WILDLIFE IN COMMON

County Wildlife Site Survey Form (Ref. No.1149)

Site Name: West Runton Common Parish: West Runton Grid reference: TG 183 422 Area: 4.55ha District: North Norfolk Survey date: 17/08/2019

Registered Commons Number: CL 5

Habitat description:

West Runton Common is Registered Common (CL5) and a County Wildlife Site (CWS 1149). Well-used for recreation by villagers and visitors, the common contains a variety of habitats including neutral and acidic grassland, scrub, broad-leaved semi-natural woodland and two small ponds. The majority of the site comprises a mosaic of unimproved dry acidic to neutral grassland and semi-improved neutral grassland with impeded drainage. Seasonally wet-dry ditches border and cross the common in places.

The late 19th Century and early 20th Century Ordnance Survey maps record the common as heather and rough pasture, reflecting its mix of acid and neutral soils. The maps show various ponds across the common, with both present-day ponds clearly shown. The Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society 1909 report on ‘The Commons of Norfolk’ simply records West Runton Common as ‘Rough pasture. About 28 acres’.

An interesting historical feature of the common is the pond known as the Retting Pond, in the north-east of the southern areas of the common. The pond is thought to date from the 16th century, when it was used for soaking and thereby softening flax and hemp, enabling the fibrous materials to be used for cloth. The clean water supply was provided by a watercourse which remains visible from the south-south-west.

The Spring Pond in the south-east of the common is supplied by a spring-fed watercourse. Both ponds have had low water levels in recent years. (Information from ‘A Survey of the Commons of Runton Parish’ by Brian Cushion, 2019).

The present-day grassland has acidic areas characterised by harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), common cat's-ear (Hypochoeris radicata), mouse- ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella), creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), common mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina) and sand sedge (Carex arenaria). The neutral grassland areas support meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), greater bird's foot trefoil (Lotus uliginosus), meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and knapweed (Centaurea nigra).

Past surveys (1994 and 2012) have recorded that the Retting Pond supported occasional broad-leaved pond weed (Potamogeton natans). Emergent vegetation included stands of bulrush (Typha latifolia), with branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) locally present. The margins supported a shorter assemblage of aquatic/inundation plants, including water-violet (Hottonia palustris), water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides).

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Midway along the western boundary, wetter ground supports mixed tall fen and ruderal vegetation with coarse patches of nitrophilous herbs, including great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), nettle (Urtica dioica) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). More species-rich patches were recorded as supporting yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), ragged-robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi), greater bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus uliginosus) common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and hard rush (Juncus inflexus). Adjacent to this stand is a mature copse of alder (Alnus glutinosa) with occasional hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). In past surveys, the field layer was recorded as bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), with soft rush (Juncus effusus), cleavers (Galium aparine) and greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea). A shallow ditch passing north- south remains dominated by fool's water-cress (Apium nodiflorum) and great willowherb.

A hawthorn dominated hedge forms the western boundary with holly (Ilex aquifolium) and elder (Sambucus nigra). Other species which have been recorded here in the past include marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), bog pimpernel (Anagallis tenella), common spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), twayblade (Listera ovata), bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), and bristle club-rush (Isolepis setacea).

The site also includes 3 smaller areas of common in the north: Station Common is only moderately species-rich, with meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and false oat grass (Arrenatherum elatius) dominant, large clumps of lesser bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) are frequent and meadow vetchling is abundant.

Cooper’s Common is damper and more species-rich; frequent species include sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), meadow foxtail, meadow vetchling, common fleabane, germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), knapweed and hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). Occasional species include lesser bird’s foot trefoil and common spotted orchid (recorded in past surveys).

Blacksmith’s Common is reached by a track through damp woodland, where the diverse ground flora includes occasional ramsons (Allium ursinum) with cocksfoot, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and pendulous sedge (Carex pendula). Blacksmith’s Common is a very small area dominated by nettles (Urtica dioica), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and cleavers.

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Habitat Map

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Map Showing Target Note Reference Points

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Target notes to accompany habitat map:

1. Areas of common to the north of railway line:  Cooper’s Common (Central triangle, west of road) - Coarsening neutral grassland with frequent knapweed (Centaurea nigra), occasional fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) water mint (Mentha aquatica), common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia), common birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and common sorrel (Rumex acetosa). There are increasing amounts of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and nettle (Urtica dioica), particularly in the western half of this area. A stand of willow (Salix sp.) occurs in the north.

In 2012 ten spikes of common spotted orchid were recorded here (these were not seen during the 2019 survey).

The steep, sloped bank down from the road supports ash (Fraxinus excelsior), willow, bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and young, planted trees. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) occurs along the railway track.

