LIFE 13 BIO/UK/000428 Ecoco LIFE Airds Moss: Ecocolife Monitoring Impact Report (Action D.1.)

LIFE 13 BIO/UK/000428 EcoCo LIFE Airds Moss: EcoCoLife monitoring Impact Report (Action D.1.)

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ...... 2 2. Background ...... 2 3. Monitoring results ...... 6 3.1.Hydrology ...... 8 3.2.Vegetation ...... 11 3.3.Peat depth data ...... 15 3.4.Species data ...... 17 4. Future monitoring ...... 17 5. References………………………………………………………………………………………18 6. Acknowledgements ...... 18 7. Annex 1……………………………………………...…………………………………………..19

Airds Moss - aerial view captured (c) Dave Beaumont, 2014

1 Introduction

The whole site known as Airds Moss is located in the catchment of the River Ayr between the towns of Cumnock and Muirkirk. The entire site is almost 8 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres in width, comprising an ‘intermediate’ peatland site with characteristics of both raised and blanket bogs. At several locations the peat is up to 8m deep, unusually deep for this part of the country. The bog is surrounded by the Muirkirk Uplands, which are made up of heather moorland, upland grassland and blanket bog. It is now the largest area of unafforested moorland in South Strathclyde, but is bordered by large forestry blocks in several areas.

Airds Moss and the Muirkirk Uplands are of national importance for hen harrier. The whole area qualifies as a Special Protection Area under the terms of the European Union Birds Directive. The 26,330 ha SPA is of national importance for breeding curlew and short-eared owl and further supports merlin, peregrine and golden plover. Airds Moss and the Muirkirk Uplands are also of significant interest for other breeding birds including black grouse and waders such as snipe, redshank, lapwing and dunlin.

The RSPB manage large areas of Airds Moss, and originally became involved with the site due to a series of threats that could seriously damage the habitats and wildlife of the area. The Society’s operations at Airds Moss are primarily to ensure site protection and to work in partnership with developers to ensure no net loss of habitats.

This report summarises the results of monitoring at the CEI’s peatland enhancement sites at Airds Moss between 2014 and 2018.

2 Background

There have been six separate phases of peatland enhancement work at Airds Moss, within the RSPB Reserve. The first three phases were delivered by RSPB and the fourth phase of work was by EACEI before the EcoCoLife project commenced.

Initial phases 1-4 (not funded by EcoCoLife)

Phases 1-3: were carried out by RSPB between 2009 and 2012 (Fig. 1). Peat and plastic dams were installed in the drainage network.

Phase 4: Carried out by CEI in 2013-14 (see Figs. 2 & 3). The enhancement area was 131ha and the value of the contract was £30,000. The work was carried out by Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd. 2,097 peat dams, 16 plastic piling dams were installed.

Figure 1: Airds Moss peatland enhancement, Phases 1-3 by RSPB (c) RSPB

Figure 2: Airds Moss peatland enhancement, Phase 4 by EACEI (c) RSPB

Figure 3: Airds Moss peatland enhancement, Phase 4 dam locations (c) CEI

Figure 4: Map showing Airds Moss peatland enhancement phases including phase 5 (2014- 15) (c) EACEI

Phases 5 and 6 were undertaken and funded through EcoCoLife.

Phase 5 was completed in early 2015, enhancing the site across 111 ha (Fig. 4).

Phase 6 involved repairing historic dams and installing new dams to reinforce areas subject to damage. An additional area also had ditch blocking carried out (Fig. 5).

Table 1 summarises the actions undertaken in phases 5 and 6.

Figure 5: Airds Moss peatland enhancement phase 6 by EACEI (c) RSPB

Site name Airds Moss RSPB Airds Moss RSPB Total Phase of work 5 6

Date started 01/02/2015 15/02/2016

Date completed 22/02/2015 19/02/2016

Area (Ha) 111 52 163 Contractor Openspace Openspace used (Cumbria) Ltd (Cumbria) Ltd

Cost of contract £ 30,000 £ 13,800 £ 43,800

Peat dams 2,039 480 2519 PP dams 6 6 Dams repaired 196 196 Table 1: summary of monitoring actions through EcoCoLife

3 Monitoring

The three stages specified in the monitoring process are as follows:

1. Baseline monitoring – carried out prior to enhancement activities. 2. Initial monitoring period – following completion of works, carried out within the EcoCoLife project timescale to identify any short-term changes. 3. Long-term monitoring – ongoing monitoring to be carried out at 3, 5, 10 year intervals to measure long-term changes.

