Ullenhall Meadows
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP121678 | — | Unfavourable Recovering | 2.65 | 2015-11-25 |
Habitats
Birds & fish recorded
Birds
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| cuckoo | Unknown |
Description
Area, 2.7 ha. 6.7 ac. Description Ullenhall Meadows comprise two enclosed fields on neutral soils which slope gently towards the stream which separates them. These are examples of species rich neutral grassland, being characterised by common knapweed Centaurea nigra and crested dog's tail Cynosurus cristatus. There is also marshy grassland in areas of impeded drainage typified by abundant Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus and rushes Juncus spp. Unimproved neutral meadows are scarce in Warwickshire and these are good examples particularly rich in associated species. These include red fescue Festuca rubra, quaking grass Briza media, common bird's foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, betony Betonica officinalis and autumnal hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis. Other meadow species include cowslip Primula veris, devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis, saw wort Serratula tinctoria, yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor and dyer's greenweed Genista tinctoria. Three orchid species are recorded, common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata spp. ericetorum and common twayblade Neottia ovata. The marshy grassland has developed along drainage lines originating from a spring fed pond. Here typical species are jointed rush Juncus articulatus, cuckoo-flower Cardamine pratensis, ragged-robin Silene flos-cuculi and hairy sedge Carex hirta. The small stream which divides the site is moderately fast flowing and is bordered by alder Alnus glutinosa, ash Fraxinus excelsior and guelder rose.
Species mentioned
Show the 22 species mentioned in the description, with red-list statusPlant communities
A9 — Fast flowing river and stream, Marginal and inundation, Pond ditch and canal, Sluggish river and stream
Potamogeton natans community
Show 20 indicator speciesSchoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium, Sparganium erectum, Sparganium minimum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Nymphaea alba, Callitriche platycarpa, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Glyceria fluitans, Chara subspinosa
A14 — Fast flowing river and stream
Myriophyllum alterniflorum community
Show 15 indicator speciesIsolepis fluitans, Juncus bulbosus, Fontinalis antipyretica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus peltatus, Chara spp., Nitella hyalina
A17 — Chalk river and stream, Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans community
Show 11 indicator speciesBerula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Polygonum amphibium, Polygonum hydropiper, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans
A18 — Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus fluitans community
Show 12 indicator speciesFontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa var. curnowii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Mentha aquatica, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ranunculus fluitans, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea