Mappp.co geology and wildlife sites

Gwlyptiroedd Casnewydd / Newport Wetlands

…stitute a national series of sites, each with its own special features. Newport Wetlands lies to the south of the city of Newport, adjacent to the Severn Estuary and close to the mouth of the River Usk. It is part of the larger Newport Wetlands Reserve constructed to meet the com…

Dearne Valley Wetlands

Dearne Valley Wetlands SSSI is of special interest for the following nationally important features: • Breeding gadwall Mareca strepera, shoveler Spatula clypeata, garganey Spatula querquedula, pochard Aythya ferina…

Low Gill Moor Wetlands

Description The land described here as Low Gill Moor Wetlands includes an outstanding association of basic calcareous and acidic wetland communities. The spring and flush systems are of particular interest but with the other wetland types including stre…

Barn Elms Wetland Centre

Description A mosaic of wetland habitats supporting nationally important wintering populations of shoveler Spatula clypeata and an assemblage of breeding birds associated with lowland waters and their margins. General descr…

Auchrochar Wetlands

AUCHROCHAR WETLANDS Auchrochar Wetlands lies 2km due east of Stranraer and is one of the least disturbed areas of swamp and fen vegetation in Wigtownshire. The habitat is of recent origin, being developed since …

Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot

…centred on Slimbridge but ranges over a series of other sites. The Nedern Brook Wetlands and Llandegfedd Reservoir SSSI are their most important sites in Monmouthshire, and the only other regular winter population of Bewicks swans in Wales is to be found in Anglesey. In most year…

Winster Wetlands

Description Winster Wetlands is situated near the village of Winster, some four kilometres south of Windermere, at an altitude of 140 metres. The underlying rocks of the area are Silurian greywackes and mudstones and thi…

Llwyn y Celyn Wetland

Description This site, which occurs alongside the Mounton Brook, supports examples of fairly calcareous spring mire and swamp plant communities which are uncommon in Gwent. The underlying geology cons…

Swanscombe Peninsula

…nto bare open ground habitats with low scrub cover. The peninsula also supports wetland, grazing marsh and saltmarsh habitats. These habitats, coupled with a mild climate, provide ideal conditions for certain species and assemblages of plants, invertebrates and breeding birds. Fo…

Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay

…blages of invertebrates occurring on ‘dry’ coastal habitats; and assemblages of wetland invertebrates. General description Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay is a nationally important site with a diverse coastal landscape comprising a number of habitats which appear to be unrel…

Cashel Loughs

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of the wetland flora and fauna. Cashel Lough is an extensive area of semi natural vegetation in an ice scarred rock basin. It takes in a wide range of habitats, including rocky outcrops of dry heath, acid gr…

Brackagh Bog

… Fens, Wet woodland The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Brackagh Bog lies in a small tributary valley of the River Bann just 3 km southeast of Portadown. Formerly a lowland raised bog, most of the acid raised peat has been removed …

Moors River System

…is a small lowland river which supports an exceptional diversity of aquatic and wetland plants. The vegetation varies from a type characteristic of mixed geology, low gradient rivers in the middle reaches to a type more typical of chalk streams towards the confluence with the Riv…

Brent Reservoir

…c. approx Description The Brent Reservoir is of interest primarily for breeding wetland birds and in particular for significant numbers of nesting great crested grebe. The diversity of wintering waterfowl and the variety of plant species growing along the water margin are also of…

Derryvore

Derryvore Fens Derryvore is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. The area is a diverse herb-rich wetland, with a number of unusual fen communities and several notable species. Unlike many of the other fens in Down and Armagh which tend to b…

River Frome

…ies of this river vegetation type. The site also includes areas of semi-natural wetland habitat adjoining the Frome which are dependent upon the river for their character and are integral to the overall interest. Among these are three areas of fen and wet pasture at East Stoke an…

Ballynagross Lower

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Ballynagross Lower is a diverse site, with a wide range of fen communities, including a number of notable ones. Several rare plant species are found. The area consists of two …

Drumcarn

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. The wetland at Drumcam straddles the border between Counties Armagh and Monaghan and is a large site with a wide range of habitats. These include rocky outcrops covered in hea…

Stanford Training Area

…ternationally important. The site also includes other areas of standing water, wetlands and many springs and streams. These benefit from the large area of the SSSI because they are largely unaffected by drainage, pollution, eutrophication or water abstraction. Many of them are c…

River Test

…of the Test is the number of plant species which may be regarded as relics of a wetland flora adjacent to the river and now indicate the wetter stretches of river bank. These include water dock Rumex hydrolapathum, greater tussock sedge Carex paniculata, common reed Phragmites au…

Lough Corr

…ough Corr Fens Lough Corr is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. It is situated in County Tyrone on the eastern slopes of Bolaght Mountain and rests upon a substrate of Carboniferous sandstone. It is a diverse upland wetland containing good…

The New Forest

…n assemblage of birds associated with specific habitats such as old woodland or wetlands. Within the New Forest there are seven sites which are of special geological or physiographic interest including valley mires, the headwaters of the Highland Water, stream sections with expo…

Drumlougher Lough

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Drumlougher Lough is a large and diverse area, with particularly rich and varied fen communities. Additional diversity is provided by other semi-natural habitats, such as the …

Loughaveely

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Although relatively small, Loughaveely is a diverse site with several wetland plant communities ranging from poor fen vegetation to swamp and open water. As a result, the area…

Fymore Lough

…ing waters, Fens Fymore Lough is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. This small lake is situated in an inter-drumlin hollow surrounded by improved pasture and consists of open water with a mosaic of transitional habitats including swamp, fen, b…

Glims Moss and Durka Dale

…ransition from alkaline to acid conditions. The site also represents a range of wetland types including sump wetland, percolating wetland and alluvial wetland. As such the site also harbours a range of plant life which is typical of each soil condition and wetland type. Durka Dal…

Fairwood, Pengwern and Welshmoor Commons

…escription These Commons form an extensive area of lowland heath and associated wetland situated at the eastern end of the Gower Peninsula with the main area centred around Swansea Airport. The site is of special interest for its heathland and wet grassland communities with inter…

Tullybrick Lough

… Fens, Marl lakes The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Although small in extent, a wide range of wetland plant communities occurs, from open waters, through swamp and fen, to species-rich wet grassland. Patches of woodland add to …

Saddington Reservoir

…ge of nationally notable beetles associated with a diverse range of undisturbed wetland communities, particularly swamp and wet willow woodland, habitats which are now scarce in Leicestershire. The site supports an important wetland beetle fauna and an unusually rich assemblage …

Carrowcarlin

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Carrowcarlin is a basin wetland which supports a range of plant communities, including species-rich types of fen that are rare in Northern Ireland. In addition, the area suppo…

Corbally

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Corbally consists oftwo inter-drumlin hollows that are linked together by a drain, forming a single hydrological unit. The area is particularly diverse, with a wide range of o…

Derrycloony Lough

… assemblage Fens Derrycloony Lough is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. It is a diverse site with areas of good quality fen, swamp and freshwater communities. Additional diversity is provided by fen meadow, wet woodland, wet heath, neutral grassla…

Castle Enigan

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Castle Enigan is an extensive inter-drumlin basin with a wide range of wetland communities. Over much of the area, these include species-rich communities developed on fairly b…

Cae Gwyn

Description The main features of interest at Cae Gwyn are two wetland areas, separated by an area of heathland with outcropping rock. The southern wetland is confined by a rock basin; it has a 'lawn' of bogmoss Sphagnum spp. and a profusion of common wetland her…

River Spey - Insh Marshes

…y - Insh Marshes River Spey - Insh Marshes SSSI is an internationally important wetland site. Some 15km long it forms the floodplain of the River Spey, between Newtonmore and Kincraig and includes Loch Insh. The site is one of the largest floodplain fens in northern Britain. The …

Broubster Leans

…SSSI) is located 9km southwest of Thurso, Caithness. This is one of the largest wetlands in Caithness and supports a nationally important variety of mire types. The wetland habitats support a nationally important range of birds that breed on lowland wetland sites. Hydromorphologi…

Canvey Wick

… rich grassland, early successional habitat and scrub edge and brackish coastal wetland habitats. The site also supports a nationally important population of the shrill carder bee Bombus sylvarum. General description The site is located at the southwest corner of Canvey Island a…

Sleibhtean agus Cladach Thiriodh

…tes many ecological niches that support relatively diverse flora and fauna. The wetlands contain a number of oligotrophic lochs. These lochans and associated wetland areas host nationally-important floating and submerged aquatic flora including the nationally-rare Shetland pondwe…

Selshion

…age Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its extensive wetland communities and associated flora and fauna. Selshion consists of a series of flooded peat cuttings, with a complex mosaic of open water, swamp and acid fen communities, in addition to occasion…

Town Common

… that are nationally rare or scarce. Further heathland, wet grassland and other wetland covered by the adjoining Avon Valley, Moors River and Hurn Common SSSIs place Town Common within an exceptionally large tract of such habitats for lowland Britain. This entire area has a natio…

Derryleckagh

… special scientific interest because of the flora and fauna associated with the wetland and adjacent semi-natural woodland. The area consists of a large transitional valley mire in the valley floor and a small, base-rich woodland on the eastern slopes. These habitats support a wi…

Moyrourkan Lough

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Moyrourkan Lough is a large wetland with a diverse range of communities of open water, swamp and fen. Marginal grasslands and carr woodland provide additional habitat diversit…

Ballykilbeg

…h fritillary Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Ballykilbeg is a large site with a complex mosaic of habitats ranging from swamp, fen and wet grassland, to woodland and scrub. These are influenced by a variety of factors, s…

Ballybannan

Ballybannan Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Ballybannan includes a wide range of wetland communities and plants, including several rare species. The area forms part of a shallow basin that is bisected by a road. To the …

Colwyn Brook Marshes (North & South)

Description The site comprises two wetland areas situated on level ground at the foot of the Carneddau Hills close to Hundred House. They support an unusually diverse mixture of swamp fen meadow and damp grassland plant communities and…

Round Lough and Lough Fadda

…s Round Lough and Lough Fadda is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. It is a diverse site with two distinct, but hydrologically linked lowland loughs which together support areas of open water with a species-rich assemblage of aquatic plants to…

Drumcrow

Drumcrow Fens Drumcrow is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora. It is one of the last remaining fragments of what was once a much larger wetland complex which occupied low lying ground to the south of Lough Neagh. The site contains areas of good qua…

Black Lough (Down)

…ge Dry heath, Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna and other associated habitats. Black Lough is a large and complex site consisting of two basins, separated by a low, rocky ridge covered in scrub and heath. Wetland plant commu…

Lough McCall

… assemblage Fens Lough McCall is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Although relatively small, it is a diverse area with several wetland plant communities ranging from fen vegetation to swamp and open water. A wide range of wetland plants occu…

Epping Forest

…lue including ancient semi natural woodland, old grassland plains and scattered wetland. The semi-natural woodland is particularly extensive, forming one of the largest coherent blocks in the country. Most is characterised by groves of over mature pollards and these exemplify all…

Lough Gullion

…s, Reedbeds and swamps Lough Gullion is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. Good quality fen, swamp and freshwater communities occur, and additional diversity is provided by wet grasslands, cut-over bog, scrub and wet woodland. A wide range of wetland…

Chingford Reservoirs

…he Chingford Reservoirs are one of the major wintering grounds for wildfowl and wetland birds in the London area and hold nationally important numbers of some species. The reservoirs also form a moult refuge for large populations of wildfowl during the late summer months. The sit…

Greenan

Greenan Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Greenan is a basin fen, that lies in a shallow depression within rocky countryside. Although small, there is a range of vegetation types, including some notable fen communitie…

Alvie

ALVIE Alvie SSSI is a large area of native woodland, open water and wetland habitats situated in Strathspey, 3km south of Aviemore. It lies between the Monadhliath mountains and the River Spey and ranges from 220m to 358m at Torr Alvie. Alvie SSSI contains a range of …

Titchfield Haven

… crecca and smaller numbers of other surface feeding ducks. It possesses a rich wetland breeding bird community including bearded reedlings Panurus biarmicus and large populations of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. The flora emb…

Kinoulton Marsh and Canal

…h and open water habitats remaining in Nottinghamshire and is representative of wetland plant communities on relatively base rich soils in Central and Eastern England. Biology To the south and east of the site occurs an area of neutral grassland developed on soils derived from t…

Meikleour Area

…al grassland and fen habitats. The site supports extensive and diverse areas of wetland vegetation in the former river channels and lowland landscape; large areas of fen are now uncommon in the lowlands of Britain. There are good examples of a range of open water transitions, swa…

River Itchen

…ing Vanellus vanellus, redshank Tringa totanusand snipe Gallinago gallinago and wetland passerines including sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, reed warbler A. scirpaceus and Cetti's warbler Cettia cettia. General Description The Itchen typifies the classic chalk river and…

Walthamstow Reservoirs

… and in winter attract nationally significant populations of wildfowl and other wetland birds. The Walthamstow group of reservoirs was mainly constructed in the latter half of the nineteenth century and comprises ten relatively small, shallow, water storage basins. Several of the…

Stiffkey Valley

Description A wetland habitat supporting nationally important populations of breeding avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, an assemblage of breeding birds associated with lowland damp grasslands and an assemblage of bree…

Strensall Common

…ise to an equally diverse vegetation comprising wet and dry heath, woodland and wetland. The dry heath, dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, is noted for petty whin Genista anglica and bird's foot Ornithopus perpusillus, whilst extensive areas of purple moor grass Molinia caeru…

Finn Floods

… Whooper swan Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna and river physiography. It is a natural river flood-plain and is important for the quality and diversity of the wetland vegetation, including a number of rare species. The area…

Sheepland Coast

…lopes is added by flushing with base-rich waters, which has created distinctive wetland vegetation with purple moor grass Molinia caerulea, common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris, few flowered spike rush Eleocharis quinqueflora, bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella and marsh arrowgrass…

Greenan Lough

…s, Mesotrophic lakes The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Greenan Lough includes the open waters of the lough, in addition to a range of other associated wetland vegetation types. Reedbeds and carr woodland occur around the lough; ot…

Straghans Lough

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Straghans Lough is a large, diverse site covering a substantial area of semi-natural vegetation. Many wetland plant communities occur, with transitions from the open waters of…

Mynydd Preseli

…irns or tors of hard igneous rock, are of special biological interest for their wetland, heathland and grassland vegetation and the many associated rare plants and animals. The extensive and varied grazed wet flushes and tiny streams of the lower slopes support the second largest…

Ingrebourne Marshes

…mfrey Symphytum officinale. The rich invertebrate fauna reflects the variety of wetland habitats and includes 16nationally scarce fly, beetle, dragonfly and cricket species. Two Red Data Book nationally rare wetland insect species are also found here. These are the hoverfly Anasi…

Cors Gyfelog

…ng three habitat types: as an example of a northern mesotrophic mire, for other wetland (swamp) habitats and for its mature willow carr Salix cinerea habitat, the latter supporting rich lichen and bryophyte communities. The site also qualifies for the slender green feather-moss H…

Corsydd Nug a Merddwr

…harp-flowered/jointed rushes Juncus acutiflorus/articulatus and a scattering of wetland herbs including ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, bog bean Menyanthes trifoliata and marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre. In contrast, where ponding of water occurs with acid ground-water and the…

Bodmin Moor, North

…t bogs and crags. The area incorporates several catchments each with a range of wetland communities supporting a number of rare and local plants. The Moor is the eroded remnant of a massive, sub-surface intruded granite boss of Armorican age. During its cooling, secondary intrus…

Lochs of Butterstone, Craiglush and Lowes

… decreasing habitat type in Britain. Fringing the three lochs is a diversity of wetland habitats including outstanding areas of basin and open water transition fen. The wetland habitats support a wide variety of breeding birds including osprey. The lochs are also used by roosting…

Moor Park

… drained and therefore adds to the diversity of the vegetation on the site. The wetland is dominated by alder Alnus glutinosa with some crack willow Salix fragilis. The swamp, to the north east of the site is dominated by common reed Phragmites australis although other wetland sp…

Semerwater

…n upland lime rich lake together with its inflow streams and important marginal wetland and meadow habitats. Semerwater is one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, the other being Malham Tarn. Its glacial origins are indicated by the broad and deeply excavated lake h…

Cefn Bryn Common

…cription Cefn Bryn Common is a dramatic sandstone ridge and tract of associated wetland which forms the backbone of the Gower Peninsula. Reaching a maximum height of 188 metres, the central ridge runs south-east to north-west for 6 km between the communities of Penmaen and Burry …

Rhosydd Nant Eithrim

…nterest for its fen-meadow vegetation and important populations of two uncommon wetland plants, marsh helleborine Epipactis palustris, and broad-leaved cottongrass Eriophorum latifolium. The site consists of a series of five small fields situated along a spring line on the valley…

Wey Valley Meadows

…ther areas within the site, influenced by sandy river gravel deposits have many wetland species associated with more acidic conditions. Soft rush Juncus effusus tends to dominate in these situations, whilst lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulg…

Bryn Marsh & Ince Moss

…ss are situated three kilomtres south east of Wigan and form two of a series of wetlands, partly along the Hey Brook valley and stretching for some ten kilometres between Wigan and Leigh, known as the 'Wigan Flashes'. Both lie adjacent to, but are separated by, the Leeds and Live…

Turmennan

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Tunnennan consists of a transitional valley mire and associated habitats that support a wide range of plant communities and include a number of notable plant species. In addit…

Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

…ocky and sandy shores, saline lagoons, grazing marshes, reedbeds and freshwater wetlands. The site stretches from Crimdon Dene Mouth in the north, to Marske in the south, inland to Billingham and upstream to the Tees Barrage. The Tees is one of the most heavily modified estuaries…

Herald Way Marsh

… glacial sands and gravels overlaid by coal spoil. The site contains a range of wetland communities which are scarce in the county. They range from open water through swamp and fen tomarsh, as well as areas of grassland, scrub and woodland. However, the site has been selected for…

Dibden Bay

…standing number of rare invertebrates, associated in particular with the saline wetlands present, but also with other wetland habitats and areas of dry grassland and open ground, including earth and gravel banks. Altogether a total of 21 nationally rare species have been recorded…

Mid Colne Valley

…rnithological interest, particularly for the diversity of breeding woodland and wetland birds and for the numbers of wintering wildfowl. On the eastern valley slope is one of the last remaining examples of unimproved chalk grassland in Greater London. The site represents a cross …

Rhos Goch (Rhos Goch Common)

…the range of habitat types and management treatments enabling a wide variety of wetland invertebrate communities to occur. Included within these are an impressive range of rare species. The scarce silver Y moth Syngrapha interrogationis is present and the marsh fritillary butterf…

Coille Dalavil

…ula on Skye characterised by upland, mixed oak woodland on the slopes and mixed wetland habitats on the glen floor. The woodland supports a diverse lichen flora and the wetlands a rich dragonfly fauna. At the western end of Loch a’ Ghlinne there is an unusually intact example of …

Totamore Dunes and Loch Ballyhaugh

…abitats from accreting fore dune to stable dunes with grassland, and associated wetlands are of prime importance for conservation. Each of these aquatic and terrestrial habitats is characterised by distinct plant communities or mosaics of plant communities. The underlying lime-ri…

Lurgan Lough

…, Eutrophic standing waters The area is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. Lurgan Lough ASSI is a diverse area of good quality fen and freshwater vegetation, interspersed with wet heath and bog. On more elevated ground, dry heath, scrub and acid gras…

Lough na blaney bane

…ssemblage Fens Lough na blaney bane is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. Good quality fen, swamp and freshwater communities occur, and additional diversity is provided by wet heath, scrub and woodland. A wide range of wetland plants are present,som…

Aughnadarragh Lough

…h fritillary Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna, Aughnadarragh Lough includes a wide variety of habitats, with transitions from lake, through fringing swamp and fen, to wet grassland and cut-over bog. As a result, it contain…

Cave's Inn Pits

…al marsh in Leicestershire; this interest is supported by the presence of other wetland, scrub and grassland habitats. The marsh and open water habitats are representative of base rich wetland communities in eastern and southern England. Biology Cave’s Inn Pit's comprises a smal…

Loughmoney

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Loughmoney is a small wetland site within an elongated depression. The vegetation is dominated by a swamp of great fen-sedge Cladium mariscus, growing in a monodominant stand …

Cullentra Lough

…ra Lough is of special scientific interest because of its extensive and diverse wetland communities ranging from open water to swamp, acid fen, through to base-rich fens and bog woodland. The area is also important for its rare and notable invertebrates. The open waters of Cullen…

Silver Tarn, Hollas and Harnsey Mosses

Description This wetland site lies within g kilometres of the West Cumbrian coast, midway between the villages of Nethertown and Braystones and approximately four kilometres south of Egremont. The site comprises a sui…

