Flora of Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve. Compiled by Ian Denholm (First draft April 2012)

Transcription

1 Flora of Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve Compiled by Ian Denholm (First draft April 2012)

2 2 Preamble Batford Springs is Harpenden s only officially designated Nature Reserve. The recent transfer of ownership to Harpenden Town Council provides greater flexibility to manage the reserve in a manner consistent with conserving its wildlife and important habitats, whilst also improving its educational and recreational value to the local community. One of the first priorities for effective management is to document scientifically the range of species that occur, alongside their regional and local importance and their ecological inter-dependency. Vascular plants are the most conspicuous component of the reserve s wildlife but the recording of plants has so far been done on a piecemeal basis without a comprehensive compilation of the records made by several individuals over a period that spans at least 30 years. This document attempts to compile such records and draws information from a range of sources including: Previous inventories, including lists collated at intervals from which it is difficult to attribute records to individuals. The first list available (1979) is highly selective, with a focus on West Meadow and on grass species (does anyone know who this should be attributed to??). Subsequent lists compiled in 1994 and 1999 reflect surveys done by Richard Bromilow (RB) and Ian Denholm (ID) (others who should be credited?), but with little personal attribution of records or specification of where plants occurred. Subsequent to 1999, records have been added by ID and most recently by Jason Chapman (JC), a naturalist who moved to the area in early Botanical recording at Batford Springs was greatly strengthened by a visit in July 2011 by Trevor James, the BSBI (Botanical Society of the British Isles) plant recorder for Hertfordshire and author of the recent and acclaimed Flora of Hertfordshire. As well as adding many new records, Trevor provided notes on the ecology of the reserve that aren t reproduced here. The order of species and their scientific and common names follow the 3 rd edition of the New Flora of the British Isles by Clive Stace (2010), which includes some radical changes to the sequence and composition of plant families following recent advances in molecular phytosystematics. The likely status of species on the reserve is indicated, but for some trees and shrubs the distinction between native and planted specimens is often difficult and sometimes impossible. The term native as used here includes some undoubted archeophytes (plants introduced by man prior to 1500AD). Plants brought into the UK since 1500 by whatever means are Introductions. Dates refer to the list in which a taxon is first mentioned (1979, 1994 or 1990), or to the precise year of records made since 2000.

3 3 List of species Equisetaceae (Horsetails etc) Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail. Native. Occasional by stream in W Meadow (1999). Aspleniaceae (Spleenworts) Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart s-tongue. Native. Rare in woodland near stream (JC 2012). Also on bridge over ford near Marquis of Granby (JC 2012). Dryopteridaceae (Buckler Ferns) Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern. Native. One overwintering frond growing out of fallen tree in woodland near stream (ID 2012, poor specimen, check on identification). Dryopteris felis-mas Male-fern. Native. Occasional in W meadow by stream and in woodland (1999 onwards). East end, by river (TJ 2011). Pinaceae (Pines etc) Larix decidua European Larch. Planted (regenerating?). Reported by TJ (2011) without localisation. Check for other Larix taxa. Ranunculaceae (Buttercups etc) Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold. Native? Locally frequent beside stream (1994 onwards). Spreading and benefiting from recent clearance work (ID 2012). Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup. Native. Frequent in taller grassland, W Meadow and elsewhere (1979). Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup. Native. Abundant in bare ground, damp grassland and woodland (1994). Ranunculus pencillatus ssp. pseudofluitans Steam Water-crowfoot. Native. Characteristic species of chalk streams and rivers. Rare in river, west and east of bridge (ID 1999, TJ 2011). More common in river just outside reserve boundaries.

4 4 Ficaria verna Lesser Celandine. Native. Abundant, especially in or around woodland. Subspecies not yet determined but both ssp. fertilis and ssp. verna may occur (1994). Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine. Introduction. Occasional garden escape, not naturalised (ID 2004). Fabaceae (Peas etc) Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch. Native. Rare and non-flowering by river and W Meadow (TJ 2011). Vicia sepium Bush Vetch. Native. Occasional at woodland edges (ID 2006). Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling. Native. Rare, mainly W Meadow (1994). Medicago lupulina Black Medick. Native. Occasional in grassland (1999). Trifolium repens White Clover. Native. Abundant in mown grassland, occasional elsewhere (1979). Rosaceae (Roses etc) Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum. Planted. Well established trees alongside river by path to ford. Young saplings provide evidence of suckering or self-seeding (1994). Purple-leaved trees (var. pissardi) used to grow near the play-area but have been removed. Prunus spinosa Blackthorn. Native. Margins of W meadow and scattered elsewhere (1994). Prunus avium Wild Cherry. Planted? Mature trees by W meadow with self-sown saplings/suckers (TJ 2011). Sorbus aucuparia Rowan. Native? One small tree is grassland bordering the fen area is very unlikely to be planted (1999). Sorbus croceocarpa Orange-fruited Whitebeam. Planted. A tree adjacent to the road was provisionally identified as this species TJ (2011), which is widely planted in the UK. Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn. Native. Common around W meadow and scattered elsewhere (1994). Crataegus x media Hybrid Hawthorn (C. monogyna x C. laevigata). Native? Recorded by TJ (2011) but not localised. A 1994 record for C. laevigata (Midland Hawthorn) is almost certainly in error. Filependula ulmaria Meadowsweet. Native. Common beside stream and river and in tall grassland elsewhere (1979).

5 5 Rubus fruticosus agg Brambles. A complex group of several hundred apomictic clones and a few outcrossing taxa. The aggregate species is abundant on the reserve. The following constituent taxa have been confirmed, mainly by TJ during a visit in 2011: Rubus ulmifolius a widespread, outcrossing hedgerow blackberry, recorded by TJ as one large bush at east end of reserve. Rubus armeniacus alien taxon frequently planted for fruit as cv. Himalayan Giant. Widespread (1994) and continuing to increase (TJ 2011). Rubus hindii Frequent in scrub (TJ). Rubus tuberculatus Rare in scrub at east of reserve (TJ). Rubus vestitus Rare, in scrub (TJ). Potentilla anserina Silverweed. Native. Common in barer areas (1999). Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinquefoil. Native. Recorded from W meadow (1979). Geum urbanum Wood Avens. Native. Abundant in and around woodland (1994). Rosa canina Dog-rose. Native. Around W meadow (TJ 2011). Ulmaceae (Elms) Ulmus glabra Wych Elm. Planted/native. Large trees bordering W meadow considered by TJ (2011) to be planted, but numerous self-sown saplings occur. Ulmus procera English Elm? Native or planted. Plants suckering at the edge of W meadow are probably this species but require further investigation (1999). Urticaceae (Nettles etc) Urtica dioica Common nettle. Native. Abundant in grassland and damp woodland (1979). Some plants showing features of ssp galeopsifolia were noted by TJ (2011). The latter taxon is characteristic of fenland habitat in eastern England but its taxonomic status is unclear. Betulaceae (Birches etc) Betula pendula Silver Birch. Native/planted? Several scattered trees, considered planted by TJ with some regeneration (1999). Betula x aurata Hybrid Birch (B. pendula x B. pubescens). Planted trees, mostly close to road (TJ 2011).

6 6 Alnus glutinosa Alder. Native. Scattered trees (1994 onwards), some of which are likely to have been planted (TJ 2011). A characteristic native tree of riverine woods to the east and west of the reserve. Alnus incana Grey Alder. Planted. Present at west end of reserve and lining river at east end (TJ 2011). Regenerates from suckers and seed elsewhere in southern Britain and may do so here. Carpinus betulus Hornbeam. Planted. Scattered trees and bushes (1999). Corylus avellana Hazel. Native. Widespread, especially in woodland (1994). Curcubitaceae (Bryony etc) Bryonia dioica White Bryony. Native. Uncommon but well distributed (1999). Celastraceae (Spindles) Euonymus europeaus Spindle. Native? Rare by back stream (TJ 2011). Euphorbiaceae (Spurges) Mercurialis perennis Dog s Mercury. Native. Frequent in and around woodland (1994). Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge. Native. Scarce but widely distributed around paths and bare ground (ID 2005). Salicaeae (Willows and poplars) These two genera (Populus and Salix) represent a dominant component of the woodland and scrub flora, but identification is complicated by the range of species and hybrids that occur. Further investigation is needed to confirm the incidence of taxa (especially in Salix) and to establish how many of these are self-sustaining. For the purpose of this account, all taxa are presumed to have been planted originally, though some are regenerating freely. Populus alba White Poplar. Planted but suckering vigorously by the river at the northwest end of the reserve (1999). Populus x canescens (P. alba x P. tremula) Grey Poplar. Old planted trees and suckers at west of reserve (TJ 2011). Populus tremula Aspen. Two small trees in damp woodland close to stream (ID 2011).

