Botanical survey and management
plan of land at the A370 / B3130
intersection, Flax Bourton,
North Somerset
for
North Somerset Council
(Streets and Open Spaces)
Report date: October 2008
Phil Quinn (Ecology and land use) MIEEM
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
CONTENTS
1. Summary
3
2. Remit
3
3. Site description
4-5
3.1
General 4
3.2
The Roundabout 4
3.3
The Bank 5
4. Methodology
5
5. Results
5-9
5.1
General 5-6
5.2
The Roundabout 6-8
5.3
The Bank 8-9
Fig. 1: Land at the A370 / B3130 intersection, Flax Bourton, North Somerset:
Current situation
6. Discussion
9
7. Management recommendations 10
7.1
Overview 10
7.2
General 10
7.3 The roundabout: specific management recommendations
10
7.4 The bank: specific management recommendations
11
7.5 Table of proposed management works
11-12
7.6
Reasons for proposed management
13
7.6.1 Regular cutting of the grassland
13
7.6.2 Cutting the grassland on a rotational basis
13
7.6.3 Cutting the bramble, nettle and the denser scrub
13
7.6.4
Replanting the planted trees 13
Fig. 2: Land at the A370 / B3130 intersection, Flax Bourton, North Somerset:
Proposed management works
8. Conclusion 14
Appendix 1: Plant species list (and DAFOR scores) for Barrow Gurney roundabout and
bank (2008)
15-18
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Appendix 2: Incidental records:
18
1.
Butterflies and day-flying moths 18
2. Birds
18
3. Mammals
19
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
1. Summary
The two sites surveyed in detail: “the roundabout” and “the bank” both have high
botanical value. Locally scarce species such as adder’s-tongue fern
Ophioglossum
vulgatum and corky-fruited water-dropwort
Oenanthe pimpinelloides are present along
with other species of note such as betony
Stachys officinalis, hairy St John’s-wort
Hypericum hirsutum, grass vetchling
Lathyrus nissolia and large numbers of pyramidal
orchid
Anacamptis pyramidalis.
Both sites require appropriate management; as part of a grassland Site of Importance for
Nature Conservation (SINC), with a smaller scrub element, they will require regular
cutting of the herbaceous vegetation along with some management of scrub. Some trees
and areas of scrub will have to be removed to maintain and enhance the important
grassland communities.
2. Remit
To undertake two botanical surveys over the roundabout and adjacent bank, one in June
and one in August, recording species presence and also abundance using the DAFOR
methodology.
To produce a report identifying all species present on the site, their relative levels of
abundance and on-site distribution, their regional and national status, and management
requirements. This report shall include detailed maps identifying particular plant
communities and species of note as well as providing recommended management
compartments. The report will provide a baseline for future monitoring on the site at
approximately five and ten year intervals.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
3. Site description
3.1 General
The site consists of two areas of a larger complex of the highway verge associated with
the intersection of the A370 (Long Ashton by-pass) and the B3130 south of Cambridge
Batch in the parish of Flax Bourton (central grid reference ST520693). The main area is a
large central roundabout (hereon referred to as “the roundabout”). The smaller area of the
site subject to this survey and report is an embankment (hereon referred to as “the bank”)
lying north of the eastbound carriageway of the A370 and lying south of a slip road
leading onto the B3130. Parts of the highway verge –mainly shallow cuttings - which are
part of this wider complex, but not subject to this survey and report, directly abut
farmland.
It is believed that the site dates from the 1970s with the creation of the Long Ashton by-
pass. Adjacent land use is predominantly permanent pasture in the south with arable
agriculture in the north. The village of Flax Bourton lies approximately 1 km to the west,
the settlement of Cambridge Batch (part of Flax Bourton parish) 300m to the north,
Barrow Gurney village 1.5 km to the south east and Long Ashton village approximately
1.5 km to the north east.
3.2 The roundabout
The roundabout consists of a central area of level ground with a short length of gentle
slope on its eastern edge. On its northern and western edges there is an embankment
approximately 4m high in the east and gently losing elevation to the west and south west
until it grades into the level of the central area. Within the inner edge of this embankment
is a dry ditch approximately 1m deep. The embankment is largely covered with very
dense young / semi-mature trees and scrub however there is an outer verge, at the top of
the embankment and level with the adjacent road surface, which is free or trees and scrub
and which supports grasses and herbs. A crash barrier runs along the top of eastern end of
the embankment.