Wilden Marsh and Meadows

…tween Kidderminster and Stourport on Severn. It is the richest and most diverse wetland habitat in Worcestershire and includes examples of fen, damp meadow, marshy grassland and carr. The tall fen vegetation in the centre of the site is rich in plant species with large colonies o…

Afon Teifi

…ed Data Book whorl snail Vertigo lilljeborgi occurs in riverside backwaters and wetlands. Thirty four nationally scarce invertebrates have been recorded, including brown hairstreak Thecla betulae, with the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera being of particular in…

Slieve Gullion

…h in Northern Ireland outside the Mourne Mountains. Blanket bog, grasslands and wetlands are also represented, producing a varied and diverse mosaic of habitats. The heathland communities are very variable and depend upon local environmental conditions such as slope, aspect, wetn…

Crossbane Lough

…sbane Lough Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. It is a large diverse wetland, with a wide range of plant communities. There is a gradual transition from the open waters of the lough, through a range of fen communities, to …

Inner Thames Marshes

Description The Inner Thames Marshes form the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary. The site is of particular note for its diverse ornithological interest and especially for the variety of breeding birds and the numbers of wi…

Waun Fawr, Puncheston

…d ponies, and support a large population of the damselfly. Amongst the abundant wetland plants is a significant population of the pale butter-wort Pinguicula lusitanica. The gently sloping site has a variable depth of shallow peat over clay and is dissected by many small streams …

Stockbridge Common Marsh

Area, 67.2 hectares 166.1 ac Description The site comprises a mosaic of wetland habitats extending for approximately two kilometres along the flood plain of the River Test, including fen, carr, agriculturally unimproved alluvial meadows and an extensive shallow lake. It e…

Holborough to Burham Marshes

…he site is also important for wintering wildfowl and waders. A number of scarce wetland plants occur and it is also a locality of a rare moth, a rare beetle and three rare bee species. The reed beds The extensive reedbeds, subject to occasional tidal flooding, are dominated by …

Cors Geirch

…orts nationally rare plants and invertebrate species. It comprises two distinct wetland areas which are hydrologically linked by a narrow area of rush pasture which also includes remnant fen vegetation. This site supports some of the best of the few examples of rich fen in North …

Park Wood

…ial soils in the valley bottom exhibit a succession of alder carr woodlands and wetlands. In addition the river contains a variety of running water, open water and riparian habitats and is of particular importance for otters. The site is underlain by Upper Carboniferous strata, …

Wick River Marshes

…land from the town of Wick. The site has a nationally important area of natural wetland vegetation and is one of the best examples of this type of vegetation in Caithness. This land adjacent to the Wick River is a low-lying, wet, flood plain, frequently affected by flooding durin…

Hedgecourt

Area, 33.3 ha. 82.3 ac. Description Hedgecourt is the most important wetland site remaining in south east Surrey. Situated in the upper Eden Brook Valley on alluvial soils overlying Tunbridge Wells sandstones, the site incorporates a range of habitats including woodlan…

Rathlin Island - Ballycarry

…eath, Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its heath and wetland vegetation. The site occupies a relatively flat plateau on the Lower Basalt rock to the north-east of the island. A series of depressions and troughs form a number of small wetlands, interconn…

Danes Moss

… fallax carpet and damp ditches locally support a number of Cheshire’s uncommon wetland plants such as round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre and bottle sedge Carex rostrata. Labrador tea Ledum palustre, a nationally rare plant, was previously…

Bushy Park and Home Park

…gy of the site, including the addition of the Longford River and its associated wetland habitats and the planting of many of today’s veteran and ancient trees. Long term management of the site as a eer park has maintained a large area of acid grassland habitat, a rare resource na…

Pike Whin Bog

Area, 1.25 ha. 3.12 ac. Description Pike whin Bog is one of the few surviving wetlands in the lowlands of East Durham, a part of the county where in recent years agricultural reclamation and urban expansion has brought about a marked decline in their number. The bog lies in a n…

Weston Fen

… of particular interest for the flowering plant communities associated with the wetland habitats and for its invertebrate fauna, which includes several rare beetles. Weston Fen is situated partly on peat and partly on calcareous, clayey and loamy soils of the Moreton series, deri…

Whitmuirhall Loch

…the extent of approaching a marling condition in parts. The associated range of wetland communities is better represented here than at any other site in the Scottish Borders. The site displays stages of a classic hydroseral succession, from open water to fen, swamp and woodland. …

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt

…rge portion of the water catchment for Llyn Tegid, an internationally important wetland site. The streams and rivers add significant habitat diversity, supporting many additional species of plants, birds and invertebrates. For instance, birds such as dipper and grey wagtail are c…

Loch of Isbister and the Loons

…est mainland, between Marwick and Twatt, in the parish of Birsay. The site is a wetland site of national importance for its botanical and ornithological interest. The Loch of Isbister and the Loons has developed into Orkney’s best basin-mire complex as peripheral vegetation has e…

Gagie Marsh

…rable, Gagie Marsh is of particular interest owing to its range of species-rich wetland plant communities which are largely fed by stream water. Marshlands of this type are scarce in Angus. Tall fen vegetation occupies a large proportion of the site, growing as a mat of floating …

River Wensum

… little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis breed along the River, whilst the adjacent wetlands have good populations of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and barn owl Tyto alba. Flora In the upper reaches on gravel substrates lesser water …

Thorncliffe Moor

…tern Peak District, few other moorlands display such well developed spring fed, wetland features. Thorncliffe Moor constitutes the largest remaining area of upland heath and associated unimproved acidic grassland in the administrative county of Staffordshire; the majority of such…

Derwent Ings

…he silaifolia. The site is important as a habitat for a wide range of breeding wetland bird species. Breeding wildfowl include shoveler, shelduck, mallard, teal, pintail, gadwall and garganey. Breeding waders include snipe, lapwing, redshank and curlew. Other breeding birds incl…

Highcliffe to Milford Cliffs

…iary. Fruit's, seeds, coniferous remains and fern pinnules found here represent wetland plants, but there are also lianas, herbaceous climbers, trees and shrubs. These are forms typical of early and early middle Eocene strata in Britain, but they were still surviving in late midd…

Mickletown Ings

… called Mickletown Ings these subsidence flashes now form a more or less linear wetland comprising shallow areas of open water fringed by marsh. Mickletown Ings lines four kilometres west of the Fairburn and Newton Ings SSSI. Although the two sites are broadly similar in their or…

Ant Broads and Marshes

…also present, principally in the vicinity of Barton Broad and the wide range of wetland habitats has given rise to an associated fauna of exceptional interest. In contrast with other Broadland river valleys, there are extensive areas of species rich mixed fen communities that are…

Jones's Mill

… conspicuous. Meadow sweet Filipendula ulmaria is locally co-dominant. Several wetland plants which are scarce in Wiltshire occur in good numbers. These include bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, bottle sedge Carex rostrata and bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella. Small patches of short…

Carrine Common & Penwethers

…parate from the Devon population. The lower-lying meadows support a variety of wetland habitat types including fen-type meadows, wet-heath/bog, and mire communities. More base-rich heath/bog communities are dominated by purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea, and black bog-rush Scho…

Cassop Vale

…0 ac Description Cassop Vale supports a range of grassland, scrub, woodland and wetland communities which make it the most diverse site on the Magnesian Limestone in County Durham. Of greatest importance are the Magnesian Limestone grasslands, developed both on primary land surfa…

Sutton Park

… area. It contains the largest and richest areas of ancient woodland, heath and wetland in the County. In the 11th century, Sutton Park was part of a Royal Forest and Domesday Book shows the site to have been wooded. It is a fine example of a large mediaeval park of the compartme…

Coed Talon Marsh

…argest and one of the best examples in Clwyd of the "southern mesotrophic mire" wetland site type which in North Wales is largely restricted to Ynys Mon, Dwyfor and Clwyd. The site occupies a flat valley bottom formed by a tributary of the River Cegidog and is developed on deposi…

Rhosydd Bryn-maen

…y support a rich variety of plant communities and provide important habitat for wetland invertebrate species. In the past, unmodified flood plain would have occurred more extensively along the Teifi valley than it does today. The marsh fritillary butterfly, Lilljeborg’s whorl sna…

Avon Valley (Bickton to Christchurch)

…et grassland for breeding wading birds in Britain and Ireland. The diversity of wetland habitat within the SSSI, particularly the areas of wet woodland, willow thickets, reedbeds and exposed river gravels provides nesting sites for a nationally important assemblage of breeding we…

Cannock Chase

…disturbance. The scarcity of water over much of the Chase effectively confines wetland flora and fauna to the stream valley systems and a scatter of natural and artificial pools and damp depressions. The Oldacre and Sherbrook valleys have small scale mosaics of spring fed mire a…

Richmond Park

… Richmond Park also supports nationally scarce species associated with dung and wetlands although these are generally not as threatened by habitat loss as the dead wood fauna. Approximately 135 beetle species have so far been recorded from wetland habitats and 75 species from dun…

Waun Eurad

… This site is selected as a habitat example of lowland rich fen. This springfed wetland has formed in a shallow basin in boulder clay overlying Carboniferous limestone. The rich fen vegetation is dominated by black bog-rush Schoenus nigricans and blunt-flowered rush Juncus subnod…

Rhynie Chert

…o-fauna. The site represents one of the best examples of a complete terrestrial wetland ecosystem of the Devonian period. Stratigraphy Non-marine Devonian The Rhynie Chert, formed around 410 million years ago, is one of the earliest-known occurrences of the surface expressions of…

Heron and Carrigullian Loughs

…ron and Carrigullian Loughs are of special scientific interest because of their wetland flora and fauna. The area includes the open waters of the loughs in addition to adjoining fen, scrub, woodland and unimproved grassland, and represents an extensive area of semi-natural habita…

Corsydd a Rwyth Cilyblaidd

…lyblaidd, located on the Teifi flood-plain, is notable for the varied mosaic of wetland habitats that is concentrated within a small area. There is a complex mire with small ombrogenous areas bordered by base-rich flushes, and also small basins of fen vegetation which, in places,…

River Nar

… the development of a range of adjacent semi natural inundation communities and wetland habitats. Many have their water tables intricately linked to and therefore dependent on the river whilst others are dependent on seasonal inundation. In the upper reaches of the river extensiv…

Walmore Common

…ies the only significant area of peat in the County. It is one of three similar wetland sites of local botanical and ornithological importance. The habitats represented are unimproved and improved neutral grassland, marshy grassland and open water ditches. The unimproved tussocky…

Grimley Brick Pits

…lay workings on the banks of the River Severn. The pits contain a wide range of wetland habitats, including willow and alder carr, sedge and reed mace swamp, open water, mixed tall fen vegetation and wet neutral grassland. They remain wet because of the seasonal flooding of the r…

Bishop Monkton Ings

…tares 95.9 acres Description Bishop Monkton Ings comprises a diverse range of wetland habitats on low lying alluvial soils adjacent to the Holbeck, a north draining tributary of the River Ure, together with small areas of broadleaved woodland. The grassland and spring line comm…

Caeau Nant y Llechau

… sedge Carex leporina. In the wettest areas the soils become peaty and support wetland plants such as whorled caraway Carum verticillatum, heath and common spotted orchids Dactylorhiza maculata and Dactylorhiza fuchsii, meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum, bog asphodel Narthecium o…

Southfield Farm Marsh

…ting wet meadow and sedge marsh Carex species provides a complementary area for wetland plants and animals north of the abandoned railway. The thickly scrubbed embankments are an additional habitat and their shelter is to the advantage of weak flying insects utilising the flood p…

Radipole Lake

…scription The former estuary of the River Wey, this site comprises a variety of wetland habitats of great importance for birds as a breeding, wintering and passage site. The lake and reed beds have formed since the exclusion of tidal water in the 1920’s, though areas of relict sa…

Ruxley Gravel Pits

…n a high diversity of habitats and species; the variety of insects and breeding wetland birds are also notable features. The site comprises four small gravel pits with patches of fen vegetation surrounded by a thin fringe of dry land. The River Cray flows through three of these p…

Pwll Lagoon

…mity to each other. Further interest is also provided by the presence of scarce wetland plants and the anthropogenic soils which result from the degradation of PFA. PFA results from the combustion of coal in power stations and is often initially deposited, in suspension, in speci…

Frome St. Quintin

…munities provide a valuable range of habitats for the outstanding assemblage of wetland invertebrates present on the site. Alder Alnus glutinosa woodland is present in two distinct communities influenced by soil moisture and structure. Extensive stands of alder are present on see…

Waldridge Fell

… developed over acidic substrates. It includes a range of heathland, grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, several of which are rare or absent in the rest of the County. The most extensive of these is heathland dominated by ling Calluna vulgaris, which on deeper soils forms a…

Coed Aberdulas

…ween woodland and other important wildlife habitats such as unimproved pasture, wetland and scrub provide added interest.The site is situated along both banks of the River Dulas, just above it's confluence with the River Ithon, to the north of Llandrindod Wells. The underlying ge…

Ballycam

Ballycam Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Although small, Ballycam contains a number of fen communities, including the only known example in Northern Ireland of one that is generally only found locally in lowland Engl…

Eye Brook Reservoir

… more important wintering wildfowl sites in the East Midlands. Biology A major wetland area which combines an extensive sheet of open water with a complex of wetland and lakeside habitats including mud flats, marsh, pasture, broad leaved woodland and broad leaved, mixed and coni…

Drumacrittin Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters and surrounding marginal vegetation of Drumacrittin Lough and Black Lough, a small satellite lough to the north. Physiographical interest is associ…

Charterhouse to Eashing

…flood plain of this section of the River Wey contains a series of finely graded wetland communities ranging from damp grassland to fen and alder swamp. All of these habitats have declined significantly in Britain since 1940. Numerous small ditches traverse the site and there are …

Rhos Dwfnant

…ed by the occurrence of dry banks, rock outcrops and a small pool with marginal wetland. The grassland is generally dominated by bents and fescues Agrostis-Festuca with abundant sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum. Dependent on drainage conditions, mat-grass Nardus stricta a…

Rhos-Rydd

… peatland vegetation community remain intact. The site now comprises a range of wetland habitats dominated by purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea communities with large areas of permanently waterlogged willow carr and poor-fen. The western fragment contains an area of wet dwarf-sh…

Cothill Fen

…lly rare calcareous fen and moss rich mire communities together with associated wetland habitats. It is one of a number of nationally important sites where the vegetation of the area over the past ten millennia can be interpreted from peat samples. Cothill Fen exhibits succession…

Low Church Moss

…ilway line and is situated in a shallow depression east of the River Eden. This wetland site supports a variety of habitats that are very scarce on the intensively farmed west Cumbria coastal plain. These habitats include wet heath, acidic marshy grassland, tall fen and swamp, wi…

Dyffryn Gwaun

Description The largest remaining wetland in the Gwaun valley. The vegetation varies from grazed fen and bog to alder Alnus glutinosa and grey willow Salix cinerea carr and the aquatic communities of the River Gwaun. The wide mature v…

Claife Tarns and Mires

…diverse association of tarns and mires is of particular importance for its rich wetland flora and also because it supports an outstanding assemblage of dragonflies including both uncommon and rare species. There are three main basin mires, within the site, Nor Moss, Highs Moss an…

Milton Gate Marsh

Description The site consists of two wetland depressions forming a valley fen on alluvial soils created by the River Cuckmere and one of its tributaries. Agriculturally unimproved and marshy grasslands dominated by rushes and sedges make…

Patmore Heath

…se to the surface resulting in ponds and marshy areas supporting a species rich wetland flora with abundant soft and conglomerate rushes Juncus effusus and Juncus conglomeratus var. conglomeratus. Structural diversity in the vegetation is provided by scrub with hazel Corylus avel…

Papercourt

Area, 69.4 ha. 171.4 ac. Description Wetland habitats, which were once widespread in the low lying river valleys of south east England are now very restricted in area. Much unimproved grassland and marshland has been drained and converte…

Sutton and Lound Gravel Pits

…en water and margins which support an exceptionally rich assemblage of breeding wetland birds and a nationally important population of wintering gadwall. The site supports an exceptional diversity of breeding, wintering and passage birds. General description Situated on alluvial…

Hurcott and Podmore Pools

…ists of two pools with adjoining woodland and has been selected as an important wetland complex, containing the largest area of wet valley alder carr in the County. Both Pools were constructed in medieval times to provide power for mills. They have rich riparian vegetation zones …

Dropshort Marsh

Area, 2.73 hectares 6.74 ac Description Dropshort Marsh represents a type of wetland habitat once common in South Bedfordshire where a series of springs issue at the junction of glacial gravels with the underlying impervious Oxford clay. The Marsh has a mosaic of vegetation as…

Denham Lock Wood

… Wood is a diverse area of open mire and wet woodland which shows a zonation of wetland habitats occurring rarely in Greater London. The woodland herb flora is particularly varied and reflects subtle differences in topography and drainage. The site occupies a low lying and poorly…

Nares Gladley Marsh

…maining river valley and hillside marsh systems in the county and is typical of wetland habitat now seriously reduced in extent nationally. Several distinct plant communities occur on the site. Juncus subnodulosus Cirsium palustre fen meadow, Juncus effusus/acutiflorus Galium pal…

Upper Lough Erne - Trannish

…rea includes the open waters of the lough, in addition to a range of associated wetland and other communities within the adjoining drumlin landscape, and is particularly well characterised by the extent of its swamp and fen communities. There is a diverse range of plant and anima…

Y Werthyr

Description This wetland site has developed at the head of a short shallow valley running in a northerly direction to the Afon Caradog. It is a relatively intact example of a mesotrophic valley mire or 'poor fen' and …

Quoile

…became subject to more pronounced freshwater influences. This led to changes in wetland communities from predominantly saline to brackish and freshwater. The open waters contain a range of aquatic species, including fennel pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus, fat duckweed Lemna gibba…

Cam Lough

…t the northern end of the lough, significant areas of fen have developed. Other wetland habitats include wet woodland and marshy grassland. At the northern end of the lough, mixed willow Salix spp. scrub grows over rich fen vegetation. At the southern end, the woodland consists o…

Clayhanger

…erlie the Middle Coal Measures Carboniferous. The site includes a wide range of wetland habitats from open water through swamp and fen communities to species rich marshy grassland which adjoin areas of neutral and acidic grassland. Habitat diversity, well developed stands of emer…

Spartum Fen

…elements of the flora and fauna which are intermediate between those areas. The wetland habitats contain a rich invertebrate fauna including over forty species of nationally uncommon and rare insects. Spartum Fen is situated on the Portland Beds. which are locally overlain by a c…

Malham-Arncliffe

…at its southern limit in England at this site. Around Malham Tarn is a range of wetland vegetation associated with calcicolous fen, willow carr, acidophilous raised mire and soligenous mire that is unique in Britain. Species of note within the fen and carr include fibrous tussock…

Denaby Ings

… valley once contained in abundance. It now represents one of the most diverse wetlands in the county. The open water is predominantly shallow and supports a rich growth of aquatic plants including several pondweeds Potamogeton spp., Canadian pondweed and duckweed Lemna spp. Ext…

Baswich Meadows

…ulus acris and great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis. Other widespread plants of wetland affinity are common spike rush Eleocharis palustris, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis, greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, marsh ragwort Senecio aqua…

Rutland Water

…. Biology The establishment of this large modern reservoir has created a major wetland area which combines extensive sheets of open water with a complex of wetland and lakeside habitats, including lagoons, islands, mud flats, reed swamp, marsh, old meadows, pastures, scrub and m…

Cockleford Marsh

…t important and botanically rich. The site is a complex mosaic of grassland and wetland habitats. The most important element is the spring line fen meadow which is dominated by hard rush Juncus inflexus, water mint Mentha aquatica, creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera and brooklime…

Thwaite House Moss

…and tall herb fen. Thwaite House Moss is a remnant example of once widespread wetland habitats, now nationally rare due to land drainage and agricultural intensification. The site displays a wetland succession from grazed fen meadow, through tall herb fen and recently developed…

Potteric Carr

…ted three kilometres south of Doncaster in the vicinity of a formerly extensive wetland complex of the same name, which occupied the flood plain of the river Torne and which was probably fully reclaimed before this century. The present Potteric Carr has developed as the result of…

Abram Flashes

…he Leeds and Liverpool canal along the Hey Brook, and forms part of a series of wetlands stretching for some 10 kilometres between Wigan and Leigh, known as the Wigan Flashes. It is underlain by tills and Late glacial flood gravels overlying Triassic sandstones of the Sherwood Sa…

Messingham Sand Quarry

… to exploit the covers and deposits, but recently managed to create open water, wetland and woodland, with some re establishment of the natural heathland vegetation. The site is particularly important for its insect fauna and also supports a diverse breeding bird community. Much …

