Coulters Dean
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SU747190 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 2.21 | 2014-09-30 |
Geology & landscape
Rock Type: Chalk
Description
Area, 1.91 hectares 2.69 ac Description Coulters Dean is a small area of chalk grassland on a west facing fold in the South Downs escarpment and is of considerable scientific interest because a its flora has been recorded at intervals since 1914; b its flora and invertebrate fauna are very rich compared with that of the generally north facing escarpment of the South Downs. The flora includes remarkably large populations of horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa, rampion Phyteuma orbiculare, clustered bellflower Campanula glomerata and other species characteristic of ancient chalk grassland. At least 11 species of orchids occur. There is a diverse invertebrate especially butterfly fauna for the size of the site, including a population of the nationally rare Duke of Burgundy fritillary Hamearis lucina.
Species mentioned
Show the 4 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke of Burgundy | Hamearis lucina | VU | butterfly | riodinidae |
| clustered bellflower | Campanula glomerata | VU | herb | campanulaceae |
| horseshoe vetch | Hippocrepis comosa | VU | herb | fabaceae |
| round headed rampion | Phyteuma orbiculare | LC | herb | campanulaceae |