7 7 Populus x canadensis (P. nigra x P. deltoides) Hybrid Black-poplar. Planted trees at edge of W meadow (ID 2011). Populus nigra Italica Lombardy Poplar. Suckering from planted trees by river (TJ 2011). Populus x berolinensis (P. nigra Italica x P. laurifolia) Berlin Poplar. Old planted trees at west of reserve (TJ 2011). Populus trichocarpa Western Balsam-poplar. Planted by W meadow, and suckering (TJ 2011). Salix x fragilis (S. alba x S. decipiens?) Crack Willow. Recent molecular work suggests that virtually all plants in the UK previously referred to S. fragilis are in fact of hybrid origin. This has created a nomenclatural nightmare that has yet to be resolved. It is the commonest willow on the reserve and seeds freely with individuals of all ages present (1994). Salix alba White Willow. This was recorded from the reserve in the 1990s. It is a distinctive tree and is unlikely to be mistaken for other taxa. However, recent surveys (TJ 2011 and ID 2011) failed to find evidence that it still occurs. It is possible that the trees south of the stream all succumbed to disease and have been cut down in the interim? (RB pers. comm.). Salix triandra Almond Willow. Recorded by ID in the 1990s in woodland by the river but not re-found recently. A species commonly planted in osier-beds that may still occur. Salix x forbyana (S. purpurea x S. viminalis x S. cinerea) Fine Osier. One bush near back stream fitted the description of this triple hybrid needs rechecking (ID 2011). Salix viminalis Osier. Several trees and younger bushes by stream, undoubtedly a relic of former planting but also spreading by seed (1D 2011 and TJ 2011). Salix x holoserica (S. viminalis x S. cinerea) Silky-leaved Osier. A distinctive hybrid that frequently occurs naturally, but a single bush in W meadow might have been planted. (TJ 2011, ID 2011). Salix caprea Goat Willow. TJ (2011) recorded one bush at the west end of the reserve. There are other mature trees lining the stream in W meadow (ID 2011). Salix cinerea Grey Willow. The thicket extending into the river east of the bridge was determined by TJ (2011) as ssp. cinerea, unexpectedly since this is much less common on Herts than ssp. oleifolia. Violaceae (Violets) Viola odorata Sweet Violet. Native/planted? Sporadic in grassland with several colour variants present (1994).

8 8 Viola reichenbachiana Early Dog-Violet. Native. Two small patches in damp woodland between stream and river (JC 2012). Geraniaceae (Crane s-bills) Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane s-bill. Native. Locally abundant in grassland (1994). Geranium pyreniacum Hedgerow Crane s-bill. Native. Local in unmown grass at western extremity of the reserve (ID 2005). Geranium molle Dove s-foot Crane s-bill. Native. Common by paths and in barer areas of W meadow (1999). Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert. Native. Common throughout (1979). Onagraceae (Willowherbs) Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb. Native. Common alongside stream and river, but also in unmown areas of W meadow (1994). Epilobium parviflorum Hoary Willowherb. Native. Uncommon, seemingly restricted to the edges of the stream (TJ 2011), but a species that is rapidly colonising drier and disturbed habitats throughout the county. Epilobium montanum Broad-leaved Willowherb. Native. Common beside footpaths, rare elsewhere (ID 2011). Epilobium tetragonum Square-stemmed Willowherb. Native or introduction. Widely distributed in unmowed grassland and scrub (1999). Epilobium hybrids. Species in this genus hybridise freely. Spontaneous hybrids undoubtedly occur but require further investigation. Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb. Native. Rare in scrub at western edge of reserve (ID 2005). Sapindaceae (Maples) Aesculus hippocastaneum Horse-chestnut. Planted. Self-sown trees at edge of meadow (TJ 2011). Acer campestre Field maple. Native. In woodland and around W meadow (1999). Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore. Introduction. Common in woodland around stream, river and meadow. (1999).

