FIELD IDENTIFICATION: RYTON MEADOWS NATURE RESERVE

Transcription

1 CERTIFICATE IN ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FIELD IDENTIFICATION: RYTON MEADOWS NATURE RESERVE JAYE WHALLEY 30 July 2008 Page 1

2 INTRODUCTION The location is Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve (Grid Ref: SP378728), originally a 12.4 hectare landfill site owned by LaFarge, now leased by Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire. The site comprises farmland (62.5 hectares), woodland (106 hectares) and Ryton Wood, SSSI owned by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust During Steetley Aggregates, Redland, LaFarge all extracted sand and gravel contributing to the loss of acres of woodland. Restoration in late 1980s began with inert building waste and household rubbish capped with clay, sand and sub-soil (Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire; Slater, 2008). Species recording began in 1990 when Mike Slater, Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, conducted a butterfly and day-flying moth transect survey. His restoration recommendations were adopted by LaFarge. The site is now a herb rich grassland half sown with wildflower seed mix, one quarter colonising naturally, the remainder left fallow. British native boundary hedgerows also planted. Nature reserve opened officially May A dry-stone wall was added to create egg-laying habitat for butterflies. Now small numbers of the rare Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) and Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) are present, together with Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and Brown Argus Page 2

3 (Aricia agestis). Ancient woodland once supporting 19 species of fungi and spiders now boasts 33 of butterflies (Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire). For this project Mike Slater was contacted with an offer to conduct a wildflower survey across five habitats, and assist with monitoring Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) egg-laying (Lewington, 2004). Hypothesis: Species diversity will be greater on seed sown s than on s left to colonise naturally. METHODOLOGY Five habitats, 1 5 on map, will each be observed during March-June to identify and record emerging wildflower species and participate in the annual egg-count. A plan for measurement and providing meaningful data for both this report and Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire was considered (Slater 2008). Therefore 5, 10 x 10m quadrats were staked in each habitat. Two methods agreed for data collection: For wildflowers a 300mm diameter drop disk was provided to be randomly positioned 10 times for each quadrat (Appendix C). For identification Guide to Grassland Plants 1, FSC was primarily used on site with The Wildflower Key, Francis Rose (see References). Using the same method an OVA Deposition Preference Survey Form, provided by Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, was completed once a month (Appendix D). Photographs taken and species identified using Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Richard Lewington (see References). A grid was overlaid onto an aerial photograph of the reserve to give references used by all Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire surveyors. Throughout this report the survey s are referenced as: Habitat 1: AA Habitat 2: DC Habitat 3: FB Habitat 4: HC Habitat 5: JC For this survey, abundance was not recorded and grasses were not identified. Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all photography is by Peter Whalley. Page 3

4 RESULTS The observations below summarise each visit to the reserve. 29 th March 2008 Photographs taken of each habitat (Appendix F): Habitat 1 AA Field grazed by rabbits. Habitat 2 DC Grazing enclosure. Ground slightly boggy in places. Habitat 3 FB Calcareous bund of aggregate (brick/broken concrete) left to colonise. Bird s-foot-trefoil seeded. Habitat 4 HC Thin layer of sub-soil, slow re-growth. Habitat 5 JC Methane vents, thin layer of sub-soil, rabbits present. Five 10 x 10m quadrats staked during visit. April /4/08: The first Cowslip (Primula veris) shoots were observed (Gulliver). The table shows the identification key (Rose, 2006): Species Key Key steps Primula veris Rose (2006) General Key to Plant Families 1, 2, 5 Rose (2006) E; Plants with individual flowers small (5mm or less), grouped into umbels, with individual flower stalks all radiating from one point on tip of stem like ribs of an umbrella umbels either simple, or compound (umbels of umbels) 1, 3, 4 >>Primulaceae 27/4/08: These species were identified, unless stated each was recognised by its common name (Gulliver and Rose, 2006): Habitat 1: AA Habitat 2: DC Habitat 3: FB Habitat 5: JC Cowslip (Primula veris) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg) Cowslip (Primula veris) Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Nettle (Urtica dioica) Field Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvenis) Broadleaf willow herb (Epilobium montanum) identified by Mike Slater Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) White clover (Trifolium repens) Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) identified by Mike Slater Common centaury (Centaurium erythraea) identified by Mike Slater Page 4

