Draycott Sleights

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 51.2629, -2.7429

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (2)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
ST481520 Favourable 22.52 2011-07-22
ST483516 Favourable 40.23 2011-07-12

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Carboniferous · Rock Type: Carboniferous Limestone, Conglomerate, Limestone

Description

Area, 61.95 hectares 153.08 ac Description Draycott Sleights supports extensive areas of traditionally managed species rich unimproved calcareous grassland. Additional interest lies in a rich invertebrate fauna. The site is situated on steep south west facing slopes of the Mendip Hills and ranges in altitude from 90m to 270m. There is a complex relationship between the geology and soils of Draycott Sleights. Burrington Oolite, Black Rock Limestone and Dolomitic Conglomerate strata of Carboniferous Limestone age are present. However, there is considerable evidence to suggest that a significant fraction of the soil is made up of wind blown silt loess which not only originates from outside the Mendips, but which is also not derived from Carboniferous Limestone. As a consequence, it seems that shallow brown rankers of the Crwbin Series have developed over most of the site with finer silty soils of the Nordrach series confined to the higher area.165 species of flowering plant have been recorded to date. The areas of calcareous grassland are dominated by upright brome Bromus erectus with common bent Agrostis capillaris, quaking grass Briza media, crested hair grass Koeleria macrantha, sheep's fescue Festuca ovina and downy oat grass Avenula pubescens occurring frequently. glaucous sedge Carex flacca and spring sedge Carex caryophyllea are abundant. Herbs typical of this type of grassland include squinancywort Asperula cynanchica, common rose Helianthemum nummularium, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, wild thyme Thymus praecox, yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor, field scabious Knautia arvensis, common centaury Centaurium erythraea, kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria, devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis and horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa. pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, early purple orchid Orchis mascula and greater butterfly orchid Platanthera chlorantha also occur. Flatter areas at the northern end of the site support a different calcareous grassland community dominated by sheep's fescue and meadow oat grass Avenula pratensis. red fescue Festuca rubra, yellow oat grass Trisetum flavescens, quaking grass and crested hair grass also occur. Herbs of interest include dwarf thistle Cirsium acaule, salad burnet Poterium sanguisorba, purging flax Linum catharticum, small scabious Scabiosa columbaria and burnet saxifrade Pimpinella saxifraga. green winged orchid Anacamptis morio is a notable component of this community. Scattered scrub of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, bramble Rubus fruticosus and gorse Ulex europaeus is widespread. A small area of immature secondary woodland dominated by hawthorn and ash Fraxinus excelsior with common whitebeam Sorbus aria, elder Sambucus nigra and dogwood Cornus sanguinea is present. The varied topography together with the widespread scrub provide a number of locations with ideal conditions for invertebrates. Draycott Sleights supports a rich butterfly fauna typical of unimproved calcareous grassland. 32 species of resident breeding butterfly have been recorded to date. The occurrence of Adonis blue Polyommatus bellargus, silver studded blue Plebejus argus and Cupido minimus is of particular interest. Two nationally scarce species of fly, Symphoromyia immaculata and Bombylius canescens and one nationally scarce species of ant, Myrmica schencki have been recorded for this site.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
small blue Cupido minimus NT butterfly lycaenidae
silver studded blue Plebejus argus VU butterfly lycaenidae
Adonis blue Polyommatus bellargus VU butterfly lycaenidae
common bent Agrostis capillaris LC grass poaceae
meadow oat grass Avenula pratensis Not listed in GB list grass poaceae
downy oat grass Avenula pubescens LC grass poaceae
quaking grass Briza media VU grass poaceae
upright brome Bromus erectus Not listed in GB list grass poaceae
sheep's fescue Festuca ovina LC grass poaceae
red fescue Festuca rubra LC grass poaceae
crested hair-grass Koeleria macrantha NT grass poaceae
yellow oat grass Trisetum flavescens LC grass poaceae
green-winged orchid Anacamptis morio NT herb orchidaceae
pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis LC herb orchidaceae
lady's fingers (kidney vetch) Anthyllis vulneraria NT herb fabaceae
squinancywort Asperula cynanchica VU herb rubiaceae
harebell Campanula rotundifolia LC herb campanulaceae
common centuary Centaurium erythraea LC herb gentianaceae
dwarf thistle Cirsium acaule VU herb asteraceae
rock roses Helianthemum nummularium VU herb cistaceae
horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa VU herb fabaceae
field scabious Knautia arvensis LC herb caprifoliaceae
fairy flax Linum catharticum LC herb linaceae
early purple orchid Orchis mascula LC herb orchidaceae
burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga NT herb apiaceae
greater butterfly orchid Platanthera chlorantha NT herb orchidaceae
salad burnet Poterium sanguisorba VU herb rosaceae
yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor DD herb orobanchaceae
bramble Rubus fruticosus LC herb rosaceae
small scabious Scabiosa columbaria LC herb caprifoliaceae
devils-bit scabious Succisa pratensis VU herb caprifoliaceae
creeping thyme Thymus praecox Not listed in GB list herb lamiaceae
spring-sedge Carex caryophyllea NT sedge cyperaceae
glaucus sedge Carex flacca LC sedge cyperaceae
dogwood Cornus sanguinea LC shrub cornaceae
hawthorn Crataegus monogyna LC shrub rosaceae
elder Sambucus nigra LC shrub caprifoliaceae
gorse Ulex europaeus LC shrub leguminosae
ash Fraxinus excelsior LC tree oleaceae
whitebeams Sorbus aria CR tree rosaceae

Plant communities

CG9 — Limestone pavement, Lowland calcareous grassland, Upland calcareous grassland

Sesleria albicans-Galium sterneri grassland

Matches 18 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Anthyllis vulneraria, Asperula cynanchica, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Hippocrepis comosa, Koeleria macrantha, Linum catharticum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Poterium sanguisorba, Scabiosa columbaria, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Carex capillaris, Carex caryophyllea, Carex eragrostis, Carex flacca, Carex hostiana, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Kobresia simpliciuscula, Selaginella selaginoides, Rhodobryum roseum, Dicranum scoparium, Ditrichum flexicaule, Fissidens dubius, Encalypta streptocarpa, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium lanuginosum, Ctenidium molluscum, Homalothecium lutescens, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Neckera crispa, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Rhytidium rugosum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Tortella tortuosa, Barbilophozia barbata, Blepharostoma trichophyllum, Frullania tamarisci, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila asplenioides, Scapania aspera, Tritomaria quinquedentata, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia rangiformis, Cornicularia aculeata, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria dioica, Bellis perennis, Carlina vulgaris, Cirsium vulgare, Leontodon hispidus, Pilosella officinarum, Taraxacum officianalis, Myosotis alpestris, Cochlearia alpina, Draba incana, Campanula rotundifolia, Scabiosa columbaria, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Minuartia verna, Parnassia palustris, Helianthemum oelandicum icanum, Sedum acre, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Gentiana verna, Gentianella amarella, Hypericum pulchrum, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Epipactis atrorubens, Euphrasia confusa, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica officinalis, Polygala vulgaris, Polygonum viviparum, Primula farinosa, Primula vulgaris, Thalictrum minus, Dryas octopetala, Potentilla erecta, Potentilla tabernaemontani, Poterium sanguisorba, Asperula cynanchica, Galium sterneri, Galium verum, Saxifraga hypnoides, Viola hirta, Viola riviniana, Viola rupestris, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pratensis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Sesleria caerulea

CG10 — Brownfield, Limestone pavement, Upland calcareous grassland

Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Thymus praecox grassland

Matches 12 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Koeleria macrantha, Linum catharticum, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Empetrum nigrum, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex demissa, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Selaginella selaginoides, Breutelia chrysocoma, Bryum pallens, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum scoparium, Ditrichum flexicaule, Fissidens adianthoides, Fissidens osmundoides, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Tortella tortuosa, Frullania tamarisci, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila asplenioides, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania undulata, Cetraria islandica, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria dioica, Bellis perennis, Cirsium palustre, Hieraclium spp., Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Solidago virgaurea, Cardamine pratensis, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Silene acaulis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Lathyrus montanus, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Gentianella campestris, Hypericum pulchrum, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Euphrasia confusa, Euphrasia officinalis, Euphrasia scottica, Oxalis acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica officinalis, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Thalictrum alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Alchemilla glabra, Alchemilla wichurae, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Potentilla crantzii, Potentilla erecta, Potentilla sterilis, Rubus idaeus, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Galium sterneri, Galium verum, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Aira praecox, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Poa pratensis, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Botrychium lunaria, Thelypteris limbosperma

