A Survey of Waxcap Grasslands in the West Pennine Moors Psssi 2012 - 2013

Home , Anglezarke Reservoir, Waxcap grassland, White Coppice

A survey of waxcap grasslands in the West Pennine Moors pSSSI 2012 - 2013

a report for Natural England

by Graeme Skelcher Ecological Consultant 8 Coach Road Warton, Carnforth Lancashire LA5 9PP 01524 720243 [email protected] http://graemeskelcher.sharepoint.com December 2013 CONTENTS

1 Introduction 3 Map 1: Location of sites within the West Pennine Moors pSSSI which were investigated for grassland fungi 4

2 Methods 5

3 Results 6 Table 1: Waxcap species recorded at surveyed fields in the West Pennine Moors, autumn 2012 and 2013 8 Table 2: Other target fungi species recorded at surveyed fields in the West Pennine Moors, autumn 2012 and 2013 9 Table 3: Summary of habitats and species found at Surveyed Sites, West Pennine Moors 2012 and 2013 10 Table 4: Summary of habitats and species found at Potential Sites, West Pennine Moors 2012 and 2013 15 Table 5: Historical data for target fungi species recorded at White Coppice Cricket Club 23

4 Discussion 24 4.1 Grassland fungi diversity 24 4.2 International interest 25

5 Conclusion 26

6 References 27

Appendix 1: Maps and completed survey forms for White Coppice Cricket Club and The Lowe Appendix 2: Maps and completed survey forms for Siddow Fold and Nr Taylor's Farm Appendix 3: Maps and completed survey forms for Roddlesworth 1 and Roddlesworth 2 Appendix 4: Maps and completed survey forms for Cadshaw and Sunnyhurst Appendix 5: Map and completed survey form for Haslingden Grane (North of Ogden Reservoir) - 2012 only Appendix 6: Maps and completed survey form for Haslingden Grane Site (between Pike Low and Boardman Close) - 2013 only Appendix 7: Map showing visited potential fields Appendix 8: Photographs of notable species

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am very grateful to Tony Bond, Jeanette Maddy and Tim Rogers (all from the North West Fungus Group - NWFG) and Rich Burkmar and Ben Deed (both from Merseyside Biobank) for carrying out most of the survey work for this project. I am also grateful to Tim Rogers, Jeanette Maddy, Tony Bond and Ken Gartside (NWFG) who provided further expertise by offering opinions on fungi identification from photographs; to Joyce Riley and Irene Ridge (NWFG) and Martyn Ainsworth (Natural England senior fungi specialist) who provided additional information; and to Tony Bond, Jeanette Maddy and Tim Rogers for their constructive comments on a previous draft of this report.

2 1 INTRODUCTION A large area of the West Pennine Moors is being considered by Natural England for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) based on its upland habitats and breeding bird assemblage. Fields within this area are also known to be good for their diversity of grassland fungi; notably the waxcap species Hygrocybe spp.. However, insufficient data exists to determine whether there is sufficient interest for the fungi assemblage to be considered as a reason for designation alongside the habitats and birds.

Waxcaps and other grassland fungi provide an indication of lack of improvement of grasslands over many years. They are most commonly associated with the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities MG5 Cynosurus cristatus - Centaurea nigra grassland, U4 Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaris - Galium saxatile grassland, CG1 Festuca ovina - Carlina vulgaris grassland and CG2 Festuca ovina - Avenula pratensis grassland; favour sites which are managed by grazing or frequent mowing to produce a short sward which may stimulate fruiting; and are commonly associated with mosses, notably Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Pseudoscleropodium purum (Griffiths et al 2002; see Rodwell 1992 for full NVC community descriptions). Sites rich in grassland fungi are scarce and threatened on a worldwide scale. The UK is a European stronghold for waxcap grasslands (Evans 2003) but they often occur on types of grassland which are botanically relatively poor and have thus been overlooked in the process of SSSI selection (Genney et al 2012). Some of the most important sites in the UK are in upland semi-natural grasslands where habitat loss has been lower (Evans 2003).

SSSI guidelines (Genney et al 2012) suggest that SSSI designation should be considered where 12 or more species of waxcap are found in a single visit or where 18 or more are found in multiple visits. The guidelines also recommend consideration of other indicators of important fungi grasslands where the waxcap targets are not met; the Clavariaceae, Entoloma, Geoglossaceae and Dermoloma. SSSI thresholds for total numbers of these species are suggested of five, 12, three and two respectively for multiple visits. For these species, however, it is not considered that meeting the threshold for one of these groups solely would be sufficient, and the more genera/families in this list that exceed their respective threshold, the more confident one can be that the site is special. It is recommended that potential sites should be visited over at least three separate (but not necessarily consecutive) years and at different times during the fruiting season.

Work for this report was initially commissioned by Natural England in 2012, to carry out surveys at eight sites which had previously been identified as waxcap grasslands and also to investigate a further 17 sites where presence of waxcaps or potential habitat had recently been reported. Further work was commissioned in 2013 to revisit the best five waxcap sites surveyed in 2012 and to investigate two further sites which were identified as supporting waxcaps just in the autumn of 2013.

The data obtained will provide the basis for assessment as to whether grassland fungi should be included as a reason for notification of the SSSI.

3 Haslingden Grane north Gorse Bank, Darwen Sunnyhurst Haslingden Grane west Sunnyhurst Re se rvoir Whenshead Musbury Heights Bold Venture

Bury Fold Tockholes Whitehall C Whitehall B

The Lowe Whitehall A Roddlesworth 1

White Coppice Cricket Club Roddlesworth 2

Cadshaw Longworth Moor Siddow Fold Map 1: Location of sites within the West Pennine Moors pSSSI which were investigated for grassland fungi Red circles indicate sites which were fully surveyed by expert mycologists during 2012 and 2013 Belmont (Note The Lowe, Sunnyhurst and Cadshaw were excluded from survey in 2013 due to poor results in above Ward's Reservoir 2012) Green circles indicate sites identified as suitable habitat from 2012 vegetation survey Dark Blue circles indicate sites identified for habitat or waxcap presence by Peter Jepson Orange circle indicates waxcap grassland found by John Watt, North West Fungus Group in 2012 nr Taylors Farm Pink circle indicates additional field suggested by Natural England in 2013 Spring Reservoir Light blue circles indicate fields identified as being good for waxcaps during survey of moorland Cote Slack, Rivington fringe vegetation in 2013

Map produced by Graeme Skelcher Ecological Consultant, November 2013 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2013. 4 2 METHODS Due to the lack of any expert mycological consultant available to undertake this work during the autumn of 2012, the author was employed to coordinate and assist with survey work using volunteer mycologists. This arrangement was continued for further work in the autumn of 2013.

Because the potential interest of waxcap grasslands was a late consideration for SSSI designation, it has not been possible to make assessments over a series of three years, as is recommended. The original proposal for this work was that three survey visits should be made to known sites over the autumn of 2012, which would at least be spread to cover the full fruiting season. It was also proposed that the survey would be based on assessment within 30 x 30 m quadrats to provide data which would be consistent with studies elsewhere (e.g. Griffiths et al 2006). However, delays in arranging access to the fields in 2012 meant that survey work could not begin until mid-October - towards the end of the waxcap fruiting season - while the methodology for collection of data was simplified to a basic search of entire fields (or areas of appropriate habitat within fields) to ensure that volunteers could be called upon to carry out the work who were expert mycologists but not necessarily used to undertaking systematic survey work.

Experienced mycologists from the North West Fungus Group undertook survey work at the main eight sites. Tony Bond surveyed the White Coppice Cricket Club ground and nearby field The Lowe. Jeanette Maddy surveyed Siddow Fold and Taylor's Farm by Anglezarke Reservoir and Tim Rogers surveyed two fields at Roddlesworth, one at Cadshaw and one at Sunnyhurst. Three visits were made to each of these sites between 18 October and 24 November 2012, except Siddow Fold and Taylor's Farm where only two visits were made due to illness during the final survey period, and the Sunnyhurst site where the habitat was judged by the surveyor to be unsuitable on the initial visit and no further visits were made.

Six fields where suitable habitat was identified from a recent vegetation survey of the potential SSSI (Penny Anderson Associates, in prep.) were investigated for their fungi by Rich Burkmar and Ben Deed from Merseyside Biobank, with some additional assessment carried out by Tim Rogers. A further nine additional sites were investigated by the author, which had been identified by local ecologist Peter Jepson as either supporting potential habitat or having waxcaps recently seen. These sites were also visited between mid-October and the end of November.

Due to the lack of expertise in fungi identification amongst these latter surveyors, photographs of potentially interesting fungi encountered were distributed to Tim Rogers, Jeanette Maddy, Tony Bond and Ken Gartside, who gave their opinions on identification from the photographs. Two of the sites investigated by Rich Burkmar and Ben Deed, which appeared from photographs to have some fungi interest, were revisited by Tim Rogers.

A further site at Haslingden, just outside the pSSSI boundary, which came to light from a recent visit by John Watts, a member of the North West Fungus Group, was visited by Tim Rogers.

Following delays in the SSSI notification procedure, the opportunity arose to undertake further work over the autumn of 2013. Tony Bond, Jeanette Maddy and Tim Rogers again undertook survey work over three visits each to White Coppice Cricket Club, Siddow Fold and Taylor's Farm and four visits to the two Roddlesworth fields. The sites at The Lowe, Sunnyhurst and Cadshaw were not re-surveyed in 2013 following poor results in 2012. In 2013, surveyors were able to commence survey work as soon as they felt conditions were appropriate for waxcap fruiting, with the aim of making at least one visit to each site during September, October and November. Field work thus commenced on 10 September 2013 and was completed on 21 November.

5 Three additional potential waxcap sites also came to light during 2013; two sites being identified during a survey of moorland fringe vegetation at Haslingden Grane and Musbury Heights (Skelcher 2013) and a further site suggested by Natural England near Spring Reservoir. The Haslingden Grane and Spring Reservoir sites were both visited by Tim Rogers for further assessment and a formal survey of the Haslingden Grane site was undertaken on 8 November 2013.

Access to sites was initially arranged by Natural England. In most cases unrestricted access was allowed for the purpose of carrying out this work, but some owners required further notification prior to visiting.

3 RESULTS Of the original surveyed sites in 2012, White Coppice Cricket Club, Siddow Fold, Taylor's Farm and the two Roddlesworth sites were considered worthy of resurveying in 2013. No waxcap species were recorded at the Sunnyhurst site in 2012 and only 1 species each was recorded at Cadshaw and the Lowe, so these sites were excluded from further survey. Results discussed in this report therefore relate primarily to the five sites surveyed in both 2012 and 2013, along with the site to the west of Haslingden Grane (between Pike Lowe and Boardmans Close), which was only discovered in October 2013 but was found to be comparable with the first five sites following two subsequent visits by Tim Rogers in October and November 2013; making a total of six key sites.

A total of 18 waxcap species was recorded across the six main sites (see Table 1) which, viewed together, would just match the threshold for SSSI selection for waxcap interest, while the combined totals of three species of Geoglossaceae and five species of Clavariaceae also matched the SSSI threshold for these fungi groups (see Table 2). However, these sites are up to 14 km apart and do not, in themselves, form any kind of cohesive unit.

Considering individual sites only, four sites each supported a total of 10 waxcap species across the two years of survey; White Coppice Cricket Club, Roddlesworth 1, Roddlesworth 2 and the Haslingden Grane site. This total is clearly eight species short of the waxcap threshold for multiple visits, so none of the sites satisfy the criteria on their own. The Haslingden Grane site also supported two species of Entoloma, three species of Clavariaceae (two short of the SSSI threshold for this group) and two species of Geoglossum (one short of the group SSSI threshold), while Roddlesworth 2 supported one species of Entoloma, four species of Clavariaceae (just one short of the SSSI threshold for this group) and two species of Geoglossum (one short of the group SSSI threshold). It should be noted that the Haslingden Grane site was subject only to one full survey and two other visits, all within a three week period between 17 October and 8 November, so potentially scores could have been higher if a similar survey effort had been possible to that employed at the other sites.

A total of nine species of waxcap was recorded at Siddow Fold, with one species of Dermoloma, four species of Entoloma and three species of Clavariaceae also present. At Taylor's Farm there were eight species of waxcap recorded over the two years, plus two species of Entoloma and three Clavariaceae.

For data collected from just a single visit, the threshold for number of waxcap species required for SSSI consideration drops to 12. The highest number of waxcap species recorded from a single site visit in this West Pennine Moors study was eight, at Siddow Fold (19/10/12) and at Roddlesworth 2 (8/10/13). A maximum of seven species were recorded at White Coppice Cricket Club (18/10/12 and 12/11/13), Roddlesworth 1 (24/10/13) and Haslingden Grane (24/10/13 and 8/11/13), while a peak count of five waxcap species was recoded at Taylor's Farm (24/10/13). 6

The total number of waxcaps species recorded in each year was reasonably consistent at White Coppice Cricket Club (with eight species in both years) Taylor's Farm (five in 2012 and six in 2013) and at Roddlesworth 1 (six in 2012 and seven in 2013). However, there was an observed increase in the total number of waxcaps at Roddlesworth 2 from six in 2012 up to nine in 2013, while at Siddow Fold there was a marked decline from eight species in 2012 to just four in 2013. In October 2013, no survey could be carried out at Siddow Fold due to the large number of livestock in the field at this time, which could perhaps have contributed to a lack of fruiting bodies.

Tables 3a - 3i provide summary data for each of the surveyed sites, including those only assessed in 2012. Full survey sheets, as provided by the surveyors, are included in the Appendix to this report.

The additionally identified potential sites which were visited mostly supported at least some suitable habitat, and often at least a few typical grassland fungi were found (Tables 4a - 4s). Waxcap species were recorded at seven sites; Cote Slack, Higher Knoll, Burnt Edge, Whitehall A, Sunnyhurst Reservoir, Spring Reservoir and Musbury Heights. However, no more than 3 waxcap species were confirmed at any individual site (the field at Musbury Heights and the Sunnyhurst Reservoir banks being the most productive of these) and no new species were confirmed additional to those found in the main survey sites. The possibility of 2 additional species occurring (H. glutinipes at Cote Slack and H. cantharellus at Higher Knoll) was tentatively suggested by Ken Gartside based on photographs taken by Rich Burkmar at these sites on 21 October, but these species were not found by Tim Rogers on a follow-up survey on 10 November and the fields were not considered worthy of any further investigation.

At Haslingden Grane North (to the north of Ogden Reservoir and just outside the proposed SSSI boundary), 5 species of waxcap were found in a single visit in 2012, but again none of these were in addition to the species found at the main survey sites.

Table 5 shows historical data for waxcaps and other target species collected by the North West Fungus Group for the White Coppice Cricket Club ground (provided by Tony Bond and Joyce Riley). These records show that 10 species of waxcap were recorded from the cricket pitch in November 2000, with a further eleventh species being recorded in 1997. Three of these species, H. acutoconica, H. calyptriformis and H. miniata, were not recorded at this site during the 2012 and 2013 survey. This brings the total number of waxcap species recorded at the site up to 13, but spread over a 17 year period.

In addition to the 2000 record at White Coppice, the pink waxcap H. calyptriformis was also found during the current survey at Roddlesworth 2 in 2012 and 2013, at Roddlesworth 1 in 2012 and at Haslingden Grane West in 2013. While not particularly uncommon in the UK, this species is rare across most of Europe.

7 Table 1: Waxcap species recorded at surveyed fields in the West Pennine Moors, autumn 2012 and 2013 For numbers of waxcaps, 1 = 1 - 3; 2 = 4 - 9; 3 = 10 - 27; 4 = 28 - 81; and 5 = > 81 Note for Haslingden Grane West, * indicates confirmed presence only as the site was not formally surveyed on its first two visits No. occasions White Coppice Haslingden Siddow Fold Taylor's Farm Roddlesworth 1 Roddlesworth 2 each species cricket club Grane West recorded 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2013 Visit number 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 3

Species -

Hygrocybe H. acutoconica 1 1 H. calyptriformis 1 1 1 1 * 5 H. ceracea 3 4 4 4 4 2 1 2 4 * 10 H. chlorophana 4 4 1 4 5 5 H. coccinea 4 4 1 4 1 5 H. conica 2 2 1 * * 5 H. fornicata 3 2 3 3 H. insipida 1 1 2 H. irrigata 3 4 1 3 2 3 3 7 H. laeta 4 1 2 3 1 2 1 3 1 1 4 4 1 * 4 15 H. miniata * 2 2 H. mucronella 1 1 H. pratensis 4 4 5 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 4 1 3 5 5 1 * * 2 20 H. psittacina 4 1 1 1 1 5 4 3 1 3 10 H. punicea 4 1 H. quieta 2 1 4 1 2 2 * 1 8 H. reidii 3 2 1 1 3 5 H. virginea 4 3 2 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 1 1 4 4 1 * 3 17 Total number of waxcap species 4 7 3 1 4 7 8 4 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 1 5 1 2 0 1 7 2 5 4 1 2 8 7 4 5+ 7 7 recorded Site Total for yr 8 8 8 4 5 6 6 7 6 9 10 Total # sp./ site 10 9 8 10 10 10

Table 2: Other target fungi species recorded at surveyed fields in the West Pennine Moors, autumn 2012 and 2013 For numbers of each species, 1 = 1 - 3; 2 = 4 - 9; 3 = 10 - 27; 4 = 28 - 81; and 5 = > 81 Note for Haslingden Grane West, * indicates confirmed presence only

No. Haslingde occasions White Coppice Siddow Fold Taylor's Farm Roddlesworth 1 Roddlesworth 2 n Grane each cricket club west species recorded 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 Visit number 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 CAMAROPHYLLOPSIS Dermoloma cuneifolium 1? 1 Total Dermoloma/ site 1

ENTOLOMA E. chalybaeum 1 1 2 E. conferendum 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 * 10 E. juncinum * 1 E. lampropus 1 1 E. papillatum 3 1 E. serulatum 3 1 Total Entoloma/ site 4 2 2 1

CLAVARIA C. fragilis * * 2 C. fumosa 1 1 CLAVULINOPSIS Cp. corniculata 1 2 3 2 2 * 6 Cp. fusiformis 1 1 Cp. helvola 2 2 1 1 * * 6 Cp. laeticolor 1 1 2 Cp. umbrinella 1 1 Total Clavariaceae/site 3 3 1 4 3