9 9 Malvaceae (Mallows and Limes) Malva sylvestris Common Mallow. Native. Sporadic in grassland and around recreational areas (1999). Tilia x europea (T. platyphyllos x T. cordata) Lime. Planted trees only, suckering at base (1994). Tila x euchlora Caucasian Lime. One planted tree se of bridge may be this taxon. Need to confirm (ID 2011). Brassicaceae (Cabbages etc) Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress. Native. Sporadic weed in barer areas (ID 2005). Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd s-purse. Native. Common, especially in W meadow (1979). Nasturtium officinale Water-cress. Native/planted. Abundant in and beside stream. Other Nasturtium taxa may occur (1994). Cardamine hirsuta - Hairy Bitter-cress. Native. Common on walls and barer ground (ID 2004). Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress. Native. Rare in woodland by stream (TJ 2011). Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower. Native. Rare in grassland west of bridge and by W meadow (1979). Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Introduction. Rare but persistent in small patches at the top of W meadow near road (1999). Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass. Native. Sporadic on walls and bare ground (ID 2005). Sinapis arvensis Charlock. Native. Occasional by paths and meadow (1999). Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard. Native. Mainly in and around W meadow (1979). Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard. Native. Common in grassland and at woodland edges (1994). Polygonaceae (Docks and Knotweeds) Persicaria maculosa Redshank. Native. Common in grassland and edge of reedbeds (1999).

10 10 Polygonum arenastrum Equal-leaved Knotgrass. Native. Resistant to trampling and characteristic of well-trodden areas. (1999). Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass. Native. Occasional but well distributed in open ground (1999). Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel. Native. In grassland, mainly at western end of reserve (1979). Rumex crispus Curled Dock. Native. Rare in eastern part of reserve (1999). Rumex sangineus Wood Dock. Native. Shaded areas near river (TJ 2011). Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock. Native. Frequent and widely distributed (1979). Caryophylaceae (Pinks etc) Stellaria media Common Chickweed. Native. Ubiquitous in barer areas (ID 2000). Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort. Native. Rare, at western end of reserve (ID 2011). Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort. Native. Uncommon in W meadow (1979). Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear. Native. Common in grassland (1979). Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear. Native. Common in barer areas. Many plants very small and inconspicuous (ID 2011). Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed. Native. Very local but a feature of wet fen areas (TJ 2011). Cornaceae (Dogwoods) Cornus sangineus Dogwood. Native/planted. Bushes in scrub by the stream belong to the native subspecies (ssp. sanguineus) and may occur naturally (1994). Bushes by the river at the eastern end of the reserve with larger leaves match the alien but increasingly planted taxon considered either to be C. sanguineus ssp. koenigii or a full species C. koenigii (TJ 2011). The taxonomy of this group is in need of clarification. Cornus sericea Red-osier Dogwood. Planted. Forms a thicket by river east of ford (TJ 2011). Balsaminaceae (Balsams)