CG13 — Limestone pavement, Upland calcareous grassland

Dryas octopetala-Carex flacca heath

Matches 12 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Anthyllis vulneraria, Avenula pratensis, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Koeleria macrantha, Linum catharticum, Orchis mascula, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Salix repens, Empetrum nigrum, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Juniperus communis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Rubus saxatilis, Carex flacca, Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex rupestris, Schoenus nigricans, Luzula campestris, Selaginella selaginoides, Breutelia chrysocoma, Dicranum scoparium, Ditrichum flexicaule, Fissidens dubius, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Ctenidium molluscum, Entodon concinnus, Homalothecium lutescens, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Loeskeobryum brevirostre, Neckera complanata, Neckera crispa, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Rhytidium rugosum, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Tortella tortuosa, Frullania tamarisci, Plagiochila asplenioides, Scapania undulata, Cladonia rangiformis, Solorina saccata, Daucus carota, Antennaria dioica, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Hypochaeris radicata, Jacobaea vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Solidago virgaurea, Taraxacum officianalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lathyrus montanus, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Gentianella amarella, Hypericum pulchrum, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Epipactis atrorubens, Neottia ovata, Orchis mascula, Euphrasia confusa, Euphrasia officinalis, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Plantago media, Polygala serpyllifolia, Polygonum viviparum, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Dryas octopetala, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Saxifraga aizoides, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Festuca vivipara, Koeleria macrantha, Molinia caerulea, Polystichum aculeatum

U4 — Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland acid grassland, Upland calcareous grassland

Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland

Matches 10 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex caryophyllea, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Poterium sanguisorba, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Lophocolea bidentata, Conopodium majus, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Taraxacum officianalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Lathyrus montanus, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Thymus praecox, Euphrasia officinalis, Oxalis acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Veronica officinalis, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla erecta, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola lutea, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Lolium perenne, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta

CG11 — Upland calcareous grassland

Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Alchemilla alpina grass-heath

Matches 9 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Linum catharticum, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix herbacea, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex flacca, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Juncus trifidus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula spicata, Luzula sylvatica, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Breutelia chrysocoma, Mnium hornum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium canescens sens.lat., Racomitrium lanuginosum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Thuidium delicatulum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Pogonatum urnigerum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Barbilophozia lycopodioides, Diplophyllum albicans, Frullania tamarisci, Nardia scalaris, Ptilidium ciliare, Tritomaria quinquedentata, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia uncialis, Peltigera canina, Achillea millefolium, Antennaria dioica, Gnaphalium supinum, Hieraclium spp., Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Taraxacum officianalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium alpinum, Cerastium fontanum, Minuartia sedoides, Silene acaulis, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Lathyrus montanus, Trifolium repens, Thymus praecox, Pinguicula vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Narthecium ossifragum, Dactylorhiza viridis, Euphrasia officinalis, Oxalis acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago maritima, Veronica officinalis, Veronica serpyllifolia, Armeria maritima, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Trollius europaeus, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla filicaulis, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Potentilla crantzii, Potentilla erecta, Sibbaldia procumbens, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Viola canina, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Festuca vivipara, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant, Botrychium lunaria, Thelypteris limbosperma

W20 — Montane scrub

Salix lapponum-Luzula sylvatica scrub

Matches 8 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Rhinanthus minor, Succisa pratensis, Thymus praecox

Salix arbuscula, Salix cinerea, Salix lapponum, Salix myrsinites, Salix phylicifolia, Salix reticulata, Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Salix lanata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Carex atrata, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex flacca, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium hornum, Philonotis fontana, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranum bonjeanii, Dicranum majus, Dicranum scoparium, Fissidens adianthoides, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Ctenidium molluscum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum callichroum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Palustriella commutatum, Plagiothecium denticulatum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Ptilium crista-castrensis, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Sanionia uncinata, Scorpidium revolvens, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum russowii, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Sphagnum teres, Barbilophozia barbata, Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiochila porelloides, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania undulata, Cladonia squamosa, Peltigera canina, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Hieraclium spp., Saussurea alpina, Solidago virgaurea, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Rhodiola rosea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Thymus praecox, Epilobium anagallidifolium, Dactylorhiza viridis, Euphrasia officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Oxalis acetosella, Oxyria digyna, Polygonum viviparum, Rumex acetosa, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Thalictrum alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Alchemilla glabra, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Galium boreale, Galium saxatile, Saxifraga aizoides, Saxifraga hypnoides, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Saxifraga stellaris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis

W21 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub

Matches 6 species from the description above: Cornus sanguinea, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Poterium sanguisorba, Sambucus nigra, Sorbus aria

Hedera helix, Salix cinerea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Malus sylvestris, Sorbus aria, Taxus baccata, Ulmus glabra, Ulmus procera, Sambucus nigra, Viburnum lantana, Euonymus europaeus, Cornus sanguinea, Juniperus communis, Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba, Rhamnus cathartica, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Juncus effusus, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhynchostegium confertum, Tamus communis, Heracleum sphondylium, Torilis japonica, Arum maculatum, Arctium minus, Cirsium arvense, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Stellaria graminea, Stellaria holostea, Stellaria media agg., Calystegia sepium, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Iris foetidissima, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium purpureum, Origanum vulgare, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Allium ursinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana, Rumex sanguineus, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus repens, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Potentilla sterilis, Poterium sanguisorba, Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Rubia peregrina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Anisantha sterilis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Brachypodium pinnatum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromopsis erecta, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas

U5 — Upland acid grassland, Upland calcareous grassland

Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland

Matches 4 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra

Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex demissa, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum formosum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum papillosum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Calypogeia muelleriana, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophozia ventricosa, Pleurozia purpurea, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania gracilis, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia uncialis, Cirsium palustre, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium fontanum, Equisetum palustre, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Trifolium repens, Narthecium ossifragum, Plantago lanceolata, Polygala serpyllifolia, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Alchemilla alpina, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant

W22 — Hedgerow scrub, Mixed scrub

Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub

Matches 3 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Ulex europaeus

Hedera helix, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Eurhynchium striatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Thuidium tamariscinum, Atrichum undulatum, Lophocolea bidentata, Achillea millefolium, Cardamine flexuosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Moehringia trinervia, Silene dioica, Silene uniflora, Stellaria media agg., Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Armeria maritima, Rumex acetosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Geum urbanum, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rubus idaeus, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Poa trivialis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris borreri, Dryopteris filix-mas

Insects to look out for

These moths and butterflies are known to feed on plants recorded at this site, and carry a notable UK conservation status — but a host-plant being present doesn't mean the insect has actually been recorded here. Treat this as "worth watching for," not a confirmed sighting.

SpeciesStatusVia host-plant
Straw belle
Aspitates gilvaria
Endangered Linum catharticum
Figure of eight
Diloba caeruleocephala
Endangered Crataegus spp.
The lappet
Gastropacha quercifolia
Endangered Crataegus monogyna
Scarce vapourer
Orgyia recens
Endangered Crataegus spp., Rubus fruticosus
Least minor
Photedes captiuncula
Endangered Carex flacca
Mouse moth
Amphipyra tragopoginis
Vulnerable Crataegus spp., Poterium sanguisorba
Northern brown
Aricia artaxerxes
Vulnerable Helianthemum nummularium
The sprawler
Asteroscopus sphinx
Vulnerable Crataegus spp., Fraxinus excelsior
Broom moth
Ceramica pisi
Vulnerable Rubus fruticosus
Mottled umber
Erannis defoliaria
Vulnerable Crataegus spp.
Dingy skipper
Erynnis tages
Vulnerable Hippocrepis comosa
Marsh fritillary
Euphydryas aurinia
Vulnerable Knautia arvensis, Scabiosa columbaria, Succisa pratensis
Satyr pug
Eupithecia satyrata
Vulnerable Helianthemum nummularium, Rhinanthus minor
Grayling
Hipparchia semele
Vulnerable Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra
The lackey
Malacosoma neustria
Vulnerable Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus
Pale brindled
Phigalia pilosaria
Vulnerable Cornus sanguinea, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior
Silver studded blue
Plebejus argus
Vulnerable Helianthemum nummularium, Hippocrepis comosa, Ulex spp.
Grizzled skipper
Pyrgus malvae
Vulnerable Poterium sanguisorba, Rubus fruticosus
Lead belle
Scotopteryx mucronata
Vulnerable Ulex europaeus
Early moth
Theria primaria
Vulnerable Crataegus monogyna
Pale eggar
Trichiura crataegi
Vulnerable Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus
Flounced chestnut
Agrochola helvola
Near Threatened Crataegus monogyna
Beaded chestnut
Agrochola lychnidis
Near Threatened Crataegus monogyna
Grey chi
Antitype chi
Near Threatened Crataegus monogyna
Small heath
Coenonympha pamphilus
Near Threatened Agrostis spp., Festuca spp.
Small blue
Cupido minimus
Near Threatened Anthyllis vulneraria
Large thorn
Ennomos autumnaria
Near Threatened Crataegus spp.
Dusky thorn
Ennomos fuscantaria
Near Threatened Fraxinus excelsior
Autumnal rustic
Eugnorisma glareosa
Near Threatened Festuca ovina
Grey pug
Eupithecia subfuscata
Near Threatened Crataegus monogyna, Pimpinella saxifraga
White-spotted pug
Eupithecia tripunctaria
Near Threatened Sambucus nigra
Double dart
Graphiphora augur
Near Threatened Crataegus spp.
Silver-spotted skipper
Hesperia comma
Near Threatened Festuca ovina
Silky wave
Idaea dilutaria
Near Threatened Helianthemum nummularium
Wall
Lasiommata megera
Near Threatened Agrostis spp.
Rosy minor
Litoligia literosa
Near Threatened Carex flacca, Festuca ovina
Swallowtail papilio
Papilio machaon
Near Threatened Pimpinella saxifraga

Hostplant data: Cook et al. (2025), Traits data for the butterflies and macro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland, 2024, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology / Butterfly Conservation (Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.