CYNGOR CEFN GWLAD CYMRU

COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL FOR WALES

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST CITATION

VALE OF GLAMORGAN COG MOORS

Date of Notification: 2000

National Grid Reference: ST 158694

O.S. Maps: 1:50,000 Sheet number: 171

1:10,000 Sheet number: ST16NE

Site Area: 12.9 ha

Description:

Cog Moors is situated approximately 2 km east of Barry and consists of a series of fields adjacent to Sully Brook. The fields are low-lying (around 5 m above sea level) on flat ground, with gleyed soils over alluvium. They are separated by ditches or deep drains and are generally poorly drained.

This site is of special interest for its large continuous area of damp mesotrophic (neutral) semi-natural grassland, which is associated with several stands of tall sedges, and for populations of two uncommon plant species.

Cog Moors supports an extensive area of relatively unimproved species rich grassland, which was traditionally managed for hay. Grassland of particular interest is characterised by common knapweed Centaurea nigra, crested dogs-tail Cynosurus cristatus, common birds-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. Other distinctive species found at Cog Moors include pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus and meadow barley Hordeum secalinum.

The fields have a distinctive damp floristic element, typically comprising amphibious bistort Persicaria amphibia, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and lesser pond-sedge Carex acutiformis. Grassland in the north western field occurs in association with stands of swampy vegetation, dominated in different patches by large sedges: slender tufted-sedge Carex acuta, greater pond-sedge Carex riparia and lesser pond-sedge.

Cog Moors supports two species of special interest. These are the nationally scarce bulbous foxtail Alopecurus bulbosus, found in the wetter areas of grassland, and the large population of pepper saxifrage, a species close to the edge of its range here. Cog Moors also supports populations of several species which are uncommon in Glamorgan including brown sedge Carex disticha, adders-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and green-winged orchid Orchis morio.