The roundabout experiences a degree of impeded drainage, especially towards the centre
of the level area. Grasses, herbs and sedges predominate within the level area although
there are some young planted and self-sown trees and shrubs scattered throughout. The
level area was completely cleared of trees and scrub, and experienced a cut of all
herbaceous vegetation in one episode during the late 1990s/ early 2000s. It is believed
that this was the last time the site was managed. The southern and southeastern edges of
the site experienced considerable disturbance during 2006 /7 as part of roadworks
adjacent to the site: soil, hardcore and debris were temporarily stored here and some
vehicles were present on the site.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
3.3 The bank
This is a very attenuated triangular area of embankment, broader and steeper to the east
but narrower and with a more gentle slope to the west. It has a northerly aspect and is free
draining throughout. A crash barrier runs along part of the eastern section of the southern
edge and, in common with the roundabout, there is an outer (in this case southern) mown
strip approximately 1.5m wide adjacent to the carriageway of the A370. In common with
the roundabout the bank consists of grassland with a considerable scrub and semi-mature
tree component. Its steep topography would appear to have prevented the storage of
materials and vehicles here during roadworks.
4. Methodology
The two areas of the site were surveyed twice during 2008: 20th June and 1st August, with
both sites being surveyed on both dates. Each of the two surveys were conducted during
dry weather conditions. Species presence was recorded on a species recording form
which also enabled relative abundance levels to be recorded according to the DAFOR
scale with additional comments made on distribution and status. All vascular plants
(herbs, woody plants, sedges, rushes and grasses) were recorded and general notes made
on the presence or absence of bryophytes. All species were recorded according to the
taxonomy given in Stace (1997).
The survey was conducted by Phil Quinn, a field ecologist with twenty years’ experience
of botanical survey. PQ was also a member of the BRERC (Bristol Regional
Environmental Records Centre) team which first surveyed this site in 1995 and
recommended its SINC designation.
5. Results
5.1 General
Both parts of the survey site demonstrated a high level of botanical interest which
validates their continued status as part of the SINC. Although each area supports a
different suite of plants, the grassland sward in both is an unimproved neutral grassland
community and, with regard to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC), is strongly
associated with the MG5
Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra grassland in the more
species rich areas and the MG1
Arrhrenatherum elatius grassland community where this
particular grass species is dominant.
Scrub and semi-mature broadleaved trees are also diagnostic features across both parts of
the survey site. The scrub, particularly on the roundabout area, approximates most closely
with the NVC communities W21
Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub and W22
Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, with planted trees adding greater species
diversity than would normally be associated with these communities.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Scattered semi-mature trees and shrubs are present across both sites. These represent
significant threats to the grassland interest on the site.
The roundabout
The central area of the roundabout –the level area and the eastern slope – support them
ain area of grassland here. There are zones within this general grassland community
where particular species compositions predominate and give rise to distinctive swards.
1. In the centre there is species-rich, and in particular a herb and sedge rich, community
which is especially striking in June with a strong display of flowering herbs and fine
grasses. Black knapweed
Centaurea nigra is particularly abundant here along with
glaucous sedge
Carex flacca, red fescue
Festuca rubra, crested dog’s-tail
Cynosurus
cristatus, ox-eye daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare, sweet vernal grass
Anthoxanthum
odoratum and bird’s-foot trefoil
Lotus corniculatus. Grass vetchling is also very
common.
1a. A particularly herb rich part of this neutral grassland community is situated on the
northwestern edge of the grassland area. Here the herbs and sedges mentioned above are
even more abundant; there is also a localised abundance of pyramidal orchid
Anacamptis
pyramidalis and a large population of adder’s-tongue fern. The western part of this area
also supports a large population of fleabane
Pulicaria dysenterica which was particularly
striking in August.
1b. An even greater concentration of neutral grassland herbs and fine grasses, the best
population of cowslip
Primula veris on the whole site and a considerable abundance of
pyramidal orchid are located here, providing a matrix within which scattered scrub has
established. This scattered scrub also includes some planted trees.
1c. A moderately species-rich neutral grassland sward with all the herbs, grasses and
sedge described above (although lacking adder’s-tongue fern) this area has much
scattered scrub and a considerable number of planted trees.
1d. On the southern edge of the roundabout is a small area of moderately species rich
neutral grassland with no species of particular note.