Ryton Willows

…the few open water sites in Tyne and Wear/eastern Durham and support associated wetland habitats of reed swamp, tall fen and alder/willow carr. The three ponds differ substantially one from another. Glebe Pond is noted for greater bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris; the Curling Po…

Scotton and Laughton Forest Ponds

… associated with open acid grassland, birch woodland and a distinctive marginal wetland vegetation. This latter habitat, the most important on the site, is a type of base poor fen/mire with a characteristic suite of plant species, which has formed on permanently wet acid soils. I…

Holton and Sandford Heaths

…e Sherford River to the north and the Piddle Valley to the south, together with wetland habitats along the Sherford and fringing Poole Harbour. Sands and clays of the Bagshot beds underlie most of the site with more recent local deposits of alluvium, valley and plateau gravels. M…

Calke Park

…dammed to create three large ponds with rich marginal vegetation and associated wetlands. The marginal vegetation is dominated by alder Alnus glutinosa, reed grass Glyceria maxima and lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis with a variety of other species including greater tussock se…

Threave and Carlingwark Loch

…and to the south and west of Castle Douglas. It is a highly complex and diverse wetland site comprising Carlingwark Loch, Carlingwark Lane, a 3km section of the River Dee and their surrounding wetland habitats, consisting mainly of fen meadow. The site supports an outstanding ass…

Hulam Fen

Description Hulam Fen is a small site which supports a range of wetland and grassland vegetation developed over and around a hydrostatic spring head, fed from the underlying Magnesian Limestone aquifer in an otherwise arable landscape. Soligenous mire, tall fen an…

Dunalastair Reservoir

…alder and willow with the indented loch margins comprising extensive unimproved wetland areas. The fen fringing the loch is characterised by bottle sedge, Carex rostrata, bogbean, Menyanthes trifoliata, and marsh cinquefoil, Comarum palustre. It forms a transition from open water…

Coombe Hill Canal

…vertebrates and nationally scarce plants. It is one of the most important known wetland sites for these features within Gloucestershire. Coombe Hill Canal is situated in a low lying area of the River Severn flood plain a few miles south of Tewkesbury. It consists of a 3.7 kilomet…

Loynton Moss

…ixed tall fen on nutrient rich peat, a situation unique in Staffordshire. These wetland habitats are nationally rare and have been greatly reduced in extent by conflicting land uses. More than half of the original Moss was drained and cultivated in 1970. What remains is in a stat…

Dilty Moss

…s of original bog surface, it has encouraged the development of a wide range of wetland plant communities which are scarce in Angus. The area of remaining peatland supports a mosaic of characteristic peatland plant communities, with dry heathland dominated by heather Calluna vulg…

Cors Llyferin

…ion Cors Llyferin is selected for its botanical interest, in particular for the wetland vegetation represented. It is situated in a shallow basin on the south Lleyn coast immediately inland of the Abersoch sand dune system. A variety of vegetation types are present including will…

Amwell Quarry

…oss Lake which were excavated between 1973 and 1990 and a variety of associated wetland, grassland and woodland habitats. Amwell Quarry is of national importance for wintering gadwall Mareca strepera for wintering shoveler Spatula clypeata. The site also regularly supports indiv…

Cranberry Rough Hockham

…evel and lack of pollution mean that it contains an exceptionally wide range of wetland plants, butterflies and other insects. In the wettest areas of woodland the ground between the trees is soft peat with scattered tussocks of the lesser tussock sedge Carex appropinquata. The m…

Lockington Marshes

…aining areas of willow carr woodland in Leicestershire and a diverse complex of wetland habitat supporting an important invertebrate fauna with many nationally scarce species. Biology Lockington Marshes includes willow carr woodland, inundation meadow and pools lying in the floo…

Loch of Kinnordy

… west of the town of Kirriemuir. The site is of importance for its diversity of wetland habitats and for the number and variety of birds that these wetlands support. Associated with the open water are extensive and relatively undisturbed rich-fen and carr plant communities which …

North East Coll Lochs and Moors

…The diverse habitats support various notified plant assemblages, including rare wetland plants, and an unusual and rare species of lichen. The SSSI includes both acidic and calcareous communities. There is a mosaic of acidic low hilly ground, rock outcrops and unimproved grasslan…

Gatewen Marsh

…cant examples in the former county of Clwyd of the “southern mesotrophic mires” wetland type. This type is more characteristic of south-west Wales and, in North Wales, is largely restricted to Ynys Môn and Dwyfor. The site occupies the flat valley bottom of a tributary of the Riv…

Castle Semple and Barr Lochs

…Scotland and together with their surrounding habitats they support an important wetland breeding bird assemblage. The eutrophic lochs support extensive aquatic and semi-aquatic plant communities dominated by water sedge Carex aquatilis, reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea, wat…

Sundon Chalk Quarry

…eeding species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded from the lakes and wetlands. The scarce blue tailed damselfly Ischnura pumilio and the ruddy darter Sympetrum sanguineum, both of which are uncommon nationally, are to be found here as well as the emerald damselfly Lest…

Charnwood Lodge

…es Carex spp. Several ponds and the Colony Reservoir support a range of typical wetland plant species. The woodland to the north contains rocky outcrops which support the locally scarce climbing corydalis Corydalis claviculata. The bryophyte flora is rich in species normally ass…

Rathlin Island - Ballygill North

…lack bog-rush Schoenus nigricans. Troughs and valley bottoms contain a range of wetland communities with a large number of wetland species, including bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius, bottle sedge Carex rostrata and marsh cinquefoil Potentill…

Black Lough (Tyrone)

…ebrate assemblage Fens Black Lough is of special scientific interest for its wetland flora and fauna. It is a diverse site with areas of good quality fen, swamp and freshwater communities. Additional diversity is provided by wet woodland, scrub, wet heath, neutral grassland an…

Woodwalton Fen

Description Woodwalton Fen holds a range of wetland plant communities once characteristic of large areas of the East Anglian fens, but which are now restricted to a small number of isolated examples in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk. The s…

Restenneth Moss

… by local roads. It is important for its mesotrophic (moderately nutrient-rich) wetland plant communities which are unusual in Angus. The ‘moss’ is actually a series of wetlands in basins in a former loch bed created when marl was extracted from the area several hundred years ago…

Shapwick Heath

…393.99 ha. 973.55 ac. Description Shapwick Heath, part of the Somerset Levels Wetlands, is a former raised bog lying below four metres OD N in the basin of the River Brue. The site includes the last remnant of active raised bog on the Somerset Levels and Moors. The soils are pr…

Hell Kettles

…ovided by stands of tall fen and damp grassland containing a rich assemblage of wetland plants, including several which are rare or local. Hell Kettles comprises two pools of contrasting ecological character. The southern ‘Croft Kettle’ is fed by subterranean springs issuing fro…

Whitacre Heath

…that are now important for their bird life. Whitacre Heath is notified for its wetland breeding birds. The site includes disused gravel workings showing a succession of vegetation from open water, through sedges Carex spp., reed mace Typha latifolia and common reed Phragmites au…

Llyn Padrig

…sotrophic basin mire. The site is situated in part of south-west Anglesey where wetland plant communities have developed in a natural, waterlogged hollow in which there is also still an area of open water. Mire development appears to have been relatively undisturbed by artificial…

Lulworth Park & Lake

…rth Park for lichens. The site also includes Lulworth Lake, of interest for its wetland bird community. The main parkland trees are oak Quercus robur, ash Fraxinus excelsior, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and beech Fagus sylvatica. The adjoining Bowling Green Wood, an ancient woo…

Ruislip Woods

…er semi natural habitats, mostly notably acidic grass heath mosaic and areas of wetland. These habitats and especially the woodland contain a number of plant and insect species that are rare* or scarce* in a national or local context. The woodland lies in four major blocks, know…

Woolmer Forest

… Lanius excubitor are regularly recorded in the heathland. The valley mires and wetlands around Woolmer and Cranmer Ponds attract an interesting bird fauna which includes breeding curlew Numenius arquata, redshank Tringa totanus and snipe Gallinago gallinago. All three species ha…

Magilligan

…from the pioneer vegetation of the foreshore, through yellow and grey dunes, to wetland vegetation in slacks and hollows. Areas of neutral grassland and woodland increase habitat diversity. The main part of the system consists of yellow dunes at the seaward margin, where the sand…

Kennet and Lambourn Floodplain

…endroides. This area is also notable in supporting an outstanding assemblage of wetland invertebrates. The snail killing flies are particularly well represented including two nationally scarce species Pherbellia griseola and Psacadina verbekei whose larvae feed on aquatic snails…

Yare Broads and Marshes

…818.24 ac. Description The Yare Broads and Marshes are a nationally important wetland site consisting of extensive areas of unreclaimed fen, carr woodland, open water and grazing marsh on shallow fenland peats. The site lies in the middle reaches of the River Yare and is one of…

The Cliffs of Magho

…, woodland and scrub. Wet heath and blanket bog occur on flatter, deeper peats. Wetland habitats are represented by a large mesotrophic lake, Glenereawan Lough, with open waters, swamp, fen and wet grassland. Base-rich woodlands are characteristic of the limestone outcrops in wes…

Rescobie and Balgavies Lochs

…the north and Dunnichen Hill to the south. It is of importance for two types of wetland and the assemblage of rare plants. The lochs and basin fens have formed over depressions and kettleholes left by the last glaciation. Transition open fen is found at the margins of both lochs …

Shirley Pool

…ives rise to a diverse flora and fauna. The site contains excellent examples of wetland habitats including open water, reed swamp, tall fen, wet neutral grassland and carr which grades into birch oak woodland on drier ground. It is the most natural wetland of this type in South Y…

The Wern, Rhosgoch

…own in Radnorshire. The interest is further enhanced by the range of subsidiary wetland and grassland habitat types that border on to the woodland. In all, three woodland and four semi-natural grassland and wetland plant communities are represented. This juxtaposition of vegetati…

Pysgodlyn Mawr

Description This small Vale of Glamorgan wetland supports a sequence of habitats, ranging from open water and reed swamp through acid bog to heath, that are of an extremely limited distribution in South Glamorgan. The site is of special inte…

Ripon Parks

…t for breeding birds including kingfisher and waders such as oystercatcher. The wetland areas are noted for marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre, common skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, water violet Hottonia palustris and narrow buckler fern Dryopteris carthusiana. A more base ric…

Afon Cleddau Dwyreiniol / Eastern Cleddau River

…ults and folds. From its source the river flows south, across an ancient valley wetland. The boundary for the upper reach of the Eastern Cleddau River and Afon Wern abuts the Mynydd Preseli SSSI. The gradient of the river increases producing a turbulent flow during its journey so…

Upper Thurne Broads and Marshes

…r reaches of the River Thurne form one of the finest examples of an unreclaimed wetland complex in Britain. They are of national and international importance for nature conservation in supporting a wide range of wetland plant communities and associated animal species. The site co…

Upper Lough Erne - Crom

…rea includes the open waters of the lough, in addition to a range of associated wetland and other communities within the adjoining drumlin landscape of County Fermanagh. It is especially well characterised by its extensive woodlands. There is a diverse range of plant and animal c…

Houghton Regis Marl Lakes

…halk or limestone areas with very few examples in southern England. A mosaic of wetland communities have developed associated both with the open water and water logged areas surrounding the lakes including examples of base rich fen. This extensive area supports a range of other s…

Alvecote Pools

…shire / Staffordshire border. The site is one of the most extensive and diverse wetland areas in the county and supports a regionally important bird community. As well as the open waters of the River Anker, the Coventry Canal and the pools themselves, there are a wide variety of …

Sunbiggin Tarn & Moors and Little Asby Scar

…upland marl lake surrounded by rich fen which, along with Cow Dub Tarn, forms a wetland area of outstanding biological interest. The Tarn lies within an area of Carboniferous limestone upland, with scars and pavements of geological interest surrounded by heath, acid grassland and…

Gwrhyd Meadows

…e now extremely uncommon within Wales as a whole. A wide range of grassland and wetland communities occur within the forty one enclosures that make up the complete site. These include dry hay meadows, acid grasslands, rushy pastures with purple moor grass, as well as both base-po…

Barnstone Railway Cutting

…y beetles, moths and flies, which are characteristic of limestone grassland and wetlands of eastern England. The cutting is a mosaic of long grassland and scrub. The former is dominated by upright brome Bromus erectus and false oat grass Arrhenatherum elatius, amongst which occur…

Whitlaw Mosses

…Mosses Whitlaw Mosses Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) comprises four wetlands - Beanrig, Blackpool, Murder Moss and Nether Whitlaw Moss -lying north of the A699 between Selkirk and St Boswells. The Mosses occupy shallow basins in ancient marine shales overlain by glaci…

Frilford Heath, Ponds and Fens

…officinale. A shallow valley running across the site supports a series of small wetland communities. A herbaceous fen situated on permanently waterlogged peat at the junction of a small reed bed and carr woodland has a wide range of plants which are very uncommon in Oxfordshire. …

Bewick and Beanley Moors

…rt Hydrocotyle vulgaris and bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata. However, the richest wetlands generally occur on the east of the site at the foot of the dip slope, where the underlying limestones influence the vegetation. Here, the plant communities are often characterised by purple m…

Twyni Lacharn - Pentywyn / Laugharne - Pendine Burrows

…f wintering golden plover Pluvialis apricaria. The ditches, together with other wetland habitats, support an important population of the water vole Arvicola amphibius. Twyni Lacharn-Pentywyn/Laugharne-Pendine Burrows consist of a linear belt of dunes extending 6.5km east-south-ea…

Caydale

…ities in association with marshy grassland and scrub. The most notable of these wetland communities has an abundance of sedges, in particular common sedge C. nigra, flat sedge Blysmus compressus and carnation sedge C. panicea, along with abundant herbs including wild angelica Ang…

The Ings, Amotherby

… alluvial soils in the flood plain of the River Wye. Here it forms a remnant of wetland semi natural vegetation that was once widespread in stream and river valleys in the Vale of Pickering but has been largely lost due to agricultural improvement and drainage. The Ings form four…

Manton and Twigmoor

…hree separate sections and contains important areas of heathland, grassland and wetland on cover sand deposits of wind blown origin, which overlie a west facing scarp of Oolitic limestone. These habitats, once extensive in the area, are now limited due to agricultural forestry an…

Loosehanger Copse and Meadows

…only likely to be found in ancient woodland. The fen meadows support a range of wetland herbs, sedges and rushes. Such meadows are features of the lowland agricultural landscape and have arisen through centuries of grazing of lowland fen without the use of fertilisers. As a resul…

Leathemstown

…at are concentrated within a relatively small area. Associated habitats include wetland, woodland and scrub and add to the overall diversity of the site. Soils have developed from glacial tills and are locally acidic in nature as a result of surface leaching. However, where drain…

Walthamstow Marshes

…tion Walthamstow Marshes are one of the last remaining examples of semi natural wetland in Greater London. They contain a variety of plant communities typical of a former flood plain location, such as a range of neutral grassland types, sedge marsh, reed swamp, sallow scrub and a…

Pan Beck Fen

…t colony of the narrow leaved march orchid Dactylorhiza traunsteinerioides. The wetland occupies a shelf bounded on the west by a steep slope from which base rich wateris derived and on the east by Gallaber Syke, a tributary of Pan Beck. A series of wetland communities is present…

Lurgie Loch

…al for the area and show stronger affinities to continental and Eastern English wetlands than to other wetlands in the Scottish Borders. Some of the plant and invertebrate species found at Lurgie Loch are nationally or locally rare, including; slender sedge Carex lasiocarpa, blad…

Montiaghs Moss

… special scientific interest because of the flora and fauna associated with the wetland and adjacent grassland and semi-natural woodland. Montiaghs Moss is a lowland raised bog from which much of the peat has been removed by cutting. It now consists of an intricate mosaic of peat…

Wylde Moor, Feckenham

… of Feckenham village. The site is all that remains of a once extensive area of wetland known as Feckenham Moor, most of which has been drained and reclaimed for agriculture. The high water table and underlying base rich Keuper Marl and alluvium have led to the development of dee…

Gunton Park Lake

…d a channel connects it with another lake downstream to the south east. Several wetland habitats are present including alder carr, reed swamp and marginal vegetation in addition to open water. Wildfowl form the main site interest and the lake has held, in some recent years, the l…

Loch Leven

…ring migration periods in spring and autumn. A wide range of wildfowl and other wetland birds breed around the loch, and St Serf’s Island supports the highest numbers of breeding wildfowl in inland Europe with up to 1,000 nesting pairs, especially of tufted ducks; numbers of bree…

Slapton Ley

… River through to the Lower Ley. The NVC communities of the Upper and Lower Ley wetland areas are: Phragmites australis swamp and reed beds (S4); Sparganium erectum swamp (S14) including the Phalaris arundinaceae sub-community (S14d); Glyceria fluitans water margin vegetation (S2…

Caeau Talwrn

…curs locally within both sub-communities. These grasslands gradually merge into wetland communities as species such as ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, rushes Juncus spp, purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea and meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria become more prevalent. There are exten…

Stour Estuary

…y and part of Copperas Bay. The SSSI is part of the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Special Protection Area under the EEC Council Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds79/409/ EEC.…

Killymackan Lough

…phic standing waters The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Killymackan Lough, a satellite water body of Upper Lough Erne, is a large inter-drumlin lake with a species-rich assemblage of aquatic plants. The margins of the lake consist …

Thriplow Meadows

…minated by a mixture of grasses, sedges and rushes with a good range of typical wetland herbs such as ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica and purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria. A number of species uncommon in the region are also present and of parti…

Newby Moor

Description Newby Moor supports an outstanding complex of wetland communities reflecting a wide variation in land form, soil and water conditions. The traditional management of the area as common land has maintained the extensive mosaic of habitats in an oth…

West Bradieston and Craig of Garvock

…tre are also found and brown sedge Carex disticha also occurs. Throughout these wetland habitats common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, heath spotted-orchid D. maculata and northern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza purperella, plus hybrids between them, are common together with les…

New Buckenham Common

…tubular water dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa occur in the undulating ground. These wetland features provide additional interest to the site. hawthorn scrub is locally well developed and provides a habitat for nesting birds including whitethroat, lesser whitethroat and Linnet.

Kilnsey Flush

…e central 'core', there is a tall herb fen community containing an abundance of wetland herbs such as water avens Geum rivale, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris and mars…

Largalinny

…he site. The area is noted for its insect fauna, especially in the woodland and wetland habitats. Fourteen species of dragonfly Odonata have been recorded, making the area one of the richest sites in Ireland for this group. Most of the species are found in the Largalinny Valley, …

Lee-on-the Solent to Itchen Estuary

…e of national importance. Adjoining the shore the SSSI includes a diversity of wetland habitats of intrinsic and collective importance ornithologically. They also support populations of a number of plant species which are nationally scarce. At the mouth of the Hamble estuary the…

Park End Wood

…fen is developed in which meadow sweet and sharp-flowered rush are abundant and wetland plants such as great burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, northern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella, marsh lousewort Pedicularis palustris and marsh horsetail E…

Minsmere-Walberswick Heaths and Marshes

…llatum. The marshes west of Eastbridge support a mosaic of different unimproved wetland communities including fen meadow characterised by blunt flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus and marsh thistle Cirsium palustre, reedbeds, swamps dominated by lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis,…

Ford Green Reedbed

Description Ford Green Reedbed is a small wetland in the flood plain of a headwater of the River Trent. The site includes a shallow pool with extensive emergent and marginal vegetation. It is of special interest for a post breeding roost of s…

Newtondale

…uthern end. Areas of alder Alnus glutinosa woodland are an integral part of the wetland communities adjacent to the Pickering Beck and locally contain globe flower Trollius europaeus, marsh hawk's beard Crepis paludosa and greater tussock sedge Carex paniculata. The associated ma…

Tiroedd a Glannau Rhwng Cricieth ac Afon Glaslyn

…ance and are important for interpreting late Pleistocene events in the region. WETLAND INTEREST Llyn Ystumllyn is of special interest for its reedswamp, grazing marsh and fen meadow together with an area of fen woodland. Llyn Ystumllyn supports a significant area of low-lying g…

Aqualate Mere

…ts breeding birds especially for species associated with the mere and adjoining wetland. The mere side heronry regularly has nationally significant numbers of nesting grey heron. The numbers of migrant shoveler in autumn are also nationally significant. Geology Aqualate Mere is i…

Attingham Park

…Shrewsbury. The Park, which encompasses open parkland, broadleaved woodland and wetland habitats, lies on gently undulating ground sloping gradually into the flood plain of the River Tern which flows in a southerly direction through the middle of the site. The underlying geology …

Bould Wood

… mantles Alchemilla xanthochlora and Alchemilla filicaulis sub species vestita. Wetland species growing in the pond and streams include lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula, sweet grass Glyceria fluitans and brooklime Veronica beccabunga. The wood has twenty two species of butter…

Middle Barton Fen

… a rich community. The calcareous fen meadow supports a characteristic range of wetland flies including the nationally uncommon marsh flies Tetanocera punctifrons and Psacadina verbekei and the uncommon soldier fly Beris clavipes. The associated damp hedges provide further inter…

Yardley Chase

…on, occur in both sections. Their base rich waters have given rise to a diverse wetland vegetation including aquatics such as shining pondweed Potamogeton lucens, broadleaved pondweed P. natans, white water lily Nymphaea alba and lower plants comprising the charophytes Chara glob…

Blackwater Estuary

…th sea club rush. Several notable species of moth have larvae which feed on the wetland plants, including the reed dagger Simyra albovenosa, silky wainscot Chilodes maritima and Webb's wainscot Globia sparganii. The variable topography of the grazing marsh, combined with a high w…

Afon Rheidol ger Capel Bangor

…on the shingle heath, and a further four nationally scarce species occur in the wetland habitats at Dolcniw. A large colony of sand martin is found on the tallest of the river cliffs, with smaller numbers occupying low, unstable cliffs elsewhere on the site.