GEOGLOSSUM G. fallax * 1 G. glutinosum 1 * 2 TRICHOGLOSSUM T. hirsutum 1 9 1 Total Geoglossaceae/site 2 2 Table 3: Summary of habitats and species found at Surveyed Sites, West Pennine Moors 2012

Table 3a: Site 1 White Coppice Cricket Club Site 1 White Coppice Cricket Club Grid-reference 361975 419075 Dates of survey 2012 - 17/10, 1/11, 14/11; 2013 - 23/9, 15/10, 12/11 Site description Cricket field with close mown turf. Central square more intensively mown which is fertilised and therefore unlikely to contain waxcaps. Management Typical well-managed cricket field. Total number of waxcap species 10 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 7 (1/11/12, 12/1113) List of waxcap species recorded H. ceracea, H. chlorophana, H. cocinea, H. irrigata, H. laeta, H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. punicea, H. reidii, H. virginea Other target species none Other recorded species Armillaria mellea, Psilocybe semilanceata, Cystoderma amianthinum, Rickinella swartzii, Bovista nigrescens Surveyor Tony Bond

Table 3b: Site 2 The Lowe, White Coppice Grid-reference 362000 419300 Dates of survey 2012 - 17/10, 1/11, 14/11 Site description Rough grazing which does not appear to have been grazed for some time, which has resulted in the area degenerating to rank grass. Management Apparently none for some time, making the area unsuitable for waxcaps even though they were found last year when droppings showed that it had been grazed. Total number of waxcap species 1 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 1 (14/11/12) List of waxcap species recorded H. laeta Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Tony Bond

10 Table 3c: Site 3 Siddow Fold, Anglezarke Grid-reference 361800 417280 Dates of survey 2012 - 19/10, 14/11 2013 - 24/9, 21/11 Site description Field appeared to be mostly improved grassland. Species included Creeping buttercup, White clover, Rye grass, Crested dog’s tail. Areas of rush along stream edges and near road. A small hill in the field had one side steep and with unimproved grassland including species such as Tormentil, Common bent, Heath bedstraw, Matt grass, Mosses (Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Calliergonella cuspidata?). This is where most of the fungi were found. Small amount of Creeping thistle and rush also present. Management Sheep and cattle grazed. Sward quite short. Total number of waxcap species 9 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 8 (19/10/12) List of waxcap species recorded H. ceracea, H. cocinea, H. conica, H. insipda, H. laeta , H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. reidii, H. virginea Other target species Dermoloma cuneifolium ?, Entoloma conferendum, E. chalybaeum, E. papillatum, E. serulatum, Clavulinopsis fusiformis, Clavulinopsis helvola, Clavulinopsis laeticolor Other recorded species Agaricus campestris, Clitopilus prunulus, Coprinus sp. (general appearance and cap cell structure suggest tuberosa), Cordyceps militaris, Cystoderma amianthinum, Galerina sp., Marasmius oreades, Panaeolus papilionaceus, Panaeolus acuminatus, Psilocybe semilanceata, Rickenella fibula, Stropharia semiglobata Surveyor Jeanette Maddy

Table 3d: Site 4 nr. Taylor's Farm, Anglezarke Grid-reference 361690 415843 Dates of survey 2012 - 19/10, 14/11 2013 - 24/11, 24/10, 21/11 Site description Field appeared to be mostly improved grassland and was on several levels. Species included Yorkshire fog, Fescue sp, Cock’s foot, Rye grass, Crested dog’s tail. Large area of rush to left of main path across field. As the edge of the field sloped down towards the reservoir the grassland became more unimproved including such species as Yarrow, Ribwort plantain, Bird’s-foot trefoil, Wood rush. There were also a number of mossy hummocks. The mosses appeared to be Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Calliergonella cuspidata (?). Several CHEG species were noted in quite a small area. Management Sheep grazed. Sward medium. Total number of waxcap species 8 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 5 (24/10/13) List of waxcap species recorded H. acutoconica, H. fornicata, H. irrigate, H. laeta , H. mucronella, H. pratensis, H. reidii, H. virginea Other target species Entoloma chalybaeum, E. conferendum, Clavaria fumosa, Clavulinopsis corniculata, C. helvola Other recorded species Coprinus sp., Cordyceps militaris, Cystoderma amianthinum, Galerina sp., Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, Panaeolus papilionaceus, Psilocybe semilanceata Surveyor Jeanette Maddy Table 3e: Site 5 Roddlesworth Field 1 11 Grid-reference 366789 419324 Dates of survey 2012 - 18/10, 2/11, 23/11 2013 - 10/9, 8/10, 24/10, 8/11 Site description This is the northernmost field of the two sites near Roddlesworth. Unimproved acid pasture (U4?). Sheep grazing on the first two days of the survey and evidence of the recent presence of cattle. The upper areas, close to Conyries Plantation, are on steep slopes, which gradually become shallower towards the southern and western edges, which are dominated by soft rush Juncus effusus covering about a third of the site. Most of the fungi were found in the steeper areas. Most of the site faces SW to S, which would tend to make this a relatively warm site and therefore an early site for fungi. The peak of the appearance of waxcaps and other ‘target species’ is likely to have occurred before the first visit was made in 2012. Management The sward is relatively short, indicating regular grazing – no evidence of attempts at ‘improvement’; this makes it a promising site for grassland fungi. Total number of waxcap species 10 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 7 (24/10/13) List of waxcap species recorded H. calyptriformis, H. ceracea, H. conica, H. insipda, H. laeta , H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. quieta, H. reidii, H. virginea Other target species Entoloma conferendum, Entoloma lampropus, Clavulinopsis helvola Other recorded species Clitocybe fragrans, Coprinopsis semitalis, Conocybe macrospore, Cordyceps militaris, Cystoderma amianthinum, Galerina mniophila, Galerina pumila, Hygrophoropsis sp., Panaeolus acuminatus, Panaeolus semiovatus, Psilocybe coprophila, Psilocybe semilanceata, Stropharia pseudocyanea, Stropharia semiglobata Associated with Fagus: Boletus luridiformis (erythropus), Cortinarius lividoochraceus, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, Laccaria amethystea, Laccaria laccata, Lactarius blennius, Lactarius subdulcis, Russula atropurpurea, Russula fragilis, Russula grata, Russlua grisea, Russula nigricans, Russula nobilis, Russula ochroleuca, Tricholoma ustale Surveyor Tim Rogers

