a ckno wledgements - Sheffield City Council

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many thanks to Paul Medforth of the Sheffield Bird Study Group and Steve
Kershaw of Westfield School for the ornithological records.
Kay Dulieu and Jean Glasscock
Sheffield Centre for Ecology and Environmental Management
Town Hall Chambers
Barkers Pool
Sheffield S1 1EN
Fax:
Tel:
0114 2736464
0114 2734610
July 1996
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
Site details
Physical Features
Historical Land Use
2.0 THE HABITAT SURVEY
2.1
2.2
Description
Evaluation
3.0 CONCLUSIONS
4.0 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
APPENDIX 1
Spring Ground Flora
APPENDIX 2
Additional Areas
APPENDIX 3
Species Lists:
Botanical
Ornithological
FIGURES
Fig.l
Fig.2
Fig.3
Fig.4
Fig.5
Fig.6
Location and Boundaries
Historical Maps: 1772 and 1840
Historical Maps: 1888 and 1898
Phase One Habitat Map
Management Proposals
Spring Ground Flora
The Sheffield Centre tor Ecology and Environmental Management was
commissioned by the Department of Parks and Open Spaces. Sheffield City
Council, to conduct a survey of Westfield Plantation and a field to the north, prior
to management work being carried out. This work is part of the South Yorkshire
Biodiversity Research Programme.
Please note: Information within this document is the copyright of the Sheffield
Centre for Ecology and Environmental Management (SCEEM) and should not
be reproduced in whole or in part without our written permission.
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 SITE DETAILS
The site lies to the south-east of Sheffield (see Fig.1). The field, 3.31ha, is at Grid
Reference SK 424827. and the woodland. 3.46ha, is at SK 423824.
The surrounding area was formerly arable farmland, with only pockets of built land,
but considerable residential development has taken place recently and further
significant encroachments are likely to be made in the future.
The Plantation and the fields adjacent to it are within the Green Bell, but they will
be almost completely encircled by development. It is proposed to designate this
area as Westfield Country Park, and it lies within the South Yorkshire Forest. The
woodlands are ecological Sites of Scientific Interest, the area also is the focus of a
number of green corridors as shown in the Sheffield Nature Conservation
Strategy. The Mosborough Country Walk footpath runs the length of Westfield
Plantation and of the field in question.
Both parts of the site are owned by the Recreation Department of Sheffield City
Council, as also are further small parcels of land in the proposed Country Park
(Fig.l).
1.2 PHYSICAL FEATURES
The field and the Plantation lie on a moderate incline sloping northwards from a
height of 100m above sea level down to a small stream. Ochre Dike, at 65m. A
tributary seasonal watercourse runs along the western boundary of the site in a
steep-sided gully 3-4 metres deep. The fields to the east drain eastwards, away
from the wood. The substrate is clay, underlain by Middle Coal Measure
Sandstone.
1.3 HISTORICAL LAND USE
The field was reportedly arable until about 15 years ago, when it ceased to be
farmed, however, a Phase One survey of 1980 (held by Sheffield City Ecology
Unit) shows part of it to have been unimproved grassland. Maps from 1875 to
1898 (Fig. 3) show its boundaries as at present except for a slightly crooked
southern boundary, but a map published in 1840 (Fig. 2) shows Ochre Dike
meandering northwards. Its present straight course must therefore have been cut
between 1840 and 1875 and the hedge straightened after 1898.
The Plantation does not appear on a map of 1888 (Fig. 2). but is present on one of
1894. A large-scale map of 1898 clearly shows it having its present boundaries
and also indicates that it was planted with mixed deciduous and coniferous trees.
Previously, the Fields to the east continued across to the western boundary.
The history of the land immediately to the west of the site is also relevant. This
area was named as Hanging Lee (or Lea) Wood on a map of 1772 (Sheffield
Libraries and Information Services. Sheffield Archives, Fairbank Collection Eck
30s)(Fig.2). In 1840 trees were indicated and it was still marked as 'Hanging Lea
Wood’, but by 1875 it is shown as open land with fragments of woodland on the
periphery. By 1898 it had been divided into an upper (southern) unplanted half
and a lower half sparsely replanted with conifers and deciduous trees - perhaps at
the same time that Westfield Plantation was planted. The relevance to the present
survey is that the south- eastern corner of the original Hanging Lea Wood still
exists, annexed to the Plantation, though it is under separate private ownership,
and also the edge of the planting along the gully was retained for some time - it is
shown on a map of 1955- but is now encroached upon by farmland.
2
THE HABITAT SURVEY
The site had already been briefly surveyed in the summer of 1994 and was
inspected for the present report in September 1995. paying particular attention to
the composition of the canopy, to regeneration of tree species and to the
management options.
The vegetation was noted and classified according to the NCC Phase One Habitat
Survey system. This data is presented as a map (Fig. 4). Detailed descriptions
are given below and species lists for the field and for the Plantation are appended
(Appendix 3).
A further survey was carried out at the end of April 1996 to examine the extent of
the spring ground flora. This data is included as Appendix 1 and mapped in figure
6.
A visit was made to the site in January 1996 and a list of bird sightings compiled,
see Appendix 3. No information is available for breeding birds.
Notes on the additional sites owned by the Parks and Open Spaces Departments
are included as Appendix 2.
2.1 DESCRIPTION
2.1.1 The field is rough neutral grassland with developing scrub cover,
unmanaged since the 1970's when it was reportedly arable, or possibly the upper
half was unimproved grassland (see above). The ground is still uneven under the
vegetation, suggesting that it was ploughed before being abandoned. The scrub is
densest close to the plantation where ash (Fraxinus excelsior) seeded onto the
open ground, producing a stand of ash saplings, plus a few sycamore (Acer
pseudoplatanus) and oak (Quercus sp.), only a few inches apart but three or four
metres high. Elsewhere there are groups of planted Italian alder (Alnus cordata)
with vigorously regenerating saplings and seedlings. These occur both in the
eastern open areas and, growing more densely, between Ochre Dike and a wellused footpath. Ash is regenerating well in the western part of the field, together
with the occasional oak. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) occurs frequently
throughout, with occasional rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), grey and goat willow (Salix
caprea and S. cinerea) and dog rose (Rosa canina agg.). Bramble (Rubus
fruticosus) patches have become established, also a few good-sized field rose
(Rosa arvensis) thickets, very attractive in both summer and autumn.
The grassland is, in the main, dominated by false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum
elatius) with frequent Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), common couch (Elymus
repens), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and
creeping thistle (Cirsium arvensis), the latter becoming dominant in some areas.
Eisewhere, creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), black bent (A. gigantean),
michaelmas daisy {Aster novi-belgii) or great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) may
dominate. A variety of species occurs in these drier areas, including frequent
common knapweed (Centaurea nigra), field scabious (Knautia arvensis), meadow
buttercup (Ranunculus acris}, common cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata), autumn
hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis), hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) colt's-foot (Tussilago
farfara), ruderals. willowherbs, eleven leguminous species, field horsetail
(Equisetum arvensis), field woodrush (Luzula campestris). red fescue (Festuca
rubra), two timothy grasses (Phleum pratense and P. bertolonii), and a few clumps
of tall fescue (f.arundinacea). Beneath the herb layer there are gaps in the sward
with bryophytes. There are also areas of somewhat base-rich flushing, especially
towards the eastern end. Here, an assemblage including sweet vernal grass
(Anthoxanthum odoratum), crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristata), compact and
hard rush (Juncus conglomeratus and J. inflexus), glaucous sedge (Carex flacca).
Common centuary (Centaurium erythraea), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata),
self- heal (Prunella Vulgaris), angelica (Angelica sylvestris) and creeping buttercup
(Ranunculus repens) occurs. Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) has
been reported from the site over a number of years (C. Jackson, pers. comm.).
Ochre Dike itself is heavily shaded by hawthorns, some of which are very large
and have been laid in the past, the stream bed carries very little water and is stony
with steep clay banks. Large native alders (Alnus glutinosa) grow along its banks,
together with crack willow (Salix Fragilis), ash and a few birches (Betula sp). Grey
willow and hazel (Corylus avellana) are frequent in the understorey and there is an
occasional guelder rose (Viburnum opulus). Field rose and raspberry (Rubus
idaeus) are present, as is a small patch of meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria). The
greater part of the stream banks are bare of vegetation, with occasional ruderals
such as great willowherb, broadleaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and hogweed
(Heracleum sphondylium), but there are also indications of a longer-established
community, with male and broad-buckler ferns (Dryopteris felix-mas and D.
dilatata). cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and lesser celandine (Ranunculus
ficaria), and some suggestion of greater age still with dog's mercury (Mercurialis
perennis), greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) and bluebell (Hyacinthoider nonscripta).