2. This area occupies the steeper part of the eastern slope and is a species rich neutral
grassland community although with a greater proportion of coarser grasses and a slightly
reduced level of herbs and sedges than that encountered in zone 1. Black knapweed, grass
vetchling, ox-eye daisy and bird’s-foot trefoil, along with self-heal
Prunella vulgaris, are
again the predominant herb species although a large population of adder’s-tongue fern is
also present here and there are scattered plants of common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza
fuchsii. Semi-mature scrub starts to become slightly more common to the north of this
section and contributes some shading to the sward.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
2a. A more impoverished version of area 2 this still has a good proportion of neutral
grassland herbs and grasses but its recent history of disturbance during roadwork
operations has resulted in a more disturbed and weedy sward where creeping thistle
Cirsium arvense and docks
Rumex spp. are common.
2b. The lower section of the eastern slope this is still quite herb rich but is more
characterised by rank grasses than either 2 or 2a. Common spotted orchid is present but
rare here. A small population of the very coarse grass tall fescue
Festuca arundinacea is
present in the south of this area; this is an undesirable and invasive native species which
can impoverish species-rich swards if not managed appropriately.
3. This is a somewhat herb-poor sward dominated by the coarse false oat-grass
Arrhenatherum elatius. Grass vetchling is still relatively common here and many of the
herbs described above are also present but in considerably reduced quantity. In the east of
this area is a particularly interesting sward where stone parsley
Sison amomum is locally
abundant and there is large patch of adder’s-tongue fern as well as a small population of
meadow barley
Hordeum secalinum.
3a. Also dominated by false oat-grass this area has a slightly elevated level of herbs, in
particular ox-eye daisy and black knapweed are both frequent here along with the
ubiquitous grass vetchling. A small stand of the scarce grass meadow brome
Bromus
commutatus is present in the centre of this area.
3b. Another area dominated by false oat-grass but with much scattered scrub.
3c. Although false oat-grass remains abundant here the sward is somewhat finer than in
areas 3-3b and there is a localised abundance of ox-eye daisy.
4. A very disturbed area with two large patches of creeping thistle, small mounds of
roadworks debris, bare ground and a mix of both fine and coarse, grassland and ruderal,
plant communities with much false oat-grass.
5. This is the narrow outer rim of the roundabout lying on the flat top of the embankment.
The outer 1 m is mown short but the rest of the sward is long, largely unmanaged and
grades into the edge of the scrub vegetation. The sward has similarities to the moderately
species rich community found in area 2b and includes a small population of tall fescue as
well as a small population of hairy St John’s-wort
Hypericum hirsutum.
5a. Two small glades in the eastern area of embankment scrub this supports a population
of betony
Stachys officinalis as well as a declining population of an alien grass species
(believed to be Hungarian brome
Bromus inermis but this identification is not
confirmed).
6. A very substantial area dominated by nettle
Urtica dioica with some false oat-grass
admixed and lying on the northern edge of the level area of the roundabout. Although
poor in botanical interest there may be entomological interest here especially in the
7
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
opportunities provided to Vanessid butterflies (small tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae, red
admiral
Vanessa atalanta etc) which lay their eggs on nettle.
7. This is a large patch of bramble
Rubus fruticosus agg. which, again although of low
botanical interest, will be of high value to insects and also to birds and small mammals.
8. The ring of dense semi-mature scrub which lies on the slopes of the embankment and
frames the grassland and tall herb communities of the level area of the roundabout is of
relatively low botanical interest. Raspberry
Rubus idaeus is a notable, but not rare species
here and probably derives from fruit jettisoned or dropped from passing vehicles as its
native sites are predominantly upon acidic soils.
Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa, hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna and bramble are the main
species here although ash
Fraxinus excelsior, English elm
Ulmus procera, elder
Sambucus nigra and dogwood
Cornus sanguinea are also common. Creeping thistle,
nettle and black bryony
Tamus communis are also characteristic in the more open areas.
5.3 The bank
This embankment runs for approximately 300m along the northern side of the westbound
carriageway of the A370. The grassland interest, although still high, is slightly lower than
that of the roundabout, partly given the smaller surface area of the bank and its northerly
aspect but mainly due to the greater quantity of semi-mature trees and scattered scrub
casting shade and thus favouring a coarser and less diverse sward.
Along the curb of the A370 there are substantial lengths of verge where buck’s-horn
plantain
Plantago coronopus, a locally uncommon species in the Bristol region, is
recorded. This is a species more typically associated with saltmarshes and sparse grassy
coastal situations however it can be locally frequent along the curbside of main roads
away from the coast and would appear to benefit from rock salt being applied to the roads
during the winter.
Along the curb of the slip road leading to the B3130 there are populations of fern grass
Catapodium rigidum; this locally uncommon species also favours sparsely vegetated
mineral substrates.
9. A small area at the eastern end of the bank and with a steep easterly aspect this is an
area of tall herbs dominated by meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria and dewberry
Rubus
caesium. A small patch of hart’s-tongue fern
Phyllitis scolopendrium is present here and
there appears to have been some scrub clearance work undertaken here in the recent past.
10. This is an expansive area of low-growing dewberry with little other botanical interest.
11. The northeastern tip of the bank this is quite species rich and supports small
populations of greater bird’s-foot trefoil
Lotus uliginosus and hairy St John’s-wort
8
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Hypericum hirsutum. Much woody debris here suggests some recent scrub clearance with
arisings being left in linear piles at the foot of the embankment.
12. Much of the eastern half of the bank has a similar structure and species composition
with semi-mature trees and shrubs being frequent and casting considerable shade onto a
rather species-poor grassland sward dominated by false oat-grass with much moss.
Pyramidal orchid and common spotted orchid are scattered over this area but rarely in
abundance.
13. A small length of grassland at the foot of the bank where black knapweed is common;
this species is infrequent elsewhere on the bank.
14. Along the upper slopes in the mid section of the bank is an open area where creeping
thistle is very common along with false wood-brome
Brachypodium sylvaticum and
hedge bedstraw
Galium mollugo; this community is suggestive of an area where some
scrub clearance has recently occurred. On the A370 verge adjacent to this area is a single
plant of the locally scarce corky-fruited water-dropwort
Oenanthe pimpinelloides as well
as a clump of biting stonecrop
Sedum acre.
15. Directly north of area 14 is an area dominated by hedge bedstraw.
16. The western half of the bank is predominantly scattered blocks of young and semi-
mature scrub with a relatively species-rich sward where pyramidal orchid is locally
abundant. Ivy
Hedera helix can also be locally frequent here and its presence is
suggestive of an area recently cleared of scrub.
6. Discussion
Although less than 40 years in age this site supports species-rich neutral grassland
swards. Such grasslands are very scarce within this part of North Somerset where
agriculturally improved grassland and arable agriculture predominate. The age of the site
is irrelevant; what is of great relevance is the species composition and ensuring that it is
both maintained and enhanced, and that destructive practices such as tree planting and
storage materials and vehicles associated with road works no longer take place here.
Considerable damage has been caused by the ill-judged planting of trees (some of which
are non-native species) in species-rich areas of grassland on the roundabout. Further
damage has been caused by the recent road works disturbing the sward and depositing
debris over parts of the roundabout.
With focussed management, which need not be expensive or time-consuming, the recent
damage inflicted upon the roundabout can be rectified and possibilities exist, through
appropriate management, for enhancing the nature conservation value of the site for
plants, birds, invertebrates and mammals.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
7. Management recommendations
7.1 Overview
Management of this site must acknowledge above all that it is a SINC notified for its rich
neutral grassland flora –a very rare and declining habitat in this part of North Somerset.
Semi-mature trees and scrub, and the generalist invertebrates, birds and mammals
associated with them are ubiquitous throughout lowland Britain.
It is not proposed to remove a significant quantity of young trees and scrub from the
roundabout but to manage this habitat to maintain it and its associated wildlife on the area
it currently occupies on the site.
The much smaller area of the bank renders its grassland communities (again, the prime
nature conservation interest) much more vulnerable to the encroachment of scrub and
trees and to the heavy shading and coarsening of the sward associated with woody
vegetation. Here it is proposed that a considerable amount of the trees and shrubs be
removed.
Following this management plan should ensure that no species or plant communities are
lost from the site. However the prime value of the site –the species-rich grassland – will
be considerably enhanced.
7.2 General
1. Institute a management group consisting of relevant North Somerset officers and local
people with a keen interest in managing this site. This group will ensure the delivery of
the management plan and oversee any works or unforeseen incidents which may occur on
or close to the site.
7.3 The roundabout –specific management recommendations
1. Mow one half of the grassland once every two years, mow the other half two years
later; repeat this cycle so that all areas of grassland are mown once every two years.
Some mowing will thus take place every year. Undertake this work in late summer.
