media, Hieracium pilosella. The rocks hold Geranium moll G. robrtianum, G. lucidum, Sedum album, S. reflexum Saxifraga tridactylites, Cerastium glomeratum and Calamintha sylvatica ssp.ascendens (rare). A disused quarry in the E is somewhat similar in its mix of poor, rank, grassland, scrub woodland and rock but also has rank Arrhenatherum elatius grassland and tall herb vegetation. The latter is present in marginal areas elsewhere and consists for the most part of Urtica dioica, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium aparine and Arctium minus with Pteridium aquilinum rare. The E of the common is bisected by a road. Surrounding it are mown areas of Lolium perenne-Poa spp. recreational grassland poor in forbs and with a few scattered trees such asAsh, Norway Maple and Pinus nigra.

MANAGE:
To the E the grassland is cut frequently and is managed as a green open space for landscape and informal recreation purposes. The adjacent quarry is fenced off along the cliff top. The strip of grassland along the S edge is also mown in places for similar reasons but probably less often. Trees have been planted here, and a few ornamental plants (Myosotis, bulbs) are planted elsewhere. The central part of the woodland  has been managed; quite old Sycamore has been cut almost flush with the ground, presumably in an attempt to selectively remove these trees from the wood. Regrowth will need to be treated. TPOs could be sought for two ancient Ash trees on the edge of the site at ST603837.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Wren, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Starling
Dingy Skipper, Small White, Small Heath, Common Blue.

VEG:
The larger plot lies E of the road and consists mostly of neutral grassland similar to that present on the bulk of Siston Common, which lies adjacent. Although deliberate improvement is unlikely the swards are only moderately species rrich: Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, F. pratensis, Alopecurus pratensis, Holcus lanatus and Anthoxanthum odoratum occur with Carex hirta and a few forbs including Centaurea nigra, Trifolium spp., Ranunculus bulbosus, R. acris, Bellis perennis, Medicago lupulina, Potentilla reptans and Vicia sativa. Cirsium arvense is locally frequent. In places the vegetation is more acidophilous with Festuca rubra and Anthoxanthum odoratum abundant, Agrostis capillaris, Hypochoeris radicata, Luzula campestris and locally Stachys officinalis, Hieracium pilosella, Conopodium majus, Lotus corniculatus and Brachythecium albicans. There are 3 areas of marshy grassland with Agrostis stolonifera Juncus inflexus, J.effusus, Poa trivialis, Ranunculus flammula and Senecio aquaticus most frequent, but also Carex otrubae, C. flacca, C. panicea, C. niigra, C. ovalis,  Ranunculus repens and Cardamine pratensis. In the S of the plot is a hillock composed of old mine spoil with  10% weakly basic grassland, dense scrub of Hawthorn, Bramble and Privet and a little unvegetated ground. The grassland is dominated by Bromus erectus, with Poa spp., Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Centaurea scabiosa, Lotus corniculatus, Daucus carota, Hieracium sp,. H. pilosella, Leonton hispidus and Vulpia bromoides. A dry path N of the spoil also has V. bromoides with Aphanes microcarpa, Sagina apetalata, Rumex acetosella, Trifolium dubium, T. striatum (recorded 1986) and Polytrichum juniperinum.  The second plot, lying NW of the road, is a private garden.

MANAGE:
The S plot is probably occasionally grazed, although there was little evidence of this.  The N. plot appears not to be common.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Mallard with young.
Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue.

VEG:
This small site consists mostly of a drove flanked by rhynes. The drove has a central unmetalled track with a sparse weedy flora and verges of tall unimproved but species-poor Mg1 grassland. Prominent are Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Alopecurus pratensis, Galium aparine and Heracleum sphondylium with a few other species such as Alliaria petiolata, Rumex obtusifolius, Holcus lanatus, Conium maculatum, Lamium album and Brassica nigra. The rhynes are variable in their water quality, that to the S being rather more eutrophic. Species include Potamogeton  crispus, Apium nodoflorum, Typha latifolia, Carex riparia, C.remota, Iris pseudacorus (rare), Lemna minor, Oenanthe crocata, Glyceria sp., Ranunculus sceleratus and Callitriche sp. with Filipendula ulmaria, Phalaris arundinacea, Scrophularia auriculata, Galium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus inflexus and Cardamine flexuosa on the margins. A Crack Willow is present in the far N. A gate seperates the drove from an area of resown Lolium perenne grassland in the south. This has a few associates but is generally not of interest. Originally it was bounded by a rhyne which has now been infilled so that part of the common is largely indistinguishable from the adjacent improved pasture. A small amount of disturbed ground with ruderals is present.

MANAGE:
The S end is in pasture or managed as  a ley. The drove appears to be unmanaged although it may be cut from time to time. The wildlife value of the site could be enhanced by planting a few suitable shrubs such as Populus tremula, Salix viminalis or, especially S. cinerea ssp. oleifolia at intervals along the drove.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Cuckoo, Woodpigeon, Wren, Blue Tit, Coal Tit,  Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Linnet,  Rook, Jay.  
Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Small White, Peacock, Holly Blue. 
Mecoptera: Panorpa  communis. 
Rabbit, Roe Deer, Common Shrew, Mole.   
ISR lists the  following Lepidoptera:  Narrow-bordered Bee  Hawk (nationally  notable), Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper, Marbled  White, Chalkhill Blue, Purple Hairstreak (all local) and 21 other  species.

VEG:
The W slopes of the common are covered with semi-natural broadleaved woodland with Ash dominant. There is some Sycamor and the canopy is somewhat open in places. The shrub layer includes frequent Hazel, Clematis vitalba and Rubus fruticosus agg. with Elder in more open areas; less common are Hawthorn, Field Maple, Cherry, Whitebeam, Wayfaring Tree. The woodland is storm-damaged in a broad belt (shown). There has been tree planting here of Hazel, Field Maple, Cherry, Whitebeam and Wayfaring Tree. The woodland ground flora is dominated by Mercuralis perennis with much Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum and Lamiastrum galeobdolon but also Geum urbanum, Asplenium scolopendrium, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis, Circaea lutetiana, Arum maculatum, Glechoma hederacea, Moheringia trinervia, Ranunculus ficaria, R. auricomus, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Primula vulgaris, Allium ursinum, Stachys sylvatica, Silene dioica and Brachypodium sylvaticum. More open areas have Alliaria petiolata, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica and Ranunculus repens. An area of dense scrub of Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Elder with young Ash standards, smothered in Clematis occurs at the N end. Associated with this are marginal areas of Bromus erectus grassland and dense Rubus fructosus agg. scrub. 

The plateau and S facing slopes of the common have grassland, mostly calcareous with much scrub development. Area (1) is an Nvc CG3d sward with Bromus erectus dominant but also Cirsium acaule, Galium verum, Hypochoeris radicata, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago bulbosus and Rhinanthus minor. Immediately S of this is a belt of neutral grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatus which is fairly diverse locally including some Anacamptis pyramidalis. In ranker parts Plantago lanceolata, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra and Avenula pubescens all attain prominence.

Area (2) is CG3d grassland, unmanaged, rank and very tussocky, whilst area (3), the most species-rich grassland on the common, is a CG3a sward. Here thin soils cover a complex topography of hollows and hummocks. Bromus erectus and Festuca ovina are dominant, with frequent Leontodon hispidus, Plantago media, Cirsium acaule, Carlina vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Hippocrepis comosa (very local in the county), Helianthemum nummularia and Ctenidium molluscum. There is a wide range of other species including Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Listera ovata, Gentianella amarella and Spiranthes spiralis (quadrats and species lists at English Nature). Scattered scrub is frequent with Hawthorn, Birch, Ash, Aspen, Turkey Oak and Sycamore. There is also some Daphne laureola. In the far SW is a green lane, similar in species composition to the woodland further N, but with much Sycamore and lacking the diversity of the ground flora.
Between areas (2) and (3) is a complex area of dense scrub, passing in places to woodland. Hawthorn is the pioneer in grassland, followed by Ash, Oak and Sycamore, with Birch important in the S. An old quarry has a mosaic of scrub and grassland in which Campanula glomerata has been recorded.
Area (4) beside the road is an old tip with discarded vehicles but now fully vegetated with dense scrub and young woodland. Sycamore, Hawthorn and Ash are dominant with some Salix capraea and Buddleja davidii at the edge. There are also patches of tall herb vegetation with Urtica dioica, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Symphytum officinale and Myosotis sp.

MANAGE:
In the woodland, some storm damaged timber has been removed, and there has been planting of native species beneath the new gaps in the canopy. The neutral and calcareous grasslands on the plateau N of the disused quarry are mown in spring. S of here the extremely tussocky nature of the sward in area (2) indicates long absence of management. A fairly strong rabbit population in area (3) is responsible for the maintenance of the quality of the grassland there. Both areas (2) and (3) are threatened with continuing scrub encroachment, reducing their area and diversity, although there had been a local, limited attempt at scrub control in area (5). Area (3) is subject to quite severe turf damage from mountain bikes and off-road motorcycles, despite clear notices banning these from the common.
In the woodland some fallen timber should be left to provide dead wood habitat. It is suggested that any further active management of the common should be targeted to the grassland in the S of the site. The CG3a sward of area (3), although small, constitutes one of the best examples of Oolitic grassland in the county and is highly deserving of management attention. One priority is the control of motorcycles and bicycles through enforcement of byelaws and Sect. 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1972. It might be possible to divert this damaging activity to a less ecologically sensitive area, although the topography of area (3) is particularly attractive to the motorcycle users. The other major problem is scrub encroachment. If pasture rights are no longer to be exercised, a scrub clearance programme should be established in areas (2) and (3) after consultation with the Bannerdown Commoners Association and the Avon Wildlife Trust. Mowing of the plateau grasslands should continue. It is important that the cuttings are removed.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Linnet, Magpie, Carrion Crow.
Rabbit. 
Hymenoptera: Mining bees.

VEG:
The hill harbours unimproved acidic grassland surrounded by scrub. The sward is dense and springy dominated by Festuca ovina with frequent Agrostis capillaris, Luzula campestris, Galium saxatile and occasional Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus and Danthonia decumbens. Also present are Campanula rotundifolia, Hypochoeris radicata, Rumex acetosella, Leontodon taraxacoides, Aira praecox, Potentilla erecta, Hieracium pilosella, Poa annua, Stellaria graminea, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Hypnum cupressifor, Polytrichum juniperinum and Brachythecium albicans although most of these species are more or less restricted to open, disturbed areas. Access points at all the corners of the common have swards improved through trampling. An area of Populus x canadensis plantation is present in the north slopes in the S of the site hold a mixture of grassland, scattered bracken and scattered scrub of English Oak, Silver Birch, Hawthorn and Ulex gallii and dense and scattered U. europaeus scrub occurs on the plateau. Both scrub and bracken become denser on the west slopes and there is much Holcus lanatus dominated grassland. Associated with scrub and bracken are Teucrium scorodonia, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Deschampsia flexuosa, Lotus corniculatus, Digitalis aucuparia, Stellaria holostea, Senecio sylvaticus, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Conopodium majus, Solidago virgaurea and Hieracium sp. Relict areas of heath occur at one place in the E; Near are Hawthorn and Oak scrub with bracken, Chamaenerion angustifolium stands and some damp hollows with Agrostis stolonifera, Deschampsia flexuosa and dense Juncus effusus. (This is the only known site in Avon for Hypericum elodes, not seen on this visit.) Two detatched areas to W and E. The first is dense scrub of bramble, Hawthorn, Dog Rose, Elder, English Elm and Salix caprea with 25% dense bracken. To the east lies an area of acidic and neutral grassland and scrub with bracken. Sanguisorba minor and Senecio sylvaticus are present and a burnt area has Sagina apetalata ssp. apetalata Aira praecox and Filago vulgaris.

MANAGE:
The bulk of the site appears to be unmanaged, but there have been quite extensive accidental fires in the scrub to the W. There has been another accidental burn in the E. Some management for informal recreation is apparent in the construction of a surfaced cyclepath across the common and a car park at its end.

An effort should be made to counter the erosion stemming from use of the slopes by mountain bikes in the SW. Although it is important for the diversity of the grassland that certain open, poached areas are present the problem of erosion is severe and the large, bare slope caused by the bikes is likely to increase in size to the detriment of acidic grassland and scrub. Prohibition of mountain bikes from the unsurfaced parts of the common coupled with their redirection to a less ecologically sensitive area (such as the biologically unimportant resown grassland at the N end of the adjacent CL 269) might be possible if terrain attractive to the users could be created there. The public should be made aware of the biological value of the site by the use of notices at the access points. Litter should be cleared from the scrub in the W and the fairs which are held on the common should be restricted to the areas of improved grassland, as in the N corner. Calluna vulgaris and the rare Hypericum elodes are almost certainly in decline on this site. Their status merits attention and remedial action if necessary. (Soil scarification, pruning or introduction of cuttings for the Calluna; H. elodes, although here in a very atypical site, is probably suffering from the drying out  and shading of the hollows.)

Tipping should be discouraged on the W detatched portion of the site.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit,  Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Blackbird.
Rabbit.
Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Orange Tip.

VEG:
Much of the common comprises neutral grassland with a rather low species-diversity, probably as a result of concentrated grazing by cattle. Present are Lolium perenne, Poa spp., Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, F. pratensis and Holcus lanatus with much Cerastium glomeratum, Geranium molle, Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium vulgare and Trifolium repens. Also present are Veronica arvensis, Potentilla reptans, Centaurea nigra, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Carex hirta, Juncus inflexus, Taraxacum officinale agg., Cirsium arvense and Lotus corniculatus. In the centre of the N end of the common lies a small area of unimproved species-rich calcareous grassland, developed over a series of prominent ridges with small exposures of Carboniferous Limestone. The sward is dominated by Bromus erectus and is possibly closest to NVC CG3b grassland. Frequent to abundant are Festuca ovina, Carex caryophyllea, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Helianthemum nummularia, Sanguisorba minor, Senecio jacobaea, Bellis perennis, Trifolium pratense, Centaurea nigra, Ranunculus bulbosus, Carex flacca and Thymus praecox. Also present are Pimpinella saxifraga, Galium verum, Cirsium acaule, Centaurium erythraea, Prunella vulgaris, Avenula pratensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Aphanes arvensis, Prmula veris, Leontodon hispidus, Knautia arvensis, Erodium cicutarium, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Luzula campestris, Hieracium pilosella, Koeleria micrantha, Plantago media, Thuidium tamariscinum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. Four spikes of Orchis morio, a rare and local species in the country were present. The rock outcrops support Arenaria serpyllifolia, Erophila verna, Homalothecium lutescens, Cladonia rangiformis and Saxifraga tridactylites. An area of semi-improved basic grassland is also present with dominant Festuca rubra, Poa spp. Dactylis glomerata and Geranium molle, Sherardia arvensis, Cerastium glomeratum, Cardamine hirsuta and Veronica arvensis: several of the calcicolous forbs persist. Scattered and dense scrub grading to woodland cradle the limestone grassland to the W. Prunus spinosa, Rosa spp., Rubus fruticosus agg. and Clematis vitalba are scattered around the grassland fringe. In denser areas Hawthorn, Hazel and Holly with young Ash occur with the above species. Associated are Mercurialis perennis, Viola hirta, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Geranium robertianum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Stellaria holostea, Tamus communis and Bryonia dioica.

Woodland is of Ash with a shrub layer mostly of Hazel. Locally there is a good ground flora including, in addition to the above species, Geum urbanum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Ranunculus ficaria, Primula vulgaris, P. x thomasinii, Adoxa moschatellina, Silene dioica, Conopodium majus, Arum maculatum, Ajuga reptans, Moehringia trinervia, Potentilla sterilis and Viola riviniana.

In the south of the site is an area of scrubby grassland which includes Pteridium aquilinum (rare). There is also a second, smaller area of calcareous grassland and rock outcrop. This is not as species-rich as the main one but has Verbascum thapsus, Carduus nutans, Malva moschata, Lithospermum officinale and Geranium lucidum. A stream defining the western margin was dry but had some Epilobium hirsutum and Oenanthe crocata.

MANAGE:
Cattle graze the main area of grassland and there are rabbits which control sward height locally. Woodland and scrub are unmanaged and much is of recent origin, probably reflecting a fall in grazing level.

It is important to maintain the small area of species-rich limestone grassland which remains. The reintroduction of mixed grazing with sheep would be ideal and would still be possible as there is little disturbance arising from public use of the common. Some scrub is still sufficiently thinly distributed to make its clearance of immediate benefit and this is strongly recommended. At the time of survey a small building on the southern edge of the common was being renovated and the delivery of building materials to the site had led to a large area becoming bare. This may lead to a permanent encroachment if the building is residential (car park, for example) and this should be discouraged by informing the occupants of the common land status of the site.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Skylark, Great Tit, Willow Warbler, Starling, Linnet, Jackdaw. 
Common Shrew, Rabbit.   
Brimstone 
Coleoptera: Timarcha tenebricosa.  
Previous records for Stonechat and Small Heath, Large White, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown  butterflies (1983).

VEG:
The common presents an interesting vegetational change from calcicolous grassland and scrub in the N to highly acid grassland and gorse heath in the S. The former occurs N of West Lane. Mixed scrub here is of dominant Hawthorn and Wayfaring tree with Hazel, Sycamore, Wych Elm, Wild Privet, Ash, Field Maple, Yew and Dogwood. Beneath the ground flora has much Allium ursinum, with Mercurialis perennis, Viola riviniana, Arum maculatum, Brachypod sylvaticum, Ranunculus ficaria, Melica uniflora and Primula vulgaris. The grassland is a rabbit grazed and generally herb-poor Brometum (CG3), although the diversity of species is quite high. Bromus erectus, Festuca ovina, Avenula pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Sanguisorba minor and Ranunculus bulbosus are frequent; also Galium verum, Hieracium pilosella, Cirsium acaule, Carex flacca, Pimpinella saxifraga, Viola hirta, Leontodon hispidus, Centaurea nigra, Luzula campestris, Thymus praecox, Scabiosa columbaria, Agrimonia eupatoria, Primula veris and Leucanthemum vulgare. Carboniferous Limestone outcrops here and almost does so further south on on the site, where its presence is signalled amongst the acidic swards by certain of the commoner species given above, and also Carex caryopyllea. On the bulk of the common both semi-improved and unimproved acidic swards are present, the latter developed in areas favoured by stock as a result of natural enrichment. Unimproved swards are dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Festuca ovina, with much Anthoxanthum oderatum, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Luzula campestris and Ranunculus bulbosus; Lolium perenne and Poa spp. attain prominence in the enriched areas which in places resemble MG6 grassland. Forbs are generally scarce in the open grassland but become  more frequent in areas of scrub and grassland mosaic. They include Conopodium majus, Stellaria graminea, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Hypochoeris radicata, Viola reichenbachiana, V. riviniana, Rumex acetosa, and R. acetosella. Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Cirsium palustre, Digitalis purpurea and Lotus uliginosus are even more intimately associated with scrub and bracken. Molinia caerulea, a scarce species in the county, is prominent in a rank sward amongst scrub in the SE of the site. This scrub, which occupies much of the S of the common, is composed of Ulex europaeus and U. gallii, with occasional Rubus fruticosus agg. and scattered standards of Hawthorn. Besides acid grassland, there are also admixtures of dense bracken. Carex pilulifera occurs at one of its very few county sites in small quantity.

A number of additional peripheral habitats are present. Scrub exists in variable amounts along the boundaries, with Ash, Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Oak present, often with rank MG1 grassland. There is an area of scattered bracken in the NW. At ST 515648 there is a dense stand of Urtica dioica and Reynoutria japonica. An avenue of mature Beech trees leads from West Lane to the church.

Other plant records which exist for the common include Deschampsia flexuosa, Carduus nutans, Euphrasia nemorosa, Hypericum pulchrum and Lathyrus montanus.

MANAGE:
The grassland was undergoing mixed grazing at time of survey with sheep, cattle  and poultry present. These tend to concentrate on the better pasture along the NW margin of the common. A small area in the vicinity of the church is mown, as is an area of semi-improved sward in the S which is managed as a football pitch, and associated areas around the changing room. No management was evident in the scrubby areas although spoiled straw from the stables in the SW was dumped in the adjacent scrub.

The grazing appears to be at a satisfactory level from the point of view of nature conservation, although much of the open grassland is poor in forbs. In the scrub it would be desirable to prevent dumping of spoiled straw which will lead to the development of a weedy element within this nutrient poor habitat.  The planting of a small number of native shrubs/small trees with in the gorse scrub, such as Hawthorn or Rowan, might be considered desirable in order to diversify its structure which is at present rather uniform.  Similarly some bracken clearance would benefit the grassland here.  The grassland could be carefully opened up in the vicinity of the few Carex pilulifera plants in order to encourage their spread.  The stand of Reynoutria japonica should be eliminated as soon as possible and car parking and bonfires on the common discouraged by a more forceful display of the bye-laws.    

 MANAGEMENT: Although there are extant pasture rights, there has clearly been only minimal grazing by stock, if at all, for many years. The common has also been burnt in the past. The site is now an AWT reserve and the subject of a detailed management plan aimed at maintaining  and expanding the  short herb-rich grassland and its populations of butterflies whilst retaining a scrub mosaic, and also safeguarding the interests of commoners and respecting the value local people attach to the site for quiet recreation. 
It should be borne in mind during scrub-clearance programmes that there are probably locally scarce species of rose present.
With sustained grassland management, the common might be considered as an extension to the nearby Walton Common SSSI.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Blackbird, Wren.

VEG:
Most of the common consist of semi-improved neutral grassland with a few peripheral areas showing some calcicolous influence (Bromus erectus locally abundant). The sward lies somewhere between NVC types MG5a and MG6 with Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus, Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra, Plantago lanceolata, P. major, Ranunculus bulbosus, T. pratense, Leontodon autumnalis, Taraxacum officionale agg. and Achillea millefolium most frequent. Also present are Cirsium arvense, Lotus corniculatus, Bellis perennis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Leontodon hispidus, Centaurea nigra, Agrimonia eupatoria, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Ranunculus acris, Rumex acetosa, Cerastium fontanum and Luzula campestris. Defining the S edge is a species rich hedge of Hawthorn, Spindle, Hazel, Dogwood, Wild Privet, Field Maple, Blackthorn, English Oak and Ash with a ground flora including Brachypodium sylvaticum, Chaerophyllum temulentum, Fragaria vesca, Stellaria holostea and Veronica chamaedrys. In the SW corner the common consists of improved verges mown for visibility, with some scrub development of English Elm, Blackthorn and Bramble and some damp MG1 grassland.

MANAGE:
The main area is intermittently grazed by cattle and by rabbits. Parts of the common are mown, including a part of the grassland adjacent to the house. There is locally bad poaching by vehicles through access to the house and adjacent fields, and some dumping of rubble on the W verges, which should be discouraged.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Robin, Starling, Jackdaw.
Common Shrew.

VEG:
Much of the common is semi-improved neutral grassland with the following most prominent: Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus bulbosus, Taraxacum officinale agg., Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Phleum pratense and Achillea millefolium. Also present are Ranunculus acris, Plantago media, Geranium molle, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla reptans, Cirsium arvense, Festuca pratensis and Centaurea nigra. A small area in the NE may give  a clue to a previous vegetation type - Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Luzula campestris dominant with Lotus corniculatus Carex flacca, Vicia sepium and Agrimonia eupatoria; some of these rarely being found elsewhere in the grassland. East of a new access road there is a spring with tall herb vegetation of Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Festuca arundinacea, Cardamine pratensis, C. flexuosa, Angelica sylvestris, Juncus inflexus, Potentilla anserina, Apium nodiflorum and Anthriscus sylvestris. Downstream there is Urtica dioica - Filipendula ulmaria tall herb vegetationn amid Arrhenatherum elatius with mixed open scrub of Salix fragilis and S. caprea, becoming denser E of the stream where there is also Alnus glutinosa. A few trees have been planted near the stream also: Hazel, Viburnum opulus, Acer sp., ornamental Prunus, Cornus and Balsam Poplar. The road verges to the W differ little from the semi-improved grassland present on the bulk of the site.

MANAGE:
Some control of the grassland is evident, probably intermittent grazing plus mowing. Adjacent to houses the sward is mown.  This should continue. There is at present avoidable poaching by vehicles taking short-cuts across the common to gain access to houses, which should be prevented.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Magpie.
Rabbit.
Large White, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Anthills. 
BRERC lists a 1983 record for the fly Dolichopus festiuus on this site. BTO records  for the area (1977) include breeding Barn Owl, Little Owl, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and summering Hobby.

VEG:
The site is a mosaic of dense scrub and mostly neutral grassland. The latter is possibly closest to the NVC MG5b type. Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata and Poa spp., were recorded as dominant, with frequent Ranunculus bulbosus, Bellis perennis, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Taraxacum officinale agg., Leontodon hispidus and L. autumnalis. Other species present include Agrostis capillaris, Phleum bertolonii Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cerastium  fontanum, Galium mollugo, Hypochoeris radicata, Lotus corniculatus, Prunella vulgaris, Veronica chamaedrys, Plantago media and several thistles: Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, C. palustre, Carduus nutans. A few areas notably on steeper banks hold a more calcicolous flora including Bromus erectus, Briza media, Carex flacca, Galium verum, Senecio jacobaea, Linum catharticum, Luzula campestris, Pimpinella saxifraga, Primula veris (rare) and Hieracium pilosella. Scrub consists mostly of Hawthorn with dense bramble, but grades locally to scrub woodland with Alder, Hazel and Ash standards to 12m. Associated are Clematis vitalba, Mercurialis perennis, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Chaerophyllum temulentum, Glechoma hederacea, Arum maculatum, Primula veris and Cardamine pratensis. A small poorly-drained area has some Juncus inflexus and the site is defined to the S by a thick hedge of Balckthorn with Elder, Hawthorn and some old coppiced Hazel.

MANAGE:
The common is cattle-grazed and locally rather badly poached due to concentration of stock in the scrub-free areas.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Dunnock, Wren, Whitethroat, Linnet, Chaffinch.
Common Shrew.

VEG:
The bulk of the common is rank Arrhenatherum elatius grassland (MG1). Frequent are Festuca rubra Poa spp., Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Galium aparine, Potentilla reptans and Lathyrus pratensis. Also present are Anthriscus sylvestris, Tussilago farfara, Achillea millefolium, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Vicia sativa, Juncus inflexus, Festuca arundinacea, Ranunculus repens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Allium vineale, Centaurea nigra, Tanacetum vulgare, Geranium dissectum and Bromus sterilis. Scrub of Hawthorn, Crab Apple, English Oak and Rosa spp. is scattered throughout being especially dense in the S and a few a damper, marginal areas have Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla anserina, Juncus inflexus, Polygonum amphibium and Cardamine pratensis. N of an access road in the N of the common is a mixture of dense Rubus fruticosus scrub and tall herb vegetation with Urtica dioica, Lamium album, Artemisia vulgaris and Solidago canadensis. Thich hedges mostly of English Elm with Bramble define the site and are spreading into the unmanaged grassland. A small area adjacent to a house in the N is mown as a garden lawn, and Lawson Cypresses have been planted.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged. Its only use appears to be as an unofficial dumping site for household and garden waste. The structure of the site appears good for wildlife with the scrub  supporting birds and the rank grassland populations of small rodents and insectivores. With much of the surrounding habitat being improved, arable and suburban this is especially of value. Non-intervention is recommended. Dumping should be discouraged by display of Byelaws and direction to proper disposal sites as the problem could rapidly be aggravated in this suburban area.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Feral Pigeon, Swift, Swallow, Starling, Wren, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie.
Fox and Badger are known to use the site.