2.2.1 The Plantation: at first sight sycamore appears to be strongly dominant
throughout the lower (northern) part of the wood, their large multiple trunks are
very conspicuous. However, closer inspection suggests that, for the most part, ash
is at least co-dominant. Possibly as a consequence of the 1995 summer drought,
or perhaps due to a more long-standing process, the sycamore canopy tended to
be thin with few, small leaves, whereas the ash was thriving. Under the
sycamore/ash canopy there was a sparse understorey of hawthorn and elder
(Sambucus nigra) and occasional hollies (Ilex aquifolium) with regenerating
sycamore, ash. oak and wych elm (Ulmus glabra). Two seedlings of guelder rose
were also present near the northern boundary. Bramble is very abundant
throughout the wood, raspberry occurs occasionally and ivy (Hedra helix) is locally
dominant. The field layer is sparse with much bare ground and bryophytes,
nevertheless there is a remarkably good range of herbs including abundant
bluebell, frequent honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), dog violet (Viola
riviniana), yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), wood-dock (Rumex
sanguineus) wood millet (Millium effusum), wood brome (Bromus ramosus) and
occasional wood sorrel (Oxalis acetocella), greater stitchwort, red campion (Silene
dioica), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), broad buckler and male fern.
A central area of the upper wood has been planted with hybrid black poplar
(Populus x canadensis), which emerges from the sycamore/ash canopy and is
now subject to windthrow. A number have already fallen or lean on their
neighbours. Native alder occurs in this area and wych elm is frequent along the
eastern side of the wood.
At the top of the wood (i.e. the southern end), ash becomes dominant together
with frequent oak, scattered birch and a very few sycamore. A number of field
maple (Acer campestre) approach canopy height, and there is a well-developed
understorey of hawthorn, elder, young ash and wych elm. The upper field layer
includes bramble, field rose, gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and abundant ash and
maple seedlings. The lower field layer is again rather sparse due to shading, but
is varied with abundant bluebell, frequent yellow archangel, wood dock, wood
sorrel, dog violet, wood millet, wood brome, wood sedge (Carex sylvatica), and an
area of bearded couch (Elymus canina), all of which are usually associated with
ancient woodland. Other species present, such as bush vetch (Vicia sepium),
hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), ivy, cow parsley, herb robert (Geranium
robertianum) and broad buckler fern, are more often associated with hedgerows.
Sparrowhawks were observed to have successfully nested in the Plantation in
1994.
The fragment of the ancient Hanging Lea Wood to the southwest of Westfield
Plantation (and in private ownership) is quite different in character and.
paradoxically, much less species-rich. It is acid oak/birch woodland, typical of
many ancient woodlands of Sheffield, with bramble, bracken (Pteridum aquilinum),
creeping soft-grass (Holcus mollis) and bluebell. Between these two woods is a
relict boundary with old, large-stooled ash trees. The southern boundary of the two
woods extends along an ancient hedgerow in each direction and is very rich. Most
notable is a large and very beautiful field maple just outside the Council-owned
land. Other species in the hedge are elder, blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa), hazel,
hawthorn, silver birch and sycamore, none of which is dominant, with field rose.
cow parsley, ivy and dog's mercury. There is a small patch of meadowsweet near
the 'tail' of the Plantation. This hedge is evidently the source of the field maple
within the wood and most probably of nearby woodland ground flora species. The
old boundary ash trees are perhaps the origin of the ashes that are now beginning
to dominate the canopy.
A small steep-sided, largely dry, gully runs down the western boundary, this was
the edge of Hanging Lea Wood and retains its separate character, though many
sycamore have become established within it. Like the other fragments, it is acid
oak/birch wood with a poor ground flora, though there are remnants of a richer
range: hollies, blackthorn, field maples and two very old moribund crab apples
(Malus sylvestris), one with curiously interwoven multiple trunks. The gully might
have been expected to support more field layer species, but it is generally poor,
frequently overgrown by bramble, with only the locally abundant remote sedge
(Carex remota) suggesting any antiquity. Broad- leaved helleborine (Epipactis
helleborine) has been reported recently from the field edge of this area (C.
Jackson, pers. comm.).
The hedges of the fields to the east are generally species-rich and wellmaintained. The northern-most, bounding the field surveyed above, least so.
being principally hawthorn with a few elder and oak. Bramble is abundant at the
base, while bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) and black bryony (Tamus
communis) scramble through it. Greater stitchwort and woodland grasses occur
adjacent to the Plantation. The other three hedges are richer with blackthorn,
hazel, field maple, holly, oak, dog rose, ash, sycamore, elder and goat willow as
well as hawthorn. Greater stitchwort, dog's mercury and bluebell are present in the
field layer.
2.2 EVALUATION
2.2.1 The field is at present in transition from grassland to scrub and ultimately to
woodland. This mixture of habitats is very productive for wildlife. The tall herb
species provide protection and sustenance for small mammals which in turn
support predators such as kestrel (seen hunting here during the survey) and owls:
barn owls (a National Red Data Book species) have been reported nearby. A
number of butterfly species require sheltered rough grassland, the rich variety of
vetches and trefoils further enhancing its potential. Abundant thistle seeds attract
finches and the large number of berry-bearing species, support many other small
birds and hence the sparrow hawks which nest in the Plantation. The bramble and
briar thickets are not as yet very extensive hut may shelter rabbits, their grazing
would be beneficial in helping to control the scrub vegetation and maintaining a
short sward. Thus, the field provides a rich and abundant food resource, and
secure shelter for invertebrates and small birds and mammals.
The vegetation of Ochre Dike has a longer history, though the poverty of most of
the field layer indicates some sort of disturbance. Despite the proximity of housing
this does not appear to be due to erosion as the hawthorns provide protection.
The poor ground flora may be due to the sustained heavy shading and to the dry
conditions. It may be that the locations of the woodland species and the larger
trees lie on the original meandering course of the Dike and the more species-poor
stretches are the parts cut in the last century. Large-scale maps may support this
possibility. Without management, the shading here is likely to increase as the
Italian alders in the adjacent part of the field mature.
2.2.2 The Plantation. Historical maps leave no doubt that the Plantation is no
more than a hundred years old and yet the ground flora is very rich in ancient
woodland indicator species. However, the associated areas of known ancient
woodland are a species-poor oak/creeping soft-grass community, therefore it
seems unlikely that this is the source of the diversity - though it is possible that the
gully, in particular, was previously much richer and has been impoverished by
disturbance of some kind.
The only other source is the hedgerow flora. The extant parts of the hedges are
rich in woody species, having seven to nine species each, but the only ancient
woodland indicators in the ground flora are bluebell and (in one hedge) greater
stitchwort. This poverty may be the result of recent management of the arable
fields, there are no tree or shrub species on hedge-lines within the wood (apart
from the large ash trees noted above and a short line of hawthorns), but low
hedge-banks can be traced extending the present field hedges, supporting the
map evidence that the hedge-lines were incorporated into the wood. The shrub
species were presumably removed but the field layer species are likely to have
persisted and spread. Consequently, this secondary woodland has quickly
assumed many characteristics of ancient woodland, though the field layer is
sparser than might be expected in a genuinely ancient wood. The structure of the
wood is still developing. The sycamores have been coppiced, (probably once),
resulting in the multiple-trunked trees, which are now possibly beginning to fail,
enabling the ash (self-set?) to out-compete them. The planted poplars are
suffering from wind-throw and are also being replaced by ash in the canopy. At
the top of the wood, oak and field maple have colonised naturally and are thriving,
suggesting that the wood may be progressing towards an oak/ash woodland, with
field maple as an important constituent of the understorey, and a diverse field layer
under the lighter shade.
3
CONCLUSIONS
Both parts of this site are of great interest, having rapidly developed into speciesrich habitats within a short time, demonstrating the importance of small relict areas
to serve as nuclei for colonisation. Further detailed studies may throw more light
on this. There is great potential for encouraging the process by sympathetic
management.
If the site is to withstand the expected pressures of increased usage, ongoing
monitoring and management will be necessary.
4
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1
In the field, the aim should be to arrest the progression to scrub and
woodland at an intermediate stage, with areas of short and long grassland and of
tall herbs. The possibility of returning some areas to the beginning of the cycle by
shallow ploughing or scraping off of the topsoil may be considered in the future.
Bramble and briar thickets should be allowed to develop: they may need to be
controlled at some time in the future, but offer valuable habitat at present. Scrub
development should be limited, allowing some hawthorns, dog rose and rowans to
mature, singly and in groups, with scattered alder and. towards the plantation, ash.
Any native alder should be selected in preference to Italian. Occasional oaks
should also be retained. It is envisaged that the field should eventually be
predominantly open grassland, with scattered berry and hip-bearing species and
small groups of alder, ash and oak with an understorey grading into tall herbs and
grasses.
The old trees and shrubs of Ochre Dike and the western boundary should be
protected and graded into the grassland, with the ground flora selectively
encouraged.
•
•
•
•
In summary, it is proposed that:
an area approximately as shown in figure 5 should be mown in late summer, the
cut material allowed to dry and shed its seeds, then removed to avoid increasing
the nutrient status. A few established trees and bushes should be retained as
specimens and the remainder removed, especially around the flushed areas,
identifiable by the rush and sedge species. This should be repeated approximately
every ten years.
a smaller area within the first (see Fig. 5) should be mown as above, but annually.
the ash thicket should be thinned, retaining one or two oak but removing any
sycamore.
areas of botanical interest along Ochre Dike and the western boundary (stitchwort.
dog's mercury, meadowsweet etc.) should be precisely located and the canopy
above them thinned on the southern (field) side. Complete removal of the Italian
alder in these areas would be desirable if it can be done without encouraging
access and therefore erosion.
4.2
In the Plantation, the aim should be to encourage the dominance of ash
and reduce that of sycamore. It is probably inevitable that bramble will also
increase as light levels rise unless intensive efforts are made to remove it.
Bramble does serve to discourage access, and may be useful in places. Alder.
maple, hazel, guelder rose and crab apple should be protected and encouraged.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Short term proposals are as follows (see Fig. 5):
If coppice sycamore wood is required, it is suggested that the sycamoredominated northwestern corner of the wood should be managed as coppice.
retaining ash as standards, and taking care to safe-guard the inconspicuous
guelder rose saplings.
Sycamore should be removed entirely from the uppermost (southern) part of the
wood where it is least abundant, by felling and poisoning of the stumps. and handpulling of seedlings.
Sycamore should also be removed completely from the sides of the gully.
Ring-barking of sycamore to increase the amount of standing dead timber
available for decomposers.
Bramble could be reduced by hand-pulling. It is suggested that three experimental
areas should be set up, one in the coppice area, one in the ash/sycamore area
and one in the gully.
The ground flora should be monitored.
Poplars should be substantially reduced, especially those presenting a safety
hazard to users of the footpaths; they should, however, not be entirely eliminated
as poplar sap runs are known to be valuable for hoverflies. They may be pollarded
if necessary.
Nest-boxes may also be considered for hole-nesting woodland birds.
NB
Removal of sycamore seedlings and saplings should be done when in full
leaf to avoid confusion with field maple.
APPENDIX
1
SPRING GROUND FLORA
THE SURVEY
The data noted on this visit is presented in figure 6.
In addition to a very dry summer and autumn, the winter of 1995/6 was abnormally
dry. As a result. Ochre Dike was barely running at the time of the survey, and the
gully was totally dry.
A conspicuous feature in spring is the frequency of regrowing wych elm in the
lower understorey of the woodland.
The three former field hedgerows removed (presumably) when the wood was
planted are traceable as low banks. No relict hedgerow trees or shrubs were
found apart from a short row of hawthorns at the western end of the middle
hedgeline.
The field layer throughout Westfield Plantation was seen to be entirely dominated
by bluebell with a notable lack of grasses. Patches of dense lesser celandine
occur on bare ground near the northern hedgebank and nearby areas;
in the lower part of the gully; in Ochre Dike, and also in the upper part of the wood.
Dog violet is sparsely scattered through much of the wood. Yellow archangel
occurs over extensive areas, mainly in and close to the gully, along the central
path and in the southern boundary hedge. Greater stitchwort was more localised: it
was occasional in Ochre Dike and the lower gully: there was a single patch close
to the middle hedgebank: another in the southern boundary and several along the
upper part of the central path. Dog's mercury was found only in the southern
boundary, on the boundary between the Plantation and the south-western
fragment of Hanging Lea Wood and, less extensively, on Ochre Dike. Wood sorrel
was found only along a short length of the upper central path and within a few
inches of it, apart from a tiny clump on the southern transverse path, again within a
few inches of the path. Though not conspicuous in spring, it was noted that the
wood-dock, wood sedge and bearded couch also appeared to be localised along
the central path. Remote sedge occurred frequently in the lower gully.
Honeysuckle was abundant in the lower gully and also along the southern internal
hedgebank, but appeared to be only occasional elsewhere. A single angelica
(Angelica sylvestris) plant was found near the main path.
The internal hedgebanks were searched for ground flora species. As noted
above, the lowest, northern hedgeline had a dense understorey of elder with
abundant celandine and much bare ground. The flora of the middle hedgebank
showed no change from the adjacent areas: dominant bluebell with sparse
bramble, except a single patch of stitchwort lying close to it and a large area of
yellow archangel at the intersection with the central path. The upper bank had
occasional stitchwort, an area of wood millet and, in a slightly flushed area.
bittersweet dog violet and a very small patch of selfheal.
Two main areas where species often associated with ancient woodland occurred
were found on Ochre Dike, one with hazels, meadowsweet, dog's mercury and
stitchwort, and one with dog's mercury, bluebell, stitchwort and celandine.
Celandine was also found close to the road.