5 May /5/08: The first butterflies were observed (Lewington, 2004): Peacock (Inachis io) Orange Tip female (Anthocharis cardamines) Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) Soil ph tests were conducted using a garden testing kit: Habitat 1: AA Neutral Habitat 2: DC Neutral-Alkaline Habitat 3: FB Alkaline Habitat 4: HC Neutral Habitat 5: JC Neutral 24/5/08: The first egg witnessed was laid by Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) on Bird s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) (Gulliver and Lewington, 2004): These wildflowers were identified during a butterfly walk with Mike Slater, unless stated each was recognised by its common name (Gulliver and Rose, 2006): Bird s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) identified by Mike Slater Greater Bird s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) identified by Mike Slater Common vetch (Vicia sativa) Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) identified by Mike Slater Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) identified by Mike Slater Bugle (Ajuga reptans) Lady s smock (Cardamine pratensis) also known as Cuckooflower, identified by Mike Slater Kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) identified by Mike Slater Ragged-robin (Lychnis flos cuculi) Page 5

6 14 th June 2008 Wildflowers and butterflies abound, these photographs were taken as individual was egg-laying (Lewington, 2004): Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) Grizzled Skipper egg Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) Dingy Skipper egg Additional wildflowers observed, unless stated each was recognised by its common name (Gulliver and Rose, 2006): Habitat 2: DC Habitat 3: FB Habitat 4: HC Habitat 5: JC Creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) identified by Mike Slater Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) Goosegrass (Cleavers) (Galium aparine) Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) identified by Mike Slater Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Bird s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) identified by Mike Slater Clover, red (Trifolium pratense) Cowslip (Primula veris) Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) Lady s Bedstraw (Galium verum) Page 6

7 Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Sheep s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) The biological recording form can be found in Appendix B. To demonstrate diversity, wildflower species per habitat is displayed below (Appendix C): Summary of Species Recorded Frequency AA 2 - DC 3 - FB 4 - HC 5 - JC Habitat With the average number of species being: Habitat 1 AA 3.3 Habitat 2 DC 2.7 Habitat 3 FB 2.2 Habitat 4 HC 4.3 Habitat 5 JC 5.4 A comparison between two survey s, the grazing enclosure (DC) sown with a wildflower mix and the top field (JC) left to colonise naturally. The distribution of plants relative to sown and colonised s was measured using Mann-Whitney U test (Appendix E). The data is analysed by giving each measurement a rank score and comparing the medians of each sample. The result shows that our hypothesis can be accepted as there is no significant difference in species found in the two s. This graph shows species frequency for wildflower seed mix against natural colonisation: Page 7

8 12 10 Frequency Bird's-foot Trefoil Black Medic Bugle Buttercup, Creeping Cinquefoil Clover, Red Clover, White Comman Ragwort Common Centaury Knapweed, Common Lady's Bedstraw Ribwort Plantain Sheeps Sorrel Thistle,Creeping Vetch, Common Yarrow DC Sown JC Colonised Page 8

9 DISCUSSION Monitoring at different times of year has been challenging. In hindsight a recording sheet completed for early wildflowers, such as Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvenis) and Cowslip (Primula veris), as well as data collected end-june for this report, would provide useful information if monitoring continues in Stakes should have been taller as vegetation, particularly in DC and JC, soon made them difficult to see. Identifying species from vegetation was unsuccessful. The reserve elevation is quite exposed; the high winds during March/April made research using The Wild Flower Key on site difficult. Ecological management methods means 33 breeding butterfly populations are now present. The preferred egg-laying sites for Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages), rock, bare ground/hallows and Bird s-foottrefoil (Lotus corniculatus) have now been introduced (Lewington, 2004; Rose, 2006). By continuing the process of planting the correct food plants (wildflowers and saplings) which are known nectar sources our native butterflies and moths appear. Bio-diversity results from variation in soil types and light grazing or mowing. Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) was removed from the grazing enclosure DC by Mike Slater, so three cows and calves could occupy this field (Gulliver). Field JC was mown for the first time in September The self seeding of nectar plants throughout the reserve is evident, as demonstrated with the Bee Orchid which as been found at 3 locations on the reserve. Nettles (Urtica dioica) on the calcareous bund (FB) have been sprayed and are dying back. This may have been due to calcium carbonate as the aggregate used was destined for landfill or nitrate levels depending on where it came from. Thistles (Cirsium vulgare and Cirsium arvense) have also been sprayed due to their abundance in the field (HC). Page 9