Table 2 describes the monitoring methodology.

Monitoring Vegetation Fixed point Water level monitoring Peat depth Species surveys tool monitoring photography Species of Ecological Indicator of Ecological functionality Structure Structure conservation functionality importance Each site exhibits the full Stable or increasing relevant species range of structural populations of positive A long-term surveys carried out to features which should be bog indicator species, monitoring system in assess how particular expected for a functioning High, stable water table, close to particularly relevant place which will allow species not captured Target bog. Interventions carried the surface of the bog sphagna. Few or peat depths to be through ongoing out through the project decreasing populations compared at suitable condition monitoring (e.g. dams, bunds etc.) of negative indicator intervals are responding to are demonstrated to be species restoration functioning Whilst some of these Long-term measure, species may not be and as such, indicators of improved meaningful trends This measure will enable habitat condition, their will not be captured the physical condition of importance in a Through the project actions, we as part of the EcoCo each bog to be measured. Bogs in good condition regional, national or are hoping to demonstrate an project. However, It will allow changes to be or that are progressing international context improvement in the hydrology of this action, which will recorded, and will allow towards good condition merits their inclusion in sites through this measure. Bogs ensure that the success of Rationale exhibit a range of project monitoring with a high, stable water table, monitoring methods interventions to be indicator species which where resources allow. function hydrologically and this is are developed and assessed. It is also a allow condition to be Site managers should therefore a good indicator of instigated, will ensure straightforward technique assessed be aware of the coherence at the site level. the long-term which could be carried out location and status of monitoring of this by volunteers during and these species to ensure important indicator of after the project that restoration does coherence for peat not adversely affect sites them Pairs of dipwells installed Targeted species adjacent to each vegetation surveys for Large 6 fixed quadrats monitoring quadrat location (but Assessment of damage heath, beetles and installed at locations sufficiently far away to avoid from drainage, peat spiders to be carried representative of Peat depths interference), one in close cutting, burning and out where appropriate conditions across the measured on a grid proximity to drainage ditch (less grazing, within and in (see detailed site. Presence and (with maximum grid than 2m), one 5m from ditch. close proximity (<5m) of guidance). Ad hoc coverage of trees, squares of Single dipwells installed at each quadrat location, via recording to be carried shrub, bryophytes and 100x100m), and Method control quadrats. Additional field survey. Random of out on site walkovers vascular plants additionally adjacent ditches and control locations can dams selected from and at events. recorded via field to each be added if resources allow. enhancement works. Specimens to be survey. Also recording quadrat/dipwell Dipwells should be on ‘flat’ Water level below ground removed from the field basic micro-topography location using a peat ground, avoiding significant level at face of dam is if identification requires (i.e. presence of depth probe. hummocks/hollows. Dipwells recorded. Dams also microscope/keys. hummocks and/or are monitored manually to inspected for damage. Photographs of pools). identify depth of water surface specimens to be taken below ground level. where possible. Single survey Annual survey, June- completed in Sept (July-August Annual survey (with baseline period and Monthly survey if possible, or at preferred). vegetation quadrat repeated in initial least quarterly. Comparative Comparative surveys at survey). Comparative Annually for butterfly Frequency monitoring period at annual data at 3, 5 or 10 year 3, 5 or 10 year interval, survey at 3, 5 or 10 year transects, etc. same time of year. interval. at same time of year, interval (with vegetation Comparative surveys i.e. June-Sept (July- quadrat survey) carried out at 3, 5 or August preferred). 10 year intervals. Sampling nets (butterfly, sweep, pond) Posts to mark quadrat Specimen pots corners 100cm plumbing pipes with Alcohol for preserving Tape measure regularly drilled small holes invertebrates Mallet Round pole (1.5m+) to make Bugvac String initial hole Peat depth probe As vegetation quadrat Identification keys and Requirements GPS device Cans/jars to cover ends GPS device survey guides Plant ID guides GPS device Microscopes Hand lens Tape measure / “plumb-bob” Hand lenses Sample pots/packets measure Moth traps, generator, Metal detector for batteries locating quadrats GPS device Recording sheets Table 2: EcoCo LIFE peatland monitoring plan minimum requirements

3.1 Hydrology

22 dipwells have been installed in total, covering each restoration phase. At each fixed vegetation monitoring quadrat adjacent to a ditch there are two dipwells: 0.5m and 5m from the ditch. At the control quadrat (> 10m from a ditch) there is one dipwell next to the quadrat. Four additional dipwells have been put in place next to two ditches where there are no quadrats; one near and one 5m from the ditch. Dipwells are used to measure the water table relative to the bog surface. Monitoring in this way over a period of time can provide insight into the success or otherwise of the re-wetting of the peatland.