Ross Park

…Lobarian lichen on the oak and ash of the south park. The site includes a small wetland area that supports a population of the nationally-rare Scottish dock Rumex aquaticus. Of interest but not a notified feature is the population of a rare moss Habrodon perpusillus that grows on…

River Eden and Tributaries

…diverse assemblage of breeding bird species associated with rivers and adjacent wetland habitats. The breeding waders are particularly notable with redshank, curlew, oystercatcher, snipe and common sandpiper. There are also dipper, grey wagtail and kingfisher on the lower reaches…

Alyn Valley Woods and Alyn Gorge Caves

…cuparia form a sparse shrub layer. The largely grassy field layer also supports wetland species including the locally scarce marsh valerian Valeriana dioica and wood horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum. The site supports a large population of the locally uncommon wayfaring tree Viburn…

Mercaston Marsh and Muggington Bottoms

…trient rich to nutrient poor, have resulted in an outstanding mosaic of lowland wetland habitats, comprising tall fen and swamp, marshy grassland and valley mire. Together they form the largest and most species rich marsh in Derbyshire. The site consists of two separate areas. Th…

Upper Nantserth Pasture

…the stream support vegetation dominated by sharp-flowered rush, with additional wetland plants such as bugle Ajuga reptans, marsh-marigold Caltha palustris, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata and common valerian Valeriana officinalis.

Byton & Combe Moors

…l Equisetum palustre, both now local in Herefordshire. The area is an important wetland site for birds in Herefordshire, with species such as mallard Anas platyrhynchos, teal Anas crecca, snipe Gallinago gallinago and curlew Numenius arquata which breed as well as overwinter on t…

Rhos Cwmderw

…ed by purple moor-grass and grasses, with a more restricted range of associated wetland plants. The latter areas grade into drier acidic grassland dominated by sheep’s-fescue and bracken Pteridium aquilinum. There are also some acidic flushes within the site that are characterise…

Lower Strathavon Woodlands

…above Haugh of Kilnmaichlie, Craggan, Tom-na-Craggan and Damenach, a variety of wetland types are found, including a valley mire, small raised bogs and flushes. The largest of these bogs, Foggy Moss, has a particularly high sphagnum cover with scattered, mostly small birch trees …

Woodhead Moss

…e A68 near Lilliardsedge Holiday Park, Ancrum. It is a fairly extensive area of wetland lying in a shallow peat and mud filled basin which was once a lake. Important fen communities lie on the south-east side of the SSSI around a small open water area with associated zones and st…

South Laggan Fen

…r table and seasonal patterns of flooding ensure that most of the site supports wetland plant species. The southern margin of Loch Oich has developed fringe vegetation dominated by aquatic and emergent species, most notably North Lochaber’s only extensive stand of common-reed and…

Bogton Loch

…almellington, comprises a freshwater loch with an extensive range of associated wetland communities, and is one of only two open water transition fens in Ayrshire. In addition the site supports a diverse breeding bird community. The loch itself lies in the north of the site and t…

Kilroosky Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters of the lough and the surrounding marginal vegetation lying within County Fermanagh. Physiographical interest of this largely spring-fed lough is re…

Annachullion Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters of the lough and the surrounding marginal vegetation. Physiographical interest of this largely spring-fed lough is related to the presence of calci…

Whitbarrow

…vement habitat are more extensive and diverse whereas the dwarf shrub heath and wetland components are better represented at Scout and Cunswick Scars. Witherslack Wood forms the largest block of ancient semi natural deciduous woodland within the SSSI, while smaller areas on the e…

Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons

…Habitats These habitats are typically found in waterlogged conditions where the wetland vegetation builds up organic deposits over the underlying mineral substrate. At this site peat lands have developed in three ways, along river valleys, over expanses of shallow water or on rel…

Burton Park

…o Britain Theridiosoma gemmosum. The site also supports a diverse community of wetland breeding birds including water rail, tufted duck, kingfisher, little and great crested grebes, as well as a large population of reed warbler.

Glen Beasdale

…e and in which the predominant tree species, alder, is found with an associated wetland flora. The site supports typical woodland bird and animal populations.

Llwyn

… of the village of Llanrhaeadr. There are two blocks of woodland and associated wetland about the 30 m contour with an almost imperceptible slope eastwards towards the rivers. Drainage throughout is impeded with numerous springs arising within the site. Soils are predominantly of…

Cors Crymlyn / Crymlyn Bog

…nae and salicion alvae)’. The majority of the SSSI area is also designated as a Wetland of International Importance under Ramsar Convention

Sontley Marsh

Description Botanical interest. One of the best wetland examples in Clwyd of the “southern mesotrophic mire” type more characteristic of south-west Wales and, in North Wales, largely restricted to Ynys Môn, Dwyfor and Clwyd. The site occupies the w…

Baysbrown Wood

… and flushes crossed by several rocky streams. The flushes support a variety of wetland species, dominated by bog mosses Sphagnum spp. and including common valerian Valeriana officinalis, round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia and common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Th…

Grange Meadow

… At the north of the field a section of old sunken trackway forms a significant wetland feature. The invertebrate fauna includes common blue butterfly Polyommatus icarus.

Black Loch (Abdie)

…altha palustris and water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile are scattered. Several wetland species which are scarce nationally or in Fife used to be present here, but their current status is uncertain because of recent extensive dredging.

Haile Great Wood

…wych elm. The ground flora in these wetter areas is dominated by tall herbs and wetland plants which include hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, reed grass Phalaris arundinacea, brooklime Veronica beccabunga, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre…

Ludderburn and Candlestick Mires

…e work has been carried out in the past in an attempt to reclaim parts of these wetlands which has resulted in some localised loss of interest; Little Candlestick Moss has been particularly affected. Parts of the site have been cut over for peat so that areas thought to have been…

Okehampton Park Flush

…oping field contains the most extensive single area known in Devon of a type of wetland vegetation found predominantly in southwestern Britain. It is also notable for unusually large stands of bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, and for the presence of several uncommon plant and …

Wadenhoe Marsh and Achurch Meadow

…ssland comprises the largest and most floristically diverse example of riparian wetland in the county. Semi-improved neutral grassland and scrub on the upper slopes provide additional wildlife habitat. The meadow to the east of the river is agriculturally unimproved permanent gra…

Coed Elernion

…oms and on flatter slopes where suitable conditions prevail. A typical range of wetland herb species are present including bugle Ajuga reptans, angelica Angelica sylvestris, marsh marigold Caltha palustris and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium.

Blithfield Reservoir

… represents one of the largest examples of this habitat type in the county. The wetland gives way to marshy, semi improved pasture with much soft rush Juncus effusus, a favoured area for grey heron Ardea cinerea from the nearby Bagot’s wood heronry (heron). Marginal emergent vege…

Dullatur Marsh

…grassland and fen woodland and is a remnant of the once extensive Kelvin Valley wetlands. The canal itself has a species-rich open water flora including tufted loosestrife Lysimachia thyrsiflora and flat-stalked pondweed Potamogeton friesii – both of which are Nationally Scarce –…

Lindisfarne

…ersity Press. 2. Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and fulfills the criteria for listing as a Special Protection Area under the European Community Directive 79/409/ EEC on the Conservati…

Turflundie Wood

…ariety of habitats besides coniferous woodland, including basin mires and other wetlands, grassland, heathland, clear-felled areas, and open scrub and woodland. These habitats are important for all the amphibian species for foraging, and for providing shelter and hibernation site…

Leven Canal

…ll valley. Following drainage of surrounding marshland it provided a refuge for wetland plants and now supports an important remnant of this once much more widespread vegetation Crackles, 1968. The Canal is fed by calcareous springs supplying water of a very high quality. The can…

Otmoor

…erest represents the core of what was, until recent times, an extensive area of wetland which was flooded in winter and was traditionally managed as rough grazing marsh. Much of the land outside the special area has been drained and converted to arable or improved pasture. The si…

Rough Hill & Wirehill Woods

…requent throughout the woods, particularly on the lower slopes. These support a wetland flora including rushes Juncus spp., greater reed mace Typha latifolia and water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica. Two plants with restricted distribution in Warwickshire are also found on the…

Kenmure Holms

… fen meadow developed from flooded pasture land, in the Stewartry District. The wetland consists of an almost continuous belt of reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea intermixed with open water, swamp of bottle sedge Carex rostrata and carr (marsh with trees) of alder and goat w…

Belah Woods and Pastures

…ies. Within and adjacent to the woodland are a number of areas of grassland and wetland. The woods are largely ancient and semi natural. Although such woodland once dominated the Cumbrian landscape it now covers less than three percent of the county’s land surface. It is particul…

High Leys

…lway embankment support the local great spearwort Ranunculus lingua among other wetland plants including meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, marsh marigold Caltha palustris, sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre, marsh and common valerian Valeriana dioica a…

River Usk (Lower Usk) / Afon Wysg (Wysg Isaf)

…oodplain retains a number of important geomorphological features and associated wetland habitats. In particular at Llanviangel Gobion, south of Abergavenny, a large cut off meander has areas of standing water, emergent and marshy vegetation and shingle. The areas of standing wate…

Portheiddy Moor

…t being bog and with small charge the sea drawn about”. A wide range of lowland wetland vegetation types are present on the peat and glacial till of the channel. Hollows in the valley centre, or adjacent to the small streams that rise from springs on the moor, support tall fen an…

Pyllau Machynys (Machynys Ponds)

…local in much of Wales) and two molluscs which have declined due to drainage of wetlands -the striated whorl snail Vertigo substriata and the moss bladder snail Aplexa hypnorum -have been noted in saturated vegetation around the ponds. Also found is the short-winged conehead Con…

Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds

… white mullein Verbascum lychnitis grows on basic slag waste around some of the wetland features. A wide range of locally uncommon plant species also occur including wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa and various orchids such as northern marsh orchid, Dactylorhiza purpurella. In addit…

Ducklington Mead

…and lady's bedstraw Galium verum. The surrounding ditches retain an interesting wetland flora, including local species such as brookweed Samolus valerandi, whorl grass Catabrosa aquatica and plicate sweet grass Glyceria notata. The site is enclosed by hedges, one of which is rich…

Troutsdale and Rosekirk Dale Fens

…arpa, glaucous sedge Carex flacca and carnation sedge C. panicea, together with wetland herbs such as marsh valerian Valeriana dioica, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis. Other herbs of note are meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum and several …

Brendonmoor

… the marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia is present and in winter the wetland supports large numbers of snipe Gallinago gallinago.

Craigs of Lundie and Ardgarth Loch

… communities are thought to be the only examples of their type in the area. The wetland habitats form part of a network of mire sites in the eastern Sidlaws. The combination of habitats and the transitions between them has created a site of unusually high species diversity in low…

Broad Fen, Dilham

…as a result a species rich vegetation has developed characteristic of undrained wetland in Broadland. Tall fen communities are dominated by reed Phragmites australis and saw sedge Cladium mariscus often with abundant purple reed grass Calamagrostis canescens and herbs such as yel…

Stephen Ings, Crackpot

… In the north west corner of the field, a gully fed by a spring gives rise to a wetland area of particular interest containing globe flower Trollius europaeus, fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea and marsh marigold Caltha palustris.

Drummond Lochs

…ons of migratory as well as breeding birds typical of open water and associated wetlands. Breeding species include ducks such as wigeon, gadwall, and shoveler as well as other wildfowl such as curlew, snipe and redshank. Drummond Wood, located to the west of the loch, consists ma…

Altnaharra

…rt site. This site has been notified for the internationally important range of wetland vegetation and the nationally rare string sedge Carex chordorrhiza. This is the most extensive and most varied acidic mire site in north and west Sutherland. Hydromorphological mire range This…

Wilsford & Rauceby Warrens

…oparius and willow Salix spp. scrub whilst the stream bisecting the site adds a wetland element to the flora.

Slamannan Plateau

…l. The area is a mosaic of improved grasslands and rough pasture which includes wetlands dominated by Juncus species (rushes), raised, blanket and intermediate bogs and two shallow lochs within Fannyside Muir. The area attracts a nationally important population of taiga bean gees…

Aberithon and Bedw Turbaries

…pied by common reed Phragmites australis. The more open areas support a diverse wetland flora including such uncommon species as lesser bladderwort Utricularia minor and floating club-rush Eleogiton fluitans. Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata and marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre are…

Abbots Moss

…ng bog known as a 'schwingmoor' is formed. Abbots Moss SSSI is a complex acidic wetland site within Delamere Forest, an extensive area of glacial sands towards the north of the Cheshire plain. It is of particular importance nationally because of the presence of two large basin mi…

Cayton, Cornelian and South Bays

…lder clay blocks at the foot of the unstable cliffs. Naturally disturbed, open wetland habitats of this type are generally scarce in lowland areas. Significant species include the nationally scarce shore ground beetle Nebria livida and a high diversity of ground beetles of the g…

Damgate Marshes, Acle

…azing marsh and dykes now remaining in Broadland and are a nationally important wetland site. They lie on fen peats and alluvial clays and are summer grazed by cattle and cut for hay. Their nature conservation importance is concentrated principally on the aquatic flora and fauna …

River Teme

… hold small alder carrs, on both shingle and alluvial soils. Little flood plain wetland has survived, though some of the early river engineering schemes have left cut off meander loops which have developed marsh vegetation. Geology and Topography Near to the source the young rive…

West Fermanagh Scarplands

… This varied landscape supports a unique range of habitats including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and peatlands. The rocks of the area are some 335 million years old and date from the Carboniferous period, a time when Ireland lay near the equator. The very extensive Dartry Lim…

Owenkillew River

…still retain wet depressions that support rich fen and swamp communities. These wetland communities are often dominated by stands of sedges such as bottle sedge Carex rostrata, bladder sedge Carex vesicaria and water sedge Carex aquatilis and grasses such as reed canary grass Pha…

Loch Macanrie Fens

…d on a cut-over lowland raised bog, this peatland site supports a wide range of wetland communities which have developed as a result of the natural impeded movement of nutrient-poor groundwater, and show transition to open water. The hydromorphological mire range feature is compr…

West Borgie

…S. austinii are widespread. Breeding bird assemblage The mosaic of moorland and wetland habitats supports a wide range of breeding birds. There are large populations of breeding waders including greenshank, golden plover and dunlin. Red-and black-throated diver, wigeon and greyla…

Doxey and Tillington Marshes

…er table through land subsidence, has served to maintain or create a variety of wetland habitats. Drier parts of the site are cattle grazed producing short, open pastures. The ill drained ground is dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus and hard rush Juncus inflexus with a range o…

Inner Tay Estuary

…interest, due to their size and northerly estuarine situation, the reedbeds and wetlands also support a rich assemblage of insects, some of which are unknown elsewhere in Scotland. The abundance of insect life also attracts large numbers of swallows and sand martin on their autum…

Knockninny Hill

…edges such as carnation sedge Carex panicea and flea sedge Carex pulicaris, and wetland herbs such as meadow sweet Filipendula ulmaria, tormentil Potentilla erecta and devils-bit scabious Succisa pratensis. The moss Calliergonell cuspidatum forms an underlying mat. Knockninny Hil…

Dernish Island

…ing wader assemblage The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Dernish Island is a large drumlin island in the southern part of Upper Lough Erne. The vegetation on and around the island is very diverse. Areas of swamp and fen are particul…

Castlewellan Lake

…smunda regalis. Castlewellan Lake also provides valuable habitat for a range of wetland animals, including birds and invertebrates. In addition,spraints of otter Lutra lutra are regularly found around the shore, indicating that the lake is well used by the species. https://www.d…

Banagher

…mnadenia conopsea. The fen and swamp areas of Banagher form a complex mosaic of wetland communities, including a bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata dominated fen and sedge Carex spp. swamp. A range of species predominate in these areas including bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, marsh ci…

Rathlin Island - Kebble

… area is of special scientific interest because of its heathland, grassland and wetland vegetation, in addition to its associated plant and animal species. The complex pattern of heathland and associated habitats form a mosaic of vegetation within a varied topography of plateaux …

Craigengar

…nd areas rich in base minerals which support a wide variety of sedges and other wetland plants. Ravens Cleugh also has areas of steep dry slopes with subalpine calcareous grassland, soil slips and small scree slopes. The flush communities within Garval Syke and Ravens Cleugh also…

Lochindores

…s one of the best examples of its kind in Tayside. The ground water feeding the wetland system appears to be lime-rich and the fens and flushes are comparatively species-rich with more uncommon species such as lesser tussock-sedge Carex diandra, mud sedge Carex limosa, slender se…

Whitwell Common

…s in the valley of a tributary of the River Wensum and supports a wide range of wetland plant communities characteristic of peat based soils. Calcareous flushes are present in low lying hollows created by past peat cutting and a variety of interesting plants are associated with t…

Herstmonceux Park

Area, 4.5 ha. 11.1 ac. Description Herstmonceux Park contains 7 examples of wetland habitats on Tunbridge Wells sandstone and is especially notable for its fen vegetation which is not normally associated with calcium deficient sites. It is the locality of two plant species wh…

Woodchester Park

… supports a diverse fauna and flora associated with the grassland, woodland and wetland habitats that lie within the valley. The seclusion, shelter and range of habitats provide an unrivalled environment which is exploited by a nationally important breeding colony of greater hors…

Fleet Pond

…ial breeding populations of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and some other wetland birds and is an autumn and winter wildfowl resort for substantial numbers of both surface feeding and diving ducks. Extensive shallow lakes of this kind are rare in south central England and t…

Cae'r Meirch

…riata and Vertigo antivertigo, both of which are indicative of old, undisturbed wetlands, are found in the flushes. The slug Limax cinereoniger, which is an indicator of ancient woodland, is also present on the site. The woods are of considerable ornithological importance, with a…

Jockey Fields

…hes which add to the interest of the area. It is also of local interest for its wetland birds. The variety of habitats found at Jockey Fields, together with the large size of the site, the presence of a number of plant species rare in the West Midlands and the bird interest make …

Hallsenna Moor

…nterspersed with clumps of the rare royal fern Osmunda regalis and a variety of wetland species including sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, white sedge Carex canescens, common cotton grass Eriophorum angustifolium, narrow buckler fern Dryopteris carthusiana, cross leaved he…

Plas-y-Gors

…mple of an unusual type of mire habitat of particular interest for the range of wetland plant communities which has developed on the peat. The site is situated at an altitude of about 395 metres and lies in a shallow, water-filled depression in the Old Red Sandstone on the south-…

Decoy Carr, Acle

…solated from the main Broadland river system supports excellent examples of the wetland communities characteristic of the region including alder carr, reed bed, mixed fen and open water habitats. Several rare Arctic alpine mosses have been recorded which indicate that the plant c…

Newlands of Geise Mire

…s a nationally important example of a valley fen. The site supports a mosaic of wetland vegetation, with a transition from drier fen meadow in the west to floating moss carpets towards the east of the site. Such a complete transition in fen vegetation is rare in Caithness. The fe…

Lower Moors (St. Mary's)

…he Isles of Scilly. The site comprises a topogenous mire, exhibiting a range of wetland habitats, developed on alluvium and peat overlying the Hercynian granite bedrock. Streams and drainage ditches flow southwards towards Old Town Bay. common reed Phragmites australis dominates …

Betley Mere

… reed swamp, fen and carr to mature fen woodland is as complete an example of a wetland hydrosere as occurs in the county. Betley is highly rated among the meres for the diversity of plant communities, the variety of higher plant species and the large areas of reed swamp, alder w…

Prior's Park & Adcombe Wood

… ash and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Marshy flushes and boggy ground support a wetland flora which includes marsh marigold Caltha palustris, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis, betony Betonica officinalis, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenteric…

Ashmoor Common

…nce, providing one of the few breeding areas in this part of Worcestershire for wetland species such as snipe Gallinago gallinago and curlew Numenius arquata. Geology This site is important for interpreting aspects of the palaeohydrology of the River Severn. It includes a type ex…

Tonnagh Quarry

… in the retention of base-rich water on the quarry floor and the development of wetland vegetation. Localised water movement through the vegetation has ensured that small areas of shallow, open water with abundant charophytes Chara spp. and common duckweed Lemna minor are present…

Great Pool (Tresco)

…eed. grey willow Salix cinerea forms a dense border on the northern edge of the wetland which also supports yellow iris Iris pseudacorus and marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Stinking iris I. foetidissima, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and lesser celandine R. ficaria o…

Wicken Fen

…ea is of rough pasture land, reedbed and pools which are attractive to breeding wetland birds and to wintering wildfowl, the area being subjected to winter flooding. The dykes, abandoned clay pits and other watercourses carry a great wealth of aquatic plants. Many, such as greate…

Cullaloe Reservoir

…oir some 2 km north of Aberdour. It is chiefly of interest for its diversity of wetland vegetation types, including willow carr, fringing rich-fen inundation vegetation and submerged-aquatic plant communities. Although not a notified interest, there are two nationally scarce plan…

Cobbinshaw Reservoir

…ples of fen, marsh and swamp plant communities, which are scarce and decreasing wetland habitats in the local area. A number of uncommon plant species are present, such as water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile and marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre. An area of raised bog is an inte…

East Lizard Heathlands

…ser spearwort Ranunculus flammula. The ditches and streams of the area support wetland species including lesser water-parsnip Berula erecta, cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis and water figwort Scrophularia auriculata. The ancient cart tracks provide excellent habitat for the rar…

Burgh Common and Muckfleet Marshes

…er table throughout the year. The area is one of the most important unreclaimed wetlands in Broadland and large areas are still managed by traditional grazing and mowing regimes. A wide range of habitats is present, the most important being the fen meadows, tall fen vegetation an…

Gwenfro and Rhos y Gad

…tionally uncommon vegetation types. Gwenfro a Rhos y Gad comprises two distinct wetland areas which are linked hydrologically. Both sections are supplied with base-rich water and support a range of rich-fen mire and meadow plant communities. In the Gwenfro compartment stands of t…

Hatherton Flush

…e largest flush of its type in Cheshire and contains an excellent assemblage of wetland plants. It is surrounded by unimproved acidic grassland. On the flat ground adjacent to the river some improvement to the grassland has taken place. Over most of the flush the community is ver…

Tewinbury

…tters have been sighted in recent years. The site is a habitat for a variety of wetland birds and the tall fen provides a roost for flocks of birds in winter.