10 REFERENCES Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire - Saving butterflies, moths and their habitats Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire Reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows. Accessed 07/04/08 Chalmers, N. and Parker P. (1986) The Open University Project Guide Field. Field Studies Council Cook T., Dr 2008 (07 June): Field Trip. Newton Field Centre, Newton. Gulliver, M. & R. A key to grassland plants 1. FSC Publications, Shrewsbury Lewington, R. (2004) Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing, Hampshire Rose, F. (2006) The Wild Flower Key How to identify wild flowers trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland. Penguin Books Ltd Slater M (16 February): Meeting relating to Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve. Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire The NBN Species Dictionary. Access 24/07/08 Available from: Page 10

11 Appendix A - Log 1-1 st Visit 16/2/08: Background information 2 3 Page 11

12 4 5-2 nd Visit 21/3/08: Methodology agreed 6 Page 12

13 7-3 rd Visit 29/5/08: Staking out habitats th visit 14/4/08: First sampling data recorded Page 13

14 th visit 19/4/08: Butterfly walk with Mike Slater 12-6 th visit 27/4/08: Met with Mike Slater and agreed soil sampling may be beneficial. Beginning to recognise wildflowers Page 14

15 th visit 5/5/08: Soil samples recorded 15-8 th visit 24/5/08: Butterflies and wildflowers Page 15

16 16-9 th visit 14/6/08: Recording wildflower species Page 16

17 APPENDIX B Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve (biological recording form) Page 17

18 Page 18

19 Appendix C - Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve recording sheet Site ZONE 1 - AA Site ZONE 2 - DC Quadrats Quadrats Species Total Species Total Bird's-foot Trefoil 9 Bird's-foot Trefoil 8 Broadleaf Willow Herb Broadleaf Willow Herb Bugle Bugle Buttercup, Creeping 7 Buttercup, Creeping 2 Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup, Meadow Cinquefoil, Creeping Cinquefoil 1 Cleavers (Goosegrass) Cleavers (Goosegrass) Clover, Red Clover, Red Clover, White 3 Clover, White Comman Ragwort Comman Ragwort Common Centaury Common Centaury Cowslip 2 Cowslip Dandelion Dandelion Knapweed, Common Knapweed, Common 7 Knapweed, Greater Knapweed, Greater Lady's Bedstraw 7 Lady's Bedstraw 3 Nettle Nettle Ox-eye Daisy Ox-eye Daisy Ragged Robin Ragged Robin Ragwort Ragwort Ribwort Plantain 5 Ribwort Plantain 4 Sorrel Sorrel Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Wild Thistle, Spear Thistle, Spear Thistle,Creeping Thistle,Creeping Vetch, Common Vetch, Common 1 Yarrow Yarrow 1 Total Total Page 19

20 Site ZONE 3 - FB (BUND) Site ZONE 4 - HC Quadrats Quadrats Species Total Species Total Bird's-foot Trefoil 3 Bird's-foot Trefoil Black Medic 4 Black Medic 9 Broadleaf Willow Herb Broadleaf Willow Herb Bugle Bugle Buttercup, Creeping 6 Buttercup, Creeping 7 Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup, Meadow Cinquefoil Cinquefoil Cleavers (Goosegrass) Cleavers (Goosegrass) Clover, Red Clover, Red Clover, White 2 Clover, White 6 Comman Ragwort Comman Ragwort 1 Common Centaury 2 Common Centaury 2 Cowslip Cowslip Dandelion Dandelion Knapweed, Common 2 Knapweed, Common 4 Knapweed, Greater Knapweed, Greater Lady's Bedstraw Lady's Bedstraw Nettle 1 Nettle Ox-eye Daisy Ox-eye Daisy Ragged Robin Ragged Robin Ragwort Ragwort Ribwort Plantain Ribwort Plantain 1 Sorrel Sorrel Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Wild Thistle, Spear Thistle, Spear 2 Thistle,Creeping 2 Thistle,Creeping 9 Vetch, Common Vetch, Common 2 Yarrow Yarrow Total Total Page 20