2. Flail one half of the bramble and nettle areas once every five years, flail the other five
years later; repeat this cycle. Undertake this work in the autumn to avoid disturbance to
nesting birds.
3. Coppice one half of the scrub every ten years, the other half ten years later; repeat this
cycle. Undertake this work during the winter to avoid disturbance to nesting birds.
4. Remove the planted trees; replant amongst the nettle and bramble –these areas are
where the trees should have been planted had ecological advice, offered at the time, been
adhered to. Leaving the trees amidst the species-rich neutral grassland helps place the
whole site in an unfavourable management status. Undertake this work during the winter
10
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
to avoid unnecessary stress to the trees and to facilitate their establishment at the receptor
site.
7.4 The bank –specific management recommendations
1. Remove 70% of the trees and shrubs –particularly the larger trees (including ash); treat
stumps to prevent regrowth; remove all arisings. Do not leave cut material on site: the
bank is too small to allow for a range of micro-habitats to be created by leaving piles of
cut material to decompose on site. These micro-habitats will encourage coarse vegetation
and will be at the expense of the true, and threatened, interest on the site -the species rich
neutral grassland.
2. Mow one half of the grassland once every two years, mow the other half two years
later; repeat this cycle so that all areas of grassland are mown once every two years.
Some mowing will thus take place every year.
3. Flail the dewberry-dominated area once every five years. Undertake this work in the
autumn to avoid disturbance to nesting birds.
7.5 Table of proposed management works
This table represents the range of works required to maintain and enhance the nature
conservation interest on the site over a ten year period
Year
Proposed works
Whole site
1
Institute a management group to oversee the delivery of
the management plan and ensure the maintenance of
nature conservation interest of the site
Roundabout
Bank
1
Mow one half of the
Mow one half of the
grassland area; remove all
grassland area; remove
arisings. Make note on which all arisings. Make note
area cut.
on which area cut.
1
Mow /flail one half of the
Mow /flail the dewberry-
bramble and nettle areas (6 & dominated area; remove
7); remove all arisings. Make all arisings.
note on which area cut.
1
Fell one half of the dense
scrub; remove most of the
arisings; allow to regenerate
1
Replant planted trees in the
nettle area
2
Remove 70% of the trees
and scrub; remove all
arisings; treat stumps to
prevent regrowth.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
2
Mow the other half of the
Mow the other half of
grassland area; remove all
the grassland area;
arisings. Make note on which remove all arisings.
area cut.
Make note on which area
cut.
3
Mow one half of the
Mow one half of the
grassland area; remove all
grassland area; remove
arisings. Make note on which all arisings. Make note
area cut.
on which area cut.
4
Mow the other half of the
Mow the other half of
grassland area; remove all
the grassland area;
arisings. Make note on which remove all arisings.
area cut.
Make note on which area
cut.
5
Mow one half of the
Mow one half of the
grassland area; remove all
grassland area; remove
arisings. Make note on which all arisings. Make note
area cut.
on which area cut.
6
Mow the other half of the
Mow the other half of
grassland area; remove all
the grassland area;
arisings. Make note on which remove all arisings.
area cut.
Make note on which area
cut.
6
Mow /flail one half of the
Mow /flail the dewberry-
bramble and nettle areas (6 & dominated area; remove
7); remove all arisings. Make all arisings.
note on which area cut.
7
Mow one half of the
Mow one half of the
grassland area; remove all
grassland area; remove
arisings. Make note on which all arisings. Make note
area cut.
on which area cut.
8
Mow the other half of the
Mow the other half of
grassland area; remove all
the grassland area;
arisings. Make note on which remove all arisings.
area cut.
Make note on which area
cut.
9
Mow one half of the
Mow one half of the
grassland area; remove all
grassland area; remove
arisings. Make note on which all arisings. Make note
area cut.
on which area cut.
10
Mow the other half of the
Mow the other half of
grassland area; remove all
the grassland area;
arisings. Make note on which remove all arisings.
area cut.
Make note on which area
cut.
10
Fell the other half of the
dense scrub; remove most of
the arisings; allow to
regenerate
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
7.6 Reasons for proposed management
7.6.1. Regular cutting of the grassland: Grasslands become coarse and lose their species
richness if not cut regularly (either by grazing animals or mechanical means). Rank
grasses and species such as thistles and docks predominate at the expense of flowering
herbs and sedges. Woody species such as bramble and hawthorn will slowly invade and
further reduce the botanical diversity of the grassland as they develop into a scrub
community. The specialist insects dependent upon fine species-rich grasslands will be
lost from the site.
7.6.2. Cutting the grassland on a rotational basis: Some plants (e.g. biennials) and many
insect species have lifecycles which require a period of two years or so to develop
through the various stages until they are mature enough to reproduce. Furthermore even
those plants which can grow and set seed in one year may do so at slightly different times
each year depending upon climatic factors –e.g. flowering and setting seed later in a cool
wet summer.
To ensure that species of plant and insect on a small isolated site such as this are able to
reproduce each year it is advisable to cut only one half of the grassland area on the
roundabout and the bank in any one year thus leaving uncut areas where plants and
insects can reproduce. That area left uncut in one year is cut the following year.
This regime ensures that the sward does not coarsen but also that plants and insect
species on the site can live out their lifecycles and not risk extinction from the site if
cutting took place across the whole site at the same time.
7.6.3. Cutting the bramble, nettle and the denser scrub: Undertaking this on a five to ten
year basis preserves the early successional nature of these communities that is so valuable
to a wide range of wildlife. If these areas were not managed thus they would soon
become dense thickets with a poor understorey with a field layer dominated by ivy. These
mature scrub thickets are of limited value to birds and invertebrates.
7.6.4. Replanting the planted trees: Replanting the planted trees in the area currently
dominated by nettle will ensure that the species rich grasslands in which the trees have
been planted will be allowed to remain as species-rich grassland and not become shaded
and coarsened by the effect of the trees. The area of nettle is big enough to absorb the
planted trees and still have an area left over for invertebrates which require nettle in open
conditions.
The opportunity should be taken to remove those species of planted tree which are non-
native.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
8. Conclusion
With the adoption of this management plan it will be possible to both maintain and
enhance the nature conservation interest over both parts of this site. The site’s species-
rich neutral grassland is in particular need of systematic management.
As the landowner North Somerset Council are in an excellent position to not only
institute appropriate management over this site but also to demonstrate best practice land
management to other landowners with similar areas of non-agricultural land.
The involvement of members of the local community will help ensure that the
management proposed for this site will be undertaken by those who will arguably benefit
most from the habitat improvements and who will also be in more of a position to
undertake works as and when required. Engaging local people is also in line with much
current environmental thinking on empowerment of local communities and encouraging
moderate outdoor exercise.
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Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
APPENDIX 1
Plant species list (and DAFOR scores) for Barrow Gurney roundabout
and bank (2008)
Common name (and status) Scientific name
Roundabout
Bank
June
August
June
August
Field maple
Acer campestre
R
R
R
R
Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus
R
R
R
R
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
O
O
F
F
Agrimony
Agrimonia eupatoria
O/LF
O/LF
R
R
Common bent
Agrostis capillaris
F
LA
F
F
Creeping bent
Agrostis stolonifera
O
O
Bugle
Ajuga reptans
O
R
Marsh foxtail
Alopecurus geniculatus
R
R
Pyramidal orchid (U)
Anacamptis pyramidalis
LF
F/LA
Barren brome
Anisantha sterilis
O
O
Sweet vernal grass
Anthoxanthum odoratum
O
R
O/LF
R
Cow parsley
Anthriscus sylvestris
R
R
Prostrate orache
Atriplex prostrata
R
False oat-grass
Arrhenatherum elatius
A
A
A
A
Mugwort
Artemesia vulgaris
R
R
Daisy
Bellis perennis
R
R
O
O
False wood-brome
Brachypodium
O
O
F/LA
F/LA
sylvaticum
(?) Hungarian brome (NS)
(?) Bromus inermis
R
R
Hairy brome
Bromus hordaceus
R
R
O
O
hordaceus
Meadow brome (U)
Bromus commutatus
R
Cuckoo-flower
Cardamine pratensis
R
Grey sedge
Carex divulsa
R
R
R
R
Glaucous sedge
Carex flacca
F/LA
O
O/LF
O/LF
Hairy sedge
Carex hirta
F
F
R/LF
R/LF
Spiked sedge
Carex spicata
LF
O
Fern grass (U)
Catapodium rigidum
LF
LF
Black knapweed
Centaurea nigra
F
F/LA
R/LF
R/LF
Common mouse-ear
Cerastium fontanum
O
O
O
R
Bur chervil
Chaerophyllum temulum
O
Fat hen
Chenopodium album
R
Creeping thistle
Cirsium arvense
LD
LD
Marsh thistle
Cirsium palustre
R
R
Spear thistle
Cirsium vulgare
O
O
O
O
Wild clematis
Clematis vitalba
R
R
R/LO
R/LO
Danish scurvy-grass (U)
Cochlearia danica
R
Field bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
O
O
Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea
O
O
R
R
Hazel
Corylus avellana
R
R
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
LF
LF
F
F
Smooth hawksbeard
Crepis capillaris
O
O
O
O
Beaked hawksbeard
Crepis vesicaria
R
R
R
R
Crested dog’s-tail
Cynosurus cristatus
LA
LA
R
R
Cock’s-foot
Dactylis glomerata
F
F
F
F
15
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Common spotted orchid
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
R
O/LF
O/LF
Wild carrot
Daucus carota
O
LF
O
O
Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
O
O
Male fern
Dryopteris filix-mas
R
R
Common couch
Elytrigia repens
O
O
R
R
Willowherb species
Epilobium sp.