Les Vicheries and Rue Rocheuse

… fields of La Rue Rocheuse. The orchid fields of Les Vicheries contain diverse wetland flora and fauna and include a number of rare plants and insects and numerous orchids. The fields are mostly owned or managed by La Société Guernesiaise and are much visited during the orchid…

Cefn Gwrhyd, Rhydyfro

Description An upland area supporting types of wetland habitats uncommon in the county. The most important of these is a species-rich valley mire in which Eriophorum angustifolium, Menyanthes trifoliata, Hypericum elodes, and Narthecium ossifragum…

Hill of Warehouse

…es 11km southwest of Wick. This site contains a variety of nationally important wetland habitats. Hydromorphological mire range This site contains a range of mire and fen habitats and the transitions between them. Mires are areas of wet ground where peat forms from dead vegetatio…

Barrow Farm Fen

…shrew, an uncommon species in Oxfordshire following the recent loss of suitable wetland habitat. Of the invertebrates reported, the uncommon keeled orthetrum dragonfly Orthetrum coerulescens is a species which is normally associated with bog pools and is known in only a few fen s…

Black Firs & Cranberry Bog

…um aquilinum and ferns Dryopteris spp. Old drainage ditches provide refuges for wetland plants such as royal fern Osmunda regalis, here at one of its few county stations.

Wingate Quarry

…h these areas of scrub. There are a number of small ponds containing a range of wetland plants such as common spike rush Eleocharis palustris, common marsh bedstraw Galium palustre and branched bur reed Sparganium erectum. Two areas of improved pasture are being managed to seek t…

Alresford Pond

…ed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus and other wetland birds; and relatively large autumn and winter numbers of surface feeding and diving duck e.g. maximum recorded numbers 1970 to 1976, 200 coot Fulica atra, 800 mallard Anas platyrhynchos, 270 t…

St Sampson's Marais / Ivy Castle

… Peter Port and St Sampson and is an important reservoir of some of our scarcer wetland species. This area is designated as a Site of Special Significance for its importance for a wide range of wildlife including rare and threatened species of insects, plants, birds, amphibians,…

Croftintygan Meadow

…wland neutral grassland and knolls of lowland acid grassland as well as several wetland communities. It is species-rich with a number of species which are nationally or locally uncommon, including field gentian Gentianella campestris, grass of Parnassus Parnassia palustris, lesse…

Rixton Clay Pits

… Odonata and butterflies and moths Lepidoptera are associated with the range of wetland, grassland and woodland habitats within the site.

Flintsham & Titley Pools

…fordshire which has very little of this habitat. It represents one of the major wetland ornithological sites in the county. Although the pools have been modified they are considered to be glacial in origin. The margins have a rich diversity of plant communities. These vary from t…

Portsmouth Harbour

… richness and productivity of Portsmouth Harbour is reflected in the numbers of wetland birds, particularly waders and wildfowl, which it supports. A wide range of feeding adaptations are represented among the species occurring in large numbers, which include waders and ducks dep…

Lough Neagh

…ics. More specifically it is of interest for: wintering and breeding birds; its wetland vegetation, which includes a large number of rare plant species; and the presence of a number of rare invertebrate and fish species. The site includes the whole water body of Lough Neagh, the …

Tidcombe Lane Fen

Tidcombe Lane Fen SSSI Description Tidcombe Lane Fen contains a type of wetland habitat that is now scarce nationally and rare in Devon, only one other undisturbed example being known to remain in the county. The fen meadow vegetation present contains a wide diversity of …

Great Hormead Park

…. Pendulous sedge Carex pendula occurs in quantity close to a pond which adds a wetland element to the diverse flora.

Black Water Marshes

…ir to the west of Callander. The site comprises an extensive, complex mosaic of wetland habitats. The open water habitat is fringed by a broad zone of open water transition fen with a rich sedge flora. Behind this lies a large almost flat area of floodplain fen. This area is seas…

Cors Hirdre

…enus nigricans and blunt flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus, supports a range of wetland species including lesser tussock sedge Carex diandra, brown sedge Carex disticha, marsh helleborine Epipactis palustris and greater spearwort Ranunculus lingua. The latter species is very loca…

Murlough

… important factors in its presence here. In general, the area is rather dry and wetland communities are not well developed. However, a few dune slacks are present at Ballykinler. These are rather rank and tend to be dominated by creeping willow Salix repens and grasses such as re…

Craig Wen / Cors Castell

…e declined over recent years in Britain, are present. The heathland grades into wetland associated with springlines, streams and basin mire. Extensive areas of fen are covered by black bog rush Schoenus nigricans and blunt flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus. This species rich plan…

Cwm Llanwenarth Meadows

…proved meadows on the flanking slopes of a small mountain stream and associated wetland areas. Soils are slowly permeable fine loamy clays of the Wilcocks Series with a well developed peaty surface horizon giving way to waterlogged peat in lower lying areas. The underlying geolog…

Gorsllwyn, Onllwyn

…e site. Drier ridges divide up a series of wet flushes which support a range of wetland species not encountered elsewhere in the site, e.g. whorled caraway Carum verticillatum, meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum and sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus. These plants form a clearl…

Gwernydd Penbre

… and very localized in Wales. Dependent on the reed bed and other complementary wetland habitats are significant breeding populations of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and water rail Rallus aquaticus. Cetti's warbler occupy the peripheral …

Langstone-Llanmartin Meadows

…dow thistle and southern marsh orchid. The site is also host to a good range of wetland invertebrates, mostly damp grassland species, others are more typical of fen or mire, including the Nationally Scarce fungus gnat Rutylapa ruficornis the small snail-killing fly, Anticheta bre…

Llystyn Isaf

…e streamlines and adjoining wet flushed areas support a range of characteristic wetland species including several rush and sedge species together with various herbs, e.g. sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, angelica Angelica sylvestris, lesser skullcap …

Cornard Mere, Little Cornard

…ment with regular cutting maintains a varied flora with many species typical of wetland communities. Tall fen vegetation dominated by reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima and Reed Phragmites australis occupies much of the site. Associated species include yellow loosestrife Lysimachia…

Cautley Thwaite Meadows and Ecker Secker Beck

…shes of particular conservation interest for their range of plants. These small wetlands are of a type normally confined to the unenclosed uplands of north west Britain. Such communities are usually grazed and trampled by cattle or sheep, which combined with nutrient impoverishme…

Southrepps Common

…. A number of rare and notable diptera true flies characteristic of undisturbed wetlands have been recorded from this site, most notably Pteromicra glabricula and Colobaea distincta, flies whose larvae are parasitic on snails.

Redcar Field

…d Phragmites australis and great willow herb Epilobium hirsutum, although other wetland plants such as meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, common valerian Valeriana officinalis and marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre occur. On the periphery, meadow rue Thalictrum flavum, rare in Coun…

The Sturts

…water levels rise in the River Wye. There is a complex mosaic of grassland and wetland communities with the lower ground being waterlogged, interspersed with areas of higher, more freely drained ground. The wettest parts are dominated by meadow sweet Filipendula ulmaria, with oc…

Stevington Marsh

…e a unique feature in the county. The site is important not only for supporting wetland communities, a habitat uncommon in Bedfordshire and much reduced in extent and quality nationally, but also the surrounding pastures of Jurassic Limestone grassland which are very restricted i…

Oakhanger Moss

… particularly important link in the Midlands Meres and Mosses series of glacial wetlands. Adders Vipera berus, a protected species, are found here and at only one other known site in Cheshire.

Distillery Farm Meadows

…o-flower Cardamine pratensis. A small stream crosses the site and holds further wetland plants such as fool’s water cress Apium nodiflorum, brooklime Veronica beccabunga, water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia, water forget-me-not Myosotis s…

Loch Shiel

…remaining natural site in Britain for pigmyweed Crassula aquatica. The marginal wetlands are an important component of the aquatic system. These include small stands of common reed, which is an uncommon plant in Lochaber, and provide a habitat for nationally rare and scarce plant…

Strawberry Banks

…celsior and beech Fagus sylvatica. The scrub and stream side add a woodland and wetland component to the flora including ramsons Allium ursinum, nettle leaved bellflower Campanula trachelium, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris and the locally scarce toothwort Lathraea squamaria. T…

Seato Pastures

…rich vegetation. The flushes lie within a complex of semi natural grassland and wetland communities that add to the overall importance of the site. The calcareous flush vegetation occurs mainly on the sloping ground but is nonetheless extensive and in excellent condition at this …

Chippenham Fen and Snailwell Poor's Fen

…and Snailwell Poor’s Fen is a site of national importance for its wide range of wetland habitats and associated birds and insects. Areas of tall and often rich fen, fen grassland and basic flush have developed over shallow peat soils. The site also contains calcareous grassland, …

The Hermitage

…w Salix spp. and birch Betula pubescens. Growing within and around the moat are wetland plants including false fox sedge Carex otrubae, spiked sedge Carex spicata, branched bur reed Sparganium erectum, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and yellow iris Iris pseudacorus.

Lambsdale Leans

…r a wide variety of wildfowl and wading birds that are characteristic of upland wetlands. Species that feed or breed here include grey heron, greylag goose, teal, wigeon, tufted duck, dunlin, snipe, curlew, redshank, greenshank and common sandpiper.

Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds

…slender tufted sedge Carex acuta which occurs in occasional dense stands. Other wetland species include five species of rush dominated by sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, common spike rush Eleocharis palustris, marsh arrowgrass Triglochin palustris and early marsh orchid D…

Soudley Ponds

…tuated along the course of the Soudley Brook. They represent fine examples of a wetland habitat rich in wildlife and are bordered by damp woodland. The three main ponds have relatively large expanses of open water. The marginal vegetation consists largely of reed mace Typha latif…

White Moss, Crosbymoor

…on fen species and Graptodytes granularis a rare species associated with relict wetlands, which had not been recorded from the old county of Cumberland since the last century. White Moss is also known for roe deer, red squirrel and common lizard, the latter becoming increasingly …

West Stow Heath

…re quite large areas of standing water and the ground vegetation is composed of wetland species. Tussock sedge Carex elatais the most abundant species, others include greater pond sedge Carex riparia, marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, gypsy wort Lycopus europaeus and water pl…

Aldwincle Marsh

…w peat, formed by seepage along the junction of clayand limestone. This type of wetland habitat has diminished nationally due to land drainage and other factors and is now extremely scarce in a county context. The wettest part of the fen supports a mixture of lesser pond sedge Ca…

Dowalton Loch

…f Wigtown. The loch was drained in 1863 and is now occupied by an area of mixed wetland habitats which include some of the best open grassland and wet woodland (carr) in Wigtownshire. Within the grassland, a wealth of plant species reflects the variety of dampness, nutrient statu…

Alvescot Meadows

…e invertebrate fauna of the site reflects the high quality of the grassland and wetland habitats. Among the species recorded from the site are the hoverflies Cheilosia latifrons, a species uncommon in Oxfordshire and restricted to meadows and the nationally uncommon Chrysogaster …

Upware North Pit

… the British Red Data Book 1. In addition, the pits are of generalvalue for the wetland communities represented and some other uncommon plants are recorded. The site consists of a series of small flooded pits divided by bunds colonised by willow Salix spp. and hawthorn Crataegus …

Breighton Meadows

…ding and management. The site is important as a habitat for a range of breeding wetland bird species. Breeding waders include snipe, lapwing, redshank and curlew. Breeding wildfowl include shoveler, mallard and teal. Other breeding birds include yellow wagtail and reed warbler, s…

Waen Rydd

…tats add to the ecological and structural diversity of the site. This extensive wetland area supports a number of dragonflies including keeled skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens, golden-ringed dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii, common darter Sympetrum striolatum, black darter S.danae,…

Aunt Mary's Bottom

…rophularia auriculata are prominent. The rich flora also includes many typical wetland species amongst which water mint Mentha aquatica, water avens Geum rivale, hybrid avens Geum x intermedium, marsh marigold Caltha palustris, marsh valerian Valeriana dioica, ragged-robin Silen…

Den of Ogil

…tempt to dry out the area. These areas are still very wet and largely support a wetland ground flora as described above. Some characteristic woodland plants do occur, such as wood anemone Anemone nemorosa and woodrush Luzula sylvatica, but of particular note is the occurrence of …

South Pennine Moors

…flushes are less acidic and soft rush Juncus effusus tends to dominate in these wetlands with a few herbs like marsh bedstraw Galium palustre or bog stichwort Stellaria alsine present. Where the waters are richer in minerals, e.g. below springs, a wider range of herbs occur. Mar…

Comin Esgairmaen

…to the east supports a mosaic of wet heath and acidic grassland vegetation. The wetland habitats are dominated by sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus and purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea, with a central stand of grey willow Salix cinerea carr. Typical species present include…

Martin Mere, Burscough

Description Martin Mere is a low lying wetland complex of open water, marsh and grassland habitats overlying deep peat. It is situated to the north of Burscough and occupies part of the site of the old Martin Mere which, prior to drainage,…

Marton Mere, Blackpool

…ater and fringing habitats of Marton Mere support a wide range of waterfowl and wetland birds. The breeding community of the site is of particular note, approximately 35 different species are known to use the Mereas a breeding site and the community is an especially rich example …

Breckland Forest

…y remnants of habitats which have survived afforestation such as dry grassland, wetlands and temporary pools. A mammal species associated with the conifer plantations is the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris. Although the population is small it is the only one extant in East Anglia.…

Cam Washes

…bers and diversity of wintering and breeding wildfowl and waders. Many of these wetland species are now becoming increasingly scarce as breeding birds in lowland England due to loss of suitable habitat. Associated areas of scrub and scattered trees further enhance the value of th…

Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths

…ion in Berkshire, is present in the grass heath. The invertebrate fauna of the wetland areas includes the bog bush cricket Metrioptera brachyptera and a range of dragonflies. These include the broad bodied chaser Libellula depressa, black tailed skimmer Orthetrum cancellatum, la…

Rhunahaorine Point

…egetation on site consists of a mosaic of habitats which includes dry heath and wetland. The areas of vegetated shingle are important examples of a habitat type which is becoming increasingly rare in great Britain. The site is of international importance as a roosting and feeding…

Berry Fen

…The ditches add further diversity, retaining open water into the summer months. Wetland herbs such as the local sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, marsh ragwort Senecio aquaticus and the uncommon narrow leaved water dropwort Oenanthe silaifolia occur. Most of the site floods irregular…

Humber Estuary

…at least ten nationally scarce species. These are characteristic of coastal and wetland habitats. They are bulbous foxtail Alopecurus bulbosus, bulbous meadow grass, divided sedge Carex divisa, sea buckthorn, slender hare’s ear Bupleurum tenuissimum, spiral tasselweed Ruppia cirr…

Upper Lough Erne - Galloon

…rea includes the open waters of the lough, in addition to a range of associated wetland and other communities within the adjoining drumlin landscape of County Fermanagh. Galloon is especially well characterised by the extent and quality of the grasslands, many of which are manage…

Loch Spynie

… 3 km to the north-east of Elgin. This formerly more extensive shallow loch and wetland site is one of very few large eutrophic waterbodies in northern Scotland. It contains extensive and well developed areas of alder and willow carr, reedbeds and mesotrophic fen as well as a fai…

Nymet Barton Marsh

…on Marsh SSSI Description Nymet Barton Marsh is an extensive and largely intact wetland of a type that is nationally scarce and of which there is only one other undisturbed example in Devon. Particularly extensive and well-developed stands of greater tussock-sedge Carex paniculat…

East Walton and Adcock's Common

…or soldier and snail killing flies in Britain, both families with predominately wetland species and regarded as useful indicators of habitat quality. There is also a large population of the Red Data Book hoverfly, Cheilosia pubera, which is dependent on marsh marigold Caltha palu…

Barlosh Moss

…th. The western section comprises a hydromorphological mire range, a complex of wetland habitats which includes reedswamp, poor fen, marshy grassland and birch/willow carr. The eastern section comprises raised bog, typified by the presence of Sphagnum mosses and higher plants suc…

Pettypool Brook Valley

Area, 47.02 ha. 116.19 ac. Description The wetland communities at the head of Pettypool and those downstream along the course of Pettypool Brook, comprise Cheshire’s most extensive and diverse valley mire system. The mature woodland with its a…

Curran Bog

…ved the upper layer of peat down to the ground water table, giving a variety of wetland vegetation ranging from acid fen to more base-rich swamp and fen. The vegetation is very variable here, and includes stands of such species as common reed Phragmites australis, bottle sedge Ca…

Misson Line Bank

…systems in Eastern England. Biology Misson Line Bank contains fine examples of wetland plant communities of unusual diversity and species richness developed in association with a series of old borrow pits. To the north east of the site, on peaty soils overlying strata of the Tri…

Lackan Bog

…gle blocks of lowland peatland left in County Down. The area forms an extensive wetland with a complex mosaic of vegetation communities. These communities occupy sites characterised by water depth and acidity, and by the time lapse since peat working ceased. Poor-fen vegetation o…

Marcheini Uplands, Gilfach Farm & Gamallt

…redstart, wood warbler, garden warbler and blackcap. The surrounding upland and wetland habitats provide breeding habitat for birds such as curlew, ring ouzel, dipper and grey wagtail. Red grouse breed on the high moorland and rare raptors, including peregrine falcon and red kite…

Tuckmill Meadows

… Yorkshire fog, tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa and greater pond sedge. Wetland herbs recorded in this sward are marsh marigold Caltha palustris, yellow loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, marsh valerian Valerian…

Inishroosk

…e of its importance to breeding waders and for the quality and diversity of the wetland vegetation, which includes a number of uncommon plant species. The boundary also extends into the lake itself which, with its associated flora and fauna, is one of the finest large shallow eut…

Shibdon Pond

…e of few large open water sites between the Tyne and Tees and is important as a wetland habitat within the industrial conurbation of Tyneside. It is thought that mining subsidence led to the formation of the pond, which is fed by a spring issuing from old mine workings. The pond …

Talich

…s woodland habitat and supports an extensive growth of spring plants and ferns. Wetland and shade loving plants such as marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and a range of ferns including broad buckler fern (Dryopteris dilatata) are abundant. An im…