11 11 Impatiens glandulifera Indian Balsam. Introduction. Highly invasive in main reedbed and increasing in woodland by stream (1999). Rubiaceae (Bedstraws) Galium aparine Cleavers. Native. Common in rough grassland, woodland edges and clearings (1994). Boraginaceae (Borage etc) Symphytum x uplandicum Russian Comfrey. Introduction. Common and invasive in fen area and elsewhere (1999). The same habitat is suitable for the native S. officinale but this hasn t been recorded. Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet. Introduction. Rare at woodland edge in northwestern corner of the reserve (ID 2006). May spread as it has done dramatically around Southdown ponds. Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not. Native. Locally frequent by stream and north bank of river (1999). Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not. Native. Occasional in W meadow (1999). Convolvulaceae (Bindweeds) Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed. Native. Abundant in W meadow (1979). Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed. Native. Occasional in fen vegetation (TJ 2011). Calystegia silvatica Large Bindweed. Introduction. Rare climber in scrub (1999). Solanaceae (Nightshades) Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet. Native. Common and a feature of tall fen vegetation (1999 and TJ 2011). Oleaceae (Ash) Fraxinus excelsior Ash. Native/planted. Around W meadows with saplings present (1994).

12 12 Veronicaceae (Speedwells) Veronica beccabunga Brooklime. Native. Abundant in and around stream (1994). Veronica anagallis-aquatica Blue Water-speedwell. Native. Rare in and around stream (1999). Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell. Native. Abundant by paths and in grassy areas. Some plants confirmed as ssp. lucorum, but it is possible that ssp. hederifolia also occurs (ID 2004). Veronica filiformis Slender Speedwell. Introduction. Occasional in mown grass (1994). Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell. Native. Frequent in and around W meadow (1979). Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax. Native. Recorded from W meadow (1999). Plantaginaceae (Plantains) Plantago major Greater Plantain. Native. Frequent in grassland (1994). Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain. Native. Abundant throughout much of the reserve (1979). Callitrichaceae (Water-starworts) A difficult genus requiring ripe fruits (rarely produced) for accurate determination. The following taxa are recorded but further investigation is required: Callitriche stagnalis Common Water-starwort. Native. Occasional, mostly on mud bordering stream (ID 2004). Callitriche brutia ssp. hamulata Intermediate Water-starwort. Native. Rare, in river (TJ 2011). Needs rechecking. Callitriche platycarpa Various-leaved Water-starwort. Native. Recorded with reservations as frequent in back stream (not flowering or fruiting) (TJ 2011). Scrophulariaceae (Figworts) Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort. Native. Rare in damp woodland and by stream (1994).

13 13 Lamiaceae (Dead-nettles etc) Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort. Native. Occasional, rough ground and woodland edges (1999). Ballota nigra Black Horehound. Native or introduction. Small patches around W meadow (1999). Lamium album White Dead-nettle. Native. Common in grassland and on pathsides (1994). Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle. Native. Common in grassland and barer ground (ID 2004). Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy. Native. Abundant, especially in and around damp woodland (1994). Prunella vulgaris Self-heal. Occasional in rough grassland and woodland edges (TJ 2011). Lycopus europeaus Gypsywort. Native. Common by stream and in damp grassland (1999). Mentha aquatica Water Mint. Native. Abundant in fen habitat and around stream and river (ID 2004). Mentha?? Hybrid mint. One patch in damp grassland, identity not determined (TJ 2011). Showed some affinity with M. x smithiana (M. arvensis x M. aquatic x M. spicata) but this isn t correct (ID 2011). Needs expert determination if it reppears. Orobanchaceae (Broomrapes etc) Odontites verna Red Bartsia. Native. Recorded from W meadow and determined as ssp. serotinus (TJ 2011). Lathraea squamaria Toothwort. Native. Not yet recorded, but the discovery in 2012 of a spectacular colony with >200 flowering spikes c. 100m from the reserve boundary (JC 2012) encourages hope it does occur or might colonise in due course. Asteraceae (Daisies etc) Arctium minus Lesser Burdock. Native. Occasional in woodland and rough grassland (1999). Subsequently determined as ssp. minus (TJ 2011). Carduus crispus Welted Thistle. Native. Rare, bordering W meadow (1999). Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle. Native. Occasional in rough grassland and fen habitat (1979).