O
O
American willowherb
Epilobium ciliatum
O
O
Great willowherb
Epilobium hirsutum
R
R
Broad-leaved willowherb
Epilobium montanum
O
O
O
O
Hoary willowherb
Epilobium parviflorum
O
O
O
O
Square-stemmed willowherb
Epilobium tetragonum
LO
Field horsetail
Equisetum arvense
O
O
O/LF
O/LF
Hemp agrimony
Eupatorium cannabinum
R
R
Tall fescue
Festuca arundinacea
O
O
Red fescue
Festuca rubra
O
O
F
F
Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
R
R
LA
LA
Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
LF
LF
F
F
Common cleavers
Galium aparine
LO
LO
O
O
Hedge bedstraw
Galium mollugo
LO
LO
F/LD
F/LD
Cut-leaved crane’s-bill
Geranium dissectum
F
O
R
R
Herb robert
Geranium robertianum
O
O
O
O
Ground ivy
Glechoma hederacea
O
O
F
F
Ivy
Hedera helix
O
O
O/LA
O/LA
Hogweed
Heracleum sphondylium
O
O
R
R
Yorkshire fog
Holcus lanatus
A
A
F
F
Wall barley
Hordeum murinum
R
R
Meadow barley
Hordeum secalinum
R
Hairy St John’s-wort
Hypericum hirsutum
R
R
R/LF
R/LF
Square-stemmed St John’s-
Hypericum tetrapterum
OLF
OLF
R
R
wort
Common cat’s-ear
Hypochaeris radicata
R
R
R
R
Holly
Ilex aquifolium
R
R
Compact rush (U)
Juncus conglomeratus
R
R
Prickly lettuce
Lactuca seriola
R
Nipplewort
Lapsana communis
R
R
R
R
Grass vetchling (U)
Lathyrus nissolia
F
R
Meadow vetchling
Lathyrus pratensis
F
R
O
O
Autumn hawkbit
Leontodon autumnalis
O
O
Rough hawkbit
Leontodon hispidus
R
Lesser hawkbit
Leontodon saxatilis
O
O
R
R
Ox-eye daisy
Leucanthmum vulgare
LF
O
F
O
Italian rye-grass
Lolium multiflorum
R
R
Perennial rye-grass
Lolium perenne
O
O
F
F
Bird’s-foot trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
F
O
O
O
Greater bird’s-foot trefoil
Lotus pedunculatus
R
R
Domestic apple
Malus domestica
R
R
Black medick
Medicago lupulina
R
R
Field forget-me-not
Myosotis arvensis
R
R
R
R
Corky-fruited water-dropwort Oenanthe pimpinelloides
R
(S)
Adder’s-tongue fern (S)
Ophioglossum vulgatum
O
R
Timothy
Phleum pratense
R
Hartstongue fern
Phyllitis scolopendrium
R
R
Bristly ox-tongue
Picris echioides
F
F
F
F
16
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Buck’s-horn plantain (U)
Plantago coronopus
LF
LF
Ribwort
Plantago lanceolata
F/LA
F/LA
F
F
Greater plantain
Plantago major
R
R
R
R
Annual meadow-grass
Poa annua
O
O
R
R
Common knotgrass
Polygonum aviculare
R
R
R
R
Silverweed
Potentilla anserina
F/LA
F/LA
O
O
Creeping cinquefoil
Potentilla reptans
O
O
F
F
Cowslip
Primula veris
R
F
Selfheal
Prunella vulgaris
F
F/LA
F
F
Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa
LF
LF
R
R
Fleabane
Pulicaria dysenterica
O
F/LA
Pedunculate oak
Quercus robur
R
R
O
O
Meadow buttercup
Ranunculus acris
O
R
R
R
Creeping buttercup
Ranunculus repens
O
O
R
R
Rose species
Rosa sp.