CONCLUSIONS AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Species associated with ancient woodland, hedgerows or stream-sides occurred
most frequently on Ochre Dike, the southern boundary of the Plantation, the
central path and to a lesser extent, the gully. Only slight evidence of any increase
in occurrence along old hedgelines was found. One of the strongest ancient
woodland indicators in this area, dog's mercury, was found only in restricted
stretches of Ochre Dike and along the southern boundary, including that between
the Plantation and the relict fragment of Hanging Lea Wood. It may be significant
that another strong indicator, wood anemone, was not found at all, though it is
present in the other relict fragments of Hanging Lea Wood.
It is probable that low light levels in the plantation suppressed all but the most
shade-tolerant field layer species, enabling the more mobile woodland species,
e.g. bluebell, yellow archangel, to migrate from the hedgerows with little
competion, but the shade became too deep for any but bluebell to thrive. The rich
flora along the central path may be due to the presence of the path preserving an
opening in the canopy, perhaps it is an older path than others in the wood.
Additionally, many wych elms have died in this area. Again allowing more light to
reach the woodland floor, but this would not explain the close association with the
path of these plants.
• It is recommended that the canopy should be opened further, by felling poplars
(though see section 4 above) and sycamores, especially close to the path.
• It is very important that widening of the central path should be avoided.
APPENDIX 2
ADDITIONAL AREAS
Other nearby areas are owned by the Recreation Department and were surveyed
in 1994.
1
A triangular unimproved grassland, rich in species, on a west-facing
slope. It is similar to the field described above, and is also being invaded by
woody species, especially hawthorn, from the scrub area in the ditch below. Herb
species include common spotted orchid and glaucous sedge. In the southern part
of it coarse grasses such as false oat-grass and tufted hair-grass have become
dominant.
Trees and shrubs
Corylus avellana
Crataegus Monogyna
Betula sp.
Fraxinus excelsior
Prunus sp.
Rosa canina agg.
Salix caprea
Sambucus nigra
hazel
hawthorn
birch
ash
plum/cherry species
dog rose
goat willow
elder
Grasses
Cynosurus cristata
Dactylis glomerata
Elymus repens
Festuca rubra
Holcus lanatus
Poa pratense
Herbs
Angelica sylvestris
Centaurea nigra
Cerastium fontanum
Chamerion angustifolium
Cirsium arvensis
Dactylorhiza fuchsia
Filipendula ulmaria
Glechoma hederacea
Heracleum sphondylium
Hypericum performatum
Lathyrus pratense
Lotus corniculatus
Plantago lanceolata
Potentilla repens
Ranunculus repens
Rosa arvense
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rumex actosa
Rumex obtusifolia
Senecio jacobaea
Silene dioica
Stachys sylvatica
Trifolium pratensis
Vicia hirsute
Vicia sativa
Taraxacum officinale agg.
Urtica dioica
Other
Carex flacca
Equisetum sp.
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncuc effusus
Luzula campestris
crested dog’s-tail
cock’s foot
common couch
red fescue
Yorkshire fog
smooth meadowgrass
angelica
black knapweed
mouse- eared chickweed
rosebay willowherb
creeping thistle
common spotted orchid
meadowsweet
ground ivy
hogweed
perforate St. John’s wort
meadow vechling
lesser bird’s-foot trefoil
cRibwort plantain
creeping cinquefoil
creeping buttercup
field rose
bramble
common sorrel
broad-leaved dock
common ragwort
red campion
hedge woundwort
red clover
hairy tare
common vetch
dandelion
nettle
glaucous sedge
horsetail
compact rush
soft-rush
field woodrush
2
An intermittent, but varied hedge, with oak, ash, sycamore, hawthorn.
field maple and elder, parts of it have been damaged by fire. Blackthorn dominates
the lower (northern) end. Field pansy and slender speedwell occur in the field
layer.
3
A long narrow enclosure now with a track running along it. The southern
end is somewhat degraded supporting ruderals and coarse grasses including false
oat-grass and rosebay willowherb, but over the hillcrest, to the north, the
vegetation is less disturbed. Though not species-rich, there are finer grasses,
including bents, with yarrow and large bramble thickets, some with wood horsetail
beneath. Oak saplings are becoming established.
4
The hedge to the west of the track is moderately diverse at the southern
end: hawthorn is dominant with dog rose, hazel, elder, black bryony and, rarely,
field maple. Northwards, the track rises over a hillcrest, where there are two
standard oaks. Beyond, the hedge is exceptionally rich in shrub species. It is
banked to the west, and is very wide and dense, and flail-trimmed. No one
species was dominant but all the following were well-distributed: oak, sycamore,
ash, hawthorn, guelder rose, hazel, field maple, holly, grey willow, blackthorn,
elder and dog rose, with black bryony and bittersweet climbing through it. In the
field layer there was bramble, bracken, raspberry, ivy, hogweed, cow parsley,
dog's mercury, greater stitchwort and bluebell. This diversity of species, both
shrubs and herbs, (the latter three species noted are generally good indicators of
ancient woodland) suggests considerable antiquity. This short length of hedge is
among the best in the South Yorkshire Forest area.