VEG:
The site is generally much more orientated toward  formal recereation than the neighbouring Clifton Down, with large areas set aside for football pitches which are composed of species-poor improved grassland (NVC MG7). This is especially true N of Stoke Road; in the far E and N of this section there are many planted trees amid park-type grassland notably Common Lime, Sycamore, Ash, Hawthorn and ornamentals such as Copper Beech and Laburnum. A few small areas of semi-natural scrub of Hawthorn and English Elm are also present. South of Stoke Road the swards are again mown closely but quite large areas still have a clacicolous flora especially those on slightly higher ground (the old Roman road illustrates this admirably). Most frequent are Bromus erectus, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Sanguisorba minor, Festuca ovina, Plantago media and Hieracium pilosella. Locally frequent may be Cirsium acaule, Koeleria micrantha, Thymus praecox, Avenula pratensis, Pimpinella saxifraga, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Carex caryophyllea, Erophila verna and Cerastium semidecandrum. At (1) the nationally scarce Potentilla tabernaemontani is frequent. An area of semi-improved calcicolous grassland also occurs in the far north at (2). At (3) there is an area of grassland with weakly acidophilous species including Festuca ovina, Rumex acetosa, Agrostis caapillaris, Luzula campestris, Leontodon autumnalis, Campanula rotundifolia (rare),  Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Brachythecium albi are also present S of the road including a young avenue of Beech and Wych Elm across the centre.

The most interseting habitats occur in the SW of the common where the woodland is developed over Carboniferous Limestone cliffs and crags along the gully. Here there is dense scrub of Ulex europaeus, Coniferous woodland of Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris and broadleaved woodland on steep slopes of Ash and Oak with Sycamore and rare Yew. A shrub layer including Hazel, Silver Birch, Whitebeam and Wych Elm is present. Facing SW below the sea wall is a very high sheer cliff with ledges harbouring calcicolous grassland and scrub. Survey was not possible. At (4), the Gully Outcrop, one of the most accessible sites for the rare plants of the Avon Gorge, has a small natural cliff and screes with an outstanding assemblage of rare plants on rock and in scrub and grassland. The outcrop includes Hippocrepis comosa, Helianthemum nummularia, Scabiosa columbaria, Sedum acre, Centranthus ruber, Desmazeria rigida, Acinos arvensis, Hieracium spp., Arabis stricta, Cerastium pumilum, Trinia glauca and Allium sphaerocephalon, whilst on the screes Hornungia petraea is frequent. Rock exposures in this part of the common also hold Bromus madritensis, Geranium purpureum and Gastridium ventricosum (last recorded 1985).

MANAGE:
Much of the site is managed for formal recreation, with sports pitches closely mown and receiving top dressings of coarse shell sand and of soil. All other areas are also closely mown. There has been some tree-planting, notably in the re-establishment of an avenue of Beech and Elm which probably declined previously as a result of Dutch Elm Disease. Management for informal recreation is evident not just in the park-like appearance of the grassland but in the provision of benches, litter bins, toilets and a viewpoint at the sea walls.

The site is sufficiently large to allow a number of improvements for nature conservation without disrupting other activities. Most notably areas of taller grassland, currently almost entirely absent, could be established. This would be particularly effective around existing nuclei of scrub as at ST 571 756/7 and ST 561 749 and in areas of more species-rich semi-improved grassland, as at (1), (2) and (3) for example. The latter could be cut late in the year after herbs have flowered and seeded. It is probable that this would quite rapidly benefit butterflies and other insects which have source populations nearby. Some more, local,  Hawthorn scrub development might also be  encouraged in such a way as to draw in species from the better wildlife habitat in the SW. Here, the repair of a fence which runs along the top of the small cliff at the Gully Outcrop is recommended. It is currently broken down and the public are gaining access to the botanically highly important and sensitive outcrop, apparently using this as a short cut to the Gully. There is also a risk of accidents. Bonfires have been lit at the foot of the screes and there is some littering. This should be prevented.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Stock Dove, Green Woodpecker, Dunnock, Wren, Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.
Rabbit, Common Blue, Anthills. 
There is a badger sett in the vicinity and the common may be used for foraging.

VEG:
The grassland which accounts for the bulk of the vegetation on this site is calcicolous on the steeper, upper slopes but tends to neutral locally on lower or shallower ones. The former is closest to NVC CG2a grassland; Bromus erectus is rare. Most frequent are Festuca ovina, Koeleria micrantha, Ranunculus bulbosus, Lotus corniculatus, Cirsium acaule, Hieracium pilosella Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Galium verum, Leontodon spp. and Bellis perennis with other records for Briza media, Carex flacca, CIrsium arvense, C. eriophorum, C. vulgare, Carduus nutans, Campanula rotundifolia, Thymus praecox,Leucanthemum vulgare, Agrimonia eupatoria, Sanguisorba minor. The more mesic, shallower slopes have Lolium Perenne, Cynosaurus cristatus, Trifolium repens, T. pratense and Centaurea nigra, Rumex acetosa and Prunella vulgaris but calcicolous forbs may persist, especially on anthills and there are often intermediates between the two types. Further complicating the pattern are numerous outcrops of Oolitic Limestone for which several species show a preference: Carex caryophyllea, Linum catharticum, Helianthemum nummularia, Carlina vulgaris, Linum catharticum Avenula pratensis, Erophila verna, Sedum acre, Myosotis ramosissima, Taraxacum erythrospermu gp., Saxifraga tridactylites, Desmazeria rigida, Cerastium glomera, Veronica arvensis, Aphanes arvensis and Geranium robertianum, Asplenim rutamuraria and A. scolopendrium in deeper crevices. Moss and lichen is also conspicuous. Slight diferences are apparent on the North facing slope where there is some Bromus erectus, frequent Cirsium palustre, Primula veris and an abundance of pleurocarpous moss, notably Pseudoscleropodium purum, Ctenidium molluscum and  squarrosus. Springs in this vicinity have Agrostis stolonifera, Ranunculus repens, Urtica dioica Solanum dulcamara, Apium nodiflorum, Nasturtium officinale, Cardamine pratensis, Veronica beccabunga and Glyceria sp. The scrub is Hawthorn,  Blackthorn, Bramble and Elder and a few Ash standards lower down, and Sycamore in the N. Associated may be areas of Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation.

MANAGE:
The common undergoes mixed grazing, at the time of survey, by cattle and horses. There is no boundary between this and the adjacent CL 102, which, by virtue of its richer more mesotrophic swards, tends to be favoured by stock. However, stock do concentrate around springs and a water trough on the N and NE sides of the hill, which has resulted in locally severe poaching. Rabbits are also present and probably have a significant effect. Overall the level of grazing is satisfactory from a nature conservation viewpoint and at present scrub succession on lower slopes does not appear to be problematic. The bare poached soils are undesirable, however.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Swift, Blue Tit, Starling, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow. 
1986 records for Orange Tip and Large and Small White.

VEG:
The common consists almost entirely of mown grassland and planted trees with one or two marshy areas. Although close-mown and apparently managed as amenity grassland the sward is in places surprisingly species-rich. In the S the grassland is semi-improved and neutral, apparently somewhere between NVC communities MG5 and MG6. Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus and Poa spp. are abundant with Dactylis glomerata and a few forbs such as Bellis perennis, Trifolium spp., Ranunculus acris, R. bulbosus, Centaurea nigra,  Potentilla anserina,Senecio jacobaea and Taraxacum officinale agg. Further N there is a very gradual transition to a zone of unimproved grassland on the lower slopes of the green which is very diverse. In parts of area (2) this has low free-draining hummocks surrounded by lower-lying grassland which appears to be flushed by base-rich groundwater. Frequent to abundant are Festuca rubra, F. pratensis, Poa spp., Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerat, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex flacca, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Centaurea nigra, Taraxacum officinale agg., Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Leontodon autumnalis, L. hispidus, Bellis perennis and Achillea millefolium. Also present are Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio erucifolius, Leucanthemum vulgare, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Silaum silaus (rare), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (rare), Carex hirta, C. disticha, Cardamine pratensis, Hypericum tetrapterum, Cerastium fontanum, Briza media, Agrimonia eupatoria and Holcus lanatus. More or less characteristic of the freer-draining hummocks are Agrostis capillaris, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Luzula campestris, Carex caryophyllea, Succisa pratensis (rare), Potentilla sterilis and  P. erecta (rare). Locally there is much Calliergon cuspidtum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Fissidens sp. Area (1) by contrast has been less frequently mown and has Festuca pratensis, F. arundinacea, Arrhenatherum elatius, Lolium perenne and Holcus lanatus present in a ranker sward with fewer forbs such as Lathyrus pratensis, Allium vineale, Heracleum sphondylium, Vicia sativa and Ranunculus ficaria. Primula veris was reported from here by a local person and Oenanthe pimpinelloides was recorded in 1981-82.
A pond and shallow drainage ditch have similar marshy vegetation, including Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus inflexus, Polygonum amphibium, Pulicaria dysenterica, Filipendula ulmaria, Carex hirta, Lotus uliginosus, Epilobium parviflorum, E. hirsutum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Veronica beccabunga and Hypericum tetrapterum. Eleocharis palustris was recorded in 1986. 
The two "arms" of the common which run for several hundred metres to the E and N harbour amenity grassland, mown as a garden lawn, and on which there appear to have been several minor encroachments. Tree planting is scattered throughout and on the main body of the common; species include Acer platanoides, Balsam poplar, and various ornamantal species of thorn, Apple, Alder and Sorbus. There is also a small area of Hawthorn scrub at the N end of the main part of the common.

MANAGE:
The whole of the site is mown, with the exception only of the wettest areas and those covered by scrub. It appears to be managed as a village green for landscape and informal recreation purposes.
It is very inappropriate, at a time when old herb-rich meadows have largely disappeared from the countryside, that a site with good quality unimproved grassland should be mown and kept short for recreation purposes. The grassland on this site which is of good quality from a nature conservation viewpoint occupies the N and marginal areas of the main triangle of the common, with the central S sections distinctly poorer in species. These S areas could be retained for recreation whilst the remainder could be managed appropriately by a hay cut, probably at the end of July. Repeated management along these lines, with the clippings removed, should help to boost the populations of the scarcer species, most of which are present in only small quantities. To facilitate cutting it may be necessary to remove some of the planted trees which have been put into some of the best areas of grassland.
A projected option for the southern section of the new Avon Ring Road runs through or close to this common. The good quality of the site means that any development should be resisted. The site has a good educational potential.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Jackdaw, Magpie.
Fox, Grey Squirrel.
On date of survey weather was overcast but herb-rich swards with a variety of height and aspect, presence of bare ground and a lengthy  woodland edge ecotone probably make the site  good for butterflies  and other insects.

VEG:
The common consists of woodland and scrub surrounding areas of calcareous grassland and limestone exposure. The woodland, which is defined by an internal bank to the E is pricipally of Ash with some English Oak and is young and rather scrubby but reaches 10m in places. The shrub layer includes Hazel, Blackthorn, Spindle, and Field Maple (all frequent or locally so) with Holly, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Buckthorn and Rosa spp. less common. Frequent in the ground flora are Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Galium aparine, Glechoma hederacea, Asplenium scolopendrium and Euphorbia aamygaloides; also present are Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Stellaria holostea, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Arum maculatum, Melica uniflora, Circaea lutetiana, Moehringia trinervia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris filix-mas, Conopodium majus and Viola sp. but the ground flora is patchy in distribution. Associated with scrub at the edge of the wood are Rubus fruticosus agg., R. idaeus, Fragaria vesca, Torilis japonica, Chaerophyllum temulentum, Eupatorium cannabinum, Verbascum thapsus and a small area dominated by bracken. Within the grassland there is scattered scrub that includes Ligustrum vulgare, Cornus sanguinea, Viburnum lantana, Sorbus aria, and Quercus cerris. Rarely, Cotoneaster horizontalis and C. microphyllus are established. The grassland is unimproved Brometum (CG3) variable, rank in places. Prominent are Festuca rubra, F. ovina, Avenula pubescens, A. pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Sanguisorba minor, Galium verum, Leontodon hispidus, Veronica chamaedrys, Lotus corniculatus, Origanum vulgare, Brachypodium sylvaticum and Scabiosa columbaria. Alao of importance are Carex flacca, Koeleria micrantha, Galium mollugo, Pimpinella saxifraga, Briza media, Rhinanthus minor, Rumex acetosa, Helianthemum nummularia and Arabis hirsuta. Rarer species include Cirsium acaule, Inula conyza, Carex spicata, C. caryophyllea, Carlina vulgaris, Polygala vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa, Euphrasia nemorosa, Linum catharticum, Daucus carota, Agrimonia eupatoria, Knautia arvensis and Dactylorhiza fuchsii.

A few outcrops of Carboniferous Limestone add to the diversity of the site. Especially characteristic of, or restricted to these old quarry workings are Erophila verna, Saxifraga tridactylites, Cerastium diffusum, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Thymus praecox, Erodium cicutarium, Sedum acre, S. album, Arabis hirsuta, Hieracium pilosella, Geranium columbinum, G. robertianum, Desmazeria rigida, Aphanes arvensis, Ononis repens, Veronica arvensis, the mosses Ctenidium molluscum and Homalothecium lutescens, the ferns Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes, and a small population of the very local Trifolium scabrum.
In the N of the site there is an area of rank grassland along a verge, dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius and with Clematis vitalba, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and  some stands of Aconitum napellus, which are almost certainly an accidental introduction.

MANAGE:
At present there is no management of scrub, woodland or grassland. The sole grazing right appears to be unexcercised but rabbits may play a local role in controlling the swards. The site seems of good quality and positive management for nature conservation should be considered a possibility. The present proportions of grassland and scrub/woodland appear satisfactory, but there is much young scrub succession in the former and removal of the few Quercus cerris saplings would certainly be a good idea. Unfortunately, any future management of the grassland will be problematic as the topography of the site is likely to make mowing difficult. It is important in any event to discourage the dumping of garden refuse by neighbouring houses and, especially, that of old toxic chemical containers.


VEG:
The common consists almost entirely of woodland on a steep slope within which there are one or two clearings. The top of the wood has Ash and English Oak dominant in an almost closed canopy; lower down there is scrub woodland between 5-8 m in height Hawthorn, Hazel and English and Wych Elm are dominant with some Elder and Clematis vitalba. There are also dense tangles of bramble. The ground flora has dominant Mercurialis perennis and Urtica dioica, with Alliaria petiolata, Glechoma hederacea, Adoxa moschatellina, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Veronica montana, V. hederifolia, Galium aparine, Ranunculus ficaria, Rumex sanguineus, Chaerophyllum temulentum and Bromus ramosus. Some of the Hazel is parasitised by Lathraea squamaria. The glades have damp, shaded and poached species-poor grassland of Agrostis stolonifera with Poa spp. A little Cardamine pratensis was the only species of note.

MANAGE:
The scrub woodland is undergrazed by cattle which gain access to the site from the E end. Much of the ground flora is poor as a consequence and the grassy areas are poached.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Skylark, Starling.

VEG:
The common consists entirely of resown grassland which is very species poor. Bromus hordeaceus and Lolium perenne appear to be dominant with few forbs. Taraxacum officinale agg. was frequent; also present were Rumex obtusifolius, Ranunculus bulbosus, Cerastium fontanum, Stellaria media, Senecio vulgaris, Geranium dissectum and Anthriscus sylvestris (rare). A tumulus, obscured by the contours of the land, was not visited.

MANAGE:
The common is managed as a ley and little can be done to enhance its value for wildlife given the current usage.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Skylark, Carrion Crow, Starling.

VEG:
The common consists entirely of a plateau atop a hill which once harboured an Iron-age hill village. Poor semi-improved grassland grazed by cattle and horses (at the time of the survey) occupies the whole of the site. The sward is probably referrable to NVC type MG6, with Lolium perenne dominant, and frequent Belis perennis, Ranunculus bulbosus, Taraxacum officinale agg., Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Trifolium repens, T. pratense and Phleum bertolonii. Also present are Agrostis capillaris, Plantago media, Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense, Carduus nutans, Alopecurus pratensis and Urtica dioica. Very locally, a few low banks reveal the nature of the underlying soil with Festuca ovina, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Myosotis ramosissima and Erophila verna also present.

MANAGE:
The grassland is grazed. Stock have free access to CL 48, which is contiguous but probably prefer the swards on the plateau. Overgrazing was not apparent at the time of survey, however.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Swift, Wren, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Jay.
Mole, Roe Deer.
Speckled Wood, Holly Blue.
Mecoptera: Panorpa communis.

VEG:
A rather rocky Ashwood with Sycamore co-dominant and some Beech. There is a closed canopy except where the wood is storm-damaged in the north and a sparse shrub layer of occasional Hazel, Elder and Hawthorn with rare Holly, Yew and Field Maple. Spindle, Rubus fruticosus agg. and Prunus spinosa are locally frequent along edges. The wood is younger toward the S where some of the shrubs are deer-barked. The ground flora consists of locally frequent or abundant Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Mercurialis perennis, Ranunculus  ficaria, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Asplenium scolopendrium.  Clematis vitalba is also locally frequent. Also present are Arum maculatum, Senecio jacobaea, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Primula vulgaris, Lonicera periclymenum, Viola riviniana, Allium ursinum, Melica uniflora, Glechoma hederacea, Listera ovata and Polystichum setiferum.

The adjacent CL 161, which is rather similar, holds the scarce vernal fungus Morchella esculenta.

MANAGE:
There is little evidence of past management in the woodland which in any case appears young in many places. Non-intervention is appropriate with fallen trees left to provide dead wood habitat. Repair of the damaged wall might discourage dumping, which has taken place on the adjacent commons.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Mallard, Woodpigeon, Swift, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Magpie.
Speckled Wood.
Rabbit. 
There is an annexe to a badger sett in the vicinity and the common may be used by foraging by badgers.

VEG:
Much of the common consists of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. Ash is dominant in the discontinuous canopy with some Common Lime and Horse Chestnut and rare Larch and English Oak. Beneath is a tall shrub layer with much English Elm and Hawthorn, but also Field Maple, Elder, Spindle, Wild Privet and Clematis vitalba. Dense stands of Rubus fruticosus agg. and Symphoricarpos rivularis, principally along the margins are also present and beside the pill in the centre is an area of dense Rubus scrub with Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation. The woodland ground flora consists of frequent or locally dominant Hedera helix, Urtica dioica and Hyacinthoids non-scripta, with Arum maculatum, Mercurialis perennis, Silene dioica, Ranunculus ficaria, Stellaria media, Carex remota, Alliaria petiolata, Veronica hederifolia, V. chamaedrys, Aegopodium podagraria, Dryopteris filix-mas, Heracleum sphondylium, Galium aparine, Anthriscus sylvestris, Melica uniflora and Polypodium interjectum of more local occurrence. Smyrnium olusatrum is frequent along the river margins and two plants of Helleborus foetidus (non- native) were found near the beacon. The E  part of the site includes saltmarsh and maritime grassland of Elymus repens (with E.repens x E. pycnanthus?) with Atriplex sp., Festuca rubra and some Apium graveolens. The saltmarsh consists of an upper zone of dense Puccinellia maritima with Aster tripolium, Plantago maritima and Cochlearia anglica and a lower one of scattered Cochlearia and Aster. The cliff above the river is largely devoid of vegetation above MHW.

MANAGE:
Neither the woodland nor the maritime habitats showed signs of management, although there was light rabbit grazing in the grassland. There is a gate at the entrance to the site and the main path leads to a beacon on the river. Non-intervention is recommended.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Chiffchaff.
Rabbit.
Hemiptera: Cercopis vulnerata.

VEG:
This small common consists mostly of marshy grassland. Dominant are Filipendula ulmaria and Urtica dioica with Deschampsia cespitosa, Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine, Heracleum sphondylium, Carex hirta, Arrhenatherum elatius, Alopecurus pratensis, Solanum  dulcamara, Centaurea nigra, Stachys officinalis, Primula veris (rare),  Symphytum officinale, Ajuga reptans, Juncus conglomeratus, Dactylis glomerata and Vicia cracca. At its northern end this community passes to Salix cinerea scrub and elsewhere there is Blackthorn, Hawthorn and young English Oak. Associated are Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Oenanthe crocata. Notably in the SE the marshy grassland becomes a drier, unimproved neutral to slightly acidic sward maintained by rabbit activity. Here are found several plants which are rare or local in the county, notably Stachys officinalis (frequent), Molinia caerulea (1 tussock), Genista tinctoria, Achillea ptarmica, Serratula tinctoria, Silaum silaus and Sanguisorba officinalis (frequent or  locally abundant over a small area). Festuca rubra and Agrostis capillaris are dominant, with Centaurea scabiosa, C. nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Ajuga reptans, Potentilla erecta, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, Conopodium majus, Cirsium palustre and  Angelica sylvestris. Iris pseudacorus and Phalaris arundinacea also occur on site.  
A dump in the centre of the field has Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation and to the W of this is a mosaic of Urtica dioica tall herb, Arrhenatherum grassland and scattered Salix  Cinerea scrub.

MANAGE:
The site offers an important insight into the semi-natural grasslands which once covered the locality, with several species indicative of old grasslands present. At present rabbits are the only control on the sward.  It is very important to maintain the existing B21 grassland, and if possible to extend it at the expense of the marshy grassland which has probably succeeded in it. At present the only use of the common is as a dumping site: there is some poaching by farm vehicles. As there are no rights, apparently no usage other than tipping, and as the common is subject to the protection of the local authority and situated in a comparatively quiet area, with its high botanic interest, the site could be managed as a valuable local nature reserve. A more detailed survey is recommended.


FAUNA:
No fauna was observed during the short visit although Hare was present in adjacent fields.

VEG:
The common consists of rather narrow verges with grassland. Although probably not directly improved, these are species poor, at least partly due to disturbance. Frequent are Arrhenatherum elatius, Alopecurus pratensis, Bromus hordeaceus, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthriscus sylvestris, Poa spp., Trifolium repens, Ranunculus acris, Heracleum sphondylium, Taraxacum officinale agg. and Urtica dioica. Occasional to rare are Filipendula ulmaria, Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense, Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia sativa, V. sepium, V.cracca, Trifolium pratense, Polygonum amphibium, Allium vineale, Glechoma hederacea, Juncus inflexus, Agrimonia eupatoria, Geranium molle, G. dissectum, Myosotis arvensis, Angelica sylvestris and Carex pendula. A rhyne, generally rather eutrophicated, bounds part of the verges and has Phragmites australis, Callitriche sp., Apium nodiflorum, Galium palustre, Carex pendula and a small amount of Iris pseudacorus.

MANAGE:
The verges may be mown but probably continual use by horse riders, which has led to local poaching is more important in keeping the parts of the sward closest to the road under control.

Planting of native scrub species, such as Salix caprea, S. cinerea, Hawthorn or Buckthorn, in localised patches would diversify the site.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Blackbird, Chiffchaff.
Common Shrew.

VEG:
The common consists of a green lane in its southern part, best classified as two parallel species-rich hedges with trees. Although a fallen tree obstructed access to the greater part, woody species noted over a small section were Field Maple, Hazel, Blackthorn, Bullace and Dogwood with a ground flora including Mercurialis perennis, Hedera helix, Arum maculatum, Glechoma hederacea, Geum urbanum, Viola hirta, Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Rubus fruticosus agg. The section of the lane nearest Caple Farm has Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation. N of the farm the lane is tarmaced and surrounded by tall hedges with a very narrow, almost non-existent steep verge. This however is species rich: the hedge includes Ash, Rose, Hazel Field Maple, Blackthorn, Holly, Dogwood and Elder with much Clematis vitalba and Tamus communis. Additional species present in the ground flora include Stachys sylvatica, Geranium robertianum, Fragaria vesca, Galium aparine, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Vicia sepium, Lapsana communis, Primula vulgaris, Asplenium scolopendrium, Stellaria holostea, Arctium minus and Brachypodium sylvaticum. At the far N of the site the verges are wider and include semi-improved neutral grassland similar to that on the adjacent CL 92.

MANAGE:
The green lane is unmanaged. The part adjacent to Caple Farm is used for small scale dumping of garden refuse. The hedges north of the farm are cut once a year trimmed square to about 2m in height.
The fallen tree could be cut up to allow access to the narrow lane.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species  were noted:   Robin.
Linnet.

VEG:
Amenity grassland in the form of a cricket pitch forms the bulk of the vegetation on this common. The management has produced a species-poor sward dominated by Lolium perenne and Poa spp. with a few forbs: Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, and Trifolium repens and Taraxacum vulgare agg. were rare. The margins of the outfield have planted Sycamore, Beech, Silver Birch and Field Maple or verges of Arrhenatherum elatius dominated grassland (MG1) which include few species of note. Arum maculatum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata, Galium aparine, Allium vineale and Symphytum officinale were recorded and there is a tiny area of Crataegus scrub but these marginal habitats are very limited in total. In the SE of  area of young woodland with a canopy of Sycamore, Ash and English Oak. The shrub layer is not well developed but English Elm and Hawthorn are present especially on the edges. In the ground flora Hedera helix and Rubus fruticosus agg. are abundant with Galium aparine, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cytisus scoparius and Pteridium aquilinum (both rare), Arum maculatum Geranium robertianum Ranunculus ficaria, Lunaria annua, Anthriscus sylvestris, Bromus sterilis, Cymbalaria muralis and Dryopteris filix-mas.

MANAGE:
The majority of the area is kept closely mown as a cricket pitch and various lawn treatments are probably applied. Some benches have been provided for spectators.  Grass clippings from the cuts are deposited in one area on the margins of the site. The woodland is unmanaged.

Few recommendations can be made for enhancing the wildlife interest of the site given its current usage. The marginal areas of Arrhenatherum grassland could be cut once a year toward the end of the season and the clippings removed. Non-intervention is appropriate in the woodland area.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Starling, Magpie.
Speckled Wood.

VEG:
The Green Lane has hedges between which lies mostly dense scrub of Bramble, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, English Elm, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Hazel, Ash and Rosa spp. Ground flora includes Lonicera periclymenum, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Stellaria holostea, Veronica chamaedrys, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Ranunculus ficaria and Conopodium majus. Also present, especially in the N is marshy grassland with Descchampsia cespitosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla anserina, Veronica beccabunga, Iris pseudacorus, Ranunculus repens, Epilobium hirsutum, Stellaria alsine, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Galium palustre and Lotus uliginosus. The Green has neutral to slightly acidic grassland closest to NVC MG5c with Festuca rubra, Poa spp., Anthoxanthum odoratum, Rumex acetosa, Luzula campestris, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium spp., Rumex acetosa, Conopodium majus, Potentilla reptans, P. x mixta, Lathyrus pratensis and Centaurea nigra. There is also marshy grassland with Carex ? panicea, C. ? ovalis, C. ? disticha, Achillea ptarmica (frequent), Potentilla erecta, Juncus effusus, J.  inflexus, J. articulatus, Festuca pratensis, Cardamine pratensis, Agrostis stolonifera, Prunella vulgaris and Lotus uliginosus. In the SE lies an area of marshy grassland with Bramble scrub.

MANAGE:
None was evident at time of survey, but the Green is probably mown. A car park has been established in the S. Emerson's Green is likely to undergo change albeit indirect, as a result of proposed development which will surround it entirely with housing (see also CL 127). It is essential that a sympathetic approach is adopted which will safeguard the important plant communities on the site. This will involve good grassland management and the surrounding households being made aware of their value. Only the periphery notably to the N, S and SE, is of lower ecological value such that amenity use would not lead to a decline in the quality of the site.


FAUNA:
The following butterflies are known to have occured on this site between 1983 & 1987:    Grizzled Skippers; Brimstone, Orange Tip; Large Small Marbled & Green-veined Whites; Small Copper; Small, Common, Adonis, and Holly Blues; Brown Argus, Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Wall Brown, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown & Small Heath.  White-letter  Hairstreak recorded in 1990.00 (source: AWT files). On site visit: Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Wren.