 Blacksmith’s Common (Far west area) – Not surveyed in 2019, as it was inaccessible on the day of survey due to tall vegetation.

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

 Station Common (East triangle, east of road) – Coarsening neutral grassland with a small patch of acid grassland dominated by creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and with a noticeably lower sward. Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) dominates from the centre eastwards, and the grassland supports soft rush (Juncus effusus), common sorrel, knapweed, creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus).

A dry (at time of surveying) ditch runs parallel with the track, supporting great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), creeping buttercup, ground ivy, flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), silverweed (Potentilla anserina), hop, fleabane and winter heliotrope (Petasites fragrans). A small scrubby stand begins here and then acts as a border along the roadside, with gorse (Ulex europaeus), alder (Alnus glutinosa), birch (Betula pendula), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), young yew (Taxus baccata), ash, field maple (Acer campestre), hazel (Corylus avellana) and dog rose (Rosa canina agg.).

A wide, scrubby stand of garden escapee Spirea sp. occurs in the south along the railway line, and is suckering out into the grassland.

2. Area of grassland kept as mown amenity grassland, used for resident’s parking. Bordered by mixed trees and scrub to the north and east.

3. Area of neutral grassland, left longer in the central patch, with smartly mown paths allowing access (including to West Runton train station). Species here include frequent hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), occasional knapweed, ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), false oat grass, cocksfoot, ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), haresfoot clover (Trifolium arvense), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and common birdsfoot trefoil.

The Retting Pond supports great willowherb, reedmace (Typha latifolia), water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), amphibious bistort (Persicaria amphibian), watermint and fleabane, and is edged with ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and oak (Quercus robur).

The mown paths continue south to longer coarse growth including occasional marsh thistle, hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), knapweed, dock, false oat grass, cocksfoot and ribwort plantain Some garden escapees occur here including tree lupin (Lupinus arboreus).

4. Area of amenity grassland kept very short mown, supporting greater plantain (Plantago major), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), knapweed, smooth hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris), cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), white campion (Silene latifolia) and stagshorn plantain (Plantago coronopus).

5. Main areas of neutral-acid grassland – kept short mown, becoming increasingly acidic heading south. This area supports sheep’s sorrel, common sorrel, common mouse ear (Cerastium fontanum), ribwort, silverweed and hogweed.

6. Stand of taller damp, coarse growth by a damp ditch with low raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and bramble, great willowherb, rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), hedge bindweed, marsh thistle, nettle, dock and Himalayan balsam. This growth grades into a small, damp alder-dominated woodland which has little shrub layer and a ground flora dominated by nettle.

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

7. Area of acid grassland supporting bent grass, sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), common sorrel, ribwort plantain, cat’s ear, yarrow, tormentil (Potentilla erecta), neat feather moss (Pseudoscleropodium purum), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthemum odoratum), common birdsfoot trefoil, springy turf moss (Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus) lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), common mouse ear (Cerastium fontanum), mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and red clover.

8. Stretch of damp-acid grassland supporting species as above with swathes of sharp- flowered rush (Juncus acutiflorus), locally frequent tormentil, occasional common sorrel, silverweed, tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) and knapweed. False oat grass is frequent. Damper species increase towards the small pond with greater birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), flag iris, mint, marsh thistle and great willowherb. Common spotted orchids occur in this area.

9. ‘Spring pond’ – originally spring-fed, this small pond is stone-edged and was dry in summer 2019. It supports flag iris, hard rush (Juncus inflexus), amphibious bistort, water plantain, winter heliotrope, branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and marestail (Hippuris vulgaris). Fool’s watercress (Apium nodiflorum) occurs in the ditch which heads north across the track. This seasonally wet ditch becomes increasingly overgrown by bramble, great willowherb and other coarse species.

Other notable species: Include non-plant species eg turtle dove/barn owl/dingy skipper

For list of fauna seen in 2019 please see below.

Adjacent habitats/potential buffer zones & linkage to other sites:

The common is bordered by housing to the north, east, north-west, south and south-east. The common is in close proximity to the National Trust owned Roman Camp and Incleborough Hill.

Is the site in positive conservation management? Partly (Please give details if necessary).

There is a local conservation group linked to the common, who help with such tasks as hand pulling the Himalayan Balsam.

Brief management proposals:

A management statement was produced for the site under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Norfolk Wildlife Trust would be happy to review and update this if this was wanted by the parish council.