The hydrological measurements were taken over a period of the lowest rainfall over the same period since figures are easily obtainable; 2009, and 12% below the average of the previous 7 years (Fig. 6). The overall picture is one of water retention on the peatland. Over the period monitored May 2016 to October 2017 the water table was raised by 4.1 mm (Table 3).

Figure 7 shows the dipwell and quadrat locations.

Rainfall Data of monitoring period and prior to restoration 300

250

200

150 May 2013- Oct 2014 pre

restoration Rainfall Rainfall mm May 2016- Oct2017 post 100 restoration

Jan

Oct Oct

Apr

Sep Feb Sep

July July

Dec

Aug Aug

Nov

Mar

May May

June June Month

Figure 6: Rainfall Data SEPA Muirkirk station

Dipwell number and Grid Reference Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 NS NS NS NS NS 63846 NS 63048 NS 63048 NS 64242 NS 64242 NS 62885 NS 62885 NS 63971 NS 63971 NS 63086 NS 63086 NS 63509 NS 63341 NS 63341 NS 62779 NS 62779 NS 63289 NS 63289 64348264 64348264 63869263 63869263 25914 26236 26236 26239 26239 26624 26624 26668 26668 25323 25323 26663 26230 26230 26374 26374 25176 25176 01 01 96 96 24/05/2016 6.50 14.00 4.00 8.00 11.00 17.50 18.00 13.00 10.00 7.50 15.00 9.50 9.00 10.00 19.00 3.00 6.00 5.00 6.50 7.50 11.00 14.00 6.50 -1.00 -5.00 2.00 4.00 14.00 11.50 4.00 2.00 0.50 6.00 8.00 7.00 0.60 12.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 3.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 4.60 23/08/2016 0.00 15.00 9.00 6.00 7.00 3.50 6.50 9.00 8.00 7.00 11.00 1.50 2.00 9.40 7.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 3.50 3.50 7.00 20.00 -3.00 -24.00 5.00 -1.00 1.50 -3.50 4.50 -1.00 6.00 -5.00 -0.40 0.50 0.50 6.40 5.40 -1.50 -4.00 -7.00 2.50 -7.50 -17.50 3.00 -1.82 19/10/2016 -3.00 -7.00 4.00 7.00 5.50 7.00 2.00 10.00 2.00 12.00 11.40 1.00 1.50 3.00 1.20 -1.50 -2.00 -7.00 1.00 -4.00 -10.50 17.00 6.60 19.00 -11.00 7.30 -4.20 -5.00 -13.00 -1.80 -7.30 3.00 0.20 -3.00 0.70 -4.00 -8.90 -9.40 -4.00 -10.00 3.50 7.00 0.50 0.60 -1.51 15/02/2017 3.60 12.00 15.00 -0.30 9.70 12.00 15.00 11.80 9.30 9.00 11.20 4.00 0.80 7.00 10.10 7.90 2.00 3.00 4.50 3.00 -10.00 16.40 4.00 6.00 6.00 11.00 2.00 -1.00 -2.00 1.50 1.00 3.17 14/06/2017 8.00 9.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 3.00 5.00 3.00 2.00 -3.00 0.50 2.00 1.50 0.00 -2.50 -0.50 -4.00 -9.00 -1.67 22/08/2017 2.00 11.00 8.50 11.00 11.00 4.00 2.50 7.00 7.00 3.00 1.00 2.00 23.00 6.50 10.50 10.50 5.50 5.50 7.00 11.00 2.00 2.50 0.50 -2.00 -1.50 -3.00 -4.00 -10.00 5.00 8.50 2.00 2.50 -0.2 12/09/2017 10.50 10.50 5.50 5.50 7.00 11.00 2.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 4.50 3.50 3.50 4.00 1.00 3.00 1.00 2.50 -5.00 -15.00 0.3 23/10/2017 -2.00 6.00 7.00 5.00 7.50 2.00 1.50 7.00 9.00 6.00 8.00 2.00 0.00 3.00 5.00 2.00 2.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 5.00 15.00 0.41 Water level changeWater level in cms >10.5 <10 5.5 - 10 10.5 - 20.0

positive 0.5 - 5.0 20.5 - 30.0 Change 0.00 >30.5 -0.5 - 5.0 -5.5 - 10

negative <-10.5 Table 3: dipwell data

Figure 7: quadrat and dipwell locations, as well as restoration phase areas (C) RSPB

3.2 Vegetation

Vegetation monitoring has been carried out using 5 2m x 2m quadrats located within 5m of a drain in each restoration phase area. Water level changes after ditch blocking are only detectable up to 5m away from the drain which is why they were located in this way. To get a representative of the whole site an additional 2 control quadrats have been placed in the Molinia-dominated area of the bog to the north and also the better quality bog habitat towards the centre of the bog where they are at least 10m from a drain. The quadrats have been marked for future visits using marker posts at the four corners, to allow direct comparison year-on-year (see figs 8 & 9).

Figure 8: Quadrat 1 Airds Moss October 2014

Figure 9: Quadrat 1 Airds Moss March 201

The vegetation monitoring was divided up into; Bryophytes, Shrubs (Ericaceous), Herbs and Grasses,

Bryophytes

The Bryophytes were divided up into three categories

1. Small Sphagnum; e.g. Sphagum capillifolium, S. tenellum, S. cuspidatum (terrestrial) possibly S. subnitens and S. fallax (could be either as size is variable).

2. Large Sphagnum; e.g. Sphagnum papillosum, S. palustre, S. magellanicum, S. cuspidatum (aquatic) possibly S. subnitens and S. fallax (could be either as size is variable),

3. Upright (acrocarpus) and trailing (pleurocarpus) mosses. These are any ‘non’ Sphagnum mosses and liverworts

Bryphoyte Cover 2014-17 90

2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2017 Control bog Control Molinia Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

Small Sphagnum spp. Large Sphagnum spp. Other moss (trailing/upright)

Figure 10: Sphagnum monitoring summary

Allowing for observational error; which is probably due to variations in taller species cover, caused by grazing sheep; since the works were completed, most of the changes in cover haven’t been particularly significant (Table 10). However, there have been a couple of notable changes which are. In quadrats 2 and 5 small amount of Sphagnum have been observed for the in 2016 - 17 for the 1st time. A visit in 2019 recorded that the cover had been maintained in quadrat 5 (a Molinia-dominated quadrat), and had increased in quadrat 2. Sphagnum moss on terrestrial surfaces is slow growing and significant change will take longer than the life of this project. The overall picture is of a very slight improvement, which is what would be expected.

Herbs and Grasses

There are no changes of any significance across the mire surface, thus any variations can be accounted for by observer error and sheep grazing. The vegetation cover of the herb and grass component on deeper peat, is of reasonable quality for a blanket bog of this type there is good cover of Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, as well as good populations of Drosera sp and Narthecium ossfragum; plants typical of a healthy mire community (Table 11).

There are quadrats where Molinia caerulea is the dominant grass, these quadrats are located on shallower more minerotrophic peat. The nature of Airds Moss is that the underlying geology is that the peat depth can be extremely variable. It maybe, that although most of the bog is M17 blanket mire; Molinia-dominated intermediate mire, is the natural vegetation community at these locations.

140 %Cover Herbs and Grasses 2014-17

120

100

0 2014201520162017201420152016201720142015201620172014201520162017201420152016201720142015201620172014201520162017 Control bog Control Molinia Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) Blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) White beak-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) Hare’s-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum) Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliate) Sundew (Drosera spp.) Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) Common cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) Non-crustose lichens Wavy hair grass Purple moorgrass (Molinia caerulea) Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) Heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) Other grass

Figure 11: Herbs and Grasses monitoring summary

Shrubs (Ericaceous)

There were only 2 species recorded in this section; although Myrica gale was monitored none was found in; or within site of the quadrats (no records for Myrica gale in the Muirkirk uplands SSSI on BSBI database). Other ericaceous plants; Vaccinium sp and Empetrum sp; were recorded in the herbs and grasses section (Figure 12).