VEG:
The calcicolous grassland is varied on this site, but shows throughout the effects of a long absence of management. Generally it is a rather open grassland closest to NVC type CG3a/b, species-rich short and rabbit disturbed in places, tall in others. Most prominent are Bromus erectus, Poa spp., Avenula pratensis, A. pubescens, Koeleria micrantha, Festuca ovina, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Sanguisorba minor, Agrimonia eupatoria, Centaurea nigra, C. scabiosa, Leucanthemum vulgare, Scabiosa columbaria and Achillea millefolium. Species characteristic of disturbed/scrub edge habitat are conspicuously frequent, such as Brachypodium sylvaticum, Origanum vulgare, Hypericum perforatum, Veronica chamaedrys, Glechoma hederacea, Galium mollugo, Viola hirta. Less common species include Carex caryophyoyllea, C. flacca, Galium verum, Verbascum thapsus, Centaurium erythraea, Carduus nutans, Lithospermum officinale, Bryonia dioica, Polygala vulgaris, Cirsium acaule, Pimpinella saxifraga, Primula veris, Dauca carota, Linum catharticum, L. bienne (scarce in the county), Briza media, Rhinanthus minor, Clinopodium vulgare and Vicia hirsuta. A few low outcrops of Carboniferous Limestone harbour Thymus praecox, Hieracium pilosella, Sedum acre, Geranium columbinum, Saxifraga trisactylites, Cerastium diffusum, C.glomeratum, Erophila verna and Arenaria serpyllifolia. Scrub which has been cleared in places is principally of Hawthorn, Dog Rose, and Bramble with occassional Ash, Field Maple, Spindle, Wayfaring Tree and Crab Apple. Besides those species already indicated above associated are Smyrnium olusatrum, Foeniculum vulgare, Ononis repens and Artemisia absinthum, which is rare in Avon. At the top and bottom of the slope the common grades into a footpath flanked by thick hedges mostly intact except for few places at the top. These are mostly of English Elm and Hawthorn with some Elder, Sycamor and Ash. That at the foot shades a species-poor woodland type ground flora with much Smyrnium olusatrum, whilst that at the top is more open and includes a few areas of tall Arrhenatherum elatius grassland which grade into the calcicolous grassland beneath.
A survey of 1986, which included an adjacent area of grassland which is not common, also recorded Aira caryophyllea, Calamintha sylvatica, Filipendula vulgaris, Rumex acetosella, Salvia verbenaca, Hippocrepis comosa, Rubia peregrina and Verbena officinalis.

MANAGE:
Although there are extant pasture rights, there has clearly been only minimal grazing by stock, if at all, for many years. The common has also been burnt in the past. The site is now an AWT reserve and the subject of a detailed management plan aimed at maintaining  and expanding the  short herb-rich grassland and its populations of butterflies whilst retaining a scrub mosaic, and also safeguarding the interests of commoners and respecting the value local people attach to the site for quiet recreation. 
It should be borne in mind during scrub-clearance programmes that there are probably locally scarce species of rose present.
With sustained grassland management, the common might be considered as an extension to the nearby Walton Common SSSI.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Swift, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Magpie.
Hemiptera: Cercopis  vulnerata

VEG:
The most interesting part of the common is a small area of unimproved grassland flanking the stream in the centre which has escaped improvement. Some areas of this are distinctly marshy with abundant Deschampsia cespitosa, Poa trivialis, Angelica sylvestris, Juncus inflexus, J. acutiflorus, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus repens, Cirsium arvense, Oenanthe crocata and Phalaris arundinacea. Also present are Carex otrubae, C. flacca, C. hirta, Equisetum arvense Juncus effusus, Senecio erucifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Filipendula ulmaria, Stachys officinalis, Hypericum tetrapetram, and Achillea ptarmica. Other areas are drier, neutral grassland, again with D. cespitosa but also Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Elymus repens, Poa pratensis, capillaris, Festuca rubra, Lathyrus pratensis, Cardamine pratensis, Cirsium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Stachys officiales, Serratula tinctoria and Genista anglica (very rare in the county; 3-4 plants present). The stream itself is highly eutrophicated but includes Phragmites australis, Callitriche stagnalis and Scrophularia auriculata. There is a Crack Willow. Flanking this area are two enclosed fields with poor semi-improved neutral grassland of low interest mostly dominated by Poa spp., Alopecurus pratensis, Bromus hordeaceus or locally Arrhenatherum elatius. A limited range of forbs is present which includes Lathyrus pratensis, Cirsium arvense and a few rushes and carices. A pond in the W has Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus effusus, Galium palustre, Solanum dulcamara, Angelica sylvestris and Epilobium hirsutum. The SE of the site has mown, improved grassland. Nearby is an area of wasteground well-colonised by ruderals and with tall herb and MG1 vegetation. Some Geranium rotundifolium was the only species of note.

MANAGE:
Most of the site has been enclosed with barbed wire fences and does not have the appearance of common land. The W field appears to be managed for hay or silage, whilst those to the E are horse-grazed. The strip of grassland in the SE is mown. Slurry has been sprayed here.  This common is one of three in the area whose future is affected by proposed development. Plans have been submitted to Northavon and Kingswood District Councils for a residential development including a business park, shopping centre and technology/science park. The latter is planned for the Lyde Green area. Although the boundaries of the commons are largely to be respected (the Emersons Green Development Corporation plan indicates that as sites of ecological value, two of the commons, including Lyde Green, are to be retained and "enhanced"), some encroachments, principally from new road schemes, are envisaged. Current management on the common is also likely to change.
If and when development proceeds, a sensitive approach to the incorporation of Lyde Green Common within the scheme is vital. It is important to safeguard the remaining area of old and species-rich grassland flanking the stream as a wildlife habitat to diversify the site. This could be cut carefully on an annual basis and the clippings removed, as grazing is likely to be impractical. In the interim period a manual cut of the drier, unimproved neutral grassland, which is now rank through undermanagement, would be of value in preventing its further decline. Opening up of the grassland in the vicinity of the Genista anglica (possibly accompanied by pruning) to permit seed germination would aid in rejuvenation of this species, which is now very rare in the county. Management for wildlife elsewhere on the common might include creative conservation schemes such as pond creation, rather than turning the site into a parkland largely sterile to wildlife. Given the projected surrounding landuse as a science park, this would seem particularly apposite. Retention of the cattle grid would also be a nice idea.
The legality of the fences on this common at present is uncertain. Many appear to serve no purpose and should be removed.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Mallard, Pheasant, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Swift, Skylark, Swallow, Dunnock, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, White-throat, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow.  Common Shrew, Rabbit. 
Small Heath, Common Blue.  
1982 records exist for Large & Grizzled  Skippers; Large & Green-veined Whites; Peacock, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, and Meadow Brown. Breeding Lapwing, Little Owl and Meadow Pipit;  Cuckoo, Wheatear and Green Woodpecker.

VEG:
The site is divided into three units for the purpose of survey. 
 
 Sodbury Common.  The common consists almost entirely of unimproved neutral grassland which is, however, rather species-poor throughout.  Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Poa spp. and Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus, Bellis perennis,Ranunculus acris and Trifolium pratense are also frequent and there are also records for Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Agrostis capillaris, Taraxacum officinale agg., Plantago lanceolata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Achillea millefolium, Potentilla reptans, Cirsium arvense (very locally abundant), Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Festuca pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Carex hirta and Cirsium vulgare. The N section of the common is distinctly poorly-drained with Arostis canina, Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus conglomeratus, J. inflexus, Ranunculus flammula, R. repens, R. acris, Senecio aquaticus, Carex flacca and Cirsium palustre characteristic. Montia fontana ssp. chondrosperma was rare and Triglochin palustris (rare in Avon) was recorded here in 1982 and is probably still present. Ditches and ephemeral pools may hold Potentilla anserina, Apium nodiflorum, Alopecurus geniculatus, Angelica sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum, Nasturtium officinale, Cardamine pratensis and Glyceria sp. and scattered scrub of Hawthorn, Bramble, Blackthorn and Rose occurs alongside. The driest areas occur in the E and, especially, SE,where weakly calcicolous grassland occurs over dips and hummocks. This is slightly more diverse than the body of the common eith Briza media, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina, Luzula campestris, Leontodon taraxacoides, L. hispidus Cirsium acaule (rare), Galium verum, Hieracium pilosella, Plantago media and Primula veris (rare). In the NE there are scattered trees of Ash and Oak with some Hawthorn and Urtica dioica. The SW corner of the common is part of a golf course, with a fairways evident as improved, mown swathes within the grassland. (There are no scrub or bunkers associated with the course.) A verge E of Little Sodbury End has mainly Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, but also a coarse, rank sward with much Phragmites australis and Calamagrostis epigejos with Epilobium hirsutum, Angelica sylvestris, Vicia cracca, Urtica dioica, Valeriana officinalis and Filipendula ulmaria. There are planted Aspen and White Poplar trees nearby. Tree-planting has also taken place on the common at ST 740827 and 743827, including Ash, Alder and Aspen.
Other plant records, made in 1982, include Carex nigra, Crataegus laevigata (hedges along W margin), Hordeum secalinum, Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus peltatus and Rhamnus catharticus.

Colt's Green & Chipping Sodbury road verges.
Colt's Green is largely amenity grassland managed as a cricket pitch. Marginally this may be quite rich despite close mowing, with Senecio erucifolius, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium palustre and Potentilla anserina recorded. The outfield has areas of rank Arrhenatherum elatius grassland (MG1); at ST 738816 there is a large stand of Crepis biennis. A ditch runs alongside the road by the green with Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex hirta, C. flacca, Aster novi-belgae, Leucanthemum vulgare, Daucus carota and Juncus inflexus amongst others. The Badminton Road verges consist of MG1 grassland, mown in a band adjacent to the road. The sward is comparatively species rich, including such species as Senecio erucifolius, Heracleum sphondylium, Leucanthemum vulgare, Geranium pratense, G. dissectum, Vicia sepium, Armoracia rusticana, Crepis biennis, Silene dioica, Tragopogon pratensis, Convolvulus arvensis, Bromus commutatus and Carex hirta. Planted trees are common along this stretch, including Horse Chestnut and Common Lime. There is an area of woodland beside the road further E, of English Oak, Ash and Sycamore with Field Maple, Hawthorn and Elder. Associated in a narrow band beside the road is calcicolous grassland with Bromus erectus, Avenula pubescens, Festuca arundinacea, Centaurea scabiosa, C. nigra, Ononis repens, Knautia arvensis, Lotus corniculatus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Lathyrus pratensis and Myosotis arvensis. In the far E bracken becomes prominent. Most of the road verges on the outskirts of Chipping Sodbury are of low interest. Road improvement schemes have reduced many almost to non-existance; some are no longer traceable on the ground. Gorlands Road has mown amenity grassland verges with planted Ash, Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn and Acer and Prunus spp. There is also an intact species poor hedge of English Elm in two places with a little tall herb vegetation. Other verges are even poorer with only a few ruderal species present amongst the improved, closely mown swards. The boundaries of the CL verges in the vicinity of Smart's Green are unclear as a new roundabout has been built and the change not recorded in the CL register. Chapel Lane has narrow verges with Arrhenatherum elatius grassland and tall herb vegetation including much Urtica dioica and some Symphytum officinale. Some parts are mown and a detatched section is composed entirely of productive and disused vegetable allotments. Catchpot Lane has quite species-rich Arrhenatherum grassland, shaded in places by tall hedges.

Kingrove Common.
The site is similar in its vegetation to Sodbury Common, although hummocks with a calcicolous flora are more extensive and species-rich. Present here are Bromus erectus, Briza media, Avenula pubescens, Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella, Linum catharticum, Carex flacca, C. caryophyllea, Galium verum, Plantago media, Taraxacum erythrospermum gp., Primula veris, Luzula campestris and Cirsium acaule. The neutral grassland is also somewhat more diverse with Hordeum secalinum locally frequent, Potentilla reptans, Alopecurus pratensis, Lolium perenne, Leucanthemum vulgare, Rumex acetosa and Leontodon hispidus. The damp areas are less extensive and include Alopecurus geniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Cardamine pratensis, Ranunculus flammula, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus inflexus, Glyceria fluitans, Ranunculus sect. Batrachium, Lychnis flos-cuculi and Veronica catenata (both rare). A small marsh and pond in the S have Juncus inflexus, Potentilla anserina, Poa trivialis, Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria sp. and Apium nodiflorum. Kingrove Lane verge has damp MG1 grassland flanking a ditch with Epilobium hirsutum, Solanum dulcamara, Scrophularia auriculata and Apium nodiflorum, mown improved grassland and a little ruderal vegetation.

MANAGE:
Sodbury and Kingrove Commons are cattle and horse grazed. Colt's Green is mostly mown as a cricket pitch and formal recreation management is also seen on the SW corner of Sodbury Common, where there is a golf course. The majority of the verges are mown, the broader ones repeatedly in a strip adjacent to the road to allow increased visibility for motorists, and once a year (late June) in the deeper "rough". Grass cuttings are not removed. The triangle of grassland at Coomb's End is mown and two areas of the common hold vegetable allotments. Management for informal recreation is evident in provision of benches in one or two places and tree-planting is widespread along verges.
Grazing pressure on the two main areas of common land appears to be satisfactory from a nature conservation viewpoint, although local overgrazing was apparent on Sodbury Common, as at ST 733827 and 741837, where there is an abundance of thistles and nettle. Control of these would be a good idea. At the time of survey play on the golf course appeared to have been suspended. Any future management of the course by the adjacent club should take account of the landscape value of the common: further extensions of the playing surface should be resisted as should development of sculptural features and hazards. Sodbury Common is the largest single block of common land in the county and the comparatively large stretches of unenclosed lowland it contains are a valuable and rare landscape feature. Further activities such as tree planting which may detract from the impact of this feature should be resisted. Grass cuttings should be removed from most verges, to encourage floral diversity, but the Grassland at Coomb's End could be left to become rank.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Woodpigeon, Skylark, Linnet, Starling, House Sparrow.
Small White.
Common Shrew.

VEG:
The majority of the common is poor semi-improved acidic grassland with little diversity remaining. Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra and Agrostis capillaris are abundant or locally so, with Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Ranunculus acris, R. bulbosus, Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella (rare), Hypochoeris radicata, Plantago lanceolata, Bromus hordeaceus, Cerastium fontanum, Trifolium pratense, Conopodium majus (rare) and Cirsium arvense. A stream has quite a diverse flora with Nasturtium officinale, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria sp., Poa trivialis, Epilobium hirsutum, Iris pseudacorus, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Stellaria alsine, Lotus uliginosus, Filipendula ulmaria, Polygonum hydropiper and Galium palustre. In the W there is much tree-planting including ornamental Hawthorn and Maple, Sorbus spp., Lime and Viburnum spp. Disturbed areas beside a disused, blocked off road hold a mix of MG1 grassland, scattered scrub and open areas with a vestige of the original widespread acidic flora including Ulex gallii, Cytisus scoparius, Hypericum pulchrum, Luzula multiflora (rare), Potentilla erecta and Digitalis purpurea, which are becoming shaded out. Where this abandoned road meets the railway line there is scattered scrub, ruderal vegetation and a small amount of acidic grassland with Aira praecox, Festuca ovina, Stellaria graminea, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Hypochoeris radicata and Teucrium scorodonia.

MANAGE:
A playing field in the NE is mown. The bulk of the site is probably also mown. Tree planting on a large scale has been carried out in the W and fences have been erected all over the site. The isolated road was probably built as a precursor to development but is now functionless.  This is a large site and management for wildlife on parts of it is possible without disrupting the amenity value of the open grasslands.  The common has lost vitually all of its character through improvement and mass planting of inappropriate tree species; it is at present a sad example of how the wildlife interest of a suburban common can decline through neglect and inappropriate management.  Future management should centre around conservation and extension of the small areas of acidic habitat which should remain.  There should be no further improvement of swards and clippings should be removed, at least from the less-improved areas in the W, to prevent build up of soil fertilty.  Grassland beside the brook could be left unmown in places to create a more sheltered environment for wildlife.  This could also happen in peripheral areas.  Future plantings should be of appropriate species such as Ulex spp., Cytisus scoparius, Hawthorn, Rowan, Birch or Oak, and should be in small scattered nuclei around the edge of the site rather than in closely spaced artificial phalanxes.  A pond could be created somewhere in the vicinity of the stream to provide a focus for wildlife and education.  The fences should be removed from the common.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Herring Gull, Swift, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Swallow, Wren, Long tailed Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Starling, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch House, Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook (1982 bird list  includes Lesser White-throat & Sparrowhawk).  Common Shrew. 
Small White, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Mother Shipton.  
Mining bees and  anthills present.  
BRERC lists Badger Sett on edge of common. Common used for foraging.

VEG:
The common consists mostly of acidic and neutral grassland with marsh and scrub and falls conveniently into three main areas which are dealt with in turn.

Siston Common. Neutral grassland is most prominent W of the old railway. It is variable in species-composition but is perhaps regarded as semi-improved with a fair amount of diversity remaining. Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomeratus, Poa spp., Festuca pratensis, Festuca rubra, Bromus hordeaceus, Trisetum flavescens are all important constituents with Ranunculus bulbosus, R. acris, Taraxacum officinale agg., Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Vicia sativa and Plantago lanceolata the most frequent forbs. Also present are Holcus lanatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Bellis perennis, Achillea millefolium, Cerastium fontanum, Medicago lupulina, Rumex crispus, Hypochoeris radicata, Senecio jacobaea, Lotus corniculatus, Carex hirta, Lathyrus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Equisetum arvense and Tanacetum vulgare. Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense are local and there is a small stand of Reynoutria japonica at (1). Unimproved Acidic grassland is best represented in the N and E of the common forming intermediates and mosaics with neutral swards especially on the plateau at Siston Hill to the N. It comprises abundant to dominant Festuca rubra with abundant Agrostis capillaris. Festuca ovina is locally frequent on the poorer soils and also important are Poa trivialis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus and, to the E, Nardus stricta a rare species in the county. A greater diversity of species occurs on open poached hummocks including Rumex acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Hieracium pilosella, Aphanes microcarpa, Lotus corniculatus, Campanula rotundifolia, Luzula campestris, Hypochoeris radicata, Conopodium majus, Aira praecox, Galium saxatile, Stellaria graminea, Veronica officinalis, Vulpia bromoides, Aira praecox and Dicranum scoparium, Brachythecium albicans, Polytrichum juniperinum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pseudoscleropodium purum and Cladonia furcata. The acidic grassland in area (2) is perhaps the most diverse, including Potentilla erecta and Stachys officinalis. Two tiny vestiges of heath are found N of the track at ST 667742, where about 19 mature Calluna vulgaris bushes remain over an area of 4m2, and at ST 669742, where about 7 bushes occur on a steep bank.

Damp areas, in the form of streams, drainage ditches and poorly drained depressions, are scattered over the common and tend to share many species. The most extensive occurs at (3) and includes Deschampsia cespitosa, Agrostis stolonifera, Carex ovalis, C. nigra, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Juncus articulatus, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus flammula, Senecio aquaticus, Isolepis setacea and Achillea ptarmica. Another at (4) occurs on a slope where acidic grassland is flushed, and has Anthoxanthum odoratum, Molinia caerulea, Juncus articulatus, Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus flammula, Senecio aquaticus, Carex demissa, C. flacca C. panicea, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium palustre and Achillea ptarmica. Other records for damp-loving species are Oenanthe crocata, Epilobium hirsutum, E. parviflorum, Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Caltha palustris, Filipendula ulmaria, Juncus inflexus, Carex otrubae (associated with Warmley Brook) and Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Scrophularia auriculata, Mentha aquatica, Galium palustre, Hypericum tetrapterum, Stellaria alsine, Cardamine pratensis and Lemna minor (associated with a spring and marshy grassland in NW of common). A cattle pond S of "The Firs" has Juncus effusus, Veronica beccabunga, Alopecurus geniculatus, Callitriche sp. and Glyceria sp., whilst Ranunculus hederaceus and Luzula multiflora  were recorded in 1990 in the ditch and marshy areas flanking the main road which crosses the common.

At (5) there is a small area with calcicolous vegetation, probably developed over mining spoil, with Bromus erectus, Briza media and Cirsium acaule.

Area (6) harbours a mixture of acidic grassland with 70% scrub cover of Ulex gallii with Rubus fruticosus agg. and some Hawthorn standards. Dense scrub is frequent around the margins of the common and is scattered in the W and E edges. Hawthorn and Bramble are most common but Ash, Sycamore and Ulex europaeus  also occur, with Blackthorn and English Elm in boundary hedges, and there is a small area of suckering White Poplar at ST 667742 beside the disused railway. Associated with scrub are a number of woodland edge species: at (7), Chamaenerion angustifolium and Dryopteris dilatata  occur. About 200 Ophioglossum vulgatum are also present here in a rank, shaded sward. At ST 669742 there is scrub woodland with Quercus robur. Polygala serpyllifolia, Teucrium scorodonia and Briza media occur in acidic grassland here and there is a very small area of Pteridium aquilinum.


Goose Green and associated road verges.
Goose Green is a rather badly drained, species-poor neutral grassland closest to MG5. A recently constructed cyclepath runs its entire length. Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Poa spp., Dactylis glomerata, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Alopecurus pratensis, Bromus hordeaceus and Holcus lanatus are frequent. Forbs include Trifolium pratense, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Centaurea nigra (rare), Cirsium arvense, Rumex crispus, Potentilla anserina, Cerastium fontanum and Bellis perennis, and a weedy element including Lactuca serriola, Polygonum aviculare, Capsella bursa-pastoris etc., indicating the disturbed nature of the soil. One or two places are especially wet and hold Juncus inflexus, Ranunculus repens, Senecio aquaticus, Glyceria plicata, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum and Agrostis stolonifera. There are scattered planted trees of Ash and ornamental Acer spp. throughout. The road verges at Carsons Road and Webb's Heath Road hold typical MG1 vegetation with a limited range of forbs including Rumex spp., Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Humulus lupulus, Carex flacca, C. hirta and Vicia sepium. Some verges adjacent to houses in Carsons Road are mown and there are planted bulbs in places. In sum the vegetation is generally much less diverse and species-rich than at either Siston or Webb's Heath.

Webb's Heath.
Most of this area comprises unimproved grassland which is generally neutral in character but which locally shows a marked tendency toward either more basic or more acidic status. Generally the N and W have better-drained soils tending to basic, whilst the S and E are damper and harbour more acidophilous species, at least locally. Throughout there is quite a good incidence of species characteristic of MG5 grassland: Cynosurus cristauts, Festuca rubra, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Alopecurus pratensis, Rumex acetosa, Centaurea nigra, Leucanthemum vulgare and Lathyrus pratensis being notable. The more basiphilous species include Briza media, Cirsium acaule, Bromus erectus, Carex flacca and C. caryophyllea, whilst Conopodium majus, Aphanes microcarpa, Hypericum pulchrum, Potentilla erecta, Vulpia bromoides and Carex ovalis indicate more acidic conditions. The distributions of these species may reflect the presence of freer-draining mine spoil as at Siston, which has been deposited then spread over the original soil. Other species of note present in the swards are Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis stolonifera, Luzula campestris, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Agrimonia eupatoria, Hieracium pilosella, Carex hirta, C. spicata, Cardamine pratensis, Cirsium palustre and Ranunculus flammula. A single spike of Orchis mascula was found at ST 680739.
Within the grassland is an area of marsh and scrub. The former has frequent Angelica sylvestris, Mentha aquatica, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Senecio aquaticus, Eleocharis palustris, Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, J. acutiflorus, Carex hirta, Lotus uliginosus and Achillea ptarmica. Also present are Cardamine pratensis, Ranunculus flammula, Epilobium hirsutum,  Galium palustre, Glyceria fluitans, Solanum dulcamara, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex ovalis, C. panicea, Festuca arundinacea, Hypericum tetrapterum, Juncus articulatus, Vicia cracca and Molinia caerulea (locally frequent). Some of these species extend SE into the grassland; at ST 680737 over 200 Ophioglossum vulgatum occur in a patch of rush pasture.
The scrub consists of Hawthorn and Bramble with a little Ulex gallii. Marginal hedges have Elder, English Elm and Rosa spp. also and there is a small amount of Reynoutria japonica on the N side of the road at ST 680739. Siston Lane harbours similar vegetation to the other road verges on this site; there is much parking on verges and a larger proportion is mown as a garden lawn. S of the exclusion on the heath, the swards are generally rank MG1 grassland.

MANAGE:
Pasture rights are excercised on Siston Common and the main part of Goose Green; a variety of stock are pastured. Conversation with local people suggested that there had been no grazing on  Webb's Heath for about 3 years, but that instead Kingswood District Council mowed this part of the common. Several areas of grassland adjacent to houses are mown frequently as garden lawns. The area of Ulex gallii scrub at Siston had been partially burnt, but it is unsure if this was a deliberate management attempt or the result of an accidental fire. The commons remain generally open and scrub succession is not at present a major problem on this site, although in three places there had been clearance of Bramble scrub. Sward management appears to be satisfactory from a nature conservation viewpoint.

Webb's Heath constitutes the single most diverse area of grassland in the complex. It is attractive and some local people at least are interested in its safeguard. If the site is to be mown in the future, it would be worth reviewing the time and method of cut in order to maintain or boost species-diversity. A late hay cut would be appropriate, limited to the most species-rich areas if it is deemed desireable to retain some areas open for informal recreation. Local people stated that grass clippings are not at present removed and it is important to encourage this if it is not already the case. The stands of Reynoutria japonica both here and at Siston Common should be eradicated as soon as possible. On both sites there should be a presumption against further tree planting as the landscape should remain open; also the previous plantings of ornamental species at Goose Green have not been in character.
It is suggested that some attempt be made to resuscitate the two tiny stands of Calluna which remain on Siston Common (a more extensive stand remains on the railway embankment outside of the CL boundary). Measures to protect these from stock do not appear to be necessary; pruning and opening up of the surrounding grassland, which is in places dense, might be more productive, or cuttings taken from the railway embankment. Some small-scale clearance of scrub and rank grassland would benefit the colony of Ophioglossum at(7).


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Shelduck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Chaffinch, Magpie.  Small White, Small Tortoiseshell.

VEG:
Continuous and scattered lower saltmarsh of Spartina anglica, Cochlearia anglica, Puccinellia maritima, Aster tripolium, Triglochin maritimus fronts the estuary. At the N end of the site Spartina becomes particularly dense. The upper marsh is seperated from the lower by a small step in the profile and has dense Festuca rubra with locally abundant Alopecurus bulbosus and Plantago maritima, Triglochin maritimus, Cochlearia anglica and Leontodon autumnalis. The highest areas in a band beneath the embankment have rank, tall Elymus repens/Festuca rubra sward. The bank itself carries a hedge of bramble and Hawthorn with some grassland that includes Leucanthemum vulgare and Ranunculus sect. Batrachium. The main field above the bank has a mix of tall, neutral grassland 15 per cent scattered scrub and the remains of a brackisk creek with Scirpus maritimus and Agrostis stolonifera. The scrub is mostly of Bramble and Hawthorn whilst the sward has much Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca rubra, Poa spp., Elymus pycanthus, E. repens and Plantago lanceolata. Also present are Dactylis glomerata, Potentilla reptans, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvese, C. vulgare, Vicia sativa, Trifolium dubium, Erodium cicutarium, Geranium molle, Achillea millefolium, Juncus inflexus, Lotus corniculatus, Alopecurus pratensis and Silaum silaus (locally frequent). Of the two detatched areas, (1) is similar with Silaum and surrounded by thick hedges. (2) is poor semi-improved grassland of little interest.

MANAGE:
The site appears largely unmanaged although area (2) is probably cut for hay/silage and grazed. Rabbits may be present in the main field and the upper marsh.