Has a site condition assessment form been completed for this site? Yes

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PLANT LIST County Wildlife Site name & reference number: West Runton Common, CWS 1149 Date of survey: 15/05/2019, 02/07/2019 & 17/08/2019 Surveyor: Local members of the community, Chris Roberts, Francis Farrow and Lucy Seely

Please note DAFOR is a way of showing the abundance of a species in an area. Where:

D = Dominant A = Abundant F = Frequent O = Occasional R = Rare (not many present)

Species name/scientific Common name DAFOR Comments/Location name Acer campestre Field maple R Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore O Achillea millefolium Yarrow F Aegopodium podagraria Ground elder O Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut R Agrostis capillaris Common bent O Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent O Alisma plantago-aquatica Water plantain R Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard O Alnus glutinosa Alder O Alopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail O Anthoxanthemum Sweet vernal grass O odoratum Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley LF Apium nodiflorum Fool’s watercress R Arabidopsis thaliana Thale cress O Arrhenatherum elatius False oat grass F Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort O Bellis perennis Daisy LF Betula pendula Silver birch R Bromus hordeaceus Soft brome O Bromus sterilis False brome O Buddleja davidii Buddleia R Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed O-LF Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s purse O Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower R Carpinus betulus Hornbeam R Centaurea nigra Knapweed O Cerastium fontanum Common mouse ear O Chamaenerion Rosebay willowherb O angustifolium Chelidonium majus Greater celandine O Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle O-LF Cirsium palustre Marsh thistle O Conium maculatum Hemlock O Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Corylus avellana Hazel O

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Species name/scientific Common name DAFOR Comments/Location name Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn O Crepis capillaris Smooth hawksbeard O Crocosmia x Monbretia R crocosmiiflora Cytisus scoparius Broom R Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot LF Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common spotted orchid O Digitalis pupurea Foxglove O Dryopteris filix-mas Male fern R Epilobium hirsutum Great willowherb LF Equisetum arvense Field horsetail LF Festuca rubra Red fescue O Fraxinus excelsior Ash O Fumaria officinalis Common fumitory O Galium aparine Cleavers O Galium saxatile Heath bedstraw O Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved geranium O Geranium robertianum Herb robert O Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy O Glyceria fluitans Floating sweet grass O Glyceria notata Plicate sweet grass O Hedera helix Ivy O Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed O Hippuris vulgaris Marestail R Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog O Holcus mollis Creeping soft grass O Hordeum murinum Wall barley R Humulus lupulus Hop O Hyacinthoides × Hybrid bluebell O massartiana Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s ear O Ilex aquifolium Holly O Impatiens gladulifera Himalayan balsam O Iris pseudacorus Flag iris O Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered rush O Juncus effusus Soft rush O Juncus inflexus Hard rush O Lamium album White dead nettle O Lamium purpureum Red dead nettle Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling O Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye daisy O Lolium perenne Perennial ryegrass F Lotus corniculatus Common birdsfoot trefoil O Lotus pedunculatus Greater birdsfoot trefoil O Lupinus arboreus Tree lupin O Luzula campestris Field woodrush O Matricaria discoidea Pineappleweed O Meconopsis cambrica Welsh poppy O Medicago arabica Spotted medick O Medicago lupulina Black medick O Medicago sativa Lucerne O

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Species name/scientific Common name DAFOR Comments/Location name Mentha aquatica Watermint O Mentha spicata Spearmint O Myosotis sp. Forget-me-not sp. O Narcissus agg. Daffodil (garden) O Ornithopus perpusillus Birdsfoot O Papaver rhoeas Common poppy O Papaver somniferum Opium poppy O Pentaglottis sempervirens Green alkanet O Persicaria amphibia Amphibious bistort O Petasites fragrans Winter heliotrope O Phleum pratense Timothy O Pilosella officinarum Mouse ear hawkweed O Pinus sylvestris Scot’s pine R Plantago coronopus Stagshorn plantain O Plantago lanceolata Ribwort LF Plantago major Greater plantain O Potentilla anserina Silverweed O Potentilla erecta Tormentil O Primula veris Cowslip O Primula vulgaris Primrose O Prunus spinosa Blackthorn O Pseudoscleropodium Neat feather moss O purum Pulicaria dysenterica Fleabane O Quercus robur Oak O Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup O Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous buttercup O Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup O Rheum palmatum Ornamental rhubarb R Rhytidiadelphus Springy turf moss LF squarrosus Rosa canina agg. Dog rose O Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble LF Rubus idaeus Raspberry O Rumex acetosa Common sorrel O Rumex acetosella Sheep’s sorrel O Rumex conglomeratus Clustered dock R Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock O Salix sp. Willow O Sambucus nigra Elder O Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort O Senecio vulgaris Groundsel O Silene dioica Red campion O Silene latifolia White campion O Sinapis arvensis Charlock O Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders O Sonchus oleraceus Smooth sowthistle O Sorbus aucuparia Rowan R Sparganium erectum Branched bur-reed R Spirea sp. Spirea LF Stachys sylvatica Hedge woundwort O