21 Site ZONE 5 - JC Quadrats Species Total Bird's-foot Trefoil 5 Black Medic 7 Broadleaf Willow Herb Bugle 1 Buttercup, Creeping 1 Buttercup, Meadow Cinquefoil Cleavers (Goosegrass) Clover, Red 3 Clover, White 3 Comman Ragwort 5 Common Centaury 2 Cowslip Dandelion Knapweed, Common Knapweed, Greater Lady's Bedstraw 8 Nettle Ox-eye Daisy Ragged Robin Ragwort Ribwort Plantain 10 Sheeps Sorrel 1 Strawberry, Barren Strawberry, Wild Thistle, Spear Thistle,Creeping 3 Vetch, Common 5 Yarrow Total The steps taken when identifying the taxonomy in these tables were from one of the following methods: Instant recognition of plant by its common name, as either identified before (eg Newton Field Centre) or plant growing in own garden (eg Bugle, Goosegrass and Common Vetch). Identification provided by Mike Slater, Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, who decided which wildflower seed mix to sow when restoring grassland. Genus and species was then taken from either of the reference books below. Reference made, when on site, to the pocket sized field guide Guide to grassland plants 1 written by Mavis and Richard Gulliver and published by FSC Publications / AIDGAP. Photographing specimens and studying The Wildflower Key How to identify wild flowers trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland, written by Francis Rose and published by Penguin Books. Species Family name sourced from Wikipedia. Page 21

22 Appendix D - OVA Deposition Preference Survey Form SITE NAME: OVA DEPOSITION PREFERENCE SURVEY FORM RYTON WOOD MEADOWS GRID REF: SP SPECIES: DINGY SKIPPER DATE: 19/4/08 RECORDER: JAYE WHALLEY 5 metre square numbers Page 22

23 Example 5m square reference code format: DB43 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code AA1 AA2 AA3 AA4 AA5 AA6 AA7 AA8 AA9 AA10 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant Colour of egg (yellow/orange) Height of shoot containing egg Distance of egg from shoot tip Distance of shoot from centre of main plant Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N Y N N Y N N N 11. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N Y N N N N within disc 13. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 15. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 16. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) None 5 Metre Square Reference Code DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 DC5 DC6 DC7 DC8 DC9 DC10 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant Colour of egg (yellow/orange) Height of shoot containing egg Distance of egg from shoot tip Distance of shoot from centre of main plant Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N 11. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N Y Y within disc 13. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc N N N N N 14. Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N 15. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) Adults counted (in flight over survey ) None Page 23

24 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC6 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant Colour of egg (yellow/orange) Height of shoot containing egg Distance of egg from shoot tip Distance of shoot from centre of main plant Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N 11. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N Y N within disc 13. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc N N N N Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N 15. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F 16. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) None 5 Metre Square Reference Code JC1 JC2 JC3 JC4 JC5 JC6 JC7 JC8 JC9 JC10 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant Colour of egg (yellow/orange) Height of shoot containing egg Distance of egg from shoot tip Distance of shoot from centre of main plant Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N 11. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N within disc 13. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N 15. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F 16. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) None Page 24

25 SITE NAME: OVA DEPOSITION PREFERENCE SURVEY FORM RYTON WOOD MEADOWS GRID REF: SP SPECIES: DINGY SKIPPER DATE: 27/4/08 RECORDER: Jaye Whalley 5 metre square numbers Page 25

26 Example 5m square reference code format: DB43 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 17 o 5 Metre Square Reference Code - AA AA71 AA28 AA68 AA94 AA78 AA39 AA60 AA19 AA40 AA96 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N Y N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N Y N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F F F F F F 5 Metre Square Reference Code - DC DC10 DC27 DC35 DC12 DC59 DC79 DC93 DC75 DC05 DC05 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N Y Y N Y N Y within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 1S 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) Page 26