The two species recorded were Erica tetralix and Calluna vulgaris. Apart from the control plot, there has been little change in the cover of ericaceous shrubs. There has been a small reduction in quadrat 1 of both species of Heath. The most likely cause is sheep grazing, rather than an increased water table, over such a short timescale. Over the long term, it would be hoped that there would be an increase in the ericaceous component in the Molinia- dominated areas.

% Cover Ericaceous Shrubs 70

2015 2014 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 2014 2015 2016 2017 Control bog Control Molinia Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) Cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix) Ling heather (Calluna vulgaris)

Figure 12: Ericaceous shrub monitoring summary

3.3 Peat depth data

This was measured across the whole site, and provides a baseline for future measurements (Fig. 13).

Figure 13: peat depth measurements

3.4 Species data

287 species were recorded by EACEI, partners and volunteers (see Annex 1).

4 Future monitoring

The following are planned:

Maintain current area of blanket bog (approximately 258ha but this will be mapped precisely during the next five years).

Restore hydrological integrity of the blanket bog with year round high water levels and no artificial drainage by the end of this plan.

Establish and maintain current extent of M17/M18 communities with current extent of Sphagnum magellanicum, white beak-sedge Rhyncospora. alba and great sundew Drosera anglica.

Reduce rush and Molinia dominance in areas fringing the bog to less than 30% rush/Molinia scattered cover.

Investigate ways of remote monitoring of water levels

Maintain casual records of biodiversity.

Increase the level of non-avian records on the reserve over the period of the plan.

Monitor breeding waders annually (3 visit survey between April and June).

Monitor vegetation structure and composition using FPP and aerial photos.

5 References

RSPB Muirkirk Uplands, Airds Moss Management Plan 1st April 2015 – 31st March 2020: Gerry McAuley, Stephen Owen, Susan Falconer, Nicky Downing, Mike Kerby, Zoe Clelland

J. S. Rodwell et al (1991). British Plant Communities; Volume 2, Mires and Heaths

Rainfall data were collected by the SEPA at Muirkirk weather station, and the data are used here under the Open Government Licence. Data were accessed at https://apps.sepa.org.uk/rainfall

EACEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Airds Moss Vegetation 2013-2017 V.2. SNH ref: A2885892

EACEI - Monitoring - D1 - Airds Moss - Species list. SNH ref: A2903439

EACEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Dipwell monitoring BY site. SNH ref: A2880047

EACEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Quadrat locations Airds Moss 10-01-2018. SNH ref: A2880045

EACEI - Monitoring - D.1 - SEPA - Rainfall Data East Ayrshire. SNH ref: A2880046

Muirkirk Uplands - Airds Moss - RSPB Mgt Plan 2015-20 FINAL. SNH ref: A1621205

Muirkirk Uplands - Airds Moss - RSPB Mgt Plan 2015-20 - maps FINAL. SNH ref: A1621206

6 Acknowledgements

EACEI would like to thanks its partners RSPB for permitting EACEI to deliver peatland enhancement work at Airds Moss, and for playing an integral part in developing and progressing enhancement proposals. Thanks go to RSPB Reserve staff, Gerry McAuley and Mark Mitchell, and former assistant wardens Paul Gunn and Hannah Sharratt, for their help with the project and monitoring post-enhancement.

Thanks also go to peatland contractors Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd. for completing the work to a high standard.

EACEI would like to give special thanks to volunteers of EACEI and RSPB for assisting with the numerous monitoring and species surveys carried out at Airds Moss.

Annex 1

Airds Moss species list. Purple denotes Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan Species