Table 3f: Site 6 Roddlesworth Field 2 Grid-reference 366787 419186 Dates of survey 2012 - 18/10, 2/11, 23/11 2013 - 10/9, 8/10, 24/10, 8/11 Site description Different in character from Field 1, apart from the upper slopes (less than 20% of the site), which resemble Field 1; most of the site, which again was being grazed by sheep, & is short-cropped, is less botanically diverse (almost entirely dominated by grasses) & appears to be closer to neutral in pH than Field 1 – the area close to the track at the western margin of the site is again dominated by soft rush. Management Grazed by sheep. Parts of the field may have been subject to ‘improvement’; the sward is again closely grazed, but is not generally as promising as Field1. There is evidence of ‘ridge & furrow’ on the lower, flatter areas of the site, & quite a large area with molehills towards the SE corner, both indicating previous farming practice (& possible soil-enrichment) which is not associated with conditions suitable for waxcap grassland; this would explain why only the eastern & northern edges of the site (the former on steeply-sloping ground, the latter, near to the stream, with very uneven ground) are producing interesting fungi. Total number of waxcap species 10

12 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 8 (8/10/13) List of waxcap species recorded H. calyptriformis, H. ceracea, H. conica, H. irrigata, H. laeta , H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. quieta, H. reidii, H. virginea Other target species Entoloma conferendum, Clavulinopsis corniculata, Clavulinopsis helvola, Clavulinopsis laeticolor, Clavulinopsis umbrinella, Geoglossum glutinosum, Trichoglossum hirsutum Other recorded species Conocybe macrospore, Cordyceps militaris, Cystoderma amianthinum, Galerina mniophila, Panaeolus acuminatus, Psilocybe semilanceata, Stropharia pseudocyanea, Stropharia semiglobata Surveyor Tim Rogers

Table 3g: Site 7 Cadshaw Grid-reference 370244 418536 Dates of survey 2012 - 18/10, 2/11, 24/11 Site description A small, south-facing field on a steep slope, well & evenly grazed (no livestock present); few fungi of interest have been found, but it looks to have some potential as wax-cap grassland. Botanically similar to Field 1 at Roddlesworth, i.e. probably U4, but not as diverse. Management Well and evenly grazed but no livestock present at time of survey. Quite distinct from surrounding grasslands, which look improved or semi-improved – probably because the steep slope makes any attempt at ‘improvement’ impractical. Total number of waxcap species 1 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 1 (18/10/12 & 24/11/12) List of waxcap species recorded H. pratensis Other target species Entoloma conferendum, Clavulinopsis fusiformis Other recorded species Entoloma juncinum, Cystoderma amianthinum, Coprinopsis semitalis, Galerina pumila Surveyor Tim Rogers

Table 3h: Site 8 Sunnyhurst Grid-reference 368194 422311 Dates of survey 2012 - 8/11 Site description Field marked for survey is partly planted up with trees and has not been grazed for some time (very lush grass, no chance of waxcaps). A close-cropped field below this, immediately to the east of Higher Sunnyhurst Farm, initially appeared to be more promising, but on further investigation was found to be unsuitable semi-improved grassland. Management partial plantation, currently ungrazed Total number of waxcap species 0 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Tim Rogers 13

Table 3i: Site 28 Haslingden Grane West (between Pike Lowe and Boardman Close) Grid-reference 373841 422750 Dates of survey 2013 - 17/10, 24/10, 8/11 Site description A group of three fields, owned by a Mr. Duckworth – the centre of by far the largest of these is at SD73702255; the SW half of the latter is peaty, with much bare ground, & has few fungi (no waxcaps) – the rest of the site is grazed by sheep (11 on the day of the survey), & cattle (none on the day of the survey); much of the ground is rough & mossy, & perhaps 50% is dominated by Juncus effusus. The walls separating the smaller fields from the largest have not been maintained, making the site effectively one field. [Additional Note: habitat from NVC survey - Mostly short-sward U4b Agrostis - Festuca - Galium acid grassland, Holcus - Trifolium repens sub-community, but some less improved U5 Nardus - Galium acid grassland around margins. Juncus effusus frequent throughout the stand, forming locally both small and moderately extensive patches of M23b Juncus effusus - Galium palustre rush-pasture within the fields.] Management Grazed by sheep and cattle. Total number of waxcap species 10 Maximum number of waxcap species on a single visit (date) 7 (24/10/13, 8/11/13) List of waxcap species recorded H. calyptriformis (373995 422984, 17/10/13), H. ceracea, H. conica, H. irrigata, H. laeta , H. miniata, H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. quieta, H. virginea Other target species Entoloma conferendum, E. juncinum, Clavaria fragilis, Clavulinopsis corniculata, C. helvola, Geoglossum fallax, G. glutinosum Other recorded species Cystoderma amianthinum, Galerina mniophila, Galerina pumila, Panaeolus acuminatus, Panaeolus olivaceus, Panaeolus papilionaceus, Stropharia pseudocyanea, Stropharia semiglobata, Stropharia semilanceata Surveyor Tim Rogers (24/10, 8/11); Graeme Skelcher (17/10)

14 Table 4: Summary of habitats and species found at Potential Sites, West Pennine Moors 2012

Table 4a: Site 9 Longworth Moor Grid-reference 367967 417171 Date of survey 4/11/12 Site description Open, dry grassland but little fungal diversity. There appeared to be some good areas of bryophyte heath towards the NW end. Management Some apparent sheep grazing but much more being done by rabbits which were frequently encountered on site. Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded Other target species Other recorded species Galerina spp., Psilocybe semilanceata, possible Clitocybe gibba Surveyor Ben Deed

Table 4b: Site 10 above Ward's reservoir, Belmont Grid-reference 366867 416000 Date of survey 21/10/12 Site description Mostly very wet and dominated by Soft rush. A few small areas of relatively short (though not grazed) dry grass, though the larger sections of this appeared to have at least some nutrient enrichment based on the presence of nettles. Management Not grazed Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded Other target species possible Entoloma sp. Other recorded species Panaeolus sp., Galerina spp., Psilocybe semilanceata Surveyor Ben Deed