27 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code - HC HC12 HC55 HC72 HC06 HC03 HC40 HC79 HC76 HC73 HC23 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 2 5 Metre Square Reference Code - JC JC19 JC23 JC79 JC97 JC94 JC72 JC49 JC44 JC33 JC12 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F F F F F F Page 27

28 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code BUND FB FB01 FB21 FB26 FB77 FB83 FB09 FB94 FB10 FB32 FB92 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F BUND FACE BUND FACE F F BUND FACE Page 28

29 SITE NAME: OVA DEPOSITION PREFERENCE SURVEY FORM RYTON WOOD MEADOWS GRID REF: SP SPECIES: DINGY SKIPPER DATE: 24/5/08 RECORDER: JAYE WHALLEY 5 metre square numbers Page 29

30 OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 17 o 5 Metre Square Reference Code FA 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 1 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) Y 4. Height of shoot containing egg (cm) 5 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip (cm) Distance of shoot from centre of main plant (cm) Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc 5 8. Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc N 15. Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) Field Identification Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve Example 5m square reference code format: DB43 F OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 2 (Female) Dingy Skipper; 2 Green Hairstreak; 1 Grizzled Skipper Page 30

31 SITE NAME: OVA DEPOSITION PREFERENCE SURVEY FORM RYTON WOOD MEADOWS GRID REF: SP SPECIES: DINGY SKIPPER DATE: 01/6/08 RECORDER: Jaye Whalley 5 metre square numbers Page 31

32 Example 5m square reference code format: DB43 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 20 o overcast, bright 5 Metre Square Reference Code - AA AA10 AA5 AA1 AA25 AA100 AA91 AA41 AA55 AA58 AA23 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N Y N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT, Cowslip 1 BFT BFT 13. Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F F F F F F 5 Metre Square Reference Code - DC DC1 DC18 DC100 DC66 DC91 DC59 DC10 DC15 DC36 DC44 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc vetch Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N Y N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F F F F F F Page 32

33 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code - HC HC10 HC5 HC1 HC22 HC61 HC100 HC95 HC91 HC46 HC51 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc 1 Forget 1 Forget 1 Forget Me Not Me Not Me Not Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 5 Metre Square Reference Code - JC JC4 JC22 JC44 JC53 JC64 JC99 JC95 JC91 JC10 JC1 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT BFT 13. Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) Page 33

34 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code BUND FB FB01 FB19 FB56 FB99 FB68 FB10 FB91 FB100 FB95 FB92 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc Bugle Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 1 Dingy Skipper Page 34

35 SITE NAME: OVA DEPOSITION PREFERENCE SURVEY FORM RYTON WOOD MEADOWS GRID REF: SP SPECIES: DINGY SKIPPER DATE: 14/6/08 RECORDER: Jaye Whalley 5 metre square numbers Page 35

36 Example 5m square reference code format: DB43 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 5 Metre Square Reference Code - AA AA1 AA41 AA100 AA98 AA91 AA89 AA10 AA52 AA45 AA24 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N Y N N Y N N N Y Y 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT 0 BFT BFT BFT Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 1 Dingy Skipper 5 Metre Square Reference Code - DC DC100 DC62 DC1 DC7 DC10 DC50 DC91 DC96 DC65 DC29 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT 1 vetch 1 vetch Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N Y N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) F F F F F F F F F F Page 36

37 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code - HC HC10 HC29 HC89 HC91 HC96 HC100 HC43 HC1 HC16 HC7 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT 3 F-M-N 1 Butter 1 clover b cup, cl cup 13. Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) 5 Metre Square Reference Code - JC JC91 JC96 JC100 JC42 JC32 JC10 JC6 JC1 JC38 JC34 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N Y N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT BFT 0 1 BFT 1 BFT 1 BFT Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) Page 37