Barrow Gravel Pits

…lyceria maxima. These marshes possess a rich flora, which includes such typical wetland plants as brown sedge Carex disticha, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, marsh marigold Caltha palustris, water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides, angelica Angelica sylvestris, water dock Rumex…

Elterwater

…, being the most extensive and one of the least disturbed examples of lakeshore wetlands in South Cumbria. Few lakeshore transition habitats of similar quality remain in Cumbria, other examples in South Cumbria are North Fen National Nature Reserve, White Moss Common, Rydal and P…

Bulwick Meadows

…r the study of plant soil relationships. The site supports a rich assemblage of wetland plants including rare species and is notable for the variety of sedges Carices. The plant communities demonstrate a gradation from dry, semi unimproved pasture to tall fen of lesser pond sedge…

Kempton Park Reservoirs

…ince 1996 when substantial works aimed at protecting and improving habitats for wetland bird species were begun under a planning agreement with the local authority. These included the creation of refuge islands, deep water channels and reed beds within the basin. Regular breedin…

Sweat Mere and Crose Mere

… of exceptional importance. They are the remnants of a once considerably larger wetland complex which included Whattall Moss, which in historic times was an acid peat bog but now is almost entirely affected. The meres and their surrounds form a complex of open water, reed swamp, …

Chesil & The Fleet

… Description Nature and Geological Conservation Review site. Fleet designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and a Special Protection Area under EEC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409). Part of the SSSI lies within the West Dors…

Higher Moors & Porth Hellick Pool (St. Mary's)

… abundant red fescue Festuca rubra and thrift Armeria maritima merging into the wetland habitats around the lake. Although the shallow mesotrophic lake is freshwater some salt enduring species including sea club rush Bolboschoenus maritimus, saltmarsh rush Juncus gerardii, bracki…

Britford Water Meadows

…nculus repens and meadow buttercup R. acris. The drains support a wide range of wetland plants such as creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, fool's water cress Apium nodiflorum, water avens Geum rivale and floating sweet grass Glyceria fluitans. Marg…

Thatcham Reed Beds

… reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima. The vegetation also includes a range of tall wetland plants such as common valerian Valeriana officinalis, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, marsh woundwort Stachys palustris, water mint Mentha aquatica …

Scotstown Moor

…the north-east of the mouth of the River Don, in north Aberdeen. The mixture of wetland includes fen-meadow, wet heath and springs and flushes. The mineral-rich springs and flushes provide habitats for a number of plant species now rare in the north-eastern lowlands, including bl…

Castlemartin Range

…artin Range is of special interest for its geology, marine biology, sand dunes, wetland habitats, calcareous grassland, cliff and coastal grassland and heath, together with the most extensive area of species-rich neutral grassland in Wales. Also of special interest are rare and s…

Bingley South Bog

…y, north of Bradford. Despite drainage and hydroseral succession, the surviving wetland provides a transition from fen to dam neutral grassland, maintained in a species rich condition, probably by grazing. Open water occurs in a depression caused by the weight of an aqueduct emb…

Ludham - Potter Heigham Marshes

… River Thurne between Ludham and Potter Heigham are both a nationally important wetland site and one of the richest areas of traditionally managed grazing marsh and dykes now remaining in Broadland. These marshes lie on fen peats and alluvial clays and are summer grazed by cattle…

Comber Mere

…r’. Comber Mere has been selected because of its combined importance as a large wetland habitat and as an ornithological site. It is a nutrient rich mere and unlike many meres it has an extensive but narrow band of swamp and fen vegetation around much of its perimeter, which in p…

Braithwaite Moss

…places where purple moor grass is more prominent and grazing pressure less, the wetland shrub bog myrtle Myrica gale becomes an important part of the vegetation. Other shrubs include small areas of willow Salix sp carr on wetter ground with gorse scrub in the dryer areas. Where l…

Feur Lochain - Moine nam Faoileann

…shes at the margins, areas of seepage and drainage basins in which transitional wetland communities (poor fen) occur. There are also pool systems on the central acidic mire. On the gently sloping ground, higher pools overflow across the peat into lower ones. Good examples of swal…

Blaen y Wergloedd Bog

…fon Aled catchment. Blaen y Wergloedd Bog is a good example of the small valley wetlands which were formerly common in the Silurian uplands of North Wales.Variations of water-table, water chemistry, and peat depth over the site account for the wide range of vegetation communities…

Mid Cornwall Moors

…ance and the influence of calcareous bedrock has resulted in a diverse range of wetland areas on low lying ground with extensive tracts of wet woodland, ponds in various stages of succession, acid bog communities, valley mire and fen communities and, on higher ground, large tract…

Corby, Lily and Bishops Lochs

…th their fringing reedbeds and bogs provide one of the best and least disturbed wetland sites in the north-eastern lowlands. Corby and Lily lochs also show an excellent hydroseral progression from open water to woodland. The lochs’ nutrient status range from mesotrophic (Bishops’…

Pen-y-graig-goch

…Pen-y-graig-goch is of special interest for its marshy grassland and associated wetland habitats. Within the marshy grassland, the fen-meadow component includes a particularly fine example of the heathy form of this vegetation type. The site is situated above the Sawdde valley ap…

Mount Pleasant

…form part of the grassland but these are also species rich, comprising a mix of wetland and grassland species. They are dominated by a number of rushes, such as hard rush Juncus inflexus, sharp-flowered rush J. acutiflorus and soft rush Juncus effusus and include small sedges, su…

Street Heath

…s palustris and royal fern Osmunda regalis. Old peat workings and rhynes have a wetland community which includes bulrush Typha latifolia, yellow flag Iris pseudacorus, cyperus sedge Carex pseudocyperus and lesser bur reed Sparganium minimum. There is a high entomological interest…

Otterston Loch

…shallow water body lying in a narrow valley 1 km north of Dalgety Bay. Areas of wetland adjoining the loch support a wide range of vegetation types and plant species largely associated with swamp, fen and carr woodland habitats. Mixed deciduous woodland covers the adjacent slopes…

Blackwater Valley

…uitans and purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria. The site supports a very rich wetland insect fauna including a number of uncommon species. For example, flies Diptera recorded in the meadows include the rare Dolichopodids Hercostomus chalybeus, Dolichopus latilimbatus and Syntor…

Fairburn and Newton Ings

…ether with farmland, provide a mosaic of different habitats. There is a diverse wetland flora. In places the open water is fringed with beds of reed mace Typha latifolia with associated bur reed Sparganium erectum, nodding bur marigold Bidens cernua and trifid bur marigold B. tri…

Muxton Marsh

…g. Impeded drainage caused by spoil dumping has contributed to the formation of wetland habitats here. Reclamation of derelict sites in and around Telford has greatly reduced the area of semi natural vegetation in this part of Shropshire and this site is the best remaining exampl…

Blackmore Vale Commons And Moors

…woodland and wood pasture, scrub and an extensive network of hedges, with small wetlands, ponds and waterways. It is of special interest by reason of the following nationally important features that occur within and are supported by the wider habitat mosaic, species rich neutral …

Swindale Meadows

… grassland dominated by purple moor grass and rushes. Frequent among a range of wetland plants are common and marsh valerian Valeriana officinalis and V. dioica, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, marsh marigold, me…

Calceby Marsh

…eadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and blunt flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus. The wetland areas are further characterised by marsh marigold Caltha palustris, common spike rush Eleocharis palustris, common marsh bedstraw Galium palustre, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi and southern …

River Dee (Parton to Crossmichael)

…een the villages of Parton and Crossmichael. It is a highly complex and diverse wetland site with large areas of open water, fen, swamp and lowland acid grassland. The site supports an outstanding assemblage of dragonflies and is important ornithologically, supporting wintering p…

Woolston Eyes

… of dredgings in a rotation of approximately 15 years, maintaining the range of wetland habitats across the site. Breeding bird assemblage of lowland open waters and their margins Woolston Eyes supports a breeding bird assemblage of lowland open waters and their margins, includ…

Rubha Dunan

… exposed along the coast. The other part of the site is notified for a range of wetland habitats. Torridonian geology The outcrops that are exposed on the coastal cliffs of the Rubha Dunan headland are of national importance as they show the results of sedimentary processes and d…

Little Hoyle and Hoyle's Mouth Caves & Woodlands

…antago-aquatica. The scarlet tiger moth Callimorpha dominula flourishes in this wetland, and the willows support interesting lichens of the Sticta group.

Doley Common

…rass Poa trivialis, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, other grasses and a mosaic of wetland herbs at low frequency, such as wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, greater bird’s foot trefoil Lotus pedunculatus, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre. Areas…

Prestwick Carr

…of a low lying peat basin to the north west of Newcastle, supports a variety of wetland habitats including tall fen, carr woodland and a raise dmire which is now located within a coniferous plantation. Such habitats were formerly more extensive but have been reduced by drainage. …

Ardley Cutting and Quarry

…gical interest associated with limestone grassland, scrub, ancient woodland and wetland habitats. The soils are mostly shallow loams of the Aberford Series, interrupted in places by bands of ill draining clays and outcrops of Northants sands giving rise to changes in the flora. T…

Great Haldon Heaths

…grass and cross-leaved heath become more abundant. The boggy areas support rich wetland plant communities with bog mosses Sphagnum spp. forming carpets within which grow jointed rush Juncus articulatus, soft rush Juncus effusus, bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, white beak-sedg…

Ysgeifiog Moor

…laces on the moor. These flushes are moss-cushioned and hold a diverse range of wetland plants. The flooded centre of the old drovers’ road crossing the common is of particular interest; the rich fen here is a small but striking example, with stoneworts, mosses and liverworts und…

Mill and Whiskershiel Burns

… Carex flacca, flea sedge C. pulicaris and dioecious sedge Carex dioica. Other wetland plants found here include broad leaved cotton grass Eriophorum latifolium, bristle club rush Isolepis setacea, few flowered spike rush Eleocharis quinqueflora, marsh arrowgrass Triglochin palu…

Potter's Carr, Cranworth

… and woodruff Galium odoratum. A series of overgrown drainage ditches supports wetland species including lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis, yellow flag Iris pseudacorus and water avens Geum rivale. The northern strip of woodland is drier and consists of oak Quercus robur stand…

Afon Cleddau Gorllewinol / Western Cleddau River

…crocephalus schoenobaenus and grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia. Associated wetlands provide valuable feeding habitats for snipe Gallinago gallinago, curlew Numenius arquata, lapwing Vanellus vanellus, and barn owls Tyto alba. The river and associated habitat is also an impor…

Loch Hallan

…nd marshes around and including Loch Hallan represent one of the finest machair wetlands in Scotland. The site provides important feeding, nesting and overwintering habitats for an assemblage of birds, particularly waders and wildfowl. Loch Hallan itself is a shallow nutrient ric…

East Aston Common

…ome cases restricted to chalk streams and their related habitats. A variety of wetland birds are well represented and include reed warbler, sedge warbler and grasshopper warbler, reed bunting, grey wagtail, water rail and redshank. The invertebrate interest is correspondingly d…

Wet Sleddale Meadows

…d flea sedge Carex canescens and C. pulicaris also occur with bog mosses. Other wetland plants present include wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, marsh ragwort Senecio aquaticus, meadowsweet and marsh marigold, together with good colonies of common and heath spotted orchid, north…

Wetley Moor

…lst wet heath and small areas of mire occur on the lower, flatter ground. These wetland communities are more extensive than on any of the other lowland heathland sites in the county and are a particularly important feature of Wetley Moor. The Moor also shows transitional characte…

Upper Fowey Valley

… areas of gorse Ulex europaeus. Stands of grey willow Salix cinerea within the wetland communities and bordering hedgebanks with oak trees provide important habitats for birds. The valley has a good diversity of breeding birds with populations of tree pipit Anthus trivialis, wh…

Poor's Allotment

…upport soft rush Juncus effusus, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and other wetland plants. Bracken Pteridium aquilinum has become dominant on parts of the site and some control is now undertaken.

Llyn Garreg-lwyd

… common marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre, occur on the periphery of the fen. This wetland is also of ornithological interest supporting a range of breeding birds which includes sedge warbler, reed bunting and reed warbler. Bittern has bred here in the past.

Glamorgan Canal / Long Wood

Description An artificial wetland ecosystem adjoining a river terrace woodland of considerable antiquity. Beech is a major constituent of the woodland. A range of habitats from open-water, alder carr, scrub and deciduous woodl…

Llyn Ty'n y Llyn

… longer occurs. Hydroseral succession is now reducing the open water areas. The wetland vegetation proper consists of extensive lawns of bog mosses Sphagnum spp., often forming a floating mat, with bottle sedge Carex rostrata, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre, bog bean Menyanthe…

Old Cilgwyn and Cae Heslop

…invertebrates known in Wales. The grasslands, together with some small areas of wetland, hold a further seven nationally scarce invertebrate species. There are areas of interesting grassland communities and the south-eastern portion is remarkable for the abundance of cowslip Prim…

Clais Dhearg

…lands are interspersed by heath, grassland and bog habitat. The Black Lochs and wetland habitats support a rich assemblage of dragonfly fauna. The marsh fritillary butterfly is associated with areas of grazed grassland habitat. The Black Lochs occur at an altitude of 26 m. Nearly…

The Flits

…wfly have also been recorded. The site is also important as a breeding site for wetland birds such as snipe Gallinago gallinago, curlew Numenius arquata and lapwing Vanellus vanellus, which find the marshy conditions, size and seclusion of the area ideal.

Goonhilly Downs

…istle bent. On the lower, flatter areas with deep, peaty soils, a diversity of wetland habitats is found. Tall fen vegetation, dominated in some places by greater tussock-sedge Carex paniculata occurs with sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, grey willow Salix cinerea and of …

Lye Valley

…lley drained by the Lye Brook, close to the centre of Oxford. The total area of wetland vegetation has changed dramatically this century due to infilling at the northern end of the valley, landscaping of a golf course to the west and construction of houses and gardens many of whi…

Cors Llanllugan (Llanllugan Mire)

… example of an undisturbed basin mire supporting a number of different types of wetland vegetation and several uncommon species. It is a well defined site, surrounded on three sides by improved grassland and adjoining a mixed deciduous woodland. Although parts of the site are acc…

Godstone Ponds

….02 hectares 32.17 acres Description These two small areas embrace a range of wetland habitats including good examples of a nationally uncommon woodland type base rich spring line alder wood and three ponds. There is a great deal of local variation in geology and hydrology with…

Little Ballo

…sedge-rich flushes and mineral-enriched grassland. The ground water feeding the wetlands appears to be lime-rich and consequently the site is species-rich with a significant number of more uncommon species indicative of unimproved land, including lesser butterfly orchid Platanthe…

Caeau Bryn-du

…ch are also present. Flushes and areas of impeded drainage support a variety of wetland habitats. Where purple moor-grass is dominant the sward is generally rather grassy but meadow thistle is prominent in places, growing with quaking-grass Briza media, marsh valerian Valeriana d…

Comins Tre-rhos (Tre-rhos Common)

…Small disused clay pits, open ditches and minor streams add to the diversity of wetland vegetation. Species-rich purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea grassland adjoins the minor stream. There is much marginal invasion by gorse Ulex europaeus in the drier areas, and by grey willow S…

Norley Copse and Meadow

…position of unimproved meadow and old woodland, together with the heathland and wetland habitats of the adjacent New Forest, is particularly valuable and unusual.

Inner Marsh Farm

…in, reverted to marshland. The site now consists of a complex of open water and wetland habitats. Specifically, it comprises three shallow, but permanent, water bodies which were excavated in the late 1980s. These are bordered by fringing swamp vegetation typically comprising se…

Coate Water

…ceria maxima. The margin of the newer lake already supports reed beds and other wetland vegetation including brown sedge Carex disticha, slender tufted sedge Carex acuta, creeping forget-me-not Myosotis secunda and the notable golden dock Rumex maritimus. Surrounding this are a n…

Misterton Marshes

…on Misterton Marshes comprise one of the largest remaining blocks of unimproved wetland habitat in Leicestershire. Such areas are now scarce in the English lowlands as a result of drainage and changes in land use. The marshes have developed on alluvial deposits adjacent to a trib…

Glen Tanar

…all forest bog is present near the Water of Allachy, but there are no extensive wetlands associated with the wood. Plants associated with pinewoods present include twinflower Linnaea borealis, creeping lady’s-tresses Goodyera repens, toothed wintergreen Orthilia secunda and inter…

Sowley Pond

… duck Aythya fuligula and pochard Aythya ferina are often substantial. Breeding wetland birds include mallard, tufted duck and great crested grebes Podiceps cristatus. The heronry grey heron Ardea cinerea, at present 1984 in mature Scot's pine, has increased steadily since the 19…

Jenkins Carr

… paniculata. The area of open water/swamp in the east and the stream sides have wetland species including water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, wild celery Apium graveolens and lesser water parsnip Berula erecta. In different areas along the stream bush grass Calamagrostis epi…

Cefndeuddwr

…ther with extensive areas of bracken. Where drainage is impeded in the hollows, wetland vegetation has developed. Mature trees occur in groups and individually across the site while the southern enclosure is completely wooded. The neutral grassland is characterised by grasses suc…

Hough Bay and Balevullin Machair

…lin Machair SSSI is overlapping part of Sleibhtean agus Cladach Thiriodh (Tiree Wetlands and Coast) Special Protection Area (SPA), which is designated for the birds listed below. Birds : Dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii), breeding : Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), breedin…

Burdautien Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters of the lough and the surrounding marginal vegetation lying within County Fermanagh. Physiographical interest of this largely spring-fed lough is r…

Gwaun Troed-rhiw-seiri a Llyn Mynydd-gorddu

… north side to a stream and the old Mynydd-gorddu lead-mine pool and associated wetland. The higher part of the site has been subjected to shallow ploughing once since the last war mainly in an attempt to check gorse invasion, but no subsequent agricultural improvement was carrie…

Moorlands Pastures

…he occurrence of a small rush-dominated marsh in the acid grassland. Additional wetland species here include ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, water mint Mentha aquatica, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and brooklime Veronica beccabunga.

Tre'r Gof

…ed management history as well as other environmental gradients. A wide range of wetland plant species occur in the various communities, and of particular interest is the presence of a population of the marsh fern Lypteris palustris which is a scarce fen plant in Britain where it …

Cow Myers

…area of flat marshy ground irrigated by spring water and containing a series of wetland habitats. Alder Alnus glutinosa carr fringes the site and in places forms extensive stands; the principal ground flora species is common reed Phragmites australis. Where the carr abuts the str…

Loughkeelan

…Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of the richness of its wetland vegetation: it contains a range of rich plant communities and a number of rare species. The site consists of a small eutrophic lough, surrounded by an extensive swamp of common reed Phragmites…

Goldborough Farm Meadows

…orner is occupied by a ground water fed pond which supports a rich community of wetland plants including water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, branched bur reed Sparganium erectum, lesser water parsnip Berula erecta, narrow fruited water cress Nasturtium microphylla, common sp…

Brockagh Quarry

… aquatic bug which has a limited distribution in Northern Ireland. A variety of wetland vegetation communities are associated with the small, shallow pools on the quarry floor. These vary from swamp dominated by water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile, to short, base-rich fen which …

Dalbeath Marsh

…ly orchid Platanthera chlorantha. Both these habitats are rare in Fife, and the wetland at Dalbeath supports an unusually high diversity of vegetation types including open water, poor-fen, willow carr and fen-meadow. Although not notified for plants, there a large number of plant…

Wilde Street Meadow

…ch attracts a variety of bird life and the dykes, which support a population of wetland plants.