15 Table 4c: Site 11 Cote Slack, Rivington Grid-reference 364227 415280 Date of survey 21/10/12 Site description Short-sward grassland. Any Juncus there was clearly regularly cut or grazed and not dense. Management Grazed Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 1 List of waxcap species recorded H. ceracea or H. glutinipes Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Rich Burkmar

Table 4d: Site 12 Higher Knoll Grid-reference 364029 412830 Date of survey 21/10/12 Site description Short-sward grassland Management Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 2? List of waxcap species recorded Possible H. cantharellus plus H. reidii (or possibly cocinea) Other target species Other recorded species none Surveyor Rich Burkmar

Table 4e: Site 13 White Brow Grid-reference 366063 412317 Date of survey 20/10/12 Site description Short-sward grassland with large areas of rank Juncus. Management Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Rich Burkmar & Ben Deed

Table 4f: Site 14 Burnt Edge Grid-reference 366291 412621 Date of survey 20/10/12 Site description Generally very rank grass and/or rushes with a smaller area of wet heath and sphagnum. Management Reason for consideration U4 grassland identified from 2012 NVC survey, Penny Anderson Associates Number of waxcap species 1 or 2 List of waxcap species recorded probable H. pratensis, possible H. irrigata or Galerina sp Other target species none Other recorded species Galerina (probably mniophila) Surveyor Rich Burkmar & Ben Deed

Table 4g: Site 15 Belmont Grid-reference 367741 416856 Date of survey 21/10/12 Site description Appeared to be typical unimproved grassland. Management Heavily sheep grazed Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species not fully surveyed due to access misunderstanding List of waxcap species recorded Other target species Other recorded species Surveyor Ben Deed

Table 4h: Site 16 Whithall A, Darwen Grid-reference 368771 420236 Date of survey 8/11/12 Site description Mostly rush pasture but with frequent pockets of long- and short-sward U4 acid grassland. Devils-bit scabious, lady's mantle and knapweed all present in the sward. Management Pasture but no stock present at time of survey. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 1 List of waxcap species recorded H. pratensis (c 11 at 368801 420200, 3 at 468749 420174 and 2 at 368762 420174) Other target species none Other recorded species Galerina sp. Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 4i: Site 17 Whithall B, Darwen Grid-reference 368788 420320 Date of survey 8/11/12 Site description Short-sward U4 grassland with areas of rush. Access to this field could not be arranged so viewed only from the adjacent path and adjacent field (Site 18). Management Horse-grazed. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species not fully surveyed - unable to arrange access List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 4j: Site 18 Whithall C, Darwen Grid-reference 368712 420386 Date of survey 8/11/12 Site description Mostly short-sward U4 grassland, very mossy in parts, along with some areas more improved grassland and rush pasture. Management Horse-grazed Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

18 Table 4k: Site 19 Bury Fold, Darwen Grid-reference 368764 420926 Date of survey 8/11/12 Site description Pockets of U4 grassland within rush pasture on lower slope of hill below rush pasture, gorse scrub and other scrub. Management Pasture Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species Galerina spp., Coprinopsis sp. Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 4l: Site 20 Bold Venture, Darwen Grid-reference 368782 421454 Date of survey 8/11/12 Site description Short-sward U4 grassland with patchy heath. Very mossy in parts. Management Horse-grazed. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

19 Table 4m: Site 21 Gorse bank, Darwen Grid-reference 366928 422421 Date of survey 28/11/12 Site description Fairly rank grassland on sloping field. Probably mostly U4 acid grassland but some more improved grassland in patches. Boggy in parts, especially on the lower slope. Much of the upper slope covered in gorse scrub. Management Grazing by ponies (present at time of survey) and also sheep. Ponies on field from beginning of November but field is typically left ungrazed each summer prior to November. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species Entoloma conferendum (1 at 366891 422419) Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 4n: Site 22 Whenshead, Darwen Grid-reference 367315 421661 Date of survey 28/11/12 Site description Mostly short-sward, semi-improved U4 acid grassland over slopping field, with some drier mounds and slightly boggier ground in between. Management Horse-grazed. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species probable Coprinopsis semitalis, Stropharia semiglobata, Panaeolus spp.(maybe semiovatus and fimicola) Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

20 Table 4o: Site 23 Tockholes Grid-reference 367164 421214 Date of survey 28/11/12 Site description Mosaic of short-sward U4 acid grassland and rush in upper parts. Generally more rank U5 and U2 acid grassland on lower slope towards stream. Management Grazed - probably by sheep but no stock present at time of survey. Reason for consideration Potential habitat identified by Peter Jepson Number of waxcap species 0 List of waxcap species recorded none Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 4p: Site 24 Sunnyhurst Reservoir Grid-reference 367500 422000 Date of survey 28/11/12 Site description Mosaic of short-sward U4 acid grassland, more improved grassland and some heath on flat path alongside reservoir and steep bank below. Management Mown bank of reservoir. Reason for consideration Waxcaps observed by Peter Jepson, 2012 Number of waxcap species 3? List of waxcap species recorded probable H. virginea (c 12 at 367474 421978) , H. conica (1 at 367621 422111); possible H. irrigata (1 at 367486 422001) Other target species none Other recorded species Galerina spp. Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

21 Table 4q: Site 25 Haslingden Grane (north of Ogden Reservoir) Grid-reference 375750 422950 Date of survey 24/11/12 Site description This is a large site, on steep, mostly south-facing slopes, consisting almost entirely of impoverished, unimproved grassland. It lies outside the proposed SSSI boundary (presumably the reason why it hasn’t been spotted before), between Jamestone Quarry & Haslingden Grane Road (B6232), & between the stream west of Heap Clough, & the plantation beyond the house (on the Grane Road). This is not far from the boundary that encloses Oswaldtwistle Moor. Estimated to be about 450m long, & between 150 & 200m deep. Management Sheep pasture, currently grazed by a herd of about 30 sheep, and a few horses. From its topography, it appears it has always been pasture and is unlikely to have been subject to attempts at ‘improvement’. Reason for consideration Recently identified as a waxcap site by John Watt, North West Fungus Group Number of waxcap species 5 List of waxcap species recorded H. ceracea, H. laeta , H. pratensis, H. psittacina, H. virginea [H. conica, H. virginea and an unidentified waxcap found in mid-October 2012 by John Watt] Other target species Entoloma conferendum, Trichoglossom hirsutum Other recorded species none Surveyor Tim Rogers