Local resumption of sward management in the main field would benefit the grassland herbs (notably Silaum) but rankness of vegetation is important too for small mammal populations and consequently birds of prey. Any grassland improvement or reclamation on this ecologically valuable site should be resisted.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:   Shelduck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Magpie, Jackdaw. 
This stretch of the Avon is used by up to 100 Redshank, 70 Lapwing and 100 Mallard and also Dunlin, Teal, Curlew and Shoveler. Short-eared Owl present in  winter (English Nature files).

VEG:
A zone of scattered saltmarsh fronts the estuary with Spartina anglica, Cochlearia anglica, Puccinellia maritima, Aster tripolium and Elymus pycnanthus. Behind lies dense saltmarsh dominated by Festuca rubra and Puccinellia maritima with Suaeda maritima, Glaux maritima, Spergularia sp., and some Plantago maritima, Triglochin maritimus and Salicornia sp. Bupleurum tenuissimum, nationally scarce, was recorded in reasonable quantity in 1986 beside a creek in this vegetation. Juncus gerardii is present and is particularly conspicuous at the upper edge of the saltmarsh where it grades unbroken into  maritime grazing marsh. Here Festuca rubra and Poa trivalis are dominant with some Trifolium repens and the national scarcity Alopecurus bulbosus (locally abundant). Bellis perennis, Plantago coronopus and P. lanceolata may also occur. Beneath the Severn Bridge is a large area of bare soil. Further NW an earth embankment separates 3 fields from tidal influence. This carries a locally defunct hedge of Bramble and Hawthorn and open grassland including Elymus pycnanthus, Medicago arabica and Artemisia maritima. The central field has been resown with Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and a few other species. Drains have been infilled. The S field is grazing marsh with Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Ranunculus bulbosus and Cirsium arvense and Hordeum secalinum, Juncus inflexus, Alopecurus bulbosus, Elymus pycnanthus and Agrostis stolonifera more local. A tidal creek crossing the field has Scirpus maritimus. The N field is partially improved but also harbours maritime grassland of Alopecurus bulbosus, Festuca rubra and Holcus lanatus with some Carex otrubae and Juncus inflexus. Ditches here have Phragmites australis and Scirpus maritimus.

MANAGE:
Most of the site is cattle grazed, although the resown field is probably managed for silage/hay.  Further sward improvements or saltmarsh disturbance should be strongly resisted.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler Black-cap, Chiffchaff, Starling, Magpie, Jay,  Carrion Crow, Jackdaw. 
Common Shrew, Grey  Squirrel, Common Lizard. Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Common Blue. 
Coleoptera: Cetonia aurata. 
Relevant tetrad  records also include Sparrowhawk Song and Mistle Thrushes, Lesser Whitethroat, Long-tailed and Coal Tits, Chaffinch, Greenfinch & Bullfinch  summering and mostly (probably) breeding.

VEG:
Grassland occupies most of the plateau which constitutes the bulk of the common. In the S this is largely improved and managed as a parkland sward with few forbs persisting. Planted trees of Beech, Hawthorn, Sycamore and Horse Chestnut are scattered throughout. In the vicinity of the observatory there is a scrubby transition to woodland with English Elm, Elder, Hawthorn, Wild Privet, Holly and Blackthorn all represented. Patches of scrub also occur within the grassland nearby with Wych Elm, Common Lime, and Horse Chestnut. Associated with scrub are small amounts of MG1 grassland and Smyrnium olusatrum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Alliaria petiolata, Galium aparine, Urtica  dioica, Clematis vitalba and Hedera helix which is quite often parasitised by Orobanche hederae. Also in this vicinity are several limestone outcrops which may have small amounts of Bromus erectus grassland and Geranium robertianum, G. rotundifolia, Centranthus ruber, Parietaria judaica, Chieranthus chieri, Asplenium ceterach and Foeniculum vulgare. In the far S is a bank with extensive tall herb vegetation of Urtica dioica, Smyrnium olusatrum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium aparine and Pentaglottis sempervirens. N of Bridge Valley Road the grassland is more diverse with large areas of  semi-improved calcicolous grassland grading into more typical amenity grassland. The swards are Brometum mostly closest to CG3b, with Bromus erectus, Festuca ovina, Lotus corniculatus, Sanguisorba minor,  Taraxacum officinale agg., Carex flacca, Trifolium pratense, Bellis perennis, Galium verum, Leontodon spp., Pimpinella saxifraga, Hieracium  pilosella, Ranunculus bulbosus, Avenula pratensis, and Koeleria micrantha and more local but sometimes frequent Helianthemum nummularia, Allium vineale, Rhinanthus minor, Primula veris, Luzula campestris, Centaurea nigra, Thymus praecox, Filipendula vulgaris and the nationally scarce Potentilla tabernaemontani.  (1) and (2) are probably the best areas, with (1) the most "natural", but somewhat scrub-shaded in places. In  the NE disused quarries hold a similar vegetation with limestone outcrops, Arrhenatherum elatius grassland and scrub of Hawthorn, Bramble and Clematis vitalba. Additional species of note here are Carduus nutans (rare), Geranium pratense, Sedum acre, Saxifraga tridactylites, Aphanes arvensis, Erophila verna, Plantago coronopus, Cerastium semidecandrum and Cladonia rangiformis. Thin deposits of drift cover parts of the plateau; acidic grassland occurs locally over this and has Festuca spp. with Agrostis capillaris, Luzula campestris, Hypochoeris radicata, Plantago lanceolata, Leontodon autumnalis, Galium verum, Rumex acetosa, Brachythecium albicans and Lotus corniculatus, Carex caryophyllea, Stachys officinalis and Potentilla erecta more rarely. Sometimes calcicolous and acidic elements are intimately mixed.
A small area of calcicolous grassland occurs at Walcombe Slade, within the woodland that covers most of the W margin of the common.  This is exceptionally rich, lying over thin soil with rock outcrops and scattered scrub.  It is cross by the CL boundary, although the precise limit of the common is not traceable on the ground.  Species present include the nationally scarce Carex Humilis (frequent) and the nationally rare Arabis Stricter, Bromus Erectus (frequent but not  dominant), Euphrasia Sp., Scabiosa Colunbaria, Rubia peregrine, Hippocrepis, Comosa, Carlina Vulgaris, Solidago virgaurea, Filipendula vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Brachypodiun pinnatum (rare), Cotoneaster horizontalis and Neckera crispa.  Scrub is of Turkey Oak, Dog Wood, Hazel, Yew, Wild Privet, Hawthorn and Sorbus spp., some of which are extremely rare (see English Nature files).  The woodland has Ash dominant in the canopy with some English Oak and much Sycamore at the N and S ends, regenerating abundantly.  In the gully there is also Pinus nigra and the locally frequent Yew.  The scrub layer is quite dense in places with Holly, Hazel Wych Elm and Bramble and Elder, English Elm, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Elder and Buddleja davidii (rare) in more open areas and along margins.  Ground flora is patchy with bare areas beneath Yew and Holly, but Melica uniflora, Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Mnium hornum, Geum urbanum, Syrnium olusatrum and Asplenium scolopendrium are frequent or locally so.  Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilate, Polypodium interjectum interjectum, Polystichum setiferum, Carex syvatica, Mycelis muralis, Arum maculatum, Rubia peregrina, Ciraea lutetiana, Sanicula europaea, Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Allium roseum (local) also occur.  Within the wood, on rock outcrops beside Bridge Valley Road, a small population of the nationally rare Trinia glauca occurs.

MANAGE:
The majority of the grassland is mown, the exceptions being area (1), the old quarries and Walcombe Slade.  A variety of cuts appear to be made; One part in the N is a sports pitch and  is kept short, as are the neutral amenity grasslands.  Some of the calcicolous grassland is also close mown but other areas are cut slightly higher/less frequently.  Tree planting has occured over much of the site and provision for informal recreation is evident in numerous benches, litter bins, planted avenues, a cyclepath and an outdoor circuit training course.
Non-intervention is appropriate in the woodland; It is not practical to selectively remove Sycamore, which is very common and regenerating well.  Management more sympathetic to grassland diversity would be possible by allowing more of the species-rich areas to remain uncut throughout the spring and early summer and then to cut them in early August.  Grass clippings should always be removed and wide uncut swathes left around nuclei of scrub where possible.  Eutrophication by dog excrement is probably an important factor contributing to impoverishment of the downland flora, besides being unpleasant in its own right.  Establishment of dog latrines may be a possible solution.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Swallow, Starling  Jackdaw.
Large White.

VEG:
The common is mostly of species-poor neutral grassland. Festuca pratensis, F. rubra, Poa spp., Dactylis glomerata, Bromus hordeaceus, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale agg., Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium spp. and Ranunculus bulbosus are frequent whilst Festuca arundinacea, Geranium dissectum, Medicago lupulina, Alopecurus pratensis, Rumex acetosa, Galium verum, Vicia sativa, Lathyrus pratensis, Ranunculus repens, R. acris, Cerastium fontanum and Heracleum sphondylium also occur. Disturbance may have taken place in the past. Arrhenatherum elatius grassland occurs along the margins with some Urtica dioica stands. In places a few slightly raised hummocks hold a vestigial acidic Festuca rubra - Agrostis capillaris sward with Anthoxanthum odoratum and Luzula campestris. Damper areas also occur locally with Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus inflexus, Cardamine pratensis and Iris pseudacorus (rare). In the central section the common consists of narrow verges some  thick hedges with MG1 grassland. There is also scrub of Ash, English Elm, Blackthorn and Snowberry. The E section of the site is marginally more diverse with records for Vicia cracca, Crepis vesicaria, Armoracia rusticana, Carex hirta, C. flacca, Symphytum officinale, Allium vineale and Lotus corniculatus but again has the appearance of having been disturbed in the past. Tree planting has taken place at several places; Horse Chestnut, Ash and Beech in the W and Hawthorn in the E.

MANAGE:
At least part of the site is cut for hay by the stables at Manor Farm. Cattle grazing no longer takes place but it is possible that horse grazing occurs rarely. Some verges are mown as lawns and  benches are provided.

Repeated annual cuts for hay will benefit the site. Damp areas could be scraped out and deepened to accentuate and promote further diversity. Native scrub planting could occur especially round edges and in the E.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species  were noted:   Woodpigeon, Wren, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow.
Small White, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Holly Blue.
Odonata: Pyrrhosoma  nymphula.

VEG:
The common was divided into sections for the purposes of survey. At section (1) the road is flanked by shaded banks with steep hedges. A diverse flora includes Galium mollugo, Mercurialis perennis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Ranunculus ficaria, Carex remota, Clematis vitalba, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Polystichum setiferum, Arum maculatum, Stellaria holostea and Bromus ramosus. The hedges are species rich with Spindle, Ash, Hazel, Dog Rose, Field Maple, Holly and English Elm. (2) is an area of species-poor marshy grassland dominated by Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Juncus inflexus and Ranunculus repens. Section (4) has verges, generally narrow, bounded by mostly intact hedges and rhynes. The rhynes include Oenanthe crocata, Asplenium scolopendrium, Angelica sylvestris, Carex pendula, C. remota, Phalaris arundinacea, Apium nodiflorum, Cardamine flexuosa, Epilobium hirsutum, Scrophularia auriculata, Filipendula ulmaria and   Solanum dulcamara. The verges are generally less interesting, with either Lolium perenne-Poa spp. grassland or species poor Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, and are mown in the vicinity of Northfield where there are also planted Whitebeam and Balsam Poplar. Section (3) lacks the rhynes but is otherwhise similar. (5) has broad verges c.10m wide, again rather species poor but with some Cardamine pratensis, Artemisia vulgaris and Filipendula ulmaria. A rhyne bounds this with Apium nodiflorum, Callitriche sp., Typha latifolia, Carex riparia, Veronica beccabunga, Filipendula ulmaria and Phalaris arundinacea. Rockhampton Green itself is mostly given over to a cricket sq  car park with a little MG6 grassland and planted Sycamore. Section (6) is mown as a lawn and (7) has a very narrow verge and trimmed,  species-poor hedge on its W side and a broad, rather eutrophic rhyne, poor in species with banks of Urtica dioica tall herb and poor MG1 grassland to its E. Section (8) is mown in the vicinity of the new housing but otherwise harbours species-poor neutral grassland, disturbed in places with Alopecurus myosuroides, Viola arvensis and cultivated barley. There was planted Horse Chestnut and Quercus rubra. Section (9) again has verges of Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, here including Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Stellaria holostea and Vicia sepium, mown areas beside Pennywell farm and planted Rowan, Lombardy Poplar and Weeping Willow. Most of the hedges are intact and one length of Hazel has been laid. Cornus sanguinea, Phyllitis scolopendrium and Allium ursinum occur in hedges in this section. A rhyne has Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Equisetum palustre, Juncus inflexus, Carex pendula and Scrophularia auriculata. At (10) there is a newly dug pond with planted Iris pseudacorus and Caltha palustris. Penny Well is a clear spring upwelling through gravel with some Nasturtium officinale.

MANAGE:
Most of the hedges which bound the verges are trimmed and kept quite small. Areas adjacent to houses are usually mown by householders and section (6) and Rockhampton Green are also kept short for informal/landscape and formal recreation purposes respectively. Rockhampton Green also has a pavilion and car park on it and there is a bonfire site and dump for grass clippings. The broad verge of section (5) is mown and sections (2) and (3) are grazed at a low level by cattle going to and from nearby pastures. Non-native trees have been planted in several places. Management for wildlife is evident in the pond which has been recently created at (10). A hedge has been lain in section (9).
Parts of this linear common are probably valuable wildlife corridors in addition to providing habitat in their own right. Enhancement of the site for wildlife might include shrub planting (Crataegus monogyna, Salix caprea or S. cinerea) or pond creation in section (5), deepening dry ditches in parts of section (4). Gappy hedges in sections (4) and (9) could be lain. Grassland cuts in sections (5), (8) and (9) could be made in a manner likely to encourage further species-diversity, ie by removing grass cuttings afterwards, and areas of closely mown lawn could be allowed to become taller by cutting far less frequently in section (6). Safeguarding water quality in the rhynes, which are mostly quite species-rich at present, is important in maintaining the overall interest of the site, but this is dependent on land use in adjacent areas; the rhyne in section (7) has declined in quality as a result of run-off. Future plantings should be of native species. Holly and Ivy in area (8) might benefit Holly Blue butterflies which were seen nearby. Dumping of farmyard waste in area (2) should be discouraged and non-intervention is important in section (1). Penny Well is a valuable historic landscape feature and should be preserved.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species  were noted:   Swallow, Blackbird, Blackbird, Yellowhammer,  Linnet, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow.
Odonata: Calopteryx virgo.

VEG:
The verges generally hold neutral grassland.  Abundant are Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, Poa spp., Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus and some areas have Arrhenatherum elatius grassland.  Forbs include Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Potentilla anserina, Cirsium arvense, Silene dioica, Lathyrus pratensis, Galium mollugo, Primula veris (rare), Agrimonia eupatoria, Ranunculus acris, Carex spicata, C. flacca, Geranium pratense, Lotus corniculatus, Tragopogon pratensis. Damp area may have Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex otrubae, Epilobium hirsutum, Angelica syvestris, Juncus inflexus and Pulicaria dysenterica.  There is a little Iris pseudacorus at ST 731764.

MANAGE:
A few small areas are mown as garden lawns.  The bulk of the common may be mown from time to time.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species  were noted:  Grey Partridge, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit (nesting),  Chiffchaff, Linnet, Chaffinch, Starling, Tree Sparrow.
Common Shrew.
Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common Blue.

VEG:
In the E the roads rise up onto the Cotswold scarp and the verges hold calcicolous grassland. The riches areas are on the scarp slopes at (1) and (2). The former is species-rich but narrow and extends for 50m. It includes Bromus erectus, Sanguisorbs minor, Galium verum, G. mollugo, Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia sepium, Geranium pratense, Centaurea scabiosa, C. nigra, Veronica chamaedrys, Ononis repens, Scabiosa columbaria, Briza media, Agrimonia eupatoria, Rumex acetosa, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Leontodon hispidus, Trisetum flavescens, Rhinanthus minor (rare), Avenula pratensis, Plantago media, Silene vulgaris and Pimpinella saxifraga. (2) is more extensive and similar but slightly less rich, with Ranunculus bulbosus, Avenula pubescens, Lotus corniculatus, Rhinanthus minor (locally frequent),  Knautia arvensis, Allium vineale, Carex flacca, Cirsium acaule, Brachypodium pinnatum, Primula veris, and Clematis vitalba. Most of the plateau verges are more neutral (see below) although that at (3) has shallow, poor soils with Carex flacca, Leucanthemum valgare, Bellis perennis, Daucus carota, Linum catharticum, and Hieracium pilosella. Arrhenatherum elatius verges are the most widespread type on the site. Overall a wide range of species are associated; individual stands are usually moderately diverse but may be usually moderately diverse, but may be unusually species-rich as at (4) and (5). Frequent are Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Poa spp., Festuca rubra, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex spp., and Alopecurus pratensis. Leucanthemum vulgare, Stachys sylvatic, Vicia sepium, V. cracca, Glechoma hederacea, Tussilago farfara, Convolvulvus arvensis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthriscus sylvestris, Crepis vesicaria, Bromus sterilis, Artemisia vulgaris, Alliaria petiolata, Senecio erucifolius, Epilobium hirsutum, Mentha arvensis, Tragopogon pratensis, Aegopodium podagraria, Carduus acanthoides, Cirsium arvense, Daucus carota and Armoracia rusticana also occur. Species of note are Primula veris, (occasional to rare) Valeriana officinalis (frequent in area (4)), Ononis repens (abundant at ST 722766) Geranium pratense (locally frequent), Trifolium fragiferum (frequent in shorter verges of area (5)) and the introduced Nectaroscorum siculum, well-established at ST 752769 and in area (6). Area (6) has verges shaded by tall hedges; there is a 1985 record for Paeonia mascula and Carex pendula and Symphoricarpos rivularis occur. A waterfall by the side of the road has Epilobium hirsutum, Veronica beccabunga, Nasturtium officinale and Reynoutria japonica. Other marshy areas are present in the W where the River Boyd crosses the verges: at ST 723771 there is Phalaris arundinacea and Filipendula ulmaria and at 723766 there is a little Iris pseudacorus. Cock Lane (7) has grassland and Urtica dioica tall herb shaded by dense scrub and woodland of Blackthorn, Elder, Ash, English Oak, Field Maple, Hazel, English Elm and Sycamore with Dryopteris filix-mas, Humulus lupulus, Mercurialis perennis and Asplenium scolopendrium. There is also a dense stand of Reynoutria japonica. Other scrub/woodland areas are a shelter belt of mature Beech with Sycamore beneath at ST 746748 and dense Blackthorn scrub in area (5) with Bramble, Dogwood, Salix caprea and Hawthorn. Salix cinerea appears to be coppiced in the far W of area (4). In two areas surrounding trees shades the verges and an element of woodland species occurs in the grassland: Sands Hill (8) has Ribes rubrum, Asplenium scolopendrium, Geum urbanum and Veronica hederifolia, whilst  alongside Dyrham Park (9) are found Glechoma hederacea, Silene dioica, Mercurialis perennis, Brachypodium sylvaticum and Geranium robertianum.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species  were noted:   Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Swift, Swallow, Skylark,  Wren, Blue and Great Tits, Willow Warbler, Linnet, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Robin, Jay, Blackbird, Nightingale, Starling, Chaffinch,  Magpie.  
Rabbit, Mole, Common Shrew.  
Other faunal data  exists for this site -  see sources. The  following is a summary: Tetrad reords for  summering birds also include Green &  Greater Spotted  Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush, Marsh Coal &  Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper.  Lepidoptera include  the RDB species.
Coleophora leucapennella and several other moths (see CL 388), Duke of Burgundy, Marsh, Dark Green, Silver-washed, Pearl Bordered and small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, Green, Purple and Brown Hairstreaks, White Admiral, Grizzled and Dingy Skipper and Wood Tiger. A few records exist for Coleoptera, Arachnida, Crustacea and Hymenoptera also.

VEG:
This complex site is described according to the  differently named commons within it.  
Hawkesbury Common: Damp, unimproved but rather species-poor in neutral grassland occupies most of the common. Most frequent are Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Poa spp., Ranunculus acris, Dactylis glomerata and Cirsium arvense, with Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Carex hirta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis stolonifera, Bellis perennis, Potentilla anserina and P. reptans. Festuca pratensis, Carex ovalis, C. flacca, Juncus inflexus, J. articulatus, Cirsium vulgare, Alopecurus pratensis, Prunella vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra, Cardamine pratensis, Ranunculus repens and Veronica serpyllifolia are rarer. The W and SW, which are damper, have Agrostis canina and Ranunculus flammula. There are greater amounts of Centaureo-cynosuretum species along the northern edge, including abundant Lotus corniculatus, Leontodon hispidus, Senecio erucifolius, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra and Rumex acetosa. In the far W is marshy rush pasture dominated by Juncus inflexus with Festuca arundinacea, F. pratensis, Alopecurus geniculatus, Lotus uliginosus, Lysimachia nummularia, Cardamine pratensis, Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus effusus, Carex flacca, C. spicata, C. otrubae, C. hirta, C. nigra, Veronica beccabunga, Lychnis flos-cuculi (rare), Galium palustre, Eleocharis palustris, Myosotis scorpioides, and  Epilobium parviflorum. Two trenches beyond have cattle poached marshy  grassland surrounded and shaded by dense scrub of Hazle, Field Maple, Blackthorn, Spindle, Hawthorn, Ash, English Oak, Dogwood and Elder.  At the far end of the S. trench is woodland with Primula vulgaris, Sanicula europaea, Ajuga reptans, and Anemone nemorosa. At (1) is a small area of calcicolous grassland with Bromus erectus, Briza media, Lotus corniculatus, Carex flacca, Cirsium acaule, Lathyrus pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis and Plantago media. 
A lane leading N to Inglestone Common has narrow verges shaded by tall species-poor hegdes with woodland species including Carex divulsa, Geum urbanum, Viola hirta and Geranium robertianum.

Assley Common: A band of scrub fringes the NW of the common with Blackthorn, Bramble, English Oak, Ash and Rosa canina. Small areas of marshy grassland  occur within, including Juncus effusus, Angelica sylvestris, Potentilla anserina and Cirsium palustre. There is also some Ononis repens beside the scrub. Most of the common is unimproved neutral grassland which is similar to Hawkesbury common in its better-drained SE half, but tending to marshy in its NW. Although this change is not very conspicuous, Agrostis canina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cirsium palustre, Carex ovalis, C. flacca, C. hirta, Luzula campestris, Juncus inflexus, J. conglomeratus, Centaurea nigra, Cardamine pratensis, Lotus uliginosus, Achillea ptarmica (occasional over a wide area), Potentilla reptans, P. anglica (frequent), Rumex acetosa and Vicia cracca are present in the N and W. Ranunculus flammula is particularly abundant in old wheel ruts here. Between Assley and Inglestone Commons is a corridor of damp, poached grassland (30 percent) with Scrub (60 percent) of Blackthorn, Bramble, Rosa arvensis, Hawthorn, Ash, Oak, Salix caprea and S. cinerea. The grassland is mostly rather species-poor, but in the S beside the stream a sward with many anthills and abundant Deschampsia cespitosa has Ononis repens, Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella, Agrimonia eupatoria and Silaum silaus (rare). There is also a lot of Cirsium arvense tall herb vegetation.

Hareley Common appears better-drained than the other commons. A homogeneous sward has Poa spp., Festuca rubra, Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Phleum bertolonii with Carex flacca, Potentilla anserina, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Ranunculus acris, Bellis perennis, Prunella vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale agg., Leontodon hispidus, L. autumnalis and Agrimonia eupatoria. Some Urtica dioica stands occur round the margins. A lane leading E to Dayhouse Farm has a narrow verge of species-poor grassland and a thick hedge with Blackthorn, Bramble, Field Maple, Spindle, Ash, Buckthorn, Rosa canina and Clematis vitalba.

Inglestone Common and the Trenches: The main body of Inglestone Common is similar to the wetter parts of the neutral grassland on Hawkesbury Common, with much Agrostis canina, but with Juncus spp. scattered throughout. Carex ovalis and Alopecurus pratensis occur. A eutrophicated cattlepond at (2) has Ranunculus sceleratus, R. flammula, Eleocharis palustris, Apium nodiflorum, Carex otrubae, Angelica sylvestris, Myosotis scorpioides, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Galium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Senecio aquaticus, Cardamine pratensis and Dactylorhiza fuchsii. The N and S fringes of Inglestone Common  and the W extensions which cradle Lance Coppice hold the most diverse grassland out of all of CL 38, with calcicolous, neutral and mildly acidic areas. These species rich areas of neutral grassland total 7.3 ha - about 6.5% of the total amount of unimproved neutral grassland on the common. Differences in species composition are related to the presence of small hillocks, anthills and damper areas. NVC types MG5 and CG3 are clearly represented locally, but the acidic areas are less easy to describe. Overall the following are  present: Cirsium acaule, Primula veris, Briza media, Centaurea nigra, Luzula campestris, Agrimonia eupatoria, Trifolium dubium, Leontodon spp., Potentilla sterilis, P. x mixta (rare), Koeleria micrantha, Succisa pratensis and Hieracium pilosella. (2) has the richest calcicolous flora; also present are Bromus erectus, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Cirsium eriphorum (locally frequent), Galium verum, Leucanthemum vulgare, Viola hirta, Plantago media, Carex flacca and Thymus praecox. Damper areas may have Potentilla reptans, Deschampsia cespitosa, Cirsium palustre, Juncus conglomeratus, Carex demissa, C. hirta, C. nigra, Senecio aquaticus, Lotus uliginosus and Ophioglossum vulgatum. Area (3) has rare Silaum silaus, frequent Succisa pratensis, Angelica sylvestris, Pulicaria dysenterica, Stachys officinalis, Lysimachia nummularia, Achillea ptarmica, Primula veris, Senecio erucifolius, Carex flacca and Ophioglossum vulgatum. Area (4) is also of interest, with a rather acidic sward including close-grazed Succisa pratensis, Festuca ovina, Potentilla erecta, P. reptans, P. x mixta, Campanula rotundifolia, Luzula campestris, Danthonia decumbens, Agrostis capillaris, Lotus corniculatus, Dicranum scoparium and Pseudoscleropodium purum. Throughout this section of the common there is scattered scrub, mostly of Hawthorn, Rose and Bramble, but also Blackthorn, Salix caprea S. cinerea and Elder. The pond at ST 751884 was until recently one of only two sites in Britain for Ranunculus ophioglossifolius, which has not been seen recently. The trenches were mostly not surveyed; they contain damp, unimproved neutral grassland with scrub and bare, poached soil. Many of the species given above occur, notably Succisa pratensis and Lychnis flos-cuculi; Carex pallescens and Centaurium erythraea, Mentha aquatica and Ononis spinosa are also present, though shading frequently reduces diversity. At Shepherd's Knap there is dense Blackthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
The open commons are cattle grazed and stock have access to many of the trenches.
The main way in which the conservation interest of the site can be safeguarded is in management of the trenches and species-rich grasslands to prevent further scrub succession in sheltered, sunny situations and as far as possible, to counteract the effects of poaching by stock and horse-riders, during the winter months especially. Improvement of any swards should not be permitted and further encroachments and dumping such has occurred near the Old Fox and Hounds, acted against. Increased efforts to re-establish Ranunculus ophioglossifolius on the common, by clearing and deepening the pond, are recommended.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species  were noted: Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, House Sparrow. Common Shrew, Rabbit.