5
The eastern hedge of the trackway is rich tor most of its length, again
especially to the north. Hawthorn is frequent but not dominant, other species are
oak, ash, holly, hazel, blackthorn, field rose and black bryony, with dog's mercury
and bluebell in the field layer.
6
A dense, high hedge, laid in the past, on a one to two metre-high northlacing bank. It is species-poor, being hawthorn with occasional elder and a
sycamore. Bramble is very abundant at the base.
7
A species-rich hedge, close-trimmed but dense and complete. It is
dominated by hawthorn, with occasional oak, ash, holly, elder, blackthorn, and a
sycamore. Bramble, field rose, black bryony, bittersweet and hedge bindweed all
climb through the hedge. There is bluebell and cow parsley in the field layer.
8
A species-rich hedge, laid in the past, with gaps. There is a very deeply
scoured ditch on the southern side. Hawthorn is again dominant, (entirely so at the
Moss Way end), with occasional oak, ash (very large laid specimens). hazel, dog
rose, holly and sycamore. Towards the wood there is a blackthorn thicket and
goat willow. Abundant bramble and occasional field rose and black bryony
scramble through it. Beneath, bracken is frequent, and there is some bluebell and
unidentified vetches.
9
A hedge, also species-rich, on a bank with a ditch to the north. It has
been laid but is somewhat thin with gaps. There is a good number of welldistributed species, except between the path and the wood where hawthorn is
clearly dominant. Elsewhere hawthorn is less dominant with frequent hazel,
occasional elder, field maple, blackthorn, and oak, and, more rarely, holly,
sycamore and ash. Bramble and bracken, bittersweet and black bryony climb
through it, with bluebell, greater stitchwort, woodsage, foxglove, hogweed, cow
parsley, cleavers, rosebay all occur in the field layer.
APPENDIX
Species Lists
The Field
Trees and shrubs
Acer pseudoplatanus
Alnus cordata
Alnus glutinosa
Crataegus monogyna
Fraxinus exceIsior
Quercus sp.
Rosa arvensis
Rosa canina agg.
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Salix caprea
Salix cinerea
Salix fragilis
Sorbus aucuparia
Viburnum opulus
sycamore
Itialian alder
alder
hawthorne
ash
oak
field-rose
dog rose
bramble
goat willow
gey willow
cack willow
rwan
gilder-rose
O
LD
LF
F
LA
O
O
F
LD
O
O
O
O
R
Herbs
Angelica sylvestris
Aster novi-belgii
Centaurea nigra
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Chamerion angustifolium
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium vulgare
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium montanum
Filipendula ulmaria
Geranium molle
Heracleum sphondylium
Hieracium sp.
Hypochaeris radicata
Knautia arvensis
Lathyrus linifolius
Lathyrus pratensis
Leontodon autumnalis
Lotus corniculatus
Lotus pedunculatus
Medicago lupulina
Mercurialis perennis
Planlago lanceolata
Plantago major
Prunella vulgaris
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus repens
Rumex acetosa
Rumex crispus
wild angelica
michaelmass-daisy
common kapweed
common centaury
common mouse-ear
rosebay willowherb
creeping thistle
spear thistle
great willowherb
broad-leaved willowerb
meadowsweet
dove’s-foot crane’s-bill
hogweed
hawkweed
cat’s-ear
field scabious
bitter-vetch
meadow vetchling
autumn hawkbit
common bird’s-foot trefoil
greater bird’s-foot trefoil
black medick
dog’s mercuary
ribwort plantain
greater plantain
selfheal
meadow buttercup
creeping buttercup
common sorrel
curled dock
O
LF
LF
O
O
LA
LA
O
O
F
R
O
O
F
F
O
F
O
F
F
LF
O
R
F
F
LF
F
LA
F
O
Rumex obtusifolius
Senecio jacobaea
Stachys sylvatica
Stellaria holostea
Taraxacum officianale agg.
Tragopogon pratensis agg.
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Tussilago farfara
Urtica dioica
Vicia cracca
Vicia hirsuta
Vicia sepium
broad-leaved dock
common ragwort
hedge woundwort
greater stitchwort
dandelion
goatsbeard
lesser trefoil
red clover
white clover
colt's-foot
common nettle
tufted vetch
hairy tare
bush vetch
O
O
O
R
O
R
LF
F
O
O
O
F
O
O
Grasses
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis gigantea
Agrostis stolonifera
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arrhenatherum elatius
Cynosurus cristatus
Dactylis glomerata
Elytrigia (Elymus) repens
Festuca arundinacea
Festuca gigantea
Festuca rubra
Holcus lanatus
Lolium perenne
Phleum bertolonii
Phleum pratense
common bent
black bent
creeping bent
sweet vernal-grass
false oat-grass
crested dog's-tail
cock's-foot
common couch
tall fescue
giant fescue
red fescue
Yorkshire fog
perennial rye-grass
Bertoloni's timothy
timothy
O
F
LA
LD
LD
O
O
F
O
F
F
F
O
LF
O
Sedges, rushes and ferns
Carex flacca
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncus inflexus
Luzula campestris
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
Equisetum arvense
glaucous sedge
compact rush
hard rush
field wood-rush
broad buckler-fern
male-fern
field horsetail
LF
LF
LF
O
O
O
LF
Westfield Plantation
Trees and shrubs
Acer pseudoplatanus
Acer campestre
Alnus glutinosa
Betula sp.
Corylus avellana
Fraxinus excelsior
Malus sylvestris
Populus sp.
Prunus spinosa
Quercus sp.
Rosa arvensis
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Sambucus nigra
Ulmus glabra
Viburnum opulus
sycamore
maple
alder
birch
hazel
ash
crab apple
poplar
blackthorn
oak
field-rose
bramble
elder
wych elm
guelder-rose
LD
LA
LF
O
O
A
R
LD
O
O
O
A
A
O
R
Herbs
Anthriscus sylvestris
Chamerion angustifolium
Epipactis helleborine
Galium aparine
Geranium robertianum
Glechoma hederacea
Hedra helix
Heracleum sphondylium
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Lamiastrum galeobdolon
Lapsana communis
Lonicera periclymenum
Oxalis acetosella
Plantago major
Ranunculus ficaria
Ribes uva-crispa
Rubus idaeus
Rumex sangiuneus
Silene dioica
Solanum dulcamara
Stachys sylvatica
Stellaria holostea
Taraxacum officianale agg.
Urtica dioica
Vicia sepium
Viola riviniana
cow parsley
rosebay willowherb
broad-leaved helleborine
cleavers
herb-robert
ground-ivy
ivy
hogweed
blubell
yellow archangel
nipplewort
honeysuckle
wood-sorrel
greater plantain
lesser celandine
gooseberry
raspberry
wood dock
red campion
bittersweet
hedge woundwort
greater stitchwort
dandelion
common nettle
bush vetch
common dog-violet
O
O
O
O
O
O
LA
O
A
F
O
F
O
O
F
LF
LA
F
F
O
O
O
O
F
O
F
Grasses
Bromopsis (Bromus) ramosa
Dactylis glomerata
Deschampsia cespitosa
hairy-brome
cock's-foot
tufted hair-grass
F
F
0
Elymus canina
Milium effusum
bearded couch
wood millet
LF
F
Sedges,rushes and ferns
Carex remota
Carex sylvatica
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
remote sedge
wood sedge
broad buckler-fern
male-fern
LF
0
0
0
ORNITHOLOGICAL SPECIES LIST
Fulco tinnunculus
Accipiter nisus
Alectoris rufa
Perdix perdix
Phasianus colchicus
Larus ridibundus
Troglodytes troglodytes
Dendrocopos major
Turdus merula
Parus caeruleus
Aegithalos caudatus
Turdus viscivorus
Turdus iliacus
Corvus monedula
Turdus pilaris
Erithacus rubecula
Prunella modularis
Turdus philomelos
Carduelis carduelis
Regulus regulus
Corvus corone
Garrulus glandarius
Emberiza citrinella
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Parus major
Alauda arvensis
Columba livia
Carduelis chloris
Ffingilla coelebs
Passer domesticus
Streptopelia decaocto
Sturrus vulgaris
Columba palumbus
Corvus frugliegus
Carduelis cunnabina
kestrel
sparrowhawk
red-legged partridge
grey partridge
pheasant
black headed gull
wren
great spotted woodpecker
blackbird
blue tit
long tailed tit
mistle thrush
redwing
jackdaw
fieldfare
robin
dunnock
song thrush
goldfinch
goldcrest
carrion crow
jay
yellowhammer
bullfinch
great tit
sky lark
feral pigeon
greenfinch
chaffinch
house sparrow
collared dove
starling
wood pigeon
rook
linnet