14 14 Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle. Native. Abundant, especially around W meadow and in fen habitat (1979). Centuarea nigra Common Knapweed. Native. Occasional but well distributed (1994). The subject of a recent taxonomic split but our plant has been determined as C. nigra sensu stricto (TJ 2011). Lapsana communis Nipplewort. Native. Around W meadow (1999). Hypochaeris radicata Cat s-ear. Native. Rare, in and around W meadow (1979). Sonchus arvensis Corn Sowthistle. Native. Rare, mostly on the edge of W meadow bordering the road (1999). Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sowthistle. Native. Occasional in rough ground and at pathsides (1999). Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle. Native. Similar habitats to S. oleraceus but seemingly more common (1999). Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelion. Native and introduced. Abundant in grassland (1979). A complex of over 200 mainly apomictic microspecies. No attempt has been made to identify this group further. Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk s-beard. Native. Common in mown and undisturbed grassland (1999). Bellis perennis Daisy. Native. Abundant, especially in mown grassland (1979). Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort. Native. Common in rough grassland (1999). Achillea millefolium Yarrow. Native. Common in grassland, at pathsides etc (1979). Leucanthemun vulgare Oxeye Daisy. Native. Occasional in and around W meadow (1979). Matricaria discoidea Pineappleweed. Introduction. Occasional in barer ground (TJ 2011). Senecio jacobea Common Ragwort. Native. Rare around W meadow (1979). Tussilago farfara Colt s-foot. Native. Rare, edge of W meadow (1999). Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckles etc) Sambucus nigra Elder. Native. Frequent in and around woodland (1994). Viburnum opulus Guelder-rose. Native. Planted bush by recreational area (TJ 2011). 2-3 planted (?) bushes in fen area (ID 2011). Check in case these are an alien taxon.

15 15 Araliaceae (Ivy) Hedera helix Ivy. Native. Common in many places on the reserve (1994). Apiaceae (Umbellifers) Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley. Native. Abundant, mainly in undisturbed grassland (1979). Aegopodium podagraria Ground-elder. Native or introduction. Rare, small patches occur close to the western margin of the reserve (1999). Conopodium majus Pignut. Native. Common in woodland and likely to prove so in W meadow (1994). Conium maculatum Hemlock. Native. Rare in rough grassland bordering reserve (1999). Apium nodiflorum Fool s Water-cress. Native. Rare (TJ 2011). In and around stream? (TJ 2011). Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica. Native. Common and characteristic of fen habitats (1994). Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed. Native. Common in undisturbed grassland and encroaching on fen habitat (1994). Torilis japonica Upright Hedge-parsley. Native. Rare in scrub by river (TJ 2011). Araceae (Arums) Arum maculatum Lords and Ladies. Native. Common, especially in damp woodland (1994). Lemnaceae (Duckweeds) Lemna minor Common Duckweed. Native. Occasional in stream and parts of the river where flow is reduced (1994). Iridaceae (Irises) Iris pseudacorus Yellow Iris. Native/planted. Forming large patches in the river and reedbed (1994).

16 16 Alliaceae (Onions) Galanthus nivalis Snowdrop. Introduction. Abundantly naturalised in damp grassland and woodland (1994). Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp. major Daffodil. Introduction. Plants occur intermittently close to the roadside, either planted or resulting from garden throw-outs (ID 2004). Narcissus poeticus Pheasant s-eye Daffodil. Introduction. One clump at extreme western end of reserve (ID 2004). May now have gone. Asparagaceae (Asparagus etc) Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell. Native. Occasional in woodland (1994). Contrary to TJ s suspicions, this is the native plant. Typhaceae (Bullrushes) Typha latifolia Bullrush. Native/planted. Rare by stream and river (1994). Juncaceae (Rushes) Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush. Native. Abundant in W meadow (1979). Cyperaceae (Sedges) Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge. Native. Forms large stands in river by reedbed and by stream (TJ 2011). Increasing due to scrub clearance (ID 2012). Carex riparia Greater Pond-sedge. Native. Large patch in river by north bank (may be planted) (1999). (The distributions of the two species of pond-sedge need checking) Carex hirta Hairy Sedge. Native. Recorded by TJ (2011) without localisation. Poaceae (Grasses) Schedonorus arundinaceus Tall Fescue. Native. Occasional in W meadow (1979). Schedonorus pratensis Meadow Fescue. Native. Recorded from W meadow (1979).