VEG:
An access road bisects the common. To the E there is woodland of English Oak with some Ash and Sycamore which has been felled in a central strip. The open area has some Elder, whilst within the wood the scrub is of regenerating Sycamore and coppiced hazel. The ground flora is patchy, but dense in the open area, with frequent Urtica dioica, Arum maculatum, Cirsium Vulgare, Glechoma hederacea, Mercurialis perennis and Hyacinthoides non- scripta. Also present are Primula veris, Viola hirta, V. riviniana, Dryopteris felix-mas, D. dilatata, Verbascum thapsus, Geranium robertianum, Bryonia dioica and Rubus fruticosus agg., whilst banks along the road  also hold Stellaria holostea, Fragaria vesca, Galium mollugo, and Brachypodium sylvaticum. W of the road is a disused quarry which has a mix of habitats. Unimproved grassland is mostly neutral to weakly calcicolous in character, the latter having lost much of its diversity due to invasion by rank Arrhenatheretum species. Still present however, are a range of forbs such as Centaurea scabiosa, Leucanthemum vulgare, Primula veris, Sanguisorba minor and Lathyrus pratensis, and Bromus erectus is occasional. The bulk of the quarry now has tall stands of Urtica dioica, but a small area at its base has herb-rich calcareous grassland maintained by very local rabbit activity.  Present here are Helianthemum nummularium (dominant), Sanguisorba minor,  Carex flacca, Cirsium acaule, Viola odorata, Agrimonia eupatoria, and Bromus Erectus. There is local development of scrub generally species-poor with  Blackthorn and Elder, but also Hazel, Sycamore and Hawthorn to the SE, adjacent to the calcareous grassland. In this area there is also a small  area of sward dominated by Brachypodium pinnatum, with Conopodium majus, Ribes uva- crispa, Rubus idaeus, and one plant of Daphne mezereum which is not native.

MANAGE:
The woodland is being actively coppiced, but the rest of the site is neglected, with garden refuse dumped on the quarry edge.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species were noted: Kestrel, Wren, Willow Warbler, Linnet, Jay, Jackdaw. 
Common Shrew.
Small White, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock.

VEG:
The common is mostly rank grassland on a SW-facing slope. The central part is calcareous grassland with Bromus erectus and Brachypodium pinnatum co-dominant in a tall tussocky sward (CG5) with few associates, but including Cirsium acaule, C. eriophorum, Galium verum, Sanguisorba minor, Centaurea nigra, Avenula pratensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Agrimonia eupatoria, and Scabiosa columbaria. Surrounding this is rank Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with some Bromus erectus locally. Most of the above associates occur, Vicia sepium, Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium, Glechoma hederacea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Galium aparine, Geranium pratense, Rumex  obtusifolius, R. acetosa, Cirsium arvense, Epilobium hirsutum and Allium vineale. Carex flacca, Thymus praecox, Festuca ovina, Leucanthemum vulgare, Knautia arvensis, Pimpinella saxifraga, and Leontodon hispidus are rare, the  first three restricted to old anthills. There is scattered scrub of hawthorn throughout with some Ash and Rose. Dense marginal scrub is mostly of Prunus spinosa with Clematis vitalba and Rubus fruiticosus agg.  
The W of the site  is marked by a small stream. The marginal vegetation of Apium nodiflorum, Epilobium hirsutum, Carex hirta, Ranunculus repens, Mentha aquatica, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus inflexus, Veronica beccabunda, Cardamine pratensis, and Iris pseudacorus. Associated in the NW is a band of Urtica dioica tall herb vegetation with Galium aparine.

MANAGE:
There is no management at present the  having been grazed for many years. In the absence of stock, management of the grassland is not really practicable. It has in any case lost much species diversity and since the rank sward probably supports many rodents and insectivores of value to birds of prey, non-intervention is probably most appropriate.


FAUNA:
On site visit  the following species were noted:   Cuckoo, Woodpigeon, Swift, Swallow, Blue Tit,  Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Wren, Blackcap,  Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Magpie,  Carrion Crow, Jackdaw. 
Badger. 
Anthills  
Hemiptera: Cercopis, vulnerata.

VEG:
In the centre of the common, on either side of the road, is an area of cattle-grazed grassland which appears to be neutral to weakly calcicolous with a few more pronounced calcicolous areas locally. The sward has much Lolium perenne, Poa spp., Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus and Festuca rubra, with Plantago lanceolata, Daucus carota, Lotus corniculatus, Bellis Perrenis, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Ranunculus bulbosus,  officinale agg., Potentilla reptans, Leucanthemum vulgare, Agrimonia eupatoria, Rumex acetosa, Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium and Prunella vulgaris also frequent. Scarcer or more local are Centaurea nigra, Galium verum, Ranunculus acris, Senecio erucifolius, Lathyrus pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Geranium dissectum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Alopecurus pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis and Conopodium majus. Bromus erectus as a dominant species is rather restricted and may be accompanied by Cirsium acaule, Briza media, Sanguisorba minor, Ononis repens, Galium verum,  Lotus corniculatus. In a number of places there are seepages favoured by  grazing cattle, resulting in a coarser sward with a number of species  indicative of damp conditions. Deschampsia cespitosa may be dominant, with Juncus inflexus, J. conglomeratus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Eupatorium cannabinum, Cirsium palustre, Galium palustre, Potentilla anserina, Carex hirta, and Angelica sylvestris. Also present in these areas are Stellaria graminea, Equisetum arvense, Cirsium arvense, Silaum silaus, and Potentilla erecta (both locally occasional), Stachys officinalis (locally frequent) and Succisa pratensis (rare). Surrounding the grassland is a margin of dense scrub composed of Bramble and Blackthorn, with scattered Field Maple, Ash,  Hawthorn, Elder, Hazel, Rose, and, where damper, Goat Willow. Associated with  the scrub are Arctium minus, Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata,  Chamaenerion angustifolium, Aegopodium podagraria, Eupatorium cannabinum, Glechoma hederacea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dryopteris filix-mas and Primula veris. There is a small amount of Ulex europaeus in one place.
Much of the site consists of semi-natural woodland with a continuous oak canopy except where grading to scrub on the margins. English oak is dominant with frequent Ash. In some places Hazel forms small trees and contributes to the canopy. The shrub layer is of Hazel with some Hawthorn, Field Maple, Blackthorn and Holly, and there is a well developed ground flora. Hedera Helix is most abundent; Mercurialis perennis, Circaea lutetiana, Geranium robertianum, Sanicula europea, Anemone nemorosa and Lonicera periclymenum may be locally so. Also present are Glechoma hederacea, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polystichum setiferum, Athyrium filix-femina (rare), Geum urbanum, Veronica montana, Arum maculatum, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Listeria ovata, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Carex sylvatica, Viola riviniana, Ranunculus ficaria, R. auricomus, Tamus communis and Ribes rubrum. Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Orchis mascula and Lathyrus montanus were recorded in 1977 and are likely still to be present. The margins and hedgebanks beside the road ar somewhat more diverse, including Ligustrum vulgare, Viburnum lantana, Ajuga reptans, Fragaria vesca, Primula veris, stella holostea, Stachys officinalis and Allium ursinum.

MANAGE:
Currently some cattle graze the grassland, although very few (possibly) only one of the pasture rights are exercised. The damper areas appear to be favoured by the stock which has led to slight poaching and an abundence of Cirsium arvense locally. There has been some cutting of brushwood within the wood.
The grassland on Breach Hill common is largely unimproved and of special value because of its diversity: the calcareous and damp areas increase the richness of the site and contain some plants which are scarce in the county. Current grazing levels however appear insufficient; there has been a recent increase in Bramble and Blackthorn scrub at the expense of the grassland. It would be desirable to maintain cattle grazing whilst removing recent scrubstands and to keep an eye on the best areas of grassland. Topping the stands of thistle just prior to flowering in August would assist in their control. The human activities outlined in the recreation section above should be controlled. Apart from the negative effects of litter and bonfires, some of the local inhabitants report that the nuisance is considerable. 
The woodland has a varied ground flora, including some locally rare species; the reintroduction of coppicing in some areas would be worthwhile if practicable.


FAUNA:
Much data  exists for this site -  see sources. Most  relates to the SSSI  about half of which is common.  Recent tretad records for summering birds include Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Green & Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Dunnock, Blackbird, Nightingale, Mistle Thrush, Robin,  Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay.  Lepidoptera include Light Orange Underwing,  Dotted Chestnut, Broad Bordered Bee Hawk, Sallow Clearwing, Poplar Lutestring, Barred Tooth-striped & Mocha moths, plus the  RDB species Coleophora  leucapennella.

VEG:
The following is a summary of information available in English Nature files (q.v.).  Virtually the whole of the site consists of semi-natural broad-leaved woodland which constitutes about a half of the most extensive  complex of ancient woodland in the county. English Oak is present largely as maiden trees in a coppice-with standards, although it too is coppiced and pollarded. Ash is common as coppice and standard and Hazel is frequent throughout. Mature Silver Birch is occasional in Little Stanley Wood. Wild Service Tree occurs sparsely in Lance Coppice and Crataegus laevigata on the margins of Spoil Coppice. In the E of Oakhall Coppice there are few timber trees; instead young coppice and scrub are dominant including Salix cinera,  S. caprea, Cornus sanguinea, Ligustrum vulgare, Prunus spinosa, Betula Pendula, Viburnum opulus and Euonymus europaeus. In several areas Populus x canadensis is dominant as a canopy or subcanopy tree. The ground flora  includes Anemone nemorosa, Hyacinthoides non- scripta,  Mercurialis perennis, Primula vulgaris, Viola riviniana, Luzula pilosa, Arum maculatum, Milium effusum, Geranium robertianum, Galium odoratum, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Deschampsia cespitosa, and  several orchids: Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Orchis mascula, Listera ovata,  Platanthera chlorantha and Neottia nidus-avis. Neutral semi-improved pasture  occurs near Lower Woods Lodge; it was not surveyed in detail.

MANAGE:
Wood-pasturing ceased many years ago, but traditional woodland management and replanting still occur on the site. A coppice-with-standards system has been employed for many years and still persists in places. There has also been underplanting of Populus x canadensis, or this tree has been substituted for native species after felling. Once felled themselves, these Poplars should largely be replaced with native species again and the coppice-with-standards system resumed. No more felled timber should be replaced with  popular.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species  were recorded: Swallow, Wren, Blue Tit, Blackbird,  Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch. 
Common Shrew.
Green-veined White. 
Mecoptera: Panorpa sp.  
1982 records exist for  Large White, Small  Copper, Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Meadow  Brown.

VEG:
Marshy grassland, slightly drier in the NE and especially rich in forbs in the central area, occupies most of this site. Most frequent are Festuca rubra, Poa trivialis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Arrhenatherum elatius, Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Filipendula ulmaria, Lathyrus pratensis, Galium aparine, Valeriana officinalis, Potentilla anserina, Cirsium arvense, Angelica sylvestris, Ranunculus ficaria, Taraxacum officinale agg., Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica and Chamaenerion angustifolium. Also present are Rumex acetosa, Holcus lanatus, Cardamine pratensis, Centaurea nigra, Vicia cracca, Agrimonia eupatoria,  Juncus inflexus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Potntilla reptans, P. erecta, Luzula campestris, Stellaria graminea, Senecio erucifolius, Lotus uliginosus, Mentha aquatica, Stachys sylvestris,  Carex hirta, Pulicaria dysenterica, Glechoma hederacea, Primula veris, Humulus lupulus, and Equisetum arvense. The vegetation appears to have elements of NVC types M27b and MG9. To the W is an area of swamp vegetation of Carex riparia, Caltha palustris, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Iris pseudacorus, Solanum dulcamara, Valeriana officinalis, Stachys palustris, Angelica sylvestris, Galium palustre, Prunella vulgaris, and Lysimachia vulgaris (rare in the county). A particularly wet, shaded area also has Juncus effusus, Sparganium sp., Oenanthe crocata, and Equisetum fluviatile. Salix fragilis - some pollarded - and Viburnum opulus are present in this area and there are also banks of Urtica dioica tall herb amid marshy grassland. In the E of the common beside the road is a belt of scrub woodland with Blackthorn, Ash, Sycamore, English Oak, Hawthorn, English Elm and a little Salix cinerea and S. fragilis. There is some tall herb vegetation nearby of Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and Anthriscus sylvestris with tangles of bramble. A stream defines the NW edge  and includes Apium nodiflorum, Oenanthe crocata, Scrophularia auriculata,  Callitriche stagnalis, Caltha palustris, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus effusus. Solidago canadensis, Scutellaria galericulata, Myosoton aquaticum, Achillea ptarmica and Calamagrostis epigejos were recorded on the site in 1982; the latter two are uncommon in Avon.

MANAGE:
There was little evidence of active management at the time of survey. The drier, grassier parts of the marshy grassland to the NE were not very coarse and tall however and litter was not dense, suggesting that at least part of the site is still intermittently grazed. (9 years ago a survey noted the rank nature of the herbage and that sward diversity was becoming reduced.) Boundary willows have been pollarded in the past.
The site is attractive, contains a scarce habitat type with a number of locally rare species, and is situated amidst improved and arable fields. Active management for nature conservation is recommended. Intermittent cuts of grassland should be made and scraping areas to extend the swamp might be considered.


FAUNA:
On site visit, the following species were noted:  Mallard, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Skylark.
Common shrew, Rabbit, Hare. 
Small heath, Large white, Common Blue. 
The site is important for migratory and wintering birds. In 1982 it had the highest densities of breeding waders in the county, including Snipe, Lawing, Little Ringed & Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing. Importance now declined due to increase in warehouse space.

VEG:
This unusual site still retains its Common Land status, despite the development of a dock complex in the 1970s which has considerably influenced the vegetation. The principal habitat present is wasteground although a small area of saltmarsh remains. Large areas of open water and hard standing were not surveyed due to access restrictions; their flora is in any case very limited. The wasteground harbours ephemeral or short perennial vegetation with a variety of species. Common "weeds" such as Brassica nigra, Melilotus altissima, Picris echioides, Rumex obtusifolious, Buddleja davidii, Bromus sterilis, Hordeum murinum, Sonchus spp., Tussilago farfara and Scenecio squalidus are abundant, whilst there are also more uncommon species present such as Vicia hirsuta, Trifolium hybridum, Linum bienne and Lathyrus nissolia, which is locally abundant. The whole surface of much of the area was artificially created by bulldozing up spoil excavated from the dock to a depth of up to 2cm; hollows remain in places which harbour ephemeral pools of varying salinity. Present in these may be Lycopus europaeus, Typha latifolia, T.angustifolia, Eleocharis palustris, Glyceria fluitans, Juncus gerardii, Apium gravelens, Scirpus maritimus, Carex otrubae and Ranunculus baudotii. There is also some very slight scrub development in the E. of the site, principally Salix cinera. Some areas of wasteground have older vegetation in which Centaurium erythraea, Black stonia perfoliata, Leontodon hispidus, Lotus corniculatus, Erigeron acer and Bromus hordeaceus are prominant. In other places there is a distinct saline influence with Parapholis strigosa, Plantago maritima, Triglochin maritimus, Suaeda maritima, Puccinellia maritima, Sagina apetalata and S.? maritima frequent.  Other species of note present in the wasteground are Erophila verna, Leucanthemum vulgare, Ononis repens, Senecio erucifolius, Juncus inflexus, Vulpia myuros and the nationally scarce Hordeum marinum. The only semi-natural habitat present on the site is the narrow fringe of maritime formations. There is tall maritime grassland of Elymus pycnanthus with Apium graveolens, Rumex crispus, Beta vulgris ssp. maritima and Potentilla anserina developed over old spoil and, nearby, a small area of shingle sparsely vegetated with Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cochlearia anglica and Cirsium arvense. Saltmarsh is best represented alongside Chapel Pill where there is continuous vegetation of Puccinellia maritima, Triglochin maritimus, Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima, Atriplex hastata, Juncus gerardii and Festuca rubra, with a fringe of dense Elymus pycnanthus. Juncus maritimus also occurs here at its only known station in the county. Lower down there is saltmarsh composed largely of Spartina anglica, which continues eastwards as far as the shingle beach.
Puccinellia rupestris has also been recorded from this site.

MANAGE:
Although still legally common land, pasture rights on this site were relinquished at the onset of development. The site has now been a dock and warehouse complex for more than a decade but has been an unsuccesful venture and the land is now for sale. Management for nature conservation has not been an issue but because of the large areas of open wasteland close to the sea which are largely free of disturbance from people the site has become an important one for wildlife, notably for its breeding shorebirds in the W and NE. In any subsequent change of land-use it would be highly desireable to retain these areas as much as possible.


VEG:
All apparently close-mown amenity grassland (B4) - NVC MG7 community.


VEG:
Small areas of amenity grassland, largely MG7 communities.


FAUNA:
On visit, including field edges and ditches: 
Reed Bunting (possibly two pairs breeding), Heron,  Yellowhammer, Carrion Crow,  Magpie, Dunnock,  Reed Warbler (singing in area of Phragmites adjacent to old railway line).
Meadow Brown, Ringlet.
Odonata: Orthetrum cancellatum,  Enallagma cyathigerum.
Molluscs: Arianta arbustorum, Arion ater. 
2 ISR sites close by: Sewell Cutting 500m to E,  with rich butterfly fauna, and Tilsworth Pond,  with 14 spp of Odonata. Excavation of a pond on the common could clearly enhance the Odonata fauna.

VEG:
The whole of the common is a wheatfield with scattered arable weeds. The ditch along the northern boundary is deep, steep-sided, with much Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium and, in patches,  Sparganium erectum, Apium nodiflorum, Mentha aquatica, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus and Filipendula ulmaria. The water was cloudy, possibly due to the lime works upstream. The south-facing side of the ditch, probably not in the common, was developing a chalky flora in places, with such species as Brachypodium pinnatum, Ligustrum vulgare, Anthyllis vulneraria and Potentilla reptans. Other parts of the field margins had Cirsium vulgare,  Galium aparine, Avena fatua Salix sp.,  Bromus sterilis, Calystegia sepium,  Cirsium arvense, Solanum dulcamara, Scrophularia sp. and Equisetum arvense. There is one area of Phragmites (very thin) along the railway line.

MANAGE:
The area is managed as a wheatfield, and as such, it is difficult to recommend management for the benefit of wildlife without fundamentally changing its function. One possibility would be to leave headlands around the field, uncultivated, and allow a more diverse flora to develop, or reseed with fine-leaved grasses and allow colonisation of such headlands.  The northern boundary ditch was deepened in 1978, which increased the drainage of the field. Prior to cultivation it was probably permanent grassland.


VEG:
There is no indication of the existence of this common; the area shown being part of a field of wheat next to a main road. No boundaries are present.

MANAGE:
It is currently under intensive cereal production and its status as a common is a relict from the past. It is very unlikely that any other form of management could be implemented given its present usage.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wood Pigeon, House Sparrow, Dunnock,  Chaffinch, House Martin, Skylark.

VEG:
Area (1) is predominantly NVC MG7 Lolium perenne ley, with affinities to MG7-5 Lolio-Plantaginetum where ruderals are frequent e.g. Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius.  Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla reptans and Ranunculus repens are frequent. Arrhenatherum elatius, Potentilla anserina and Lathyrus pratensis occur at the edges.  An uncut area (2) has tall MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland with Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense and Heracleum sphondylium. Trees have been planted at the southern end - species such as apple and cherry. A22 scattered scrub is predominantly Crataegus monogyna, a clump of Ulmus glabra, Prunus spinosa and Acer pseudoplatanus, and is mainly on the west side. Hedges of hawthorn bound the area. A damp rutted area in the north- east has Juncus inflexus.

MANAGE:
The grass is cut with a gang mower but the cuttings have not been removed.  This has led to a  rank sward, with a proliferation of docks, nettles and coarse grasses. It is important that the grass cuttings are removed in future to prevent this happening and to encourage diversity in the grassland.  A pond could be created in the top NE corner where a damp area with Juncus inflexus occurs. More trees could be planted, if native species such as oak were used.


FAUNA:
On visit: Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Starling.  Likely to be important for birds in a local context, as it is an open area in a very urban environment.

VEG:
The common is closely-mown amenity grassland, NVC MG7-6 Lolium perenne-Poa pratensis recreational grassland community, with Taraxacum officinale,  Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, P. major.  Large parkland trees (A3) line the edges - principally horse chestnuts and limes. A stream bounds the eastern side, but this is steep-sided with no vegetation within it, and is fringed by nettles. It appeared to be polluted and eutrophic.

MANAGE:
The area is currently closely-mown. Some areas in corners could be left unmown, and care should be taken to remove the cuttings where possible, to help diversify the sward over time. More trees could planted (native species) and shrubs of value to wildlife should also be included. Litter should be removed from the stream.


FAUNA:
On visit: Starlings, Mistle Thrushes and Blackbirds feeding on area in reasonable numbers. Likely to be locally important for this, but otherwise value of site limited and likely to be confined mainly to mature trees fringing the common.

VEG:
All of the common is close-mown, improved, amenity grassland (MG7 community). Dominant species are Lolium perenne and Plantago major, with Trifolium repens, Poa annua, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Hordeum sp. The fringing trees are mature, and consist largely of sycamores, planes, limes and horse chestnuts. The area is generally very species-poor.

MANAGE:
The area is very closely mown. One central strip was disturbed at the time of visit, a pipeline having just been laid, but this will presumable be reseeded as amenity grassland. The common is likely to experience heavy public use, and at the time of the visit, gypsies were also camped in two areas. The common could be improved substantially by leaving areas unmown except for an annual late summer cut (cuttings to be removed), planting native shrubs in clusters, and possibly planting a clump of native trees in the centre of the site. The rest of the common could then remain as close-mown recreational grassland.


FAUNA:
Birds seen on visit:  Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Song Thrush, Dunnock, House Sparrow and Starling. Prospects for other vertebrates or invertebrates limited, but mature trees round edge likely to be most important feature.

VEG:
An area of species-poor, very close-mown amenity grassland (MG7 community). Dominant species are Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens and T. pratense  with additional species scattered through the sward, such as Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale, Plantago major,  Myosotis sp. and round the edges, Poa trivialis, Hordeum sp. and Rumex obtusifolius. The fringing trees are largely planes (Platanus x hispanica) and horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum.

MANAGE:
The whole area is close-mown; mowing taking place at time of visit. Parts are managed as a childrens' playground, and there are several benches on the site. The area is heavily used for dog walking etc. At present, the common is poor for wildlife and functions mainly as a feeding area for birds nesting in local gardens and houses. It could be improved substantially by leaving unmown areas (annual late-summer cut), the planting of scrub, and the planting of a native tree/shrub clump, with associated fringing long grassland, in the centre of the site. The steep bank just north of the common shows that this could be done without untidiness.


FAUNA:
On visit: Robin, Magpie, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Tree Creeper, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Wood Pigeon, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Carrion Crow, Jay.  Lepidoptera seen: Chimney Sweeper, Meadow Brown. Molluscs noted: Cepaea nemoralis,  Arianta arbustorum.  
The common is part of a ISR sit,  grade D. 58 species of bees and wasps, including some rare species,  have been recorded in the past. Habitat change may have rendered the site unsuitable, and further survey is needed.

VEG:
The common is dominated by dense scrub and woodland, with some very small clearings; the western section is mostly neutral grassland with a scrub fringe.  A21 scrub: this is continuous over much of the site  with some small clearings in places containing semi-improved calcareous grassland. The scrub grades into woodland, and is dominated by tall Crataegus monogyna with scattered Rosa canina, Cornus sanguinea, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa,  Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus, Corylus avellana and Viburnum opulus. There are scattered taller trees amongst the scrub. There is often little ground layer, with occasional areas of Poa trivialis, Urtica dioica, Hedera helix and other species. A111 woodland is predominantly Fagus sylvatica and Quercus sp., with an understory of Crataegus and Sambucus. Ground layer species include Poa trivialis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Geranium robertianum, Glechoma hederacea, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Geum urbanum, Milium effusum and Stachys sylvatica. Slightly more open areas have Urtica and Epilobium montanum.

B22 semi-improved neutral grassland: Confined to the western section of the common, it is largely mown NVC MG7 Lolium-Plantago, with scattered Trifolium, Ranunculus acris and Cirsium arvense.  Unmown strips and areas in between the scrub tend towards MG1, with much Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus lanatus, Artemisia vulgaris and Rubus fruticosus.

A22 scattered scrub forms a strip along the southern edge of the western section.  It is mainly Crataegus, with Prunus spinosa, Ulmus sp., Quercus sp. and planted copper beech and maples.

B32 semi-improved calcareous grassland: the soil on the site appeared to be a mixture of acidic gravels and clays, and the underlying chalk, and this is reflected in the presence of very small areas of calcareous grassland in clearings amidst the dense scrub. These are probably the last remnants of the diverse flora referred to by J. Dony. Although rank, and semi-improved, in places the sward is species-rich. The areas are dominated by Arrhenatherum and Holcus, but other species present include Linum catharticum, Briza media, Senecio jacobea, Centaurea nigra, Mentha arvensis, Trifolium dubium, Helianthemum chamaecistus, Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, T. dubium, Cynosurus cristatus, Galium verum, Carex flacca and Hypochaeris radicata.  These areas should not be allowed to disappear under scrub.

MANAGE:
The area is largely unmanaged, except for mowing on the western section, and the maintenance of a circular walk in the scrub and woodland, although some paths are not used much, despite being waymarked. However, generally the area experiences a high degree of public usage, by walkers and horse riders, and also experiences rubbish dumping. The area is part of a country park managed by South Bedfordshire District Council, and subject to byelaws under the 1899 Commons Act. J. Dony noted that the flora of the area had deteriorated due to cessation of grazing and increased public pressure. The main management priority should be the maintenance of the small patches of calcareous grassland through scrub clearance, occasional mowing and removal of cuttings. New clearings could be opened in the scrub to allow the reappearance of chalk flora. The presently mown B22 area should continue to be mown, but cuttings should be removed.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Skylark,   Blackbird,  Chaffinch, House Sparrow. 
Rabbits.  
Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood.

VEG:
Most of the site is semi-improved neutral grassland, with a thick hedge and a small marshy hollow at the south end.  The north-eastern corner has been encroached upon, and now holds a building with a yard (J33), used for car and wood storage.  B22 grassland: largely dominated by a NVC MG7 Lolium-Plantago community. Other species include Trifolium spp.  Stachys sylvatica, Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis. Disturbed ground in the southern half has Ranunculus repens,  Juncus inflexus, Matricaria matricarioides, Agrostis stolonifera, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Rumex obtusifolius and Heracleum sphondylium. A small wet shady hollow at the south end is part of a ditch and is probably an old pond; it holds Glyceria spp. and Equisetum telemateia. The hedges (J23) are thick, with occasional tall standard ash trees, and are mainly Prunus spinosa and Crataegus monogyna with a thick MG1 rough grassland fringe.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is unmanaged, with rank grassland, especially close to the hedges. A wide central strip is kept open by trampling due to public use and horse riding; an area in the south has been disturbed in the past, and there is some bare ground amidst the weedy community.  The encroached area is mown around the building and poultry forage there, but this accounts for a very small proportion of the common land. There is some litter dumping in the area. The main management recommendation for the area would be to mow in late summer and remove the cuttings, leaving a thin unmown strip adjacent to the hedges. This would allow the sward to diversify.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Carrion Crow, Tree Creeper, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch, Goldcrest.  
Grey Squirrel.  
Large Skipper, Large White, Chimney Sweeper.

VEG:
Largely woodland and scrub, with a central open area dominated by rank grassland with scattered scrub. A111 woodland is predominantly Fraxinus (some quite mature) and Sambucus, with Corylus avellana, Acer campestre,  Prunus avium, Fagus sylvatica, Prunus spinosa, Malus sylvestris and Cornus sanguinea. Ground layer is sparse under dense shade and thick leaf litter  but includes Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Brachypodium sylvaticum,  Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, with areas of bare earth. A21 and A22 scrub is predominantly Crataegus monogyna with Rosa sp., Sorbus aria and Viburnum lantana. Amidst scattered scrub is rank B22 grassland, probably originating from calcareous grassland, but little evidence now. There is much Lolium  Arrhenatherum and Trifolium sp., with Dactylis, Rubus, Bromus erectus,  Heracleum sphondylium, Phleum pratense, Lotus corniculatus, Carex flacca,  Reseda lutea, Hypochaeris radicata and Trifolium dubium.