Ceann a' Mhara to Loch a' Phuill

…ch a’ Phuill SSSI overlaps part of the Sleibhtean agus Claddach Thiriodh (Tiree Wetlands and Coast) Special Protection Area (SPA) which is designated for the birds listed below. Habitat : Naturally nutrient-rich lakes or lochs which are often dominated by pondweed Birds : Dunli…

Whitewater Valley

… presence of bryophyte dominated springs being particularly noteworthy. Similar wetland habitats have become very scarce, largely due to improvements in land drainage. At the eastern end of the site there is a spring fed limestone flush with water at or near the surface. The vege…

Endrick Mouth and Islands

… part of the Endrick catchment and the southern shore of Loch Lomond. Birds The wetland and open water are noted for their breeding and migrant birds. The Endrick Mouth is regionally-important for its wintering wildfowl, including a large wintering population of Greenland white-f…

Fulford Ings

…nt communities is now uncommon as a result of the drainage and fragmentation of wetlands and the fact that it remains largely intact at Fulford Ings is of particular importance. The alluvial grassland is characterised by meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, creeping bent Agrostis…

Yar Estuary

…ooding and during the winter months especially, they offer important additional wetland areas for the roosting and feeding activities of wildfowl. The higher levels of the saltmarshes support great numbers of the short winged conehead Conocephalus dorsalis, a cricket characterist…

West Lizard

…recorded in quarries and cart-tracks. Hayle Kimbro and Ruan Pools provide good wetland habitat in an area of extensive heathland. Hayle Kimbro Pool comprises five oligiotrophic open water bodies varying in size and depth. The largest of the pools retains water even in the driest…

Northumberland Shore

…r Information 1. The Northumberland Shore fulfils the criteria for listing as a wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and as a Special Protection Area SPA under the European Community Directive 79/409/ EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds. 2. This site …

Sea Bank Clay Pits

…ophic nutrient rich water in addition to extensive reedbeds and a rich marginal wetland flora. The pits were excavated in 1953 to provide material for the repair of the sea wall between Mablethorpe and Chapel St. Leonards on the Lincolnshire Coast. The pits are also important for…

Stubbers Green Bog

Area, 3.0 ha. 7.4 ac. Description Stubbers Green Bog is a small wetland site in Walsall comprising a shallow pool with fringing valley mire and swamp communities which have developed in a hollow, presumed to be caused by mining subsidence. The site overlies unstra…

Freshwater East Cliffs to Skrinkle Haven

…trum vulgare. Occasional small streams cut through the slopes, supporting small wetland communities, including water mint Mentha aquatica, hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and common reed Phragmites australis. Small sand dune systems exist at Manorbier and Swanlake, dominated …

Porth Dinllaen i Borth Pistyll

…cliffs with springs and flushes provide ideal habitat for a range of specialist wetland insect species. The cliffs on the east side of Trwyn Porth Dinllaen, around the bay of Porth Dinllaen and at Porth Pistyll are important for a number of species including the nationally endang…

Redden Bank Lime Works

…a odorata. Scattered trees, scrub, tall ruderal communities and a small area of wetland also add to the habitat interest of the site.

Glaslyn

…ver support another national rarity, the Welsh mudwort Limosella australis. The wetland habitats adjoining the river are of invertebrate interest and support the only known population of the boreal relict snail Vertigo lilljeborgi in East Gwynedd.in the UK and mainly confined to …

Upper Lough Erne - Belleisle

…and includes the open waters of the Lough. In addition to a range of associated wetlands and other communities within the adjoining drumlin landscape. The Belleisle area is characterised by the extent of its open water and swamp communities and by its wooded islands. In addition …

Devenish Island

… periodic flooding of the fen vegetation occurs creating a relatively expansive wetland habitat. The shoreline is inundated by water from the lough and has common reed Phragmites australis and reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea swamps which grade into a narrow fringing fen th…

Lough Melvin

…he territorial limits of Northern Ireland. In addition to a range of associated wetland and other communities. The lough itself is characterised by open water plant communities typical of mesotrophic unenriched conditions, a narrow fringe of emergent swamp and fen and a number of…

Leighton Bat Roosts

…able that the bats from this site make use of the nearby woodland, parkland and wetland areas, and mature hedgerows for feeding and commuting to more distant roost sites and feeding areas. Remarks: Lesser horseshoe bats are specially protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife an…

Charleshill

… the site is mainly very wet alder Alnus glutinosa coppice, which supports many wetland plants, dominated by lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis, woodclub rush Scirpus sylvaticus and greater tussock sedge Carex paniculata. Some areas have carpets of bog moss Sphagnum palustre or …

Wester Balgair Meadow

…acidic flushes; rush pasture; and marshy grassland. Various other grassland and wetland communities add to the conservation interest of the site, and the wide range of habitats in turn supports an exceptionally large number of plants. The base-rich flushes, in particular, support…

Crich Chase

…ongside bramble, honeysuckle and creeping soft grass are a distinctive range of wetland plants including opposite leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, remote sedge Carex remota, yellow pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum, soft rush Juncus effusus, bugle Ajuga reptans, …

Carrick Heaths

…The rushes and the purple moor-grass form low hummocks which support many other wetland herbs such as devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis, water mint Mentha aquatica, bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium, greater bird’s-foot trefoil L…

Dyfi

…osphere Reserves. Much of the site is designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, which was ratified by the UK Government in 1976. Ynys Eidiol and parts of Cors Fochno are registered as common land. Approximately…

Hare Myre, Monk Myre and Stormont Loch

…roost. Although not part of the notified interest of the site, other species of wetland birds that make use of the site include great crested grebe, shoveler, mallard, teal, wigeon, pochard, tufted duck and goldeneye. Stormont Loch is of national importance for its quaternary geo…

Little Hallingbury Marsh

…ies of duck. It forms a significant part of the regionally important network of wetland feeding and roosting sites for birds along the Stort Valley. The open water and fringing vegetation provide a valuable area for breeding dragonflies and aquatic insects in general while sever…

Southill Lake and Woods

…ty and throughout eastern England. Drainage has generally reduced the extent of wetland habitats nationally. The woodland is dominated by alder Alnus glutinosa which has been managed in the past as a coppice together with ash Fraxinus excelsior and willow Salix spp. The drier mar…

Southerndown Coast

…mouth of Cwm Mawr is a shallow stream with extensive tufa deposits supporting a wetland community dominated by yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile and fool’s water-cress Apium nodiflorum. The nationally rare tuberous thistle Cirsium tuberosum, purpl…

Hook Common and Bartley Heath

…nglomeratus. The water ermine moth Spilosoma urticae, a rare species typical of wetland sites, is present here. Bartley Heath supports a viable colony of marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia, though periodically it has been necessary to reinforce the population with introductions…

Elmlea Meadows

…rey willow Salix cinerea and crack willow S. fragilis and contains many typical wetland species such as slender tufted sedge Carex acuta, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus and marsh marigold Caltha palustris. This is also the only known site in Gloucestershire for tufted sedge Carex e…

Wellington Wood

…i. There are several small springs and streams in the wood, with characteristic wetland species such as marsh marigold Caltha palustris, opposite leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and brooklime Veronica beccabunga.

Brasside Pond

…sh Juncus effusus and hard rush J. inflexus. The acid grassland surrounding the wetlands is dominated by common bent Agrostis capillaris and contains heath bedstraw Galium saxatile, heath milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia and tormentil Potentilla erecta, characteristic species of a…

Benburb

…. Above this PAZ 3, pine Pinus spp. pollen falls from 25% to around 15% and the wetland vegetation is supplemented by mixed deciduous forest comprising oak Quercus spp., ash Fraxinus spp. and elm Ulmus spp.. The presence of holly Ilex spp. and ivy Hedera helix, indicates that thi…

Rodbed Wood

…tudy. The wood attracts passage warblers and supports an interesting mixture of wetland and woodland breeding birds including kingfisher Alcedo atthis, greater spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker and green woodpecker and up to seven species of warbler. Redpoll Carduelis…

Woodend Loch

…ed Potamogeton filiformis. The loch is also surrounded by a variety of marginal wetland plant communities.

Grafham Water

…ands. The reservoir and marginal land support a significant variety of breeding wetland birds. More notable species recorded include little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus, gadwall Mareca strepera, shoveler A. clypeata, tufted duck Aythya fuli…

Charity Land

…y fragmented and Charity Land is one of the few intact examples on the plateau. Wetlands and marshy grasslands in these fields add to the diversity of the site. The grassland sward is dominated by a mixture of grasses, principally comprising common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet…

Sutton Lane Meadows

…dows contain important populations of two locally uncommon plant species. Small wetland areas and ancient hedgerows add to the interest. The sward has developed on gently sloping and freely draining alluvial gravel deposits laid down in the past by the nearby River Avon. These de…

Hatton's Hey Wood, Whittle's Corner and Bank Rough

…, alder Alnus glutinosa and goat willow Salix caprea are present with a typical wetland flora of yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, common reed Phragmites australis, marsh marigold Caltha palustris and great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum. Less abundant are pendulous sedge Carex pendul…

Bure Broads and Marshes

… hectares 1819.9 ac Description This nationally and internationally important wetland complex is situated on fenland peats in the flood plain of the River Bure between Wroxham and South Walsham. It forms an excellent example of unreclaimed marshland supporting a wide range of p…

Penrhynoedd Llangadwaladr

…of public disturbance which has encouraged mainland nesting by shag, whilst the wetland on Cwningar Bodowain supports a large breeding colony of lesser black-backed gulls and herring gulls.

Pagham Harbour

…ma and yellow vetch Vicia lutea are found. Pagham Harbour has a wide variety of wetland habitats. Brackish drainage ditches dissect the land where common reed Phragmites australis dominates. This forms fairly extensive swamps in some areas including the Severals to the west of th…

Norton Wood

…n widened and the waterlogged soils provide suitable conditions for a number of wetland plants including devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis, skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and marsh thistle Cirsium palustre.

Rame Head & Whitsand Bay

…revices are affected by freshwater seepages, flushes and springs. These coastal wetland habitats support the largest population of the nationally rare shore dock in mainland Britain. This extremely rare species occurs in a variety of seepage communities, including tall-herb veget…

Dowrog Common

…water rail, moorhen and coot, whilst shoveler have bred in the recent past. The wetland also supports numbers of breeding grasshopper warbler, reed bunting and sedge warbler. Otters are regular visitors, and water shrews have been recorded. Remarks: The site lies within the Pemb…

Lower Wick River

…ated just up river of Wick, Caithness. The site is nationally important for its wetland habitats which fringe the banks of the river and small islands. Areas of flood-plain fen can be found in damp ground near the river that is seasonally flooded. These areas are species-rich and…

Hythe to Calshot Marshes

…n of Southampton Water as a nationally and internationally important intertidal wetland. The occurrence of these populations of birds reflect the high densities of benthic invertebrates inhabiting the mud flats on which they mainly feed. The benthic and shallow water fauna is ric…

Gallt Llanerch - Coed Gelli-deg

… cover. In addition, species with a westerly distribution are well represented. Wetland, woodland and boundary trees support abundant old forest lichen communities. The Lobarion and pre-Lobarion are best developed on mature oak and ash along the woodland margins and in the adjace…

Esgyrn Bottom

…d European gorse Ulex europaeus and bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Several scarce wetland plants occur, including hare’s-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum, oblong-leaved sundew Drosera intermedia, white sedge Carex canescens, narrow buckler-fern Dryopteris carthusiana and royal…

Morenish Meadow

…ch lowland neutral grassland in combination with a very diverse mosaic of other wetland, heathland, grassland and rock habitats. The upper part of the site is a mosaic of rocky outcrops and marshy hollows with small basin mires, whereas the lower part comprises more uniform slopi…

Castle Eden Dene

… land slips are frequent. These become colonised by a wide range of ruderal and wetland plants in which giant horsetail Equisetum telmateia is often abundant, whilst in time willow Salix spp. scrub becomes established. At the western end of the dene is a small stand of grassland,…

Englemere Pond

…pical of base-poor conditions. The transition from open water through base-poor wetland to dry ground is an exceptionally good example of this type of habitat which is relatively scarce in the lowlands. The species present in the reed swamp include bog mosses Sphagnum spp., sunde…

Mottey Meadows

…s brown sedge Carex disticha and carnation sedge Carex panicea. A wide range of wetland herbs occur including marsh ragwort Senecio aquaticus, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa, marsh valerian Valeriana dioica and meadow thistle Cirs…

Leighton Moss

…PB reserve and has since been managed to maintain and diversify the habitats of wetland birds. There are extensive areas of open water in the reedbeds and areas of willow scrub and mixed fen vegetation. A typical and varied fen flora has developed in some parts and this shows all…

Temple Island Meadows

…th scattered wet alder carr woodland and scrub occurring in the west and south. Wetland habitats such as these have declined nationally due to agricultural improvement and drainage and few examples of these habitats are now known to exist in Buckinghamshire. The meadows support …

Sheringham and Beeston Regis Commons

…th acidic and calcareous plant communities. These spring fen areas contain many wetland plants that are now locally uncommon because of the drainage of similar areas. Dry heathland surrounds the fens and supports several species of breeding birds and reptiles. Calcareous mire com…

Heslington Tillmire

…iella inundata. The marshy grassland provides a breeding habitat for a range of wetland bird species. Up to ten species have bred in any one year including lapwing, snipe, curlew, redshank, teal, shoveler and pintail. The fact that the site is surrounded by intensively farmed ara…

Syresham Marshy Meadows

Description Two wetlands of contrasting character situated in narrow valleys drained by the upper headwaters of the river great Ouse. The northern area is a relic valley mire on shallow peat with nutrient rich marsh …

North Solent

…nlet of Thorns Marsh to the west of the Beaulieu River comprise a wide range of wetland habitats including brackish marsh, reed beds, herb rich wet meadows, alder and willow carr. The wet meadows at the head of the Dark Water, along the Stanswood Valley and in places along the sh…

Aghanloo Wood

… lower slopes. This community is charactelised by rushes, sedges and associated wetland herbs. On the drier upper slopes, surface leaching has given rise to acid grassland, with occasiona1 base-rich flushes in runne1s and seepage chmmels. In addition, Aghanloo Wood supports a ran…

Shallam Dyke Marshes, Thurne

…ogether with lack of disturbance, provides ideal nesting conditions for several wetland birds and the site is considered to be the most important area of grazing marsh for waders in Broadland. A network of clearwater drainage dykes is also present and which provide habitat for n…

Penplas Grasslands

… deciduous woodland and shallow pools. This large and varied mosaic of enclosed wetland and grassland habitats at low altitude is unusual in West Glamorgan. Notable plant species recorded at Penplas include whorled caraway Carum verticillatum, petty whin Genista anglica and royal…

Nene Washes

…ope, teal Anas crecca, pintail Anas acuta and Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus. Wetland birds such as snipe Gallinago gallinago and redshank Tringa totanus regularly breed and during passage periods there is often a large movement of waders and raptors through the area. Many of t…

Whitmoor Common

…e streams contain pond water crowfoot Ranunculus peltatus and contribute to the wetland communities at times of flooding. Birds The diverse habitats within the site, particularly the open heath and scrub, provide ideal breeding areas for characteristic heathland bird species. Amo…

Ulverscroft Valley

…ils or Charnwood Forest. These include permanent grassland, heath, woodland and wetlands. While each habitat is important on its own, the combination produces one of the best wildlife Sites in Leicestershire. The wet grasslands have no equivalent in the County. Over 200 plant spe…

Newbald Becksies

…slope. The site is important as one of the best remaining examples of flush and wetland communities in north Humberside where such habitats are rare. The base rich flush communities associated with the spring line are dominated by several mosses including Scorpidium revolvens, Ca…

Joe's Pond

… relatively few areas of open water in eastern Durham. It supports a variety of wetland habitats including open water and reed swamp, with small areas of herb rich fen, tall fen and willow carr. The pond is fringed by reed mace Typha latifolia, locally with grey club rush Schoeno…

Holme Pit

…a and reed sweet grass Glyceria maxima. The marsh contains a great diversity of wetland plant species including marsh marigold Caltha palustris, valerian Valeriana officinalis, meadow rue Thalictrum flavum and tubular water dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa. This community continues we…

Blackdike Bog

…the south west corner is the rise sudden. Blackdike Bog is a combination of two wetland types, acid bog characteristic of northern uplands and a peat land similar to the fens of lowland Britain but rare in north west England and the best example known in east Cumbria. The edge of…

Attermire

…of limited extent in the Yorkshire Dales. The mire supports a rich community of wetland plants and is dissected by a series of ditches, some of which are of additional interest for aquatic and emergent plant species. The mire comprises of mosaic plant communities, the species com…

Wolborough Fen

Wolborough Fen SSSI Description This site contains examples of various wetland communities that are rare in south-west England. It is particularly notable as the last remaining site of the greater fen-sedge Cladium mariscus in Devon, for the presence of an extensive stan…

Sleightholme Beck Gorge - The Troughs

…mmularium. There are numerous flushes with carpets of mosses and liverworts and wetland plants such as mossy saxifrage Saxifraga hypnoides, marsh hawk’s beard Crepis paludosa, marsh valerian Valeriana dioica and opposite leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium toget…

Decoy Pit , Pools & Woods

…c of shallow pools, a pond, heathland and scrub. The area supports many typical wetland plants with bulrush Typha latifolia and common spike rush Eleocharis palustris, as well as locally scarce species including marsh speedwell Veronica scutellata. Drier areas are dominated by h…

Rhos Garth-fawr

…extensive areas that are dominated by sharp-flowered rush with a range of other wetland plants including common marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, marsh violet Viola palustris, common sedge Carex nigra, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, marsh cinquefoil C…

Brookheys Covert

…s type is uncommon in G.M.C. and the site contains a wide range of woodland and wetland habitats which make it the most diverse example in the county. Its close proximity to a heavily populated area makes Brookheys Covert a valuable educational site. Pedunculate oak is the princi…

Buchan Hill Ponds

…on acid Tunbridge Wells sands. A nationally uncommon woodland type occupies the wetlands around the ponds and the site supports a rich dragonfly fauna which includes two particularly notable species. The ponds were formed by damming two streams and were used in the past by local …

Castle Acre Common

…s. The marshy conditions provide suitable nesting sites for several species of wetland birds. The waterlogged soils in the valley bottom support a marshy grassland flora dominated by a variety of species including marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata…

Mattersey Hill Marsh

…rface and constitutes one of the most extensive and species rich communities of wetland mosses and liverworts recorded in Nottinghamshire; six species of bog mosses Sphagnum spp. have been recorded. Additional interest is provided by the occurrence of areas of willow Salix spp. c…

Old River Bed, Shrewsbury

…gh differing in its mode of origin, the Old River Bed is complementary to other wetland sites in North Shropshire. Most of the site is dominated by lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis. Other areas are dominated by common reed Phragmites australis, great reed mace Typha latifolia …

Peatlands Park

…he area is of special scientific interest because of its woodland, peatland and wetland flora and fauna. Peatlands Park consists of a number of low, wooded drumlins, interspersed with a series of broad, flat plains covered by acid fen and peatland, and the open waters of Derryadd…

West End Meadow, Lunds

…d calcareous banks adds diversity to the vegetation. The damp gulleys support a wetland community which includes northern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella, marsh hawk's beard Crepis paludosa, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris, marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre and wood horse…

Sawbridgeworth Marsh

…neutral alluvium of the River Stort's narrow food plain here supports a diverse wetland flora. The habitat grades from reed bed and tall mixed fen communities through acid marshy grassland dominated by rushes, to neutral grassland on drier sloping ground. Botanical diversity is m…

Tattershall Old Gravel Pits

…ose liverwort Riccia fluitans. Associated with the marginal reed beds is a rich wetland flora comprising cyperus sedge Carex pseudocyperus, greater pond sedge Carex riparia, water dock Rumex hydrolapathum, lesser reed mace Typha angustifolia and greater spearwort Ranunculus lingu…

Cors Lawnt

Description This wetland site, situated in a depression in the hills above Dolanog at an altitude of about 290 metres, consists of a valley mire merging into a poor-fen. The site supports a rich and diverse flora, pas…

Summerhill Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters of the lough and the surrounding marginal vegetation lying within County Fermanagh. Physiographical interest of this largely spring-fed lough is re…

Llyn Hafodol and Cors Clegyrog

Description This site comprises two wetland basins situated very near to one another in north Anglesey; they are of biological interest, principally as examples of lowland mire habitat types. Cors Clegyrog is an acidic basin mire with a…

Maes y Grug

…servation and agriculture including the creation of water bodies and associated wetland features for the benefit of wildlife. The water bodies at Maes y Grug support one of the largest known populations of the great crested newt in north east Wales. Torch night counts undertaken …

South Thames Estuary and Marshes

…the dotted fan foot moth Macrochilo cribrumalis, all of which are restricted to wetland, estuarine or grazing marsh habitats. The water beetle fauna is of particular interest and includes four species of Bagous aquatic weevils, three species of Berosus and the great silver water-…

Brothers Water

…of the breeding bird community which includes a variety of upland, woodland and wetland species. Breeding species include teal, red breasted merganser, snipe, dipper, common sandpiper and coot. Aquatic invertebrates of note include a leech Erpobdella testacea, rarely recorded in …

Chapel Down (St. Martin's)

…grass Danthonia decumbens and marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris occur in the wetland habitat at Coldwind Pit. Small areas of maritime grassland occur along the coastal edge where thrift Armeria maritime is common together with sea beet Beta vulgaris sp maritima, sorrel Rumex a…

Cairnleith Moss

…d acid grassland communities. There are very few such large areas of unimproved wetland and heath areas remaining in lowland Perth & Kinross.