17 17 Schedonorus giganteus Giant Fescue. Native, In shady scrub and damp woodland (TJ 2011). Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass. Native. Frequent in all types of grassland (1979). Festuca rubra Red Fescue. Native. Local in W meadow. Assumed to be ssp. rubra (1979). Festuca ovina Sheep s-fescue. Native. Recorded in 1979 from W meadow but not seen recently. Needs checking. Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog s-tail. Native. Common in most areas of grassland (1979). Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass. Native. Abundant and ubiquitous (1994). Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass. Native. Common, especially in damp grassland and woodland edges (1979). Poa pratensis Smooth Meadow-grass. Native. Common, generally in drier and less shaded areas than P. trivialis (1979). Dactylis glomerata Cock s-foot. Native. Abundant throughout reserve (1979). Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat-grass. Native. Common and often dominant in less disturbed grassland (1979), out-competing other species. Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass. Native. Recorded from W meadow in Not refound recently(?) Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog. Native. Common, especially around W meadow (1979). A good indicator of acidic grassland. Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass. Native. Occasional in fen areas (1999). Phalaris canariensis Canary-grass. Introduction. Recorded by recreational area in 1999 (ID). Most likely a casual from birdseed and unlikely to have persisted. Agrostis capillaris Common Bent. Native. Occasional, primarily in and around W meadow (1979). A good indicator of older and mildly acidic grassland. Agrostis gigantea Black Bent. Native. Rare, disturbed grass area (TJ 2011). Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent. Native. Abundant, especially in damper grassland (1979). Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail. Native. Abundant in W meadow, occasional elsewhere (1979). Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail. Native. Recorded in 1979 without localisation. Could feasibly occur around the stream or river but not seen recently.

18 18 Phleum bertelonii Smaller Cat s-tail. Native. Occasional in W meadow (1979), usually alongside Agrostis capillaris. Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome. Native. Abundant in less disturbed grassland, beside paths etc. (1999). Bromopsis ramosa Hairy-brome. Native. Occasional, mainly at woodland edges (1994). Elytrigia repens Common Couch. Native. Mainly bare and disturbed ground (TJ 2011). Hordeum murinum Wall Barley. Native. Common, pathsides, disturbed ground, rarer in meadow (1999). Phragmites australis Common Reed. Native. Locally common in patches by stream (1994). The most iconic plant on the reserve!

19 19 To do list 1) Taxonomic confirmations As noted in the main text, some of the recorded taxa need further scrutiny to confirm their occurrence or to clarify points of potential confusion. This applies especially to willows, and to trees and shrubs (eg. Cornus, Vibernum and Crateagus) with exotic lookalikes that are being increasingly planted and threaten the genetic integrity of native relatives. It would be interesting to extend Trevor James initial attempts at subdividing the bramble flora since microspecies of Rubus do have ecological significance. 2) Ecological associations Many records, especially earlier ones, are not well localised and more careful mapping (particularly of species considered to be regional and ecological indicators with the trendy title of axiophytes ) would undoubtedly reveal associations between species that would help in defining both macro- and micro-habitats on the reserve. Some might doubt the value of this given the amount of disturbance and planting that has occurred in the past. However, the current and more enlightened management practices (extensive scrub clearance, reductions in shading and of the polluting effects of leakages from the river) could lead to important associations becoming re-established. Such work could also help to identify the best management practices for the meadow flora. 3) Continued surveillance Essential on many counts. A few important species on the list (eg Trisetum flavescens and Alopecurus geniculatus) need re-finding and localising. There are a number of species not recorded so far but which should occur and are worth searching for. These include: Veronica serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Speedwell) grassland Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) grassland Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal-grass) - grassland Moehringia trinerva (Three-nerved Sandwort) woodland Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome) woodland Chaerophyllum temulum (Rough Chervil) - woodland Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) woodland and fen areas Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) almost anywhere Potentilla sterilis (Barren Strawberry) almost anywhere and many others An intensification of recording invertebrates may also identify relationships with components of the flora that are of ecological and/or conservation interest.