MANAGE:
Generally unmanaged, and becoming rapidly colonised by scrub. Used by dog walkers and motorcylists, and the area is much disturbed in the centre by motor cycle scrambling. There is much dumping on the site, including four burnt out cars.  The area urgently needs scrub clearance, leaving only a fringe and allowing the woodland to remain. Grazing the area would be ideal, but this is unlikely to be possible. However, some effort should be made to cut the grass and remove the cuttings, as this is likely to diversify the flora. It is possible that chalk grassland species could flourish if grass growth was kept in check, as there are likely to be a number of relict species contained within the soil seed bank.


FAUNA:
On visit: Swallow, Skylark, House Sparrow, Magpie Jackdaw, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Garden Warbler, Wren,  Great Tit, Moorhen, Song Thrush - quite a diverse small bird community.

VEG:
B22 areas (1): Mostly NVC MG7:1 & MG7:5 communities - two major areas, plus road verges. Most is dominated by Lolium, Dactylis Arrhenatherum, with much Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus, Taraxacum, Ranunculus repens, Heracleum sphondylium. Other species include Urtica dioica, Vicea cracca and Cirsium arvense. Unmown area (4) in south also has Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra, Festuca rubra and Odontites verna. B22 area NE of Chiltern House tends more towards acidic grassland: little Lolium or Trifolium but few herbs; species include Agrostis capillaris, F. rubra, H. lanatus, Achillea millefolium, Stellaria media, Centaurea nigra, with some Pteridium at fringes. This area used to hold (in 1976) species such as Potentilla erecta and on edges was possibly the only site in the county for Viola canina. Noted then as being `heathy pasture. A21 scrub dominated by tall (up to 10m), dense Crataegus monogyna, suckering elm Ulmus sp., Sambucus nigra, some Fraxinus and Quercus sp., with little ground flora - Rubus, low Ilex and leaf litter.  Scrub also surrounds the G11 pond near Laburnum Cottages.  This scrub is largely Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior and Salix capraea.  The pond itself is steep-sided and stagnant, quite shaded, with Typha latifolia, Juncus effusus and Lemna sp.  There is a thick scrub hedge along east side (point (2)), which is largely Crataegus with Sambucus, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina. Tall herb vegetation, e.g. nettles, fringes this for circa one metre width.

A111 woodland at northern end of site is clearly secondary, and developed on an area of very uneven topography, possibly old chalk pits.  One of these is an overgrown pond, now completely silted and shaded; this held Peplis portula in the 1970s.  The woodland is dominated by Quercus, Fraxinus and Crataegus, with Prunus spinosa, Acer campestre, Salix capraea, Ilex and Sambucus.  The ground flora is generally sparse, with much leaf litter, bramble and regenerating ash.  Species found in this area include Milium effusum, Geum urbanum, Deschampsia caespitosa, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Juncus effusus, Carex sylvatica, Solanum dulcamara, Glechoma hederacea, Urtica, Anthriscus sylvestris, Stachys sylvatica, Hedera helix and Geranium robertianum.

MANAGE:
Grassland areas are mostly mown, apart from a small area in the south. Cuttings are left, however. Some small areas are lightly rabbit grazed. Woodland and scrub areas are apparently unmanaged, although some of the hawthorn was cut in the past - multi-stemmed regrowth. Area is used by horse riders and some off-road vehicles. Some gardens have encroached upon the common in the south and dumping of garden refuse occurs. Some ornamental trees have been planted. The area could be better managed by 1) removing grass cuttings after mowing  2) leaving larger areas uncut along peripheries,  3) planting small areas of native trees e.g. along the hedgeline  4) restoration of ponds in north and south sections, and 5) thinning of scrub and woodland to allow light to reach ground.


FAUNA:
On visit: House Sparrow, Corn Bunting,  Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Starling.

VEG:
Area (1) is a cart track between hedges with unmown edges 8m wide,  dominated by NVC MG1  Arrhenatherum elatius coarse grassland with Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, C. palustre,  Artemisia vulgare, Ranunculus repens, Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense,  Vicea sativa, Juncus inflexus, Geranium columbinum, Urtica dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Plantago major. Adjacent to ditch at eastern end (2), Carex otrubae, Epilobium hirsutum and Dipsacus fullonum occur.  Thick boundary hedges at each side are of hazel, elder, hawthorn, blackthorn, ash, field maple and cherry. Tree planting along the verges is composed of horse chestnut sycamore, oak, ash and field maple. The two small sections of the common located within the village are close-mown amenity grassland (NVC MG7 community).

MANAGE:
For the larger section the current management of tree planting is to be recommended. Care should be taken to ensure that the trees are maintained and ties removed, and that native species only are planted.  For the small areas in the village, continuation of mowing, with the removal of cuttings, would be best in an effort to diversify the sward.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Yellowhammer, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blackcap.  
Other records include: Harvest Mouse, Wood Mouse, Rabbit, Brown Rat, Bank Vole, Common Frog.  
Said to be important in cold weather for Mallard, Coot, Moorhen and passerines, as the stream does not freeze due to underground source.  
1 km to NW is ISR site (ungraded) Stevington Marsh SSSI, considered to have potential for interesting invertebrates. Likely also to be true for Holy Well.

VEG:
Predominantly calcareous marshy grassland (B5) with scattered scrub (A22 - principally Salix capraea, Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra). B5 is dominated by Petasites hybridus, and is generally wet; other species present include Glyceria maxima, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Ranunculus repens, Apium nodiflorum, Epilobium hirsutum and Veronica beccabunga. 34 species of bryophyte recorded from site. Additional species recorded from the site include Lamium album, Anthriscus sylvestris, Festuca gigantea, Poa trivialis, Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Bromus ramosus and Stachys sylvatica. B22 grassland is extremely limited in extent principally along trackways, and there are occasional scattered trees mainly along the west side. The land adjacent to the common in the NW has a large stand of Populus alba, and a pond with extensive fringes of Glyceria maxima.

MANAGE:
The vegetation of the common is tall (1.5m) and generally rank, and the vigorous growth of butterbur limits easy management. In the past, paths have been mowed, dumping cleared from site, and the pond on the adjacent area cleared. The small size of the area managed by the BHWT limits the input that can be made, and the parish council is involved in management, primarily in relation to public access. Consideration could be given to mowing a small section annually in early summer, and removing cuttings, to allow other flora to develop. The scrub should be kept in check.


FAUNA:
On visit: Skylark, Yellowhammer, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Wren. The scrub in the north-east corner and on the western side is a valuable habitat for birds.  Common Shrew.  
Meadow Brown.

VEG:
B22: Two thirds of the common consists of grassland cut for hay. Species include Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus and frequent Hypochaeris radicata. It approximates to NVC MG6 Lolium-Cynosurus cristatus community. Uncut edges (1) support MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius coarse grassland with Ranunculus repens, Heracleum sphondylium, Plantago lanceolata, Cirsium arvense, Vicia sativa, Lathyrus pratensis, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. This community grades into scrub at (2) in an undisturbed area with bracken, Lysimachia vulgaris, Symphytum officinale, Salix capraea, Ulex, Reynoutria japonica, Betula sp., cherry  field maple, hawthorn. The scrub grades into woodland at the eastern end (3)  with large beech, oak, holly and blackthorn. The west end consists of secondary woodland and dense scrub with oak, elder, hazel, sycamore, cherry,  Ulex, blackthorn, bracken and honeysuckle. A large ride bisects this, creating good conditions for butterflies (but surveyed on a dull day). This emerges into an area used for recreation, with a small football pitch. The ride and grassland has similar grasses to the hayfield, with abundant Lotus corniculatus. Trees have been planted in patches across the common - whitebeam, cherry, oak etc.

MANAGE:
Much of the common was ploughed in World War II (J. Dony). Bridges across ditches, litter bins and a car park have been installed and many trees planted. This appears to be ideal management and apart from planting trees to fill up gaps in the hedge on the southern side, little more needs to be done. The ride through the wood is a valuable habitat and should be maintained, taking care to provide a gradation of vegetation at the edges. Hay was being cut at the time of survey.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wood Pigeon, House Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Swallow, Blackbird, House Martin. 
Snipe have bred in Sandy Meadows.  
Little information for fauna of site - three dragonflies recorded: Calopteryx splendens, Aeshna sp., and Sympetrum sp.

VEG:
Almost all B22 semi-improved neutral grassland. Area (1) west of railway line is dominated by grasses, with few herbs; Lolium perenne,  Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus, with Carduus nutans and C. crispus. Most of this area approximates to NVC MG7, with patches of nettle, dock and thistle. Area (2) is similar and connects with (1) through tunnel under railway. Area (3) is similar to area (1). Carex otrubae has been recorded,  and ditch in north has Myosoton aquaticum. (4) and (5) are semi-improved grassland with wet hollows. Tall ruderals are infrequent. The area is more herb-rich including Galium verum, Pimpinella saxifraga. J.Dony noted Catabrosa aquatica and Saxifraga granulata in 1980. Part of common is arable. There is a species-rich hedge at SE edge of (5). Main interest of site is ditch flora  esp. in west: Over 30 wetland spp. including Oenanthe fistulosa, Polygonum amphibium, Sagittaria, Scirpus lacustris etc.

MANAGE:
Noted by J.Dony (1980) to be possibly the only unimproved water meadow in the county, but the site has clearly lost its interest apart from ditch flora. The ditches themselves are maintained by IDB, and the area is used as a recreation area by the public. Area (1) is grazed by cattle and horses (at least 40 cattle and 8 horses at time of visit) and also mown. Areas (2) and (3) are cattle grazed. Areas (4) and (5) are cattle and horse grazed, with 30 and 10 respectively at time of visit, but grazing is patchy, with several rank areas containing thistles etc. The common used to be managed as a water meadow. Floristic diversity has decreased, but the ditches are still rich. It is possible that herbicides or fertilisers have been applied in the past. The area has been fenced in places. To preserve interest of common in future, present grazing should be continued, with no further pasture improvement. The ditches should be maintained as now.


FAUNA:
On visit: Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Starling, House Martin. Most birds were recorded on the boundary where they occurred on adjacent hedge and tall herb communities.

VEG:
Almost all B22 semi-improved neutral grassland: Lolium perenne dominant with Deschampsia caespitosa, Hordeum secalinum, Alopecurus pratensis, Phleum pratense and other grasses. It approximates to a NVC MG7 Lolium perenne ley. Both sections of the common are similar, being species-poor with a low frequency of herbs. Ranunculus acris is scattered, and Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius and Urtica dioica also occur. The eastern part contains more ruderals, being more heavily grazed and poached.  The river is c. 6 m wide, and has water crowfoot Ranunculus sp.  and the banks hold Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum and Epilobium hirsutum.

MANAGE:
The grassland is botanically poor, and has possibly been treated with a herbicide in the past, so accounting for the lack of herb species. Both sections are cattle grazed, the river being easily crossed by cattle. Little can be done to improve the sward other than reseeding. Trees could be planted in field corners if they were protected from cattle. The gappy hawthorn hedge that forms the boundary around the western half could have trees planted in it.


FAUNA:
On visit: Blue Tit, Corn Bunting, Wood Pigeon,  Blackbird, Starling.

VEG:
Northern part of common, from The Avenue to Totternhoe Road is mown verge divided by driveways and pavement. The grassland is NVC MG7-5 Lolium perenne-Plantago lanceolata verges and lawns with ruderal species predominant. It is not as species-rich as the grassland on the other side of the road (CL 32) and has much bare ground. Mature beech and horse chestnut trees (A3) are present in the centre of the common. The southern part of the common past the houses is ruderal vegetation (C31) with Artemisia vulgaris,  Cirsium arvense, Reynoutria japonica, Rubus, Urtica dioica, Solanum dulcamara, Symphytum officinale. Thick scrub (A21) forms a boundary between the road and the arable field behind  with sycamore, hawthorn, blackthorn, elder and ash.

MANAGE:
The grass verge is mown, and trees have been planted in the past. More trees could be planted on the northern part, but management is limited in this urban area. Flytipping of garden refuse has occurred.


FAUNA:
On visit: House Sparrow, Blackbird, Starling.

VEG:
Northern part adjacent to houses is a mown grass verge broken up by driveways and pavements. Each small verge varies in botanical composition depending on the management by adjacent resident Some parts hold a range of species including Pimpinella saxifraga, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra, Crepis capillaris, Avenula pratensis, Prunella vulgaris and Senecio jacobaea. Less interesting parts are dominated by Lolium perenne and Taraxacum officinale, Potentilla reptans, Achillea millefolium, Trifolium dubium and Capsella bursa-pastoris are frequent; this approximates to NVC MG7-5 community. South of the houses a narrow strip of ruderal vegetation is present between the wheatfield and the pavement. This has Artemisia vulgaris, Galium aparine, Chenopodium bonus-henricus and Arrhenatherum elatius, approximating to NVC MG1 Urtica dioica sub-community.

MANAGE:
The verges are mown, probably by the Local Authority but possibly also by residents. No changes in management can be recommended for the common.


FAUNA:
Birds noted on visit: Wren, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Moorhen, Swift, Swallow. 
The clumps of trees are likely to provide the main zoological interest of the site although the infrequently mown grass may allow some invertebrates to flourish.

VEG:
A fairly open area of B22 semi-improved neutral grassland. It is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius and Lolium perenne, with Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata and Poa pratensis. BHWT survey recorded Sonchus asper, Alopecurus pratensis, Trifolium pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Geranium dissectum, Cirsium arvense, Centaurea nigra, Bromus mollis and Anthriscus sylvestris. At the time of our visit, the areas had mostly been mown. A ditch on the north-western edge held Apium nodiflorum, Ranunculus repens, R. scleratus and Glyceria maxima; the water was slow-flowing and muddy. There are two small clumps of trees on the site containing horse chestnut, limes and ash,  surrounded and underlain by Arrhenatherum-dominated grassland. Other occasional trees have been planted, such as Salix alba and Alnus incana.

MANAGE:
The whole area had been mown and the cuttings left - mowing had occurred recently. This cut is infrequent, possibly only annual. The strip to the north-west of the road is close-mown as lawn. The ditch along the north-west edge had been cleared out in places. Some trees have been planted. The common could be improved for wildlife, whilst still retaining its visual amenity, by removing cuttings after mowing, leaving larger uncut areas round the trees, planting occasional native oak trees and possibly making a pond associated with the ditch in the north-west.


FAUNA:
On visit: Magpie, Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Carrion Crow, Bullfinch, Blue Tit,  Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Jay, Sparrowhawk.  
The common is a ISR site, grade D. Rare Hymenoptera have been recorded in the past  (a total of 58 species of ants and bees), but habitat has changed. Further survey is needed to see if these are still present.

VEG:
An area of species-poor scrub and woodland, with one area of mown neutral grassland. Known to have been richer is species in the past. A21 scrub: dense  dominated by large Crataegus monogyna, with Sambucus nigra  Rosa sp.; grades into woodland. Ground layer has much Deschampsia caespitosa, Rubus  Lonicera, Dropteris sp. Soil is heavy clay and there are a few small clearings with Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum, Dactylis, Trifolium spp. and Lolium perenne. A111 woodland: canopy includes Fagus, Quercus sp. and Fraxinus, with understory of Crataegus, Sambucus and Corylus and ground layer of Poa trivialis, Urtica dioica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hedera helix and a limited range of woodland flora less rich than in adjacent CL 51. B22 neutral grassland is largely mown NVC MG7 Lolium-Plantago community  tending to MG1 in uncut areas. Road verges are richer  with spp. including Galium veru,  Centaurea nigra, Knautia arvensis & Achillea millefolium.

MANAGE:
The common is generally unmanaged, except for the maintenance of a circular walk and the mowing of the grassland - car park area. The section north of the B4540 is a country park maintained by South Bedfordshire District Council, with byelaws under the Commons Act 1899. The area is popular for walking and horse riding, but is also used for rubbish dumping. The roads crossing the common are very busy with traffic.  J. Dony noted that the quality of the flora has deteriorated due to cessation of grazing and increased public pressure. The main management priorities should be to keep open the remaining clearings, and occasionally mow them, removing the cuttings. New clearings in the dense scrub should be cut, as the relative richness of the flora in CL 51 indicates potential for the reappearance of a range of species. The grassland should continue to be mown, with removal of cuttings and no further improvement.


FAUNA:
Birds include Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Lesser White-throat, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Little Owl and, in past, Nightingale though not now. Typical open grassland bird communities. On visit good numbers of singing passerines - Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Skylark, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Corn Bunting, also Tree Sparrow.  
Brown Hare recorded.  
ISR site, grade C. Typical chalk downland butterflies have been recorded, including Chalkhill Blue,  Small Blue and Dingy Skipper. One notable moth, the Brown Scallop recorded in 1976.

VEG:
The bulk of the site is chalk grassland, with large areas of scrub and some mesotrophic grassland. NVC communities represented on site are: CG3d - 18 ha  CG3a - 2 ha  CG6a - 1 ha  and MG1 - 4 ha. Most of the B31 chalk grassland is dominated by Bromus erectus, with Festuca ovina, Briza media, Avenula pratensis, Carex flacca, Sanguisorba minor, Polygala vulgaris, Helianthemum nummularium and Anthyllis vulneraria. Senecio integrefolius, Astragalus danicus and Orobanche elatior are found, together with Buniun bulbocastanum,  Linum catharticum and Filipendula vulgaris. B21 neutral grassland on clay with flints is dominated by Dactylis, Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum and Poa trivialis, with Rhinanthus minor and Conopodium majus. A22 and A21 scrub density is high, and is largely Crataegus, with Rhamnus catharticus and Viburnum lantana. Most scrub is not totally continuous, and Galley Hill area particularly has a high cover.

MANAGE:
Little management is carried out now, and much of the grassland is very rank - up to 1m high, and often becoming mesotrophic. There has been no grazing for many years, with rabbits making little impact. Scrub clearance has been carried out by NACRO. South-western areas have been mown in the past, first for amenity, then more sympathetically, though cuttings have not been removed. There is some mowing on path edges. The common needs grazing, with continued scrub control, which leads to fencing problems, even if stock were available. Effect of removal of growth can be seen around point (A), where reasonable chalk grassland has developed on the occasionally-mown `rough' of the golf course. If grazing not possible, then at least annual mowing and removal of cuttings necessary on parts of site.


FAUNA:
Important butterfly population: including Chalkhill Blue, Small Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled White, Duke of Burgundy, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak. There are several uncommon moths, including Cistus Forester and Wood Tiger. The Mollusc Abida secale occurs at its only county site. Evidence of interest in Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and also Hymenoptera (two RDB species recorded in past).  Birds include warblers, Skylark, Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, Magpie and Wren.

VEG:
The common is predominantly unimproved calcareous grassland, with scrub, improved grassland and tall herb communities. B31 is NVC CG3 Bromus erectus grassland, Centaurea nigra sub-community The grassland is dominated by Bromus erectus, with Festuca ovina, Koeleria macrantha, Briza media and  Cynosurus cristatus. Other species include Helianthemum nummularium, Cirsium acaule, Asperula cynanchica, Pimpinella saxifraga, Sanguisorba minor, Carex flacca, Gentianella amarella, Succisa pratensis, Filipendula vulgaris, Thymus drucei and T. pulegioides. Uncommon species include Bunium bulbocastanum, Senecio integrefolius, Coeloglossum viride, and Ophrys apifera.  A21 scrub is dominated by Crataegus monogyn, Rosa canina, Prunus spinosa, Rhamnus catharticus, Viburnum lantana and Sorbus aria. C31 area has deeper soils with Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium spp. and Daucus carota. The picnic area is B4 improved grassland.

MANAGE:
Lack of grazing in recent years has led to scrub encroachment, although there have been efforts to control its spread. The grassland is generally rank, up to 1m high. There is heavy visitor pressure in places, which leads to localised problems. The main management needs are reintroduction of grazing and continued control of scrub. Grazing in now occurring on part of the SSSI to the south, owned by the National Trust. The main problem is fencing, and Bedfordshire County Council are in the process of applying to the Secretary of State for fencing consent, although there appear to be some old fences on the common already.  If fencing not possible, then shepherding has been suggested, although this may not be feasible.


FAUNA:
The common holds a rich chalk downland butterfly including Chalkhill Blue,  Small Blue, Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper and Marbled White. Moths include two nationally uncommon species and a number of local species. There are uncommon harvestmen and two rare bees have been recorded. Extensive though old species lists in management plan. On brief visit  the following birds were recorded:  Spotted Flycatcher, Carrion Crow,  Song Thrush, Wren, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Yellowhammer, Wood Pigeon, Pheasant, Swift.

VEG:
The site is a mosaic of unimproved calcareous grassland with scrub and woodland (A11/A12  primarily beech plantation with ash).  B31 unimproved grassland is composed of the following NVC communities: CG2a - 1 ha, CG3a - 1 ha. The steeper slopes are dominated by Festuca ovina, Koeleria macrantha, and Briza media. Elsewhere  Bromus erectus is dominant. Other plants include Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Thymus pulegioides, Asperula cynanchica, Gentianella amarella, Campanula glomerata, Cirsium acaule and several orchids including Ophrys apifera, Listera ovata, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Aceras anthropophorum and Herminium monorchis. Bunium bulbocastanum is also present. In general the grassland is quite rank with scrub invasion in a number of areas.  2 ha of rank MG1 mesotrophic grassland is also present on the common.

MANAGE:
The site has become more rank and scrub covered in recent years, and grazing is necessary.  The common has already been fenced into sub-compartments by Bedfordshire County Council. The aims of the management plan, which has been approved by NCC, are to maintain and enhance the calcareous grassland and associated invertebrates and orchids, and maintain the `beech hanger' woodland.  Sheep grazing is proposed at one sheep per acre per year in late summer to early winter. Cutting is proposed if sheep cannot be used. Scrub removal is also proposed. In the woodland, sycamore control is proposed. This management plan should serve to maintain the interest of the site if  all is carried out as planned.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Whitethroat (3 singing birds), Sedge Warbler (4 singing birds), Yellowhammer, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Dunnock, Linnet, Swallow, Tree Sparrow, Skylark, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Turtle Dove, Bullfinch breeding, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Magpie, Corn Bunting.  
Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White.  Around pond: Ischnura elegans, Coenagrion puella, Calopteryx splendens.

VEG:
Most of the common is rank, neglected neutral grassland, semi-improved or close grazed in patches, with areas of tall herb vegetation, principally Urtica dioica, and an area of marshy grassland with an associated small pond. B22 semi-improved neutral grassland: the majority of the site is classified as this  even though clear signs of improvement are confined to relatively small areas. Rather, the site has been neglected and under-grazed for a number of years and has become rank and mesotrophic, with colonisation by ruderals and spread of species characteristic of semi-improvement. There is no overall dominant in the grassland  with much Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus and Lolium perenne with very abundant Ranunculus acris. Other species in sward include Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Phleum pratense, Hordeum sp., Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Ononis spinosa, Veronica chamaedrys, Lotus corniculatus and Achillea millefolium. Tall herb areas within sward contain rank growth of many of above grasses, together with Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Arctium sp., much Rumex obtusifolius and Cirsium arvense. Close-grazed patches are quite species-rich, with grazed Carex sp., Alopecurus geniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla anserina, Juncus bufonius, Stellaria media, S. graminea, Plantago major, and Vicea cracca. The grassland is generally quite dry, but there is a wetter area grading into marshy grassland in the north of the site. Most of the northern part of the common is quite sedge-rich, and this area could possibly be classified as unimproved neutral grassland.  C3 tall herb vegetation is predominantly a thick strip of nettles alongside the stream, associated with dredging spoil. The ditch itself is quite overgrown, with much Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria maxima, G. fluitans, Lemna sp., Sparganium erectum, Veronica beccabunga, Phalaris arundinacea, Myosotis scorpioides and Epilobium hirsutum.  

B5 marshy grassland lies to north of pond and intergrades into slightly waterlogged B22. Carex hirta is frequent, with much Deschampsia caepitosa, and Eleocharis palustris, Carex otrubae, Equisetum arvense, Juncus inflexus, Holcus lanatus, Polygonum persicaria, Agrostis stolonifera, Galium palustre and Juncus articulatus.  It is possibly an old river meander.

G1 pond is an inundated area of Ranunculus repens, Glyceria spp. and Agrostis stolonifera with some open water. There is much Juncus inflexus and Sparganium erectum, with Apium, Equisetum sp. Carex nigra, Glyceria maxima, Equisetum arvense and Alopecurus geniculatus.  Water depth is generally 10 - 30 cm.

A22 scrub is predominantly Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra. There is a thick hedge of similar composition along the western side of the common.

MANAGE:
Horse grazed at low intensity, primarily in small close-grazed patches amidst rank vegetation and tall herbs. Four horses seen on site.  The ditch along the eastern boundary is quite overgrown, and would benefit from clearing in places, although this is apparently carried out by the Water Authority, hence the thick strip of nettles on eutrophic dredgings. In general terms, the common is undergrazed, and is in need of a much higher grazing intensity, preferably by cattle. This would benefit the site immensely, as there is enough diversity in the sward to produce a botanically rich site, if the correct grazing regime was introduced. Cattle would also help keep open the pond, and produce open and structurally varied vegetation along the ditch.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Tree Pipit, Blackbird.  
Green-veined White, Gatekeeper.
Omocestus viridulus.

VEG:
The area had recently been cut, so further survey is needed to describe the full range of species present in the grassland. The common appears to be B32 semi-improved calcareous grassland. Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata and P.major are frequent, but Festuca rubra and Agrostic capillaris also scattered. Few other herbs noted. There are tall J21 hedges all round the site, dominated by Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra.

MANAGE:
Mowing had just taken place at the time of survey, with cuttings left to decompose. This regime should continue, with removal of grass cuttings if possible. Fringes of longer grass, cut later in the year, could be left around some site margins.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Yellowhammer, Collared Dove, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, House Martin, House Sparrow, Swallow.  Peacock.

VEG:
Much of the common is species-poor, improved grassland, a close-mown MG7 Lolium perenne community. It is dissected by driveways in places, and tree planting, mainly of cherry has occurred at scattered points along it. B22 semi-improved grassland is rank MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. The A21 scrub on site consists of dense Crataegus monogyna with Quercus robur and Fraxinus excelsior at (A), a thick bank of Ulmus sp. Crataegus Sambucus, nigra with Urtica dioica and Rubus fruticosus at (B), and  Ulmus sp./ Fraxinus excelsior scrub with Fraxinus standards at (C).

MANAGE:
The improved grassland is close-mown, with cuttings removed and dumped. The semi-improved grassland is rough-mown, with cuttings left to decompose. The scrub is generally unmanaged and parts are used for dumping grass cuttings. Tree planting of cherry and Acer pseudoplatanus has taken place. There is some rubbish dumping. Present management should continue, with removal of cuttings if possible from rough-mown areas.


FAUNA:
Wood Pigeon noted on visit. The area is possibly part of the Ashley Hill Forest BTO site, which holds typical woodland birds, including tits and warblers, but also Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Turtle Dove and Nightingale in 1968-1976.

VEG:
The whole common consists of Quercus robur woodland; some trees are quite mature and the area is rather open in places. Shrub layer consists of some Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna and Prunus spinosa. Ground layer is generally sparse with Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Circaea lutetiana, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Urtica dioica and Agrostis capillaris. A boundary bank separates the common from the adjacent plantation.

MANAGE:
There is no apparent management. The common has many tracks, leading to shaded bare ground; some tracks are caused by BMX bikes. In general, the area is in reasonable condition from a nature conservation viewpoint, and non-intervention is recommended.