Table 4r: Site 26 Spring Reservoir Grid-reference 3674 4156 Dates of survey 8/11/12 Site description Identified as M6 Carex echinata - Sphagnum flush and M23 Juncus rush-pasture. Reason for consideration Recent suggestion from Natural England Management Total number of waxcap species 1 Maximum number of waxcap species on a 1 single visit (date) List of waxcap species recorded H. pratensis Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Tim Rogers

Table 4s: Site 27 Musbury Heights Grid-reference 376586 421717 Dates of survey 26/10/13 Site description Short-sward U4b Agrostis - Festuca - Galium acid grassland, Holcus - Trifolium repens sub-community. Reason for consideration Identified during 2013 vegetation survey of moorland fringe by Graeme Skelcher Management grazed by sheep Total number of waxcap species 3 Maximum number of waxcap species on a 3 single visit (date) List of waxcap species recorded H. pratensis, H. virginea, H. cerracea? Other target species none Other recorded species none Surveyor Graeme Skelcher

Table 5: Historical data for target fungi species recorded at White Coppice Cricket Club, particularly in November 2000, by Joyce Riley and others

Species Recorder Date (Nov. 2000) Most recent record Hygrocybe acutoconica Joyce Riley 24/10/1997 Hygrocybe calyptriformis Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 Hygrocybe ceracea Richard Thompson 17/11/2000 Hygrocybe chlorophana Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 21/12/2006 Hygrocybe coccinea Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 21/12/2006 Hygrocybe irrigata Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 Hygrocybe laeta Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 21/12/2006 Hygrocybe miniata Richard Thompson 17/11/2000 Hygrocybe pratensis Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 21/12/2006 Hygrocybe psittacina Richard Thompson 17/11/2000 21/12/2006 Hygrocybe virginea Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 Entoloma conferendum Joyce Riley 21/11/2000 21/12/2006 Clavulinopsis helvola Joyce Riley 21/11/2000

23 4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Grassland fungi diversity While the combined totals across the six main survey sites - White Coppice Cricket Club, Siddow Fold, Taylor's Farm, Roddlesworth 1 and 2 and Haslingden Grane West - reached the required thresholds for SSSI consideration of 18 waxcap species, five Clavariaceae species and three Geoglossaceae species, none of the individual sites were found to support more than 10 species of waxcap, four species of Clavariaceae or two species of Geoglossaceae. On the basis of existing data, therefore, none of the individual sites could be put forward as SSSI solely for their fungi interest.

Combining results for the two adjacent Roddlesworth fields would reasonably produce a single site coming closest to meeting the SSSI criteria; with 11 species of waxcap, four species of Clavariaceae and two species of Geoglossaceae (short of the SSSI criteria targets by seven species, one species and one species respectively). However the surveyed sites otherwise lie between 1.5 and 14 km apart, so it would be difficult to argue that any further combination of site results could sensibly be considered to form a cohesive SSSI unit.

There are some reasons why the results from this survey may not wholly reflect the full diversity of fungi species present: a) Insufficient survey visits - The recommendation for SSSI selection is that surveys be carried out over three fruiting seasons, but in the West Pennines it has only been possible to carry out survey work over two autumns. However, given that waxcap species lists for each site in the two years were broadly similar, with no more than four new species being found at any one site in 2013 over the 2012 figure, it is difficult to imagine (though perhaps not impossible) that seven or more new waxcap species would be found at any of the sites during a third year of survey. Historical data from 1997 and 2000 exists for White Coppice Cricket Club (where ten waxcap species were recorded in 2012 and 2013 - the equal highest total during this survey), but even adding these older records only brings the site total up to 13. The one possible exception to the above might be Haslingden Grane West, which was only discovered in October 2013 and was only subject to a single full survey in early November. This site shared the highest total for waxcap species with the Cricket Club and the two Roddlesworth fields, and also held relatively high numbers of Clavariaceae and Geoglossaceae species. It seems more conceivable that further survey of this site over one or two more years might bring its total of waxcaps nearer to the SSSI threshold and, perhaps, reach the target for one, or even both, of the other key grassland fungi groups. b) Poor weather - The summer of 2012 was extremely wet, so there is every reason to suspect this might have impacted upon fungi growth and resulted in an atypical year for fruiting. Irene Ridge (pers. com.), chair of the North West Fungus Group, stated that 2012 seemed to be very patchy for waxcaps with very few being recorded from usually good sites elsewhere in Lancashire; while Martyn Ainsworth (pers. com.), Natural England fungi specialist, described 2012 as a "dreadful" year for waxcap fruiting nationally, probably due to a lack of dry, warmer periods between the rainfall such that there was not the required sequence of events to encourage fruiting. The weather during the autumn of 2013 was not as strikingly unusual as in 2012 but, by contrast, it was very dry during the early part of the season and there have again been suggestions that this has been a rather poor year for waxcaps. In particular, absence of any significant rainfall in the early part of the autumn would explain the poor results from all of the West Pennine sites during September 2013. Griffiths et al (2002) cite studies which have shown more than ten-fold differences can occur in the number of waxcap species at individual sites between years, so it is certainly possible that a survey carried out in a good fungi year could yield much better results. Whether this would be enough to meet the SSSI threshold at any one site, however, currently seems unlikely. 24 c) Lack of full coverage over fruiting season - The 2012 survey started very late in the season due to delays in arranging access to the fields, and thus did not commence until mid October rather than from September onwards when fruiting would normally be expected. Results from 2013 do not suggest that much data was lost through missing the early part of the 2012 season. The September visits to all sites in 2013 were poor, with just two species of waxcap found at Roddlesworth 2, one each at White Coppice Cricket Club and Taylor's Farm, and none at all at Siddow Fold and Roddlesworth 1. It should be said that the one species found at Taylor's Farm was the only record of H. acutoconica during the whole survey (though previously this was recorded at White Coppice Cricket Club in 1997) but the other waxcap species found in September were also found at the same respective sites during October. As discussed in the previous paragraph, however, it is very likely that the appearance of fruiting fungi during September 2013 was inhibited by dry weather at this time. It is certainly possible that one or two early-season waxcap species could have been missed through the late start in 2012 and unsuitable weather in 2013 but, again, it seems unlikely that seven or more new species would have been found at any one site. d) Poor management of individual sites - Some apparently previously good sites have clearly subsequently been subjected to poor management. Three of the sites initially suggested for survey because of their waxcap interest (The Lowe, Sunnyhurst and Cadshaw) were found to be poor in 2012 due to deterioration in habitat quality, and consequently were not surveyed in 2013. Tony Bond found waxcaps at the Lowe in 2011, but in 2012 the field had been left ungrazed and only a single species of waxcap was found on just one of his three visits. The survey site at Sunnyhurst was judged to be unsuitable for waxcaps now and only one species of waxcap was found at Cadshaw (though an Entoloma and a Clavulinopsis were also found here). In 2013, the total number of waxcap species at Siddow Fold was half of that recorded in the previous year, dropping from eight to four. The lack of waxcaps at this site in September, in common with the other sites, was probably weather related. No survey was undertaken here during October 2013 due to the high number of livestock in the field, including both sheep and cattle, but the field was walked through on 11 October (when stock levels were also very high) during a separate survey of moorland fringe vegetation (Skelcher 2013) and no waxcaps were noticed during a brief search of the acid grassland bank where most of the waxcaps are usually found. Given that waxcaps were being found around this time at other West Pennine sites, it seems likely that a change in grazing levels to a higher stock rate during October in 2013 had an impact upon the numbers of fruiting bodies which could be found; presumably due either to disturbance causing damage or displacement of fruits, inhibition of fruiting through trampling, consumption of the fruit, or a combination of these factors. While such overgrazing is only likely to have limited the appearance of fruiting fungi during the actual period of heavy stocking, rather than having any long-term effects on the field, clearly without site-protection and guidance offered to land managers, all sites are at risk of decline caused by changes to the management regime. e) Not all waxcap sites in the West Pennine Moors are known - The chance discovery of the Haslingden Grane West site in October 2013 (which, from a single survey and two other visits in the latter half of the 2013 season, has now proved to be amongst the best sites known in the West Pennines) highlights just how little is known, still, about the distribution and abundance of waxcaps in the region. It seems highly likely that further search of short-sward, moderately-grazed, semi-improved acid grassland fields in the region might yield further examples of equal quality waxcap grassland, or perhaps even better. It has now been established that there are at least 18 species of waxcap, five species of Clavariaceae and three species of Geoglossaceae present within the West Pennine Moors, so the chances of finding a single site where a majority of these species occur together is enhanced by this fact. However, any evaluation of the region's current value for fungi can only be made using data from existing known sites.