O
O
R
R
Dewberry
Rubus caesius
LA
LA
Bramble
Rubus fruticosus agg.
O/LA
OLA
O
O
Raspberry
Rubus idaeus
R
R
Sorrel
Rumex acetosa
O
O
O
O
Curled dock
Rumex crispus
O
O
R
Broad-leaved dock
Rumex obtusifolius
R
R
R
Wood dock
Rumex sanguineus
O
O
O
O
Willow hybrid
Salix sp.
R
R
Elder
Sambucus nigra
O
O
Common figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
R
R
Biting stonecrop
Sedum acre
R
R
Hoary woundwort
Senecio erucifolius
O
R
R
R
Common ragwort
Senecio jacobaea
O
O
O
O
Oxford ragwort
Senecio squalidus
R
Groundsel
Senecio vulgaris
R
R
Red campion
Silene dioica
O
O
Stone parsley
Sison amomum
R/LF
R
Hedge mustard
Sisymbrium officinale
R
Smooth sow-thistle
Sonchus oleraceus
O
O
R
R
Betony
Stachys officinalis
R
R
Hedge woundwort
Stachys sylvatica
F
O
R/LO
R/LO
Common chickweed
Stellaria media
O
O
O
O
Black bryony
Tamus communis
R
R
O
O
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
O
O
O
O
agg.
Upright hedge parsley
Torilis japonica
R
R
Goatsbeard
Tragopogon pratense
R
R
Lesser trefoil
Trifolium dubium
O
R
O
R
Red clover
Trifolium pratense
F
F
White clover
Trifolium repens
O
O
F
F
Scentless mayweed
Tripleurospermum
R
inodorum
Yellow oat-grass
Trisetum flavescens
R
R
R/LO
R
Volunteer wheat
Triticum aestivum
R
R
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
R
English elm
Ulmus procera
LO
LO
Common nettle
Urtica dioica
LD
LD
O
O
Green field speedwell (U)
Veronica agrestis
R
R
Wall speedwell
Veronica arvensis
R
O
O
17
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
Germander speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys
R/LO
R/LO
Thyme-leaved speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia
R
R
Tufted vetch
Vicia cracca
F
R
F
R
Hairy tare
Vicia hirta
R
Common vetch
Vicia nigra
O
R
R
Bush vetch
Vicia sepium
O
R
R
Species status (taken from The Flora of the Bristol Region, BRERC 2000):
(NS): No status – not recorded in the Flora and believed to be unrecorded elsewhere in the region; therefore
very rare
(S): Scarce – these plants are recorded in 8 to 50 one kilometre squares.
(U): Uncommon - these plants are recorded in 51 to 150 one kilometre squares.
All other species recorded here are common or widespread in the Bristol region; however the frequency
with which each species occurs in the region will vary significantly with some species being very common
and others
APPENDIX 2
Incidental records
1. Butterflies and day-flying moths
Common name
Scientific name
Roundabout
Bank
June
August
June
August
Small skipper
Thymelicus sylvestris
O
R
Large white
Pieris brassicae
O
R
Common blue
Polyommatus icarus
R
Marbled white
Melanargia galathea
F
O
R
O
Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
O
R
R
R
Gatekeeper
Pyronia tithonus
F
F
O
O
Meadow brown
Maniola jurtina
F
F
O
R
Speckled wood
Pararge aegeria
R
R
R
Cinnabar moth
Tyria jacobaeae
F
F
R
2. Birds
Common name
Scientific name
Roundabout
Bank
June
August
June
August
Common whitethroat
Sylvia communis
O
O
Common woodpigeon
Columba palumbus
R
Winter wren
Troglodytes troglodytes
R
R
R
Dunnock
Prunella modularis
R
R
European robin
Erithacus rubecula
R
R
18
Barrow Gurney roundabout –botanical survey report and management plan 2008
3. Mammals
A roe deer
Capreolus capreolus fawn was recorded hidden in the long grass of area 3a on
the roundabout. Paths through the grass and scrub were presumably made by its mother.
19