FAUNA:
24 species of birds recorded from the common, including Whitethroat. 23 species of butterfly recorded including Purple Hairstreak, White-letter Hairstreak, Duke of Burgundy Fritillary and Purple Emperor. It is not clear if these species still occur on the reserve.

VEG:
A111 broad-leaved woodland consists of mature Fagus sylvatica with some Quercus robur. There is a sparse understorey of Sambucus nigra. In south there is more Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana and Crataegus monogyna. Ground layer has Galium aparine, Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Mercurialis perennis, Ranunculus ficaria, Viola riviniana and Geranium robertianum. Areas of scrub and hedges are Corylus-dominated with Sambucus, Ligustrum vulgare, Euonymus europaeus and Cornus sanguinea. B31 chalk grassland occurs within and above bare face of chalk pit and has scattered scrub mainly Sambucus Salix sp., Corylus, Betula pendula and Viburnum lantana. A wide range of calcicole species (over 40) has been recorded including Primula veris, Campanula glomerata, Carex flacca, Agrimonia eupatoria, Gymnadenia conopsea and Ophrys apifera.

MANAGE:
The chalk pit is rabbit grazed at varying intensity throughout the year. Grassland areas have been cut occasionally, with removal of cuttings, scrub has been cleared, there has been some tree felling and coppicing of hazel. The main threats to the site are scrub invasion, increasing rankness of grassland and trampling by horses on the paths. Main aims of management by BBONT are to maintain the grassland by cutting and removal of cuttings, and clearance of scrub, and to maintain the woodland. It is proposed to thin the hedge, coppice hazel and clear tall herb patches. These proposals are  adequate to maintain the interest of the site if carried out regularly.


FAUNA:
From our visit and NCC visit: Stock Dove, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Robin Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Tree Creeper, Long tailed Tit, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Jay, Spotted Flycatcher.  
Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and White Admiral

VEG:
All of common is Quercus robur dominated woodland with coppiced Corylus avellana understory and dense patches of Prunus spinosa scrub. Fraxinus excelsior is locally frequent in places, especially at the east end. Other species present include Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Ilex aquifolium and Sambucus nigra. Ground flora generally species-poor; much Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica, Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum. Mercurialis perennis is locally dense on drier edges. Stream banks and wetter glades hold Chryso-splenium oppositifolium, Juncus effusus, Lotus uliginosus, Cirsium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus repens, Veronica beccabunga and Deschampsia cespitosa. Other ground layer species include Ajuga reptans, Angelica sylvestris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex pendula, C.remota, C.sylvatica, Circaea lutetiana, Geum urbanum, Lonicera periclymenum, Poa trivialis, Pteridium aquilinum, Sanicula europaea.

MANAGE:
The wood appears to be unmanaged. The canopy is thinner along rides, where there are muddy areas with bare clay, and along streams. Deer apparently graze small parts of the site. Horse riders have churned up parts of some paths. Oak is regenerating quite well over most of the common. Non-intervention is recommended in the short term.


FAUNA:
On visit Robin, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit noted. 
Also Meadow Brown, Peacock, Brimstone.  
Roe Deer recorded from area.

VEG:
The common is mainly secondary A111 woodland with some open glades and wetter areas. Quercus robur and Betula pubescens are dominant, with some Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior and Ilex aquifolium. Open wetter areas in glades and streams have very small patches of marshy grassland. A large glade along power lines in north-west of site has much Juncus effusus, J.articulatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Cirsium palustre and Lotus uliginosus with scattered Pteridium aquilinum.

MANAGE:
The area appears to be unmanaged. The creation and maintenance of glades, with associated wet grassland is the main management need, and some canopy thinning should take place.


FAUNA:
On visit, signs of Moles present, and Omocestus viridulus noted.

VEG:
Northern two-thirds of common is improved grassland - a Lolium perenne, reseed with much Urtica dioica. It forms part of a larger field extending northwards. There is a small amount of Crataegus monogyna scrub by the roadside fence. B32 semi-improved calcareous grassland around the memorial is rather lush and enriched, with Lolium abundant, much Plantago major, Trifolium repens, and generally few herbs, but the following species were present: Knautia arvensis, Pimpinella saxifraga, Festuca rubra, Sanguisorba minor, Veronica chamaedrys, Plantago lanceolata, Dactylis glomerata, Taraxacum officinale, Holcus lanatus, and a border of Geranium sp. around the memorial itself. BBONT survey noted a low density of herbs in 1979 including Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium acaule, Crepis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Galium verum, Lotus cornic-ulatus, Ononis repens and Scabiosa columbaria.

MANAGE:
The area around the memorial is close-mown, with cuttings left to decay. A visit to the site prior to cutting would help to establish the exact quality of the grassland. There is a rather bare car park area near the memorial. The northern field is cattle grazed, quite heavily, with 5 cattle present at time of survey. Grazing should continue in the northern field. Mowing of the calcareous grassland around the memorial should continue, with removal of cuttings. If possible, the area should be grazed by sheep. This was noted by the BBONT survey in 1979, though mowing had also occurred then too.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Blackbird, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Wren, Goldfinch, Magpie, Robin, Blackcap, Yellowhamer.  
Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell.  
Omocestus viridulus.

VEG:
Most of the site is dominated by B22 semi-improved neutral grassland, mainly rank MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with abundant Urtica dioica and Cirsium spp. Other species present include Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Armoracia rusticana, Plantago lanceolata, Agrostis canina, Sisymbrium officinale, Achillea millefolium, Crepis capillaris, Artemisia vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris, Plantago major, Polygonum aviculare, Tripleurospermum maritimum,Trifolium pratense, Ranunculus acris, Rumex obtusifolius, and Matricaria matricarioides. The grassland tends towards acidic in places, with Agrostis capillaris and Ulex europaeus. There is a damper area around (X) with Deschampsia cespitosa and Centaurea nigra. NW section has more tall herb patches and some scattered Salix and Sambucus nigra scrub. Dense Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa and Salix sp. forms scrub patches by road and hedges.

MANAGE:
The area is presently unmanaged. It is used for informal recreation, mainly by children, and there are signs of off-road vehicles, forming several tracks, and there is also some dumping. The hedges and scrub are unmanaged. The grassland is very rank and there is much grass litter. An annual cut with removal of cuttings is necessary at the very least, and preferably, the area should be grazed. There is some interest in the grassland, and attempts should be made to retain this. A comparison of aerial photographs taken in 1963 and 1986 show that there is now much more scrub and the grassland is much more rank. Grazing on the site may have ceased very recently. Its ownership by Newbury District Council offers the chance of sympathetic management, retaining its floristic interest and its role as a recreation area.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were recorded: Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler. 
Gatekeeper, Peacock, Green-veined White.  Chorthippus brunneus.

VEG:
Much of the southern half of the common is A21 dense scrub, dominated by Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus Rosa sp., Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior and Salix sp.. The understory is rank grassland, with scattered Glechoma hederacea and Arum maculatum. In places this is admixed with C31 ruderal tall herb vegetation, largely Urtica dioica and Rubus fruticosus, with some Pteridium aquilinum. The scrub has a thin fringe of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius-dominated grassland, with frequent Artemisia vulgaris. The major road is bounded by a ditch full of MG1 grassland. The northern part of the site is A111 secondary woodland, with Quercus robur, Fraxinus, Betula pendula and some Malus sylvestris, with dense bramble underneath. Much of the common is impenetrable, with only a thin path through the centre.

MANAGE:
Almost all of the common is unmanaged, though the thin roadside strip of grassland is mown. There is some dumping, and Berkshire County Council have erected a prohibition sign. The area needs thinning and opening out in places to create glades.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Wood Pigeon, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Marsh Tit. 
Rabbits, Moles, Muntjac.  
Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Cinnabar Moth.  Omocestus viridulus, Pholidoptera griseoaptera.  Anthills present.

VEG:
The common is now largely covered in scrub which is tending towards woodland, and is probably 20 years or more in age. It is mainly Crataegus monogyna with Fraxinus excelsior Acer pseudo-platanus, Prunus spinosa, Rhamnus catharticus, Cornus sanguinea and some Quercus robur. In the NW it is very dense and shady with Quercus and Corylus avellana and bare ground underneath. There are some areas of B22 grassland (MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius dominated) in the scrub and this grades gradually into rank calcareous grassland as the scrub thins towards the open area. The open ground is very much modified by rabbit grazing. Where they are not active, the B31 chalk grassland tends towards MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland, with patches of tall herb in places, such as Chamerion angustifolium and Epilobium hirsutum. Where they are active near warrens, there is much disturbed ground, eutrophication and short grass.  The B31 unimproved calcareous grassland on the common is rank in places, but very tightly grazed in others. Dominant grasses in various parts are Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Agrostic capillaris, Avenula pubescens and Arrhenatherum elatius, with Lolium perenne on path sides. Close-grazed areas have frequent bryophytes, with Pseudoscleropodium purum and Hypnum sp. The sward is generally not very herb-rich, though very close rabbit grazing did not allow a full inventory of species present to be made rapidly, and further survey work would be helpful. Other species noted included Plantago lanceolata, Mentha arvensis, Hypochaeris radicata, Senecio jacobaea, Galium verum, Campanula rotundifolia, Sanguisorba minor, Knautia arvensis, Verbascum thapsus, Rumex acetosa, Pastinacea sativa, Trifolium pratense, Glechoma hederacea, Cirsium arvense, Plantago major, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Lactuca serriola and Verbena officinalis. The grassland has scattered scrub across it in places.

Other species noted by the BBONT survey in 1979 included Clinopodium vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Primula veris, Filipendula vulgaris, Centaurea nigra, Ononis spinosa, Leontodon hispidus, Viburnum opulus, Pimpinella saxifraga, Cirsium acaule, Agrimonia eupatoria, Campanula glomerata and Crepis capillaris. It is likely that some of these have been lost from the site due to natural succession over the last 10 years, but appropriate management could allow many of these species to recolonise the site from the seed bank and nearby patches of chalk grassland, such as Lardon Chase.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged, with rabbit grazing the only factor preventing the complete closure of the canopy. The grazing is very patchy, as described above. Scrub clearance was carried out on the site in 1978 by the Berkshire Conservation Volunteers, but the area is in desperate need of much more clearance. The grassland needs grazing by sheep, or at the very least, cutting, with removal of cuttings, once every year. This should extend as far as possible into the scrub areas.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Swallow, House Martin, Blackbird, Goldfinch. Ornamental ducks are present on the pond.  
Comma, Green-veined White, Peacock, Gatekeeper.

VEG:
Refer to map: (A) is a steep-sided pond with piled edges and an island, surrounded by mown B4 (MG7 Lolium perenne) grassland with some tree planting and scattered ash, birch and ornamental trees. There is some Armoracia rusticana and scattered tall herb vegetation. (B) is close-mown MG7 grassland next to church, with one planted horse chestnut tree. (C) is close-mown MG7 grassland with scattered trees and ornamental shrubs. (D) is occasionally mown MG7 grassland with scattered ornamental trees such as copper beech and cherry. (E) is fenced off and is mainly nettles and scrub with scattered ash cherry and some hazel coppice. (F) is a car park surrounded by tall herb vegetation (nettles docks Artemisia vulgaris thistles etc.), with an A21 hawthorn scrub fringe. (G) is a suckering elm hedge in the west broadening into A111 oak woodland, with scrub and patches of tall herb vegetation and Clematis vitalbe.

MANAGE:
Areas (A), (B) and (C) are close-mown, with some tree planting. Area (D) is occasionally mown. (E) is possibly an old orchard, and has a shed and some dumped material. It is now used in  part as an apiary. (F) is perhaps occasionally mown in part, with some tree planting, but is mostly unmanaged, and used as a storage area for horse pens. (G) is unmanaged except for the road edge, which is mown occasionally. No recommendations can be made for the common, due to its fragmentary disposition, small size and amenity function, though some attempts could be made to introduce patches of native vegetation to the pond.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Coal Tit, Wren, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Robin.  
Speckled Wood.

VEG:
All of the common is secondary woodland dominated by Quercus robur and Betula pendula, with Castanea sativa, Fraxinus excelsior, Fagus sylvatica, Sorbus aucuparia and Acer pseudoplatanus. The trees are approximately 10 m high. The shrub layer consist of Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium some Populus tremula and Lonicera periclymenum. The woodland floor is dry and shady with dense Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica, Galium aparine and Cardamine flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris, Stellaria holostea, Rumex obtusifolius, Pteridium aquilinum, Geum urbanum and Hedera helix. HJM Bowen also recorded a number of additional species in 1981 along Simon's Lane, including 7 ancient woodland indicator species though it is not clear to what extent his recording overlapped with the common.

MANAGE:
The area is unmanaged. There is some dumping of garden refuse. Tree regeneration is good, of similar species to the high canopy. Some thinning would be beneficial in places.


FAUNA:
Recorded during visit: Sparrowhawk, Pair of Lapwing, probably breeding, Wood Pigeon, Swallow, Skylark, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer.  
Mole, Rabbit.  
Common Blue, Meadow Brown.

VEG:
The grassland contains a range of species. Whilst none are particularly rare the combination makes this common of interest in a local context, especially with the presence of Lapwings. Species include Galium verum, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Achillea millefolium, Pimpinella saxifraga, Cirsium acaule, C. vulgare, Leontodon hispidus, Crepis capillaris, Poterium sanguisorba, Linum cartharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea scabiosa, Knautia arvensis, Odontites verna, Agrimonia eupatoria, Conopodium majus, Reseda lutea. Senecio jacobaea is scattered. Primula veris occurs in the NW corner. Cynosurus cristatus is a frequent grass with Lolium perenne, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus and patches of Arrenatherum elatius.

MANAGE:
The common is horse grazed at what seems to be an adequate level. The grazing is typically patchy and there are areas of MG1 Arrentatherum elatius grassland in places. Current management should be maintained and grazing levels should not be increased.


FAUNA:
No previous information. On visit the following species were noted: Starling, House Sparrow, House Martin, Mallard, Magpie, Skylark,Redlegged Partridge (family), Greenfinch, Collared Dove, Yellowhammer.  
Rabbits.  
Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell.  Chorthippus brunneus (Orthoptera),  Rhagonycha fulva (Soldier beetle)

VEG:
Over half of the common consists of J1 arable fields, primarily wheat and oats. B4 improved grassland and B22 semi-improved neutral grassland cover much of the rest of the site, with almost all of the remaining area accounted for by roads and railways crossing the common. Area (1) is heavily horse-grazed semi-improved grassland, dominated by Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens with bare ground. Other species present include Senecio jacobaea, Urtica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense with MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland around the edges. A thick and quite diverse boundary hedge with pollarded Salix fragilis and Fraxinus excelsior surrounds the field. Area (2) is reseeded Lolium perenne grassland, grazed by horses and donkeys, with an MG1 Arrhenatherum fringe. (3) is B22 semi-improved grassland dominated by Lolium, Dactylis glomerata and Plantago major. Allotments are found in the SW corner.  Area (4) is a strip of uncut B22 semi-improved grassland, dominated by an MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community, and bounded by the Colenorton Brook, with old pollarded willows (Z). The stream itself has Elodea sp., Callitriche sp. and Apium nodiflorum. A thick hedge (5) runs along the northern edge of area (3), composed of Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra and Rosa canina. Most other areas of grassland within the common have been improved and are close-mown, often used for recreation. Unmanaged sections, usually marginal, are dominated by MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. Field (Y) at the south of the site by the Thames is now improved grassland. It was surveyed by BBONT in 1984, and then contained 42 grassland species, including Cardamine pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium verum, Pimpinella saxifraga and Sanguisorba minor. These species may still be present locally within the sward, but Lolium is strongly dominant.

Other habitats present on the common are J5 roads and railways, and their associated embankments; one small area of A13 mixed woodland, some scattered A22 scrub along the river bank, several lines of trees and scattered trees, and a small water body used as a swimming pool, which was not visited. Area (X) adjacent to CL 162 is presently bare ground, following scrub clearance and burning, and is used for the storage of machinery.

The small outlying part of the common in the north-west is partially neglected arable land, with many weed species and ruderals and partially a reseeded MG1 Lolium perenne - Cynosurus cristatus field, cut for hay.

MANAGE:
Area (1) is heavily horse-grazed; area (2) is horse and donkey grazed. Some other fields are grazed occasionally by horses. Arable management occurs over much of the site, including small allotment gardens. The recreation grounds and most other grassland areas are close-mown, though some areas are left rank. A hay crop is taken from the NW outlying part of the site, and also from the improved grassland by meadow lane in the south. Little can be recommended for the common. Some of the areas of close-mown grassland would benefit from leaving patches of longer grass, less frequently mown. Some additional native trees could be planted, and the willows at (Z) and elsewhere need re-pollarding.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Magpie, Tree creeper, Skylark, Blackbird, Linnet, Dunnock, Yellow Wagtail, Coot family on ditch, and a family of Moorhens.  
Common Shrew.
Meadow Brown.
Chorthippus parallelus C. brunneus and Pholi-doptera griseoaptera (Orthoptera).

VEG:
Northern edge has line of tall Salix fragilis with scrub and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius fringe. Common Ditch is shaded with scattered Crataegus monogyna; Glyceria fluitans, Apium nodiflorum and Lemna sp. present in stream. Main part of common (A) is close-grazed reseeded Lolium perenne sward with Plantago major, Trifolium repens, docks, thistles, nettles, some other ruderals and much bare ground. Area (B) is similar. Area (C) is disturbed in places with Senecio jacobaea and MG1 grassland along ditch banks and nettles Epilobium hirsutum, Rubus fruticosus and some Sambucus nigra and Ulmus sp. scrub. Area (D) is similar to (C) but rather more disturbed. Area (E) is also similar with many more thistles and docks, together with Artemisia vulgaris. (F) is a cattle-grazed MG7 Lolium sward. (G) is a rank ungrazed old allotment, now MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland and some dense scrub. Scattered scrub is also found along most fence lines.

MANAGE:
Area (A) is cattle-grazed, at high grazing pressure. Some areas are trampled along the banks, and around 75 cattle were present at the time of the visit. It is fenced along the road, where there has been some tree planting. Area (B) is similar, also with roadside tree planting. Cattle can cross to (A) by crossing river. (C) is also cattle grazed, and is linked to (D). Cattle can cross under the road bridge to (A). Area (D) held 19 cattle and is also closely grazed. Present management should continue, but grazing pressure should decrease.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were recorded: Greenfinch, Skylark, Wood Pigeon.  
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Meadow Brown.  Chorthippus brunneus C.parallelus (Orthoptera).

VEG:
J1 arable field is former arable land, now apparently fallow. Barley and Wild Oats are scattered across the field, with Lolium perenne, Hordeum sp., and many ruderals, such as Artemisia vulgaris, Arctium minus, Urtica dioica, Equisetum arvense, Rumex obtusifolius, Senecio jacobaea, Chenopodium album, Arrhenatherum elatius, Elymus repens, Sonchus asper, Achillea millefolium, Vicia sativa, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Sisymbrium officinale, Cirsium arvense, Epilobium hirsutum, and many Cruciferae. There is much bare soil, and some dumped grass litter. It is separated from the improved grassland by a dry ditch with a thin hedge (Crataegus monogyna and Corylus avellana), and fringe of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. The B4 grassland is a MG6 Lolium perenne - Cynosurus cristatus reseed with few herbs, bounded to the NW by a drain with Typha latifolia, Lythrum salicaria, Filipendula ulmaria, and Carex acutiformis.

MANAGE:
The arable field is apparently not managed at present, and a hay crop is taken from the improved field. There is some dumping of grass on the site. There are no boundaries with the adjacent CL 164, which is composed of the same fields in this outlying section. No management recommendations can be made for the site.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Jay.  
Speckled Wood.

VEG:
An area of A13 mixed Scots Pine/birch woodland on drier areas with two deep, alder-lined gullies. A boundary bank marks the northern edge, the powerline the eastern end, where the cleared strip has Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus and some Molinia caerulea. Drier mixed woodland has a Pteridium understory, with Rubus and bare ground. Other trees here are Quercus robur, Larix decidua, Castanea sativa and Ilex aquifolium. A111 broad-leaved woodland is dominated by Alnus glutinosa and Acer pseudoplatanus. Gully (A) is quite dry with a little Ranunculus repens and scattered Dryopteris filix-mas, Circaea lutetiana, Teucrium scorodonia and Viola riviniana. Gully (B) also has Alnus with similar vegetation, plus Oxalis acetosella and Urtica dioica. Stream dry, and incised, circa 1m. Area (C) in the west is a dry, well-spaced larch plantation with scattered Betula pendula. There is no clear western boundary.

MANAGE:
No management occurs at present. Dumping takes place, with cars and mattresses left, and part of the area is used as a bike scrambling area. The canopy should be thinned slightly, especially around the gullies and adjacent to the power line area in the east, to encourage the growth of ground and field layer species.


FAUNA:
Birds: BTO note following as breeding in 1968-1972: Nightjar, Redstart, Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, Wood Warbler. On my visit Wren, Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Tree Creeper, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff. 
Other vertebrates: Muntjac on visit and in 1974 Grass Snake, Common Lizard (HJMB). 
Invertebrates: HJMB noted 9 species of butterfly in 1974 including White Admiral and Silver- washed Fritillary. Also, Pholidoptera griseoaptera. Site is included in ISR and has records of rare Diptera principally from damp alder gully areas. Diptera of note from these gullies include Oxycera pulchella, Platycheirus fulviverstris, Microdon eggeri, Servulea ursina and Cynomya mortuorum. The fishpond in the centre of the site has been well-recorded over recent decades for Odonata. 15 species of dragonfly have been noted: Pyrrhosoma nymphula, Ischnura elegans, Enallagma cyathigerum, Coenagrion puella, Aeshna juncea, A. grandis, A. cyanea, A. mixta, Anax imperator, Cordulia aenea, Libellula depressa, L. quadrimaculata, Orthetrum cancellatum, Sympetrum striolatum and S. sanguineum. The latter species is rather uncommon. The pond was the subject of a study of Anax imperator in 1952 (Corbet 1957), when over 4,000 individuals emerged. However, the pond has probably declined in quality due to siltation, shading and dumping, and perhaps only 9 species are present now. On my visit, C. puella, A. grandis, Anax and L. quadrimaculata noted.

VEG:
This is a very generalised description of a complex site, and all habitat areas are very approximate because the common is a complicated mosaic of woodland, scrub, heath, bracken, gorse, and scattered trees. The area was once quite open heathland but succession and planting has now led to almost complete cover of A13 mixed woodland composed of Betula spp. and Pinus sylvestris of varying ages with very little open heath or grassland remaining. Parts of the site are more pure Pinus sylvestris, and some of these have been planted. The ground flora is very variable under A13 and A12 areas but is generally sparse. C11 bracken is scattered on sit, with some dense patches. A111 woodland is found mainly in gullies with Alnus glutinosa, Quercus robur, Betula pubescens dominant. Viola palustris is present. The most interesting open parts of the common are as follows: D11 dry dwarf shrub heath is found in very small scattered patches throughout, though mostly as understory and too small to map. The major extents are shown. Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea and Ulex minor are present, with Pteridium aquilinum and acidic grassland patches dominated by Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexuosa. All are invaded by A22 birch scrub. D6 wet heath/acidic grassland mosaic is present in two larger areas in the north, both invaded by trees and scrub. They are mainly dominated by Calluna, with Erica tetralix and Molinia caerulea, and are generally rather dry. B11 acidic grassland  is found in several areas, all suffering from scrub invasion. Main species are Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus. There are a few small areas of wetter acidic grassland (B5), dominated by Molinia with some Juncus effusus. 

There are three ponds on the common: the main central pond has variable water levels, with bare mud and silt, litter dumping and suffers from shading. Species present include Azolla filiculoides, Glyceria sp., Hypericum elodes, Eleocharis palustris, Nymphaea alba and Potamogeton sp. Pullens Pond is very species-poor, with Nymphaea alba, Oenanthe crocata, Mentha aquatica and Ranunculus flammula. The small pond north of Pullens Pond has Glyceria sp.

H.J.M. Bowen has recorded lichens on the common, and describes it as the second best site in the region for acid soil lichens, being of county importance. Species present include Baeomyces roseus, Cladonia bacillaris, C. glauca and C. gracilis.

MANAGE:
Overall, very little management takes place. There is some accidental burning, and strips underneath the power lines are cleared by the Electricity Board. Pullens Pond is used for fishing, and parts of the site are subject to quite high recreation pressure at times. Litter dumping occurs. Scrub clearance and mowing of selected areas are very urgent, as it almost too late to save any substantial area of heath. The major heath areas remaining should be taken as a starting point, and scrub clearance carried out from those, with rotational mowing of small parcels of heath and grassland, and perhaps even some small-scale burning. The woodland canopy around the ponds should be thinned and some pond maintenance carried out. This is the bare minimum necessary to stop the complete decline of the heathland on the common.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Robin, Wren, Green Woodpecker, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler.  
Rabbit.  
Speckled Wood, Large White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown.  
Odonata: Enallagma cyathigerum.  
Orthoptera: Chorthippus parallelus, Omocestus viridulus.

VEG:
Padworth Common is a complex site, and vegetation boundaries and areas are approximate. The minor road through the centre divides the site into two distinct halves. The north-west half is mainly A111 oak woodland and scrub, with small areas of open heath acid grassland and bracken. Species present in these open areas include Calluna vulgaris, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Erica cinerea, Molinia caerulea, Rumex acetosella, Aira praecox and Ulex europaeus. A small pond in the north has much Juncus effusus, Glyceria sp. and Potamogeton sp. South-east of the road lies the largest area of open Calluna heath at 50% cover. It has been burned and Polytrichum sp. is frequent, as is Molinia, and also Erica tetralix and Juncus squarrosus. One of the densest heath areas lies under the power lines where clearance has occurred. Scrub frequency increases towards the south and east of this section and much birch is colonising the open area. A thin strip of mixed woodland runs alongside the road. Additional species recorded from the common by HJMBowen include Carex binervis, C. paniculata, C. pilulifera, Erica cinerea, Festuca gigantea, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Listera ovata, Melica uniflora, Salix repens and Valeriana officinalis.

MANAGE:
Low intensity management occurs on the common. The southern part was damaged by fire in 1950, 1976 and recently. Most of the site is subject to heavy scrub invasion, though this has been cleared in places by Newbury District Council. There has been some planting of oaks in the north-western half, and dumping occurs. Areas of improved grassland in the north and east are mown. The area needs much scrub clearance, mowing of grassland and rotational burning of heather; most of these are proposed in the management plan. The pond in the north needs more light; the canopy to the south needs thinning.


FAUNA:
The area has a good passerine bird community including Tree Pipit, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Marsh Tit, Garden Warbler and Wood Warbler. Nightjar also breeds. 
Adder, Grass Snake, Slow Worm, Common Lizard, and Palmate Newt occur, and Great-crested Newt has been recorded. 
Insects include the moths Grey Scalloped Bar and Heath Rustic, the Bog Bush Cricket Metrioptera brachyptera, and dragonflies such as Aeshna juncea and A.grandis. 
A range of butterflies is recorded, and uncommon craneflies such as Limnophila meigeri and Tipula subnodicornis, which occur in the mires and wet woodland

VEG:
The site is complex and habitat areas are approximate due to complicated degree of scrub and woodland colonisation. A111 woodland: two broad types can be distinguished, separated by dashed line along west of site. The western lower slopes are dominated by more mature Betula spp. and Quercus robur woodland, grading into ancient woodland towards Mapleash Copse in NW. Over most of the site, the woodland is secondary Betula and Quercus with Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, and Pinus sylvestris in places. This woodland growth is older, and dominated more by Quercus at the north end of the common. The woodland grades into A21 scrub and A3 scattered trees as it joins more open areas; the dominant scrub species are Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, and Crataegus monogyna, with dense Crataegus and Prunus scrub in north. C11/C12 dense and scattered bracken are frequent over the common in open areas and under woodland. Heathland areas on the common are concentrated into two major clusters. The northern area contains D11 dry and D2 wet dwarf shrub heath, with Calluna vulgaris, Ulex minor in drier areas and Calluna, Molinia caerulea and Erica tetralix in wetter parts, with records of Sphagnum compactum and Drosera rotundifolia. The southern area is slightly drier with less wet heath. Other heathland and heathy grassland species recorded from the common include Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca tenuifolia, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Carex pilulifera and C. binervis. All heathland areas are invaded by scrub to some degree. Two small E14 valley mires are present on the common, and such habitats are rare in Berkshire. The main area in the south-east is dominated by Molinia, Sphagnum spp. and Eriophorum angustifolium, with Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum, Dactylorhiza maculata, Cirsium dissectum, Viola palustris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Drosera rotundifolia and Rhynchospora alba, with small runnels and pools. The smaller area towards the south-west is more species-poor, and dominated by Molinia. Both areas of valley mire are at risk from scrub invasion.