25 4.2 International Interest In addition to considerations of diversity, one of the species found at Roddlesworth 2 in 2012 and 2013, Roddlesworth 1 in 2013, Haslingden Grane West in 2013 and at White Coppice Cricket Club in 2000, was the pink waxcap H. calyptriformis. While this species is no longer considered to be uncommon in the UK (cf. Ing 1992 and Evans et al 2006) and was thus removed from the list of UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species at the 2005-07 review (Biodiversity Reporting and Information Group 2007), it is included on a list of 33 fungi species which are threatened in Europe and have been recommended for inclusion on Appendix 1 of the Bern Convention (Dahlberg & Croneborg 2001 & 2003). H. calyptriformis is found in 22 European countries, but is extremely rare across most of the continent and is included on the respective national Red List for 11 of these countries. The UK is now considered to be a European stronghold for this species and therefore has an international responsibility to maintain its populations.

5 CONCLUSION On current evidence, the interest is not sufficient to justify SSSI notification for waxcap grasslands as a key feature at any of the surveyed sites within the West Pennine Moors.

There is undoubtedly some interest present however (with combined totals for the whole area meeting the SSSI targets of 18 waxcap species, five Clavariaceae species and three Geoglossaceae species), and much is still unknown about the full distribution and abundance of grassland fungi species in the West Pennine Moors.

Where waxcap grasslands might be included in the SSSI anyway, for their bird or upland habitat features, there would be a case for including grassland fungi as a supporting feature and seeking to secure positive management for grassland fungi within the pSSSI where appropriate habitat exists.

Sites with known populations of pink waxcap H. calyptriformis (i.e. Roddlesworth 2, Roddleworth 1, Haslingden Grane West and perhaps White Coppice Cricket Club) have a particular international value and management to retain their waxcap diversity would be desirable.

26 6 REFERENCES Biodiversity Reporting and Information Group (2007) Report on the species and habitats review. Report to the UK Biodiversity Partnership. Dahlberg A & Croneborg H (2001) The 33 threatened fungi in Europe (Nature and Environment, No 136). T-PVS (2001) 34, Council of Europe, Strasbourg. Dahlberg A & Croneborg H (2003) 33 threatened fungi in Europe: complementary and revised information on conditions for listing in Appendix 1 of the Bern Convention. T-PVS (2001) 34 rev 2, EU DG. Evans S (2003) Waxcap-grasslands - an assessment of English sites. English Nature Research Report 555. English Nature, Peterborough. Evans S, Hencrici A & Ing B (2006) The red data list of threatened British fungi - preliminary assessment. http://www.fieldmycology.net/Download/RDL_of_Threatened_British_Fungi.pdf Ing B (1992) A provisional red data list of British fungi. The Mycologist 6 (3): 124–128 Genney DR, Hale AD, Woods RG & Wright M (2012) Chapter 18 Grassland Fungi. In JNCC Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SSSIs_Chapter18.pdf Griffiths G, Aron C, Evans DA, Evans S, Graham A, Holden L & Mitchel D (2006) Mycological survey of selected semi-natural grasslands in Wales. CCW Contract FC-73-01-403. Griffiths G, Easton GL & Jones AW (2002) Ecology and diversity of waxcap (Hygrocybe spp.) fungi. Botanical Journal of Scotland 54(1): 7-22. Penny Anderson Associates (2012) Vegetation survey of the West Pennine Moors pSSSI. Unpublished report for Natural England, Manchester. Rodwell JS Ed. (1992) British Plant Communities Volume 3: Grasslands and montane communities. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Skelcher G (2013) A vegetation survey of the West Pennine Moors moorland fringe. Unpublished report for Natural England, Manchester.