38 OVA DEPOSITION DETAILS 5 Metre Square Reference Code BUND FB FB10 FB6 FB1 FB59 FB55 FB51 FB15 FB100 FB96 FB91 1. Vegetation Height (measured in cm) Number of eggs on foodplant 3. Colour of egg (yellow/orange) 4. Height of shoot containing egg 5. Distance of egg from shoot tip 6. Distance of shoot from centre of main plant 7. Percentage of unidentified green plants within disc Percentage bare ground within disc Percentage of dead dry vegetation within disc Percentage of green grass within disc Evidence of stock grazing (trampling, cattle paths, dung, poaching) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 12. Known nectar plants in flower within disc BFT 1 clover 1 butter cup clover Seeds heads from the previous year or black plantain heads 3 (roosting perches) N N N N N N N N N N within disc 14. Visible clumps of Rabbit dropping within disc Bramble and/or other low invading scrub (e.g. Hawthorn seedlings) within disc N N N N N N N N N N 16. Aspect, flat ground or on slope orientation to sun (e.g. F=flat, 1SW=shallow slope south west, 2NE=medium slope north east, 3E=steep slope east etc.) F F F F F F F F F F 17. Adults counted (in flight over survey ) Page 38

39 APPENDIX E Mann-Whitney U-test The raw data below shows the number of species found per quadrat on A (seed sown DC) and B (free colonisation of JC): Drop A B The Mann-Whitney U-test is used to test whether the two independent groups could have come from the same population, and is one of the most powerful non-parametric tests. The purpose of the U-test is to test for a difference in medians, and is not dependant on normality or equal variance as explained by Cook (2008). Using the U-test, the data is ranked on a continuous scale in ascending order where A is seed sown DC and B is free colonisation JC. The two columns are ranked as one data set, starting with the lowest number. Therefore in Table 2 below we work our way down by giving number 1 (A) the rank value of 1, number 2 (A) the rank value of 2. However, a different ranking method is applied where measurements are equal. The 3 s are counted across A and B and take up ranks 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 (seven 3 s), when tied each number is given the average (or mean) of the ranks they take up so 7.5 (the mean of 4,5,6,7,8,9,10). When the number of tied ranks is even it will be given a.5 number, when odd the average will be a whole number. The ranks are then summed for each. Page 39

40 Table 1: Original Raw Data set for No of samples taken Table 2: Raw Data arranged numerically for No of samples taken A U a B U b A U a B U b U a 99 U b The values of U have been calculated as follows: A (sown): U=n 1 n 2 + n 1 (n 1 +1) - Σr a so, 10 x (10+1) 59.5 = B (colonised): U=n 1 n 2 + n 2 (n 2 +1) - Σr b so, 10 x (10+1) 141 = The smaller of the two U values, 59.5, is compared with the appropriate value in the table of Critical Values (Chalmers and Parker, 1986) by measuring across 10 down 10 (based on the number of samples) giving a result of 23 (as shown below): Page 40

41 If the corresponding calculated U-value of 95.5 is less than the tabulated figure 23, then the null hypothesis must be rejected. In this comparison the hypothesis is accepted and it is assumed there is no significant difference in the numbers of species in the two s. Page 41

42 Appendix F Fieldwork Field Identification Ryton Meadows Nature Reserve MARCH Habitat 1 - AA Habitat 2 - DC Habitat 3 FB (calcareous bund) Habitat 4 - HC Generally across the habitats Bugle Ribwort Plantain APRIL Habitat 1 - AA Habitat 2 - DC Habitat 3 FB (calcareous bund) Page 42

43 Generally across the habitats Bird s-foot refoil Ground-ivy(Glechoma hederacea) Common forget-me-not Broad leaved willowherb Barren strawberry Barren strawberry Common ragwort MAY Greater Stitchwort Ribwort Plantain Bugle Page 43

44 JUNE Habitat 1 - AA Habitat 3 FB (calcareous bund) Habitat 4 HC Habitat 5 JC Generally across the habitats Cattle grazing (photo by Mike Slater) Common Forget-me-not Birds-foot trefoil Ragged Robin Ladybird on Common Vetch Six-spot Burnet Silver-ground carpet Common Blue female Common Blue male Page 44