A small G1 pond is present in the south of the common. It is probably an old gravel or clay pit and is dominated by Equisetum fluviatile and surrounded by scrub. A small E21 acidic flush is found at 459712. It is dominated by Salix scrub, Molinia and Erica tetralix, and the main feature of interest is a small colony of Equisetum sylvaticum.

An area of J33 house and garden is apparently included within the common at the south end, and J4 bare ground in the form of car parks is found near the entrance at the eastern edge.

Snelsmore Common is considered by Bowen (1988) to be the best site in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire for heathland lichens, and of county importance. Around 30 species of bark lichens have been recorded, and scarce heathland lichens include Cladonia arbuscula, C. bacillaris, C. ciliata, C. uncialis, C. verticillata and Coelocaulon aculeatum. The best management to maintain the lichen interest of the common is continued birch control and maintenance of different ages of heather through burning.


This site is very well-known, and the above summary is very brief. See NCC files for much more information. Snelsmore Common is the largest and richest heathland area in west Berkshire, and is an important site in a county context.

MANAGE:
The common has become very invaded by scrub and trees in recent decades, and the open heath areas are now relatively small. It is managed as a country park by Newbury District Council, with the involvement of BBONT and others. Management work has concentrated on keeping the main heath areas open, through scrub clearance and burning. Bracken control has taken place and fire breaks have been cut. Some pond maintenance has occurred. Other management has centred around visitor facilities, as the site is very popular. The heath areas and valley mire are probably now being maintained in an open state, though many areas including the valley mires are becoming more rank. The concentration of effort on open areas has meant that the woodland is now becoming more mature and dense. Continuation of present management is essential, with gradual extension of heathland into fringing woodland and bracken through clearance is recommended.


FAUNA:
No specific information, but many species are likely to be shared with the adjacent CL 61 which has a varied fauna with records of Molluscs, woodlice, harvestmen, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, including Brimstone, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak, White-letter Hairstreak and numerous moths. 
Also birds including Lesser spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Hawfinch and, in the past, Nightingale. Mammals include Badger and Muntjac.

VEG:
The A111 woodland is well-structured secondary Quercus robur woodland with varied understory. This grades into A111/A21 dense Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra scrub, with mature trees and some young Fraxinus excelsior. Denser areas of A21 scrub in north-east are mixed S.nigra and C.monogyna scrub with Ulmus suckers. Area along Moorlands Drive is B4 species-poor coarse improved grassland. Parts are more herb-rich. Small areas of B31 unimproved calcareous grassland are found along road edges.

MANAGE:
The woodland and scrub areas are apparently not managed. A hay crop is taken from the improved grassland, and there has been some small-scale tree planting. The aim of NT management is to maintain the rides and the woodland structure. Some thinning, scrub cutting in rotation, and linear coppicing is proposed by the National Trust, with continuation of present grassland management. This would appear to be adequate to maintain the interest of the common.


FAUNA:
A wide range of birds is recorded in NT records and BTO site information including Sparrowhawk, Turtle Dove, Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Tree  Creeper, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Hawfinch, and past records of Nightingale. There is a Starling roost in winter. Mammals include Fallow Deer, Muntjac, Fox, Badger, Stoat, Weasel and Pygmy Shrew. Butterflies present include Brimstone, Purple Hairstreak, White Admiral, White-letter Hairstreak, and moths include Brown Scallop and Lead-coloured Drab. Notable Coleoptera occur. Lists exist for other invertebrate groups.

VEG:
Much more information exists in NT survey report. The site is mostly secondary woodland and scrub. Older woodland in N and W consists of mature Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior and some Betula pendula. The woodland is well-structured with good regeneration and dense understory. Ground flora is generally species-poor, with few ancient woodland indicators. The rest of the Thicket is younger, scrubby woodland, with old Crataegus monogyna, Betula ash and sycamore, with a variety of other shrubs. There is a small area of larch woodland in the centre of the site. Botanically the most interesting parts of the site are the wide rides containing a moderately rich calcareous sward with Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Filipendula vulgaris, Sanguisorba minor and Thymus praecox. Other parts of the grassland are more rank, and one area is improved. Bracken is scattered throughout the common.

MANAGE:
Little management occurs over most of the woodland. Mowing of verges and rides takes place, and some rides are kept short by horse trampling. Rabbits graze some areas. The main aim of the NT management is to maintain the woodland habitat mosaic and structure by selective thinning, mowing of glades, scalloping of glade edges and linear coppicing of scrub. Dead timber should be left to decay. This management should be sufficient to maintain the interest of the common. The north-western edge is threatened by road widening associated with the dualling of the A423 (T), and this includes one of the richest areas of calcareous grassland.


FAUNA:
Cookham Moor: Yellowhammer, Linnet, Coot, Moorhen recorded. The hoverflies Syritta pipiens, Dasyrphus venustus and Merodon equestris noted, plus Anasymia lineata in ponds. Odonata present include Enallagma cyathigerum, Ischnura elegans and Coenagrion puella. 
Cookhamdean Commons: little specific information, but wide range of common birds and mammals likely to be present. Unimproved grassland on SE edge of Cookhamdean Common supports the local hoverfly Pyrophaena roseum and the clegfly Haematopota galathea.

VEG:
Cookham Moor is species-poor B4 improved grassland, mainly MG7 Lolium perenne-Plantago lanceolata sward, but some MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. The SE corner has records of Galium verum and Pimpinella saxifraga, and in NW corner Filipendula ulmaria, Lathyrus pratensis and Angelica sylvestris recorded. The grassland is fringed to the N and S by hedges and thin remnant elm woodland. Salix scrub is found along the watercourse (the Strand), which contains two ponds dry in 1989. The southern pond has Glyceria maxima, Carex acutiformis, Carex riparia, Iris pseudacorus, Epilobium hirsutum and Thalictrum flavum. Northern pond is shallow and shaded by Salix and Alnus glutinosa with little emergent vegetation. 
Cookhamdean Commons: Tugwood Common is tall moderately herb-rich grassland (e.g. Galium verum) with tree planting. Part is scrubby woodland of Ulmus Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur.  Grubwood Lane verges are either close-mown improved grassland or semi-improved MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with scrub.

Other (main) part of common, stretching from Cookham Dean south-west to Cookhamdean Common is as follows: A21 scrub area in north-west on Warners Hill is dense Ulmus, with some non-native trees planted. Several areas of species-poor improved grassland run south-westwards from there, including the area just north of Woodlands Farm. The section running along Bigfrith Lane is semi-natural Quercus-Corylus woodland in the west, grading into dense Corylus, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna scrub with mature Quercus, Fraxinus and Acer pseudoplatanus and frequent young Ulmus. Areas of scrub and species-poor improved grassland are found north-west of Woodlands Farm, south of the school. Just SW of Woodlands Farm is a small area of Quercus-Fraxinus woodland with patches of tall dense scrub.

Cookhamdean Common proper is largely reseeded, species-poor grassland, with peripheral areas of scrub and woodland. None of these wooded areas are particularly rich, but all are semi-natural dense woodland and scrub, some developing good structure. On the south-eastern side of the common is a small area of damp grassland, moderately herb-rich in places, with Dactylorhiza fuchsii.

MANAGE:
Cookham Moor: rough-mown, possibly once per year. This should continue, with no further pasture improvement. Pond restoration and maintenance and scrub clearance are necessary. Grass cuttings should be removed from the site. Cookhamdean Commons: parts are mown, parts cut for hay, and there has been some tree planting. The woodland areas appear to be unmanaged. A wider programme of grass cutting is necessary, with removal of cuttings and scalloping of edge habitats. There should be no further planting of conifers or non-native broadleaves.


FAUNA:
BTO records for site 1968-72 note breeding Snipe and Redshank, also Lapwing plus Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Yellowhammer, Moorhen, Kingfisher, Coot, Mallard, Mandarin. Mallard and Moorhen still breed, and Lapwing bred in 1987. Yellow Wagtail seen on our visit. White Brook has Coenagrion pulchellum, a rare damselfly, plus C.puella, Enallagma cyathigerum, Aeshna grandis, Anax imperator, Sympetrum striolatum. NT noted other wetland invertebrates, e.g. the hoverfly, Heliophilus pendulus, beetles, alderflies, snails, spiders and craneflies. Frog is recorded.

VEG:
B4 grassland is species-poor MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus sward, with Trifolium repens, and dense patches of Cirsium arvense and C.vulgare. The grassland was richer in the 1970s, when Sanguisorba minor and Saxifraga granulata were present. Apart from scattered pollarded willows the main feature of interest on the common is the White Brook. A good range of aquatic plants some uncommon are present; species include Sagittaria sagittifolia, Carex pseudocyperus, Lemna gibba, Butomus umbellatus, Hydrocharis morsusranae, Oenanthe aquatica, Oenanthe fistulosus, Azolla filiculoides, Myriophyllum verticillatum. Dominants are Glyceria maxima, Sparganium erectum, Carex riparia, Phalaris arundinacea. Other species include Iris pseudacorus, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Apium nodiflorum, Rumex hydrolapathum. Trampled stream edges have Veronica beccabunga, Galium palustre, Bidens cernua and the alien Impatiens capensis.

MANAGE:
In 1989, 130 cattle were present on the western side of the road; grazing pressure was too high. In 1986, at the time of the NT survey, only 40 cattle were on site. A hay cut was taken from the eastern half of the common in 1986. There has been some tree planting along the southern margin of the common. Cattle grazing should continue, but grazing pressure should be reduced. This should allow the perpetuation of the aquatic vegetation in the White Brook, though other factors may adversely affect the brook. Falling ground water levels may cause the ditch to dry partly, though water levels were quite high in 1989, despite the drought. The proposed Maidenhead Flood Relief Scheme could have drastic consequences for the White Brook depending on the options chosen for the stream. Occasional pollarding of the willows on the common should continue.


FAUNA:
No National Trust records. On our visit: Moorhen, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Magpie, Goldfinch, Wren, Starling, Spotted Flycatcher.  
Meadow Brown, Large White, Green-veined White.  Chorthippus brunneus (Orthoptera).

VEG:
B4 improved grassland is an MG7 Lolium perenne dominated sward with Ranunculus acris, Trifolium spp. and Taraxacum officinale. There is a small pond in the centre of the site which is largely silted and dominated by Glyceria maxima and Sparganium erectum. The ponds at the SE corner are silted up and shaded. There are some scattered Sambucus nigra bushes towards the edge of the common and some large old Salix fragilis pollards are present along the margins of the common.

MANAGE:
The grassland is close-mown, the cuttings left to decay. This mowing appears to be carried out by the Local Authority. There is much dumping on the common, especially in the pond. Mowing should take place less frequently, especially away from paths, and cuttings should be collected if possible - sward eutrophication is leading to increasing rankness and colonisation by ruderals such as docks.


FAUNA:
Woodland areas appear to support reasonably diverse bird and invertebrate faunas; common insects such as Speckled Wood, Scorpion Flies Panorpa spp., soldier beetles Cantharis pellucida and C.nigricans present. Grasslands have the Common Blue, and ponds have the dragonflies Cordulia aenea and Anax imperator. Birds include Willow Warbler, Robin, Yellowhammer, Cuckoo, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Jay and Song Thrush and Coot, Mallard and Moorhen are present. Mammals include Hare, Rabbit and Badger. All 3 species of newt occur as do Common Lizard, Grass Snake and Slow Worm.

VEG:
Much of the southern part of the common was improved Lolium perenne dominated grassland at the time of our visit, though it was arable land in 1986. The grassland fringes of this area are either B22 rank semi-improved Arrhenatherum elatius dominated or in several patches B21 unimproved grassland varying from slightly acidic to slightly calcareous. Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis capillaris dominate with Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Leucanthemum vulgare, Luzula campestris, Galium saxatile, Pimpinella saxifraga and Dactylorhiza fuchsii. There is some scrub invasion on the margins. Woodland and scrub areas in north of common are semi-natural though there is one area of A13 Larix and Quercus plantation. Dominant species are Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna and Corylus avellana with areas of Betula and Ulmus suckers and generally sparse ground flora. Largest pond on site at 862830 is fringed by Salix cinerea. Juncus effusus and Glyceria fluitans present, but little other marginal vegetation. Aquatic plants include Potamogeton sp., Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis and Lemna trisulca. The other ponds in the woodland are smaller, silted up and shaded.

MANAGE:
Parts are cut for hay, other parts mown; the present hay and mowing regime should be continued with no further grassland improvement. There is some tree planting, mainly non-native, and some removal of dead elm. Woodland areas should be maintained as semi-natural, with retention of mature trees and dead wood. There should be no further conifer planting, and the ponds need some maintenance. Motorcycle scrambling should be controlled.


FAUNA:
In 1968-75 Lapwing, Snipe, Yellow Wagtail and Redshank bred, and over 500 Lapwing plus Snipe and Teal wintered. Redshank and Lapwing nest occasionally still, but problems due to dog disturbance. Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and Yellow Wagtail breed. The scrub on Winter Hill is of some value to passerines such as Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Yellowhammer, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wren, Chaffinch and Robin. The chalk grassland has records of Small Heath, Common Blue and Chalkhill Blue, numerous molluscs, and a local robberfly, Leptarthrus brevirostris. The marshy grassland and ponds are of great interest for invertebrates. Nationally notable species such as the groundhopper Tetrix subulata, the soldierfly Odontomyia tigrina and the hoverfly Anasymia contracta are present, and a range of commoner wetland invertebrates. The ponds hold Great-crested Newts.

VEG:
The common is very varied with high structural and habitat diversity. The National Trust survey has much more information for the site; the following is a very brief summary. The common divides into three zones. The bulk of the low-lying area within the flood plain is semi-improved, species-poor, neutral, alluvial grassland of low botanical interest, but of importance for waders. At the foot of the chalk slope there is a long strip of marshy grassland with tall mixed fen vegetation and small pools. This is possibly the richest part of the common with many uncommon plants present including Triglochin palustris, Utricularia vulgaris, Trifolium fragiferum, Butomus umbellatus, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Apium inundatum, Juncus compressus, Carex pseudocyperus, Veronica scutellata, Eleocharis acicularis, Stellaria palustris, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Oenanthe aquatica, O.fistulosa, Polygonum minus, P. mite and Hottonia palustris. These species are found within the ponds, along pond edges, and within inundation communities and tall fen vegetation. The National Trust describe this area as one of the best lowland wetland sites on NT land. The third major zone of the common is the long chalk escarpment, holding unimproved chalk grassland, dense and scattered scrub, and small areas of woodland. Species present in the chalk grassland in 1987 included Briza media, Desmazeria rigida, Asperula cynanchica, Campanula glomerata, Carex flacca, Cirsium acaule, Euphrasia nemorosa, Filipendula vulgaris, Gentianella amarella, Ophrys apifera, Sagina nodosa, Succisa pratensis and Thymus pulegioides. Parts of the grassland, particularly in the west, around Winter Hill, are now becoming very rank and more mesotrophic. Scrub is invading the grassland, principally Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra and Ulex europaeus. Small patches of more mature mixed secondary woodland are also present.

MANAGE:
The bulk of the lower-lying part of the common is grazed by cattle during the summer. 130 animals were present in 1986. Ragwort and thistle spraying occur, and some stock feeding. The continuation of cattle grazing is essential, but in 1990, it appears that more stock were present, and there was evidence of overgrazing (AP Fowles pers. comm.). Water abstraction takes place, and this, coupled with generally lowering groundwater levels in the region, presents a very real threat to the existence of the marshy area and ponds, which were dry in 1990 (AP Fowles pers.comm.). Winter Hill is not grazed, though there is some scrub control. This grassland needs sheep grazing or cutting, and further scrub control. Recreation pressure is managed to some  degree by wardens, but pressure may increase due to the routing of a long-distance footpath. NT recommend monitoring of the site, and possible remedial action if water levels drop.


FAUNA:
Breeding birds include Snipe, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallard and Moorhen. Sedge and Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting nest, and Grasshopper Warbler may breed. In winter, small numbers of wildfowl are present, with Water Rail, large numbers of Snipe, and occasionally Jack Snipe. Passage species include Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, Hobby and Common Sandpiper. Heron and Kingfisher are also present. Scrub areas hold Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Tit. Redwing, Fieldfare and Siskin occur in winter.  Bank voles are recorded from the site, as are slow worms and grass snakes. The area is likely to be important for invertebrates, though there are apparently few records.

VEG:
Much information exists for the common, and the following summary is very generalised, taken from the citation for the SSSI which covers around 67% of the site. The principal areas of the common which lie outside the SSSI are found mainly to the south. To the south of the railway line is a small area of arable land, and between the railway and the canal, the common is dominated by B22 semi-improved neutral grassland, with much Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus thistles, and Trifolium spp., but scattered areas of Agrostis capillaris and some herbs. The section near Marsh Lane is very improved with a species-poor Lolium-dominated sward. Within the SSSI, the principal habitat is unimproved neutral grassland, but with patches of tall herb vegetation, mixed fen ditches, riverside scrub, and woodland. Common grasses include Holcus lanatus, Festuca pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, and herbs include Ranunculus acris, Rumex acetosa and Leontodon autumnalis. Main NVC grassland communities are MG8 Cynosurus cristatus - Caltha palustris flood pasture and MG10 Holcus lanatus - Juncus effusus rush pasture, both the Juncus inflexus and Iris pseudacorus sub-communities. Other species in the grassland areas include Anthoxanthum odoratum, Juncus compressus, Carex nigra, C. disticha, C. panicea, Equisetum palustre, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Succisa pratensis, Cardamine pratensis and x Festulolium loliaceum, the hybrid fescue. Wetter areas of grassland hold Dactylorhiza incarnata, D. praetermissa, Pedicularis palustris, Caltha palustris, Geum rivale, Menyanthes trifoliata and Blysmus compressus.

Tall herb and fen areas hold Phragmites australis, Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, Carex paniculata, C. acutiformis, Iris pseudacorus, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Berula erecta, Veronica beccabunga, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Lycopus europaeus and Bidens tripartita.

Ditches support Catabrosa aquatica and two species of water crowfoot, Ranunculus fluitans and R. penicillatus.

Small amounts of scrub and woodland are also present, principally alders, willows and hawthorn.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed in summer by cattle, though in recent years this has been patchy and generally too few stock have been present. Since 1986, sheep have also grazed the area in summer, and a few horses also. Thistles have been gradually spreading. Winter grazing is inappropriate on the common due to poaching and overgrazing. The grassland needs continued summer grazing by cattle, at slightly increased stocking levels. The grazing system is regulated by Trustees, and fishing rights are also pooled and let. Other management activities include thistle topping, manure spreading, spot-treatment of weeds, and watercourse maintenance by Thames Water. Riverside strips are also maintained for fishing. Parts of the common were once an operational water meadow.


FAUNA:
Grey Wagtail, Moorhen and Kingfisher noted on visit. The area held breeding Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Grey Duck, Wagtail and Kingfisher in 1968-76. Peripheral reed areas may hold warblers.

VEG:
The river runs through, and in places forms the boundary of the SSSI. It holds two species of water crowfoot, Ranunculus fluitans and R.penicillatus, and Catabrosa aquatica. Other species recorded in the river margin and in the F21 vegetation include Angelica sylvestris, Filipendula ulmaria, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus sceleratus, Scrophularia aquatica, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Glyceria maxima, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum,Myosotis scorpioides, Mimulus guttatus and Valeriana dioica. A very small area of species-rich unimproved neutral grassland, lying within the SSSI, is also included in the common at the east end. Small areas of F11 Phragmites australis swamp are also present.

MANAGE:
Almost all of the site is aquatic, and light cattle grazing affects the river margins only. This grazing should continue. The only other management is some bank trimming for anglers, and light bank trimming and waterweed cutting by Thames Water. This should also continue, but not affecting the whole of the common at once.


FAUNA:
Mallard and Mute Swan recorded. Gibbs (1985) included the area between Eddington Bridge and the Trout Farm in his invertebrate study, and recorded several uncommon Dolicopodid flies, mainly from the adjacent meadows. The riparian zone is typical of many parts of the Kennet Valley and held several interesting Sphecids (Hymenoptera) and the syrphid fly Criohina berberina. He considered that the area was important as part of the generally rich fauna of the Kennet Valley.

VEG:
All vegetation information comes from the detailed section-by-section BBONT survey in 1987. Species present within and on the edge of the river include Angelica sylvestris, Carex acutiformis, C.riparia, C.paniculata, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria maxima, Juncus effusus, J.inflexus, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Nasturtium officinale, Scirpus lacustris, Scrophularia aquatica, Solanum dulcamara, Sparganium erectum, Symphytum officinale, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, V.beccabunga and several other species. Area (X) is a small island composed of Alnus glutinosa woodland with bankside vegetation dominated by Carex spp. Area (Y) is a small area of marshy marginal vegetation with Caltha palustris, Oenanthe fistulosa, Lysimachia nummularia, and Menyanthes trifoliata. Riverside trees are frequent.

MANAGE:
Some of the banks are kept clear of vegetation to allow fishing. Most of the river is unmanaged except for periodic light bank trimming and weed cutting by Thames Water. This should continue, with rotational management of adjacent sections. Some willow pollarding is recommended by BBONT.


FAUNA:
On visit Tree Creeper and Wood Pigeon noted.

VEG:
The site is in two parts. The larger area is Fagus sylvatica-Fraxinus excelsior woodland with Sambucus nigra, much Hedera helix, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Mercurialis perennis, Sanicula europaea, Alliaria petiolata, Clematis vitalba, Melica uniflora, Ilex aquifolium and Acer campestre. There is some Aesculus hippocastanum and Tilia x vulgaris near Black Horse Lodge. The ground layer is shady and there is much bare chalky ground. The woodland is similar on both sides of the road, though the extreme eastern end of the main northern part is a car park. The small north-western outlier is more disturbed woodland with more dumping, weedy areas and docks. There is a large Acer campestre, some Pinus sylvestris, much Clematis vitalba, Rubus fruticosus and roadside fringes of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland.

MANAGE:
The area appears to be unmanaged. There is some storm damage, with fallen trees now rotting, part is a car park, and there is much dumping. There are some old railings on banks. There is no immediate need for management on the site, since the fallen trees have thinned the canopy.


FAUNA:
The area is part of the Ashley Hill Forest BTO site which holds typical woodland birds including tits and warblers, plus Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Nightingale in the past. On our visit, Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon were noted.  Also Speckled Wood, Large White and Green-veined White.

VEG:
Area (A) is a thin roadside strip of A111 woodland (but only c.8m high) composed of dense Fraxinus excelsior suckering elm, Acer pseudoplatanus and Sambucus nigra with Rubus fruticosus, Hedera helix, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Urtica dioica, over a dry ditch with a thin fringe of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. Area (B) is a triangle of close-mown disturbed MG7 Lolium perenne grassland with Rumex obtusifolius, Arctium minus, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica and Plantago spp., and an oak, bramble and hawthorn fringe with bracken. Area (C) is thin spindly secondary woodland with Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus, Sambucus, Betula sp., Prunus spinosa with an understory of Urtica Rubus and Pteridium. Sub-station area with caravan has been cleared of trees. Area (D) is oak woodland along south edge, dense bracken with scattered trees on east side, and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with a boundary hedge on west side.

MANAGE:
Little management takes place, except for mowing of roadside strips. The grassland at (B) seems to have been disturbed when road junction was modified. Continuation of mowing, with removal of cuttings where possible, is recommended. Some native trees could be planted along area (D).


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted from all four areas: Dunnock, Tree Creeper, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Collared Dove, House Martin.  
Rabbits.  
Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Gatekeeper, Small Copper, Peacock.  
Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata).  
Pholidoptera griseoaptera (Orthoptera).

VEG:
Area (A) is a thin roadside strip, not easily discernible, dominated by mixed woodland, mainly Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudo-platanus, Fagus sylvatica and some Corylus avellana coppice. It is shady with much leaf litter and Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Brachypodium sylvaticum underneath. Part is wider, possibly an old chalk pit, and contains similar vegetation. Other species in woodland include Euphorbia amygdaloides, Sambucus nigra, Glechoma hederacea and some suckering Ulmus. There are scattered patches of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland under more open areas, and the east end of the road opens into an area of this, with some tall herbs such as Epilobium hirsutum and thistles. It is backed by a tall hedge with some Quercus standards. Area (B) is a mown triangle of MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland with occasional Quercus and Prunus spinosa scrub invasion. There is one close-mown area of Lolium perenne.  Part of this section appears to be composed of houses and gardens, as shown.

Area (C) divides into two sections. The part nearest the A4 is B22 semi-improved grassland, used as a car park and trailer storage area. Reynoutria japonica is scattered. The north-western section is a deep set pond surrounded by woodland, all fenced off by a chestnut paling fence. The woodland is secondary, dominated by Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra and Prunus spinosa, with Rhamnus catharticus, Acer campestre, Hedera helix, Pteridium aquilinum, Bryonia dioica. It is rather shady, with much dumping. The pond was nearly dry, very muddy and contained much rubbish. Typha latifolia and Epilobium hirsutum are present along the edges.

Area (D) is largely open semi-improved acidic grassland with fringing woodland and scrub. At the northern corner is a small patch of mown Lolium perenne grassland, and south of this is some secondary, shady Quercus robur woodland, with Crataegus monogyna, Ulmus sp., Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Pteridium aquilinum, Holcus lanatus, Urtica dioica, Torilis japonica and Rubus fruticosus. It is generally not very diverse, and becomes more open and scrubby towards the west and south. The main grassland on this part of the common is semi-improved acidic grassland, with much Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, Rumex acetosella, Carex hirta and scattered Pteridium aquilinum and Ulex europaeus. It grades downslope north-westwards into a more rank area of acidic grassland, with more scattered ash and bracken. Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus are dominant, with Juncus effusus, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus repens, Lotus uliginosus (in wetter areas), plus more disturbed areas with Chamerion angustifolium, Senecio jacobaea and docks. This area grades downslope into CL 9. There has been some tree planting in the acidic grassland.

At the southern end of area (D) is a small pond, dry at the time of visit, with Iris pseudacorus and colonised by grasses and nettles. It is surrounded and shaded by much Salix fragilis.

MANAGE:
Area (A) is mown occasionally along the roadside. This is also true of area (B), part of which is managed as houses and gardens, and part has been used as a bonfire site. Area (C) is partly fenced off, with much dumping. Part is used as a car park and trailer storage area. Area (D) is mown, with cuttings left, though parts are grazed by rabbits. There has been some tree planting, and benches have been provided. Areas (A) and (B) should continue to be managed as at present. Area (C) needs tidying, and the canopy thinning around the pond. With appropriate and careful management, it could be developed as a small community nature reserve. Area (D) is the most important part of the common; no grassland improvement should take place, and mowing should continue, with removal of cuttings where possible.