Ritec Fen

… the north side of the river Ritec between Tenby and St Florence. The mosaic of wetland habitats consisting of swamp, tall-herb fen, alder and willow carr and wet meadows is the largest relict of the fen that once occupied the upper reaches of the former Ritec Estuary. Extensive …

Mound Alderwoods

…est of Golspie. The wet woodland, saline lagoon and the breeding birds that the wetland habitats support are of national importance. Wet Woodland The alder woodland developed after the inner part of Loch Fleet was enclosed by the Mound embankment in 1816. It is one of the best ex…

Chilbolton Common

…siflora. The Site of Special Scientific Interest supports a number of breeding wetland birds, including snipe, redshank and lapwing on Chilbolton common and grasshopper warbler, reed warbler and sedge warbler in the surrounding fen / riparian habitats.

Hatfield Chase Ditches

Description Hatfield Chase is a large area of former marsh and wetland at the head of the Humber Estuary between Doncaster and Scunthorpe. The land has been extensively drained for agriculture, and is now split by a complex network of ditches. These ditches retai…

High Lickbarrow Mires and Pastures

…chool Knott 213 metres and Grandsire 244 metres, this mosaic of open fell mires wetlands and enclosed unimproved pastures is important as one of the few remaining areas of farmland within South Cumbria that has escaped agricultural intensification in the modern sense and therefor…

Glen Lochay Woods

… stylifera and fungus gnat Mycomya griseovittata which utilise the woodland and wetland habitats within the SSSI. Several beetle species which are restricted to ancient woodland, such as Elateroides dermestoides, also occur within the SSSI highlighting the long established nature…

Brading Marshes to St. Helen's Ledges

…ded sedge Carex divisa. Brading Marshes as a whole exhibits great diversity of wetland habitats, which support a wide range of aquatic and semi aquatic plants. The ditches and ponds are of particular interest including the nationally scarce brackish water crowfoot Ranunculus bau…

Achanalt Marshes

… extensive semi-natural flood plain habitats supporting a diverse assemblage of wetland breeding birds. Mesotrophic loch Loch Achanalt is a good example of a neutral and moderately nutrient-rich water body. Open water plants include the commonly occurring isoetids (small, submerg…

Balloch Moss

…en modified to some extent by past peat digging but still supports a variety of wetland plant communities. These range from bottle-sedge Carex rostrata dominated swamp in the wettest areas to a drier community characterised by sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and sedges s…

Finemere Wood

…ood. Further diversity is provided by the River Ray which supports a number of wetland plants along its banks. These areas support a wide variety of insects and other animals. Butterflies have been well recorded and include dingy and grizzled skippers, common blue, orange tip, …

Cleaves Wood

…ris, jointed rush Juncus articulatus and fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica. Other wetland plants include ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi, creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia, marsh bedstraw Galium palustre and water mint Mentha aquatica. The habitat diversity and naturalness of t…

Mynydd Epynt

…ncludes many springs, which supply water of varying nutrient status. Spring-fed wetlands occur throughout the site. These are largely dominated by rushes Juncus spp. and purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea, with patches of willow Salix spp. scrub and alder Alnus glutinosa woodland…

Pipershill Common

…occur within the site, the last supporting a small population of characteristic wetland plants such as reed mace Typha latifolia, yellow waterlily Nuphar lutea and broadleaved pondweed Potamogeton natans. The area is one of the most notable in this part of the West Midlands for f…

Raisby Hill Grassland

…scription Raisby Hill Grassland comprises a small abandoned quarry, an area of wetland, the embankment of a tributary of Coxhoe Beck and part of the original land surface of Raisby Hill. This last area is of particular importance, since it is here that examples of primary Magnes…

Woolhampton Reed Bed

…the roots of butterbur Petasites spp. Woolhampton Reed Bed is also an important wetland site for flies Diptera. Over 160 species have been recorded. Uncommon or locally distributed species include two craneflies Tipula couckei and T. montium and three hoverflies Platycheirus fulv…

Sweetbriar Road Meadows, Norwich

…ensum Valley close to Norwich. It forms the best remaining example of a type of wetland habitat which at one time was more widely occurring in the river valleys of east Norfolk but which has been lost or progressively altered in post war years due to drainage and agricultural imp…

Marlbank

…n edge. This varied landscape supports a range of habitats including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, peatlands and rivers. The geology and the physical variation of Marlbank, in addition to other factors such as climate and the maintenance of traditional farming practices have h…

Badgeworth

…eal conditions for adder's tongue spearwort which is here associated with other wetland species such as water forget-me-not Myosotis sp., marsh foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus, floating sweet grass Glyceria fluitans and common spike rush Eleocharis palustris. The two fields of per…

Barton Hills

…he coombe feeding a chalk stream which runs along the valley floor and adding a wetland element to the outstanding flora of this site. Variations in aspect slope together with intensity of grazing in past management have produced a range of conditions from very short turf to long…

Wentbridge Ings

…rsh has damp grassland on its periphery. The marsh supports a good diversity of wetland plant species. Of particular note is the occurrence of bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata and southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. Brown sedge Carex disticha, star sedge and carnation s…

Dunsland Park

…d a bristly millipede Polyxenus lagurus. The carr supports a rich assemblage of wetland flies including Palloptera scutellata, which is nationally scarce, Sepedon spinipes, Tetanocera hyalipennis, Trigometopus frontalis and the nationally scarce slender ground hopper Tetrix subul…

Langmead and Weston Level

…d wild carrot Daucus carota. Field ditches and rhynes contain a rich variety of wetland plants both in the water and on the banks. Species in the watercourses include Pondweeds Potamogeton spp and Water starworts Callitriche spp with the floating species frogbit Hydrocharis morsu…

Hetton Bogs

…esian Limestone escarpment. This is one of only two sites known to contain such wetland communities in the Tyne Tees area. Constituents of the herb rich fen include great hairy willow herb Epilobium hirsutum, reed grass Phalaris arundinacea and marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre,…

Knockballymore Lough

…ea is of special scientific interest because of its physiography and associated wetland flora and fauna. It includes the open waters of the lough and the surrounding marginal vegetation. Physiographical interest of this largely spring-fed lough is related to the presence of calci…

The Carrs

…the grassland and both hawthorn and willows Salix spp. are encroaching into the wetland areas.

Lough Anierin

…e reed bed margin of the lough provides cover, foraging and nesting habitat for wetland birds such as the reclusive water rail Rallus aquaticus. Evidence of the presence of otter Lutra lutra in the form of spraint markings are present. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/lo…

Baston and Thurlby Fens

…ed as a washland. Flooded borrow pits and associated marsh support a variety of wetland plant communities and an outstanding assemblage of dragonflies and damselflies. The Counter Drain contains an exceptionally rich aquatic flora and represents an important stronghold of the spi…

Cors Nantcwnlle

…ith hare’s-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum. Poor-fen describes a range of wetland habitats founded on peat which are irrigated by water poor in nutrients. At Cors Nantcwnlle these communities are dominated by various species of Sphagnum (chiefly Sphagnum recurvum and S. fim…

Fardrum and Roosky Turloughs

…hilonthus corvinus which is rare across the whole of its range. In total, these wetlands have contributed records of nine beetles that are new to Fermanagh. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/fardrum-and-roosky-turloughs-assi

Outer Ards

…ively widespread, although most have rather limited distributions. They include wetland plants from intertidal muds eelgrass Zostera marina and narrow leaved eelgrass Z. angustifolia, saltmarshes sea purslane Atriplex portulacoides, lax flowered sea lavender Limonium humile, salt…

Lingfield Cernes

…ub, great reed mace Typha latifolia and water cress Nasturtium microphylla. The wetland fauna includes kingfisher, good colonies of the banded agrion damselfly Calopteryx splendens and the white legged damselfly Platycnemis pennipes.

Llynnau y Fali - Valley Lakes

…eneye. The vegetation more over also provides breeding habitat for a variety of wetland birds.

Portmore Lough

… lough, a satellite water body of Lough Neagh, is an important component of the wetland area used by wintering waterfowl visiting the Lough Neagh Basin. Portmore Lough regularly holds nationally important numbers of three species of waterfowl; pochard Aythya ferina 3.6% of the Ir…

Mill Lough

…hic standing waters The lough is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Mill Lough, a satellite water body of Upper Lough Erne, is a large inter-drumlin lake with a species-rich assemblage of aquatic plants. It displays a well-developed transition…

Sarratt Bottom

…ser pond sedge Carex acutiformis. The site provides a habitat for a variety of wetland birds and a wide range of invertebrate species. Additional interest is provided by the presence of mature hedgehogs.

The Swale

… meadow pipit Anthus pratensis and yellow wagtail Motacilla flava and among the wetland birds mallard Anas platyrhynchos, shelduck Tadorna tadorna, coot Fulica atra, moorhen Gallinula chloropus, lapwing Vanellus vanellus and redshank Tringa totanus. Scarcer breeding birds include…

Fair Head and Murlough Bay

…s swamp and fen is approximately two hectares in extent and supports a range of wetland plants. Although the lough itself is relatively eutrophic due to past management, the fen communities have largely retained their interest. The vegetation is dominated by purple moor grass Mol…

Basingstoke Canal

…main line of the canal and its extensions or 'flashes'; an additional 16 native wetland species have been recorded on the Canal system since 1986, Of the 90 plants recorded in 1992 and 1993, five are nationally scarce* being river water dropwort Oenanthe fluviatilis, the pondweed…

Berrow Dunes

…bee orchid Ophrys apifera. A small number of dune slacks occur. These support a wetland flora with marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, wild celery Apium graveolens, parsley water dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii, common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, marsh helleborine Epipactis pa…

Whiteparish Common

… giganteus are also present. Streams, with meanders, pools and riffles, support wetland species such as marsh marigold Caltha palustris, hemlock water dropwort Oenanthe crocata, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and water avens Geum rivale. A small section of ride supports hea…

Beauly Firth

…also provide a good example of the transition from mudflat and saltmarsh to the wetland and terrestrial habitats comprising common reed Phragmites australis and bulrush Typha latifolia swamp, through to fen and willow scrub and alder carr. Vascular plants The SSSI supports a wide…

Eden Gorge

…ithin the eastern part of Cumbria. Areas of grassland, heath, scrub and flushed wetland add to the diversity of habitats and, coupled with the proximity of the River Eden, greatly increase the richness and value of the site for animal life. Sessile oak birch woodland with and in …

St Leonards and St Ives Heaths

… tailed damselfly Ischnura pumilio which are both nationally scarce. The heath wetlands also support several nationally rare and scarce beetles Coleoptera. Among the scarce species are the scavenger water beetles Enochrus affinis and Helochares punctatus and the rare long toed w…

King's Quay Shore

…ish area. The fossil flora collectable here reflects the changes which affected wetland vegetation in this area during the late Eocene. The sequence of flora here and the palaeo botanical / palaeo environmental information it reveals is unrivalled elsewhere in rocks of this age.

Flitwick Moor

… is a remnant of a eutrophic nutrient rich, valley mire and the largest area of wetland in Bedfordshire. Nationally this is a habitat that has become increasingly uncommon especially in south east England where it is most characteristic. The moor is renowned for both its flora an…

Puxton Marshes

…and a number of silted up ditches which dissect the site supporting a number of wetland plants such as floating sweetgrass Glyceria fluitans and water cress Nasturtium officinale. These are lined with old pollards of crack willow and alders. The site attracts many birds and is pa…

Upper Teesdale

…he Conservation of Wild Birds and part is proposed for inclusion in the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. 6. Parts of the site are listed in 'A Nature Conservation Review' edited by D A Ratcliffe 1977, Cambridge University Press. 7. Parts…

Coed Lletywalter

…ppositifolium and panicled sedge Carex paniculata. A small lake has a range of wetland plants with stands of bottle sedge Carex rostrata, common club-rush Schoenoplectus lacustris and marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre. The wood is ungrazed and tree regeneration is more than adeq…

Kiltubbrid Loughs

…te assemblage Fens The area is of special scientific interest because of its wetland flora and fauna. Kiltubbrid Loughs are two adjoining inter-drumlin loughs; which have developed over the underlying Carboniferous Lower Limestone rock. They contain a wide variety of habitats …

Corsydd Llangloffan

Description Corsydd Llangloffan is of special interest for the range of wetland vegetation types including wet woodland, fen and swamp, and for its assemblages of epiphytic lichens and peatland invertebrates, and for its populations of otter Lutra lutra, bullhead Cottus g…

Ennerdale

…us woodland with important lichen and bryophyte communities and a small area of wetland at the lake head. Ennerdale Water is an important example of a nutrient poor lake and in Cumbria is second only to Wastwater for its low productivity. It is relatively undisturbed and supports…

Wraysbury & Hythe End Gravel Pits

… with an important assemblage of breeding birds associated with open waters and wetland habitats. In addition the site supports two nationally scarce invertebrates and a number of locally uncommon plants. The site, which incorporates four former gravel pits, lies within the flood…

Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Commons

…at, including Tarn Hows SSSI, Ludderburn and Candlestick Mires SSSI and Winster Wetlands SSSI. Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Commons complements these sites by displaying larger and more diverse examples over an extensive area of fell. Two of the valley mire communities, …

Dee Estuary / Aber Afon Dyfrdwy

…Dee Estuary has been designated as a Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands of International Importance and as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive (79/409) in July 1985. A number of nature reserves are managed within the site.

Pevensey Levels

…de variety of form and species composition and support important communities of wetland flora and fauna. The site supports one nationally rare and several nationally scarce aquatic plants and many nationally rare invertebrates. Ornithologically, the site is of national importance…

Gweunydd Blaencleddau

…ice age. The vegetation generally comprises a diverse mix of sedges, mosses and wetland herbs. Bottle sedge Carex rostrata, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre and the bog moss Sphagnum teres are typically abundant in these communities. Extensive area…

Stodmarsh

Area, 604.4 ha. 1493.4 ac. Description This wetland site located in the Stour valley contains a wide range of habitats including open water, extensive reedbeds, scrub and alder carr which together support a rich flora and fauna. The vegetation …

Upton Broad & Marshes

…hich lies in the middle Bure Valley forms an outstanding example of unreclaimed wetland and grazing marsh. Because of its isolated position and freedom from direct riverine influences the complementary habitats of open water, fen, carr woodland and marsh dyke represent a unique e…

Slaidhills Moss

…ch) flush enters the moss from the south-west end and the surrounding lime-rich wetland supports mosses of the “brown moss” group. These include intermediate hook-moss Scorpidium cossonii, chalk comb-moss Ctenidium molluscum, yellow starry feather-moss Campylium stellatum and les…

Lough Cowey

… south of the lough which provides cover, foraging and nesting habitat for both wetland birds such as moorhen Gallinula chloropus and the reclusive water rail Rallus aquaticus and small passerines including sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and more notably Reed rarbler Ac…

River Idle Washlands

…a which has also colonised the internal drains although, locally, a more varied wetland plant community occurs which includes such plant species as meadow rue Thalictrum flavum. There are occasional stands of common reed Phragmites australis notably between an artificial scrape a…

Eigg - Cleadale

…edge are particularly abundant. This is one of the largest and richest areas of wetland on Eigg and is a habitat type uncommon in Lochaber. On the slopes below the cliffs and along the cliff top a mosaic of habitats includes areas of calcareous grassland which support a wide rang…

Moss Valley Meadows

…rable and pasture fields with many old hedgerows, woodlands, green lanes, small wetland areas, ditches and water courses. The site comprises three separate sections, all on north facing slopes. The soils of the meadows are neutral to acidic with many areas of flushing. The meadow…

Dinefwr Estate

…datum, opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and other wetland herbs occur along the flush lines. One of the flushes exhibits tufa development and supports the nationally scarce craneflies Pilaria fuscipennis and Diogma glabrata and the soldier fly Oxycer…

Poole Harbour

…on as a Special Protection Area under the European Community Directive and as a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention. The site incorporates the Arne Reed beds National Nature Reserve and the shorelines of the Studland and Godlingston heaths National Nat…

Big Pool & Browarth Point(St Agnes)

…ra and moorhen Gallinula chloropus breed at Big Pool. This is also an important wetland feeding site for birds on passage and supports small flocks of wintering wildfowl, especially mallard, wigeon Mareca penelope and pochard Aythya ferina.

Lewes Brooks

…uatic vegetation. Some species are not strictly aquatic, but depend on emergent wetland plants, such as Scirtes orbicularis and Carpelimus subtilis. Some ditches draining arable fields have been included in the site as they are the only locality in south east England of the rare …

Milton Loch

…, Oulimnius troglodytes and Gyrinus aeratus. The site also contains a number of wetland habitats including willow carr of grey willow Salix cinerea and sallow Salix caprea. The marsh area contains globeflower Trollius europaeus.

Prees Branch Canal

Description A disused canal which has a variety of wetland habitats and a rich flora and fauna, and which demonstrates a range of successional stages. Much of the site consists of reed swamp dominated by reed grass Glyceria maxima, lesser pond sedge C…

Peeswit Moss

…the drier areas. Much of the bog is surrounded by surface-water fed lagg fen or wetland areas, a typical feature of fully intact bogs. Such intact raised bogs are uncommon in the Central Lowlands and this example is of particular interest due to both the extent and relatively unm…

Laughton Common

… flora is Cornicularia aculeata, a lichen of limited occurrence in the county. Wetland plant communities typify lower lying areas where impeded or channelled drainage leads to a prominence of shallow standing water. Open peaty pools of water or 'holes' dominated by bulbous rush …

Frisby Marsh

…ative of marsh in central England. Biology Frisby Marsh comprises a complex of wetland habitats, grassland and woodland Spring fed marshes have formed on both sides of a small ash wood. These marshes are dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus, blunt flowered rush Juncus subnodulo…

Glen Fender Meadows

… birch woodland and scrub regeneration, neutral grasslands and various forms of wetland, creates an exceptionally diverse area for a wide range of species especially vascular plants and bryophytes but also snails, moths and butterflies. The site is outstanding for two plant speci…

Vallay

…inland from salt marsh to brackish water and freshwater marshes and fens. These wetlands are relatively lightly grazed, mainly by cattle, and support unusual marsh plants such as long-bracted sedge Carex extensa and distant sedge Carex distans. Lesser marshwort Apium inundatum an…

Lower Test Valley

…ants have been recorded for the site as a whole. The site is also important for wetland breeding birds and as a wader and duck feeding and roosting ground. The reed beds support large breeding populations of reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and sedge warbler A. schoenobaenus.…

Thompson Water, Carr and Common

…ound the margins of depressions and in seasonally dry hollows a wide variety of wetland habitats has developed. Where water level fluctuations are most marked marsh pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris and mints Mentha aquatica and M. arvensis characterize a low growing community subje…

Railway Stell West

…s the only ditch known to support a typical fenland flora in the once extensive wetland of Bradbury, Morden and Preston Carrs. This ditch exhibits a range of community types including open water, tail fen and tall herb maintained by occasional ditch clearance. Open water communit…

Tower More

…erse topography and soil hydrology at Tower More has enabled a complex range of wetland habitats to develop. Often these differences in habitat are evident over quite small areas and locally form mosaics of semi-natural habitat types, including species-rich rush pasture, fen mead…

Aghanaglack

…s and common marsh bedstraw Galium palustre. Dooletter Lough is a more complex wetland with an array of swamp and fen communities reflecting the surrounding environmental conditions. The fen is relatively species-rich with a characteristic sedge component of white sedge Carex cu…

Wytham Ditches and Flushes

…rwort Ranunculus lingua in the county, together with a number of other uncommon wetland species, notably brookweed Samolus valerandi, water violet Hottonia palustris, narrow leaved water plantain Alisma lanceolatum, tubular water dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa and creeping Jenny Lys…

Attenborough Gravel Pits

… which display transitions illustrating the natural successional development of wetland vegetation. Extraction of sand and gravel dating from the 1930s has left extensive areas of open water which are prone to seasonal fluctuations in water level. The more sheltered shallower mar…

Severn Estuary

…designated a Special Protection Area under the ‘EEC Wild Birds Directive’ and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention

Tetney Blow Wells

…low wells in the area but also the agricultural reclamation of their associated wetland habitats. The water plant communities of the blow wells are characterised by common duckweed Lemna minor, ivy leaved duckweed L. trisulca, stoneworts Chara spp. and common water starwort Call…

Stourvale Marsh

…impeded drainage remain wet for most of the year. The site contains a number of wetland habitats: i. damp grassland, with abundant tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa and marsh foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus; ii. tall fen dominated by meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria with abu…

Kingcup Meadows and Oldhouse Wood

… wet grassland and areas of fen and swampy vegetation. Unimproved grassland and wetland habitats have declined nationally as a result of agricultural improvement and are now very scarce within the county of Buckinghamshire. Oldhouse Wood has been managed in the past as coppice w…

Bentley Priory

… of unimproved neutral grassland, ancient and long established woodland, scrub, wetland and open water. This combination of habitats is uncommon in Greater London. Several plant species which are rare or scarcein Greater London are present and the site supports a characteristic b…

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