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Species name/scientific Common name DAFOR Comments/Location name Stellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort O Stellaria media Chickweed O Taraxacum agg. Dandelion O Taxus baccata Yew R Trifolium arvense Haresfoot clover O Trifolium pratense Red clover O Typha latifolia Reedmace O Ulex europeaus Gorse O Urtica dioica Nettle LF Veronica becca-bunga Brooklime R Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell O Viburnum opulus Guelder rose O Vicia cracca Tufted vetch O Vicia sativa subsp. nigra Common vetch O Viola riviniana Dog violet O

Fauna Lists

Bird Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

13/05/19 Long tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus 13/05/19 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 13/05/19 Swift Apus apus 03/08/19 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 13/05/19 Greenfinch Chloris chloris 13/05/19 Woodpigeon Columba palumbus 13/05/19 Jackdaw Corvus monedula 13/05/19 Carrion crow Corvus corax 13/05/19 Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus Nesting 03/08/19 House martin Delichon urbicum 13/05/19 Robin Erithacus rubecula 13/05/19 Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 13/05/19 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 13/05/19 Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 03/08/19 European Jay Garrulus glandarius 03/08/19 Swallow Hirundo rustica 13/05/19 Great tit Parus major 07/03/19 Sparrow Passer domesticus 13/05/19 Magpie Pica pica 13/05/19 Dunnock Prunella modularis 13/05/19 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 07/03/19 Starling Sturnus vulgaris 13/05/19 Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto 13/05/19 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 13/05/19 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 13/05/19 Song thrush Turdus philomelos

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Mammal Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

13/05/19 Mole Talpa europaea 13/05/19 Fox Vulpes vulpes Den

Amphibian and Reptile Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

13/05/19 Common Toad Bufo bufo 13/05/19 Common Frog Rana temporaria

Butterfly Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

03/08/19 Peacock Aglais io 13/05/19 Orange tip Anthocharis cardamines 14/07/19 Ringlet Aphantopus Debbie and Richard hyperantus Daplyn 03/08/19 Brown Argus Aricia agestis (including ab. snelleni) 03/08/19 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas 14/07/19 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Debbie and Richard Daplyn 03/08/19 Large White Pieris brassicae 14/07/19 Green veined white Pieris napi Debbie and Richard Daplyn 14/07/19 Small White Pieris rapae Debbie and Richard Daplyn 03/08/19 Comma Polygonia c-album 03/08/19 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 14/07/19 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus Debbie and Richard Daplyn 14/07/19 Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola Debbie and Richard Daplyn 14/07/19 Small Skipper Thymelicus Debbie and Richard sylvestris Daplyn 03/08/19 Red Admiral Vanessa atlanta 14/07/19 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Debbie and Richard Daplyn

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Bee Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

03/08/19 Large Red-tailed Bombus lapidarius Bumblebee 13/05/19 White-tailed Bombus lucorum bumblebee 13/05/19 Buff-tailed Bombus terrestris bumblebee 03/08/19 Common Carder Bombus pascuorum Bee

Other Invertebrates Records

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

03/08/19 Emperor Dragonfly Anax imperator

13/05/19 Oak apple gall wasp Biorhiza pallida

03/08/19 Bluebottle Calliphora vomitoria 03/08/19 Brown-lipped Hedge Cepaea nemoralis Snail 03/08/19 Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus 03/08/19 Hoverfly Chrysotoxum festivum 13/05/19 Seven-spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata 03/08/19 Dock Bug Coreus marginatus 03/08/19 Hairy Shieldbug Dolycoris baccarum 03/08/19 Drone-fly Eristalis tenax 03/08/19 Tachinid Eriothrix rufomaculata 03/08/19 Hoverfly Eupeodes corollae 03/08/19 Brassica Shieldbug Eurydema oleracea 03/08/19 Garden Snail Helix aspersa 03/08/19 Roesel’s Bush- Metrioptera roeselli (including winged cricket form diluta) 03/08/19 Tachinid Nowickia ferox 03/08/19 Thick-thighed Flower Oedemera nobilis Beetle 03/08/19 Common Green Omocestus viridulus Grasshopper 03/08/19 Common Red Rhagonycha fulva Soldier Beetle 03/08/19 Flesh Fly Sarcophaga sp. 03/08/19 Hoverfly Sphaerophoria scripta

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WILDLIFE IN COMMON

Date if known Common Name Scientific Name Comment

03/08/19 Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum 03/08/19 Hoverfly Syrphus ribesii 13/05/19 Common wasp Vespula vulgaris

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