Taxa Common Name Species Bird Black grouse Tetrao tetrix Bird Buzzard Buteo buteo Bird Canada goose Branta canadensis Bird Carrion crow Corvus corone Bird Common sandpiper Actitus hypoleucos Bird Curlew Numenius arquata Bird Dunlin Calidris alpina Bird Eurasian wren Troglodytes troglodytes Bird Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Bird Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Bird Grey heron Ardea cinerea Bird Greylag geese Anser anser Bird Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus bird Jackdaw Corvus monedula Bird Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Bird Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Bird Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Bird Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Bird Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Bird Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Bird Oysterctacher Haematopus ostralegus Bird Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Bird Pied wagtail Motacilla alba Bird Red grouse Lagopus lagopus Bird Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Bird Sand martin Riparia riparia Bird Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Bird Skylark Alauda arvensis Bird Snipe Gallinago gallinago Bird Stonechat Saxicola rubicola Bird Swallow Hirundo rustica Bird Teal Anas crecca Bird Whitethroat Sylvia communis Bryophyte Bog moss flapwort Odontoschisma sphagni Bryophyte Common haircap Polytrichum commune Bryophyte Feathery bog moss Sphagnum cuspidatum Bryophyte Glittering wood moss Hylocomium splendens Bryophyte Haircap moss Polytrichum strictum Bryophyte Heath plait moss Hypnum jutlandicum Bryophyte Jagged notchwort Lophozia incisa Bryophyte Large Sphagnum spp. Sphagnum palustre Bryophyte Lustrous bog moss Sphagnum subnitens Bryophyte Magellanic bog moss Sphagnum magellanicum

Bryophyte Moss species Pleurozium schreberi Bryophyte Moss species Tetraploides minoides Bryophyte Papillose bog moss Sphagnum papillosum Bryophyte Pointed spear moss Calliergonella cuspidata Bryophyte Red bog moss Sphagnum capilifolium Bryophyte Small Sphagnum spp. Sphagnum tenellum Bryophyte Springy turf moss Rytidiadelphus squarrosus Bryophyte Wooly fringe moss Racomitrium lanuginosum Fungi Bog bell mushroom Galerina paludosa Fungi Horn stalkball Onygena equina Gastrotrich Gastrotrich ('Hairy stomach') Chaetonotus sp. Higher plant Bell heather Erica cinerea Higher plant Blaeberry Vaccinium myrtilis Higher plant Bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum Higher plant Broad-leaved buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata Higher plant Burr-reed Sparganium sp. Higher plant Chickweed wintergreen Trientalis europaea Higher plant Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara Higher plant Common cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium Higher plant Common mousear Cerastium fontanum Higher plant Common sedge Carex nigra Higher plant Common sorrel Rumex acetosa Higher plant Common spike rush Eleocharis palustris Higher plant Compact rush Juncus conglomeratus Higher plant Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus Higher plant Creeping buttercup Rannunculus repens Higher plant Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense Higher plant Crested dogs-tail Cynosaurus cristatus Higher plant Cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix Higher plant Crowberry Empetrum nigrum Higher plant Curled dock Rumex crispus Higher plant Deergrass Trichophorum germanicum Higher plant Field wood rush Luzula campestris Higher plant Germander speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Higher plant Great sundew Drosera anglica Higher plant Hare’s-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum Higher plant Heath bedstraw Galium saxatile Higher plant Heath milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia Higher plant Heath wood rush Luzula multiflora Higher plant Horsetail Equisetum arvense Higher plant Kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria Higher plant Knapweed Centaurea Higher plant Large rushes Juncus effusus Higher plant Lesser birds foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus Higher plant Lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis Higher plant Ling heather Calluna vulgaris Higher plant Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Higher plant Meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris Higher plant Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria

Higher plant Mousear hawkweed Pillosella officinarum Higher plant Purple moorgrass Molinia caerulea Higher plant Red clover Trifolium pratense Higher plant Redshank Persicaria maculosa Higher plant Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata Higher plant Round-leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia Higher plant Selfheal Prunella sp. Higher plant Sharp-flowered rush Juncus squarrosus Higher plant Sheeps fescue Festuca ovina Higher plant Silverweed Argentina anserina Higher plant Soft rush Juncus effusus Higher plant Spear thistle Cirsium vulgare Higher plant Spring sandwort Minuartia verna Higher plant Stinging nettle Urtica dioica Higher plant Sweet vernel grass Anthoxantum odoratum Higher plant Tormentil Potentilla erecta Higher plant Tufted hair grass Deschampsia caespitosa Higher plant Tufted vetch Vicia cracca Higher plant Water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides Higher plant Water mint Mentha citrata Higher plant Water starwort Callitriche sp. Higher plant Wavy hair grass Deschampsia flexuosa Higher plant White beak sedge Rhynchospora alba Higher plant White clover Trifolium repens Higher plant White sedge Carex canescens Higher plant Wild pansy Viola tricolor Higher plant Yarrow Achillea millefolium Invertebrate Beautiful Golden Y moth Autographa pulchrina Invertebrate Beetle sp. Agabus bipustulatus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Agabus guttatus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Agonum ericeti Invertebrate Beetle sp. Agonum fuliginosum Invertebrate Beetle sp. Amara lunicollis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Amara similata Invertebrate Beetle sp. Anacaena lutescens Invertebrate Beetle sp. Anotylus rugosus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Aphodius luridus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Bembidion mannerheimii Invertebrate Beetle sp. Carabus problematicus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Carabus violaceus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Cercyon analis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Cercyon lateralis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Cychrus caraboides Invertebrate Beetle sp. Cyphon padi Invertebrate Beetle sp. Denticollis linearis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Dryops luridus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Helophorus brevipalpis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Helophorus flavipes Invertebrate Beetle sp. Hydraena riparia

Invertebrate Beetle sp. Hydroporus melanariius Invertebrate Beetle sp. Hydroporus tristis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Hypnoidus riparius Invertebrate Beetle sp. Lathrobium elongatum Invertebrate Beetle sp. Lathrobium fulvipenne Invertebrate Beetle sp. Lathrobium terminatum Invertebrate Beetle sp. Longitarsus luridus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Loricera pilicornis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Megasternum concinnum Invertebrate Beetle sp. Mycetoporus sp. Invertebrate Beetle sp. Oedemera virescens Invertebrate Beetle sp. Olophrum piceum Invertebrate Beetle sp. Othius punctulatus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Phyllotreta flexuosa Invertebrate Beetle sp. Plateumaris discolour Invertebrate Beetle sp. Polydrusus pilosus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Pselaphus heisei Invertebrate Beetle sp. Pterostichus diligens Invertebrate Beetle sp. Pterostichus niger Invertebrate Beetle sp. Pterostichus strenuus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Quedius fuliginosus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Quedius levicollis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Rhantus suturalis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Staphylinus erythropterus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Stenus bimaculatus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Stenus brevipennis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Stenus brunnipes Invertebrate Beetle sp. Stenus impressus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Tachinus laticollis Invertebrate Beetle sp. Tachinus rufipes Invertebrate Beetle sp. Thanatophilus rugosus Invertebrate Beetle sp. Xantholinus linearis Invertebrate Black darter dragonfly Sympetrum danae Invertebrate Broom moth Melanchra pisi Invertebrate Brown rustic moth Rusina ferruginea Invertebrate Caddisfly sp. Namamyia plutonis Invertebrate Chevron moth Eulithis testata Invertebrate Click beetle sp. Ctenicera cuprea Invertebrate Clouded border moth Lomaspilis marginata Invertebrate Clouded-bordered brindle moth Apamea crenata Invertebrate Common carder Bee Bombus pascuorum Invertebrate Common carpet moth Epirrhoe alternata Invertebrate Common hawker Aeshna juncea Invertebrate Common heath moth Ematurga atomaria Invertebrate Common wolf spider Pardosa pullata Invertebrate Cream wave Scopula floslactata Invertebrate Dark brocade Blepharita adusta Invertebrate Diving/water beetle sp. Noteridae sp. Invertebrate Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria

Invertebrate Flame shoulder moth Ochropleura plecta Invertebrate four-spot chaser dragonfly Libellula quadrimaculata Invertebrate Fox moth Macrothylacia rubi Invertebrate Furrow orb-weaver spider Larinioides cornutus Invertebrate Green hairstreak butterfly Callophrys rubi Invertebrate Green-veined white butterfly Pieris napi Invertebrate Ground beetle Pterostichus rhaeticus Invertebrate Harvestman sp. Opiliones sp. Invertebrate Heath grass-veneer Crambus ericella Invertebrate Heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis Invertebrate Heliozoan ('Sun animal') Actinosphaerium sp. Invertebrate Hook-streak grass veneer Crambus lathoniellus Invertebrate Large heath butterfly Coenonympha tullia Invertebrate Large red damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula Invertebrate Latticed heath moth Chiasma clathrata Invertebrate Lesser water boatman sp. Corixdae sp. Invertebrate Light streak moth Pleurota bicostella Invertebrate Manchester treble-bar moth Carsia sororiata Invertebrate Map-winged swift moth Pharmacis fusconebulosa Invertebrate Marsh combtail spider Antistea elegans Invertebrate Micromoth sp. Capotria magaritella Invertebrate Moss neobisid (Pseudoscorpion) Neobisium carcinoides Invertebrate Moth sp. Phiaris schulziana Invertebrate Northern eggar Lasiocampa quercus callunae Invertebrate Oak eggar moth Lasiocampa quercus Invertebrate Painted lady butterfly Cynthia cardui Invertebrate Peppered moth Biston betularia Invertebrate Poplar hawk moth Laothoe populi Invertebrate Red admiral butterfly Vanessa atalanta Invertebrate Red spider mites Tetranychus urticae Invertebrate Red-shanked carder bee Bombus ruderarius Invertebrate Rhinocerus beetle Sinodendron cylindricum Invertebrate Rotifer Euchlanis sp. Invertebrate Rush marble moth Bactra lancealana Invertebrate Sallow kitten moth Furcula furcula Invertebrate Saxon moth Hyppa rectilinea Invertebrate Scavenger water beetle Anacaena globulus Invertebrate Scavenger water beetle Enochrus affinis Invertebrate Sexton beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides Invertebrate Silver-ground carpet moth Xanthorhoe montanata Invertebrate Small argent & sable moth Epirrhoe tristata Invertebrate Small heath butterfly Coenonympha pamphilus Invertebrate Small pearl bordered fritillary butterfly Boloria selene Invertebrate Small phoenix moth Ecliptopera silaceata Invertebrate Small tortoiseshell butterfly Aglais urticae Invertebrate Spectacle Abrostola tripartita Invertebrate Spider sp. Agyneta cauta Invertebrate Spider sp. Baryphyma trifrons Invertebrate Spider sp. Bathyphantes gracilis

Invertebrate Spider sp. Ceratinella brevipes Invertebrate Spider sp. Cnephalocotes obscurus Invertebrate Spider sp. Hyposinga pygmaea Invertebrate Spider sp. Hypselistes. jacksoni Invertebrate Spider sp. Lepthyphantes mengei Invertebrate Spider sp. Lepthyphantes obscurus Invertebrate Spider sp. Meioneta saxatilis Invertebrate Spider sp. Microlinyphia pusilla Invertebrate Spider sp. Neon reticulatus Invertebrate Spider sp. Ozyptila trux Invertebrate Spider sp. Pardosa nigriceps Invertebrate Spider sp. Peponocranium ludicrum Invertebrate Spider sp. Satilatlas britteni Invertebrate Spider sp. Silometopus elegans Invertebrate Spider sp. Tetragnatha extensa Invertebrate Spider sp. Trichoptera thorelli Invertebrate True-lovers Knot Lycophotia porphyrea Invertebrate Twin-spot carpet moth Xanthorhoe ferrugata Invertebrate Weevil Micrelus ericae Invertebrate White ermine moth Spilosoma lubricipeda Invertebrate White-tailed bumblebee Bombus lucorum Invertebrate Wolf spider Pirata piraticus Lichen Dog lichen Peltigera canina Lichen Heath navel fungus Omphalinia ericetorum Lichen Lichen species Cladonia subulata Lichen Non-crustose lichens Cladonia sp. Lichen Reindeer lichen Cladonia portentosa Mammal Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus Mammal Brown hare Lepus europaeus Mammal Stoat Mustela erminea Mammal Common shrew Sorex araneus Microscopic plants Desmid algae Actinotaenium cucurbita Microscopic plants Desmid algae Actinotaenium silvae-nigrae Microscopic plants Desmid algae Closterium pronum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Cosmarium pseodoexiguum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Cosmarium pygmaeum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Cylindrocystis brebissonii Microscopic plants Desmid algae Netrium digitus Microscopic plants Desmid algae Netrium digitus var. latum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Netrium oblongum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Staurastrum margaritaceum Staurodesmus extensus var. Microscopic plants Desmid algae isthmosus Microscopic plants Desmid algae Tetmemorus brebissonii Microscopic plants Desmid algae Tetmemorus laevis Xanthidium antilopaeum var. Microscopic plants Desmid algae antilopaeum Microscopic plants Desmid algae Xanthidium antilopaeum var. laeve Microscopic plants Green algae Microthamnion sp.