Grassland Survey 2015 High Park The Blenheim Estate

Prepared by Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Contents

1 Background 3

2 Site description 3 Map 1. Site location

3 Survey method 4

4 Habitat descriptions 4

5 Evaluation & Recommendations 6

6 References 8

7 Appendices

Appendix 1. Target notes 9

Appendix 2. Species lists 20

Appendix 3. Maps 28 Map 2. Habitat map - North Map 3 Habitat map – South Map 4. Target note location map - North Map 5. Target note location map – South Map 6. Habitats with Target note locations - North Map 7. Habitats with Target note locations – South

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 2

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

1 Background

This report covers a survey carried out at High Park, Blenheim following recommendations in the management plan (Wychwood Project, 2014) for further information on the grassland habitats present. It identifies and describes the grassland types occurring on the site and highlights the areas grassland of highest value for their botanical interest.

2 Site description High Park, Blenheim is located to the south west of Woodstock, Oxfordshire at grid reference SP432155. The site is primarily parkland and woodland but includes open areas of bracken and grassland. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its parkland habitat including numerous veteran oaks and significant deadwood invertebrate interest. The geology of the site is complex with bands of limestone, mudstone and sandstone. There is superficial sand and gravel to the northwest. It is approximately 70-120 metres above sea level. The study area covered in this survey is approximately 129 hectares.

Map 1. Site location map

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 3

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

3 Survey Method The survey focused on open areas of the site with grassland habitat. Surveys were carried out on 15th and 16th June 2015 using a Phase 1 based methodology (JNCC, 2010). This is a good time of year for surveying grassland. It is worth noting that whatever time of year a site is visited, not all species that occur on a site will be recorded in a single survey. Plant species lists were recorded for the main types of grassland and can be found in Appendix 2. An estimate of the relative abundance of each species was made using the DAFOR scale. The DAFOR scale ranks species according to their relative abundance within a particular area of vegetation and bare no relevance to the status of the species in the wider landscape. The following abbreviations are used; D – dominant, A – abundant, F – frequent, O – occasional, R – rare. In this survey, the prefix L – locally is also used.

4 Habitat descriptions Maps 2, 3, 6 and 7 in Appendix 3 show the location and extent of the grassland habitats. Due to the prevalence of habitat mosaics and transitions, habitat boundaries are approximate and patches of habitat less than 0.1ha are not usually mapped separately. However, some smaller pockets of unimproved acid (wet) grassland have been mapped as additional detail on their location was considered useful. The target notes provided in Appendix 1 give additional detail on the vegetation at the specific locations show on Maps 4 and 5 in Appendix 3.

General The grassland in the surveyed area is limited in extent due to the dominance of bracken over most open areas of the parkland. Small areas occur in glades and along paths with larger blocks to the northwest and along wider rides. The varied geology of the site has created a mixture of acid, neutral and calcareous swards. There are mosaics and transitions between these grassland types. Bracken is abundant in northern and central areas and, where it is less dominant, forms mosaics with grassland vegetation. There are also transitions between wetter and drier conditions, and between finer and ranker swards. Woodland species including bluebell, wood avens, dog’s mercury and false-brome are also locally frequent in some swards.

Unimproved (dry) acidic grassland There is unimproved acid grassland at the western end of the ride at Target note 11, at Target notes 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and small patches along paths at Target note 12. It has a fine sward of red fescue, sweet vernal-grass and Yorkshire fog with locally frequent creeping soft-grass. It is rich in broadleaved herbs including pignut, tormentil, heath bedstraw and crosswort. There is also lesser stitchwort, black medick, germander speedwell and red clover. There is locally frequent bracken and small amounts of cat’s-ear and heath speedwell. It has affinities to the NVC community U4 Festuca ovina – Agrostis capillaris – Galium saxatile grassland. In areas of grassland where bracken is more abundant the vegetation has affinities to U20 Pteridium aquilinum – Galium saxatile community, Anthoxanthum odoratum sub-community.

Unimproved (wet) acid grassland Acid grassland on wetter ground is found at Target notes 8 and 10. It occurs in small patches amongst bracken and more neutral grassland. It includes locally abundant

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 4

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Yorkshire fog, creeping soft-grass, sweet vernal-grass, hairy sedge, bugle, heath bedstraw, pignut, tormentil, selfheal, meadow vetchling, greater bird’s-foot trefoil and ground ivy. It also includes crosswort, germander speedwell, lesser stitchwort and common spotted- orchid. Wetter conditions are indicated by soft rush, compact rush, hard rush, tufted hair- grass, marsh thistle, meadowsweet, creeping-Jenny, water mint, skullcap and common marsh-bedstraw.

Unimproved neutral grassland (with transitions to more calcareous and acidic communities) Unimproved neutral grassland is found at Target notes 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, eastern areas of the ride at Target note 11 and at Target note 23. It is locally dominated by false oat-grass, rough meadow-grass, Yorkshire fog, meadow foxtail, red fescue, creeping bent and false- brome with smooth meadow-grass, cock’s-foot and meadow fescue. There are smaller amounts of perennial rye-grass, crested dog’s-tail and tufted hair-grass. Broadleaved herbs include lady’s bedstraw, creeping cinquefoil and germander speedwell with selfheal, silverweed, red clover, white clover, crosswort, meadow vetchling, wood avens, yellow rattle, perforate St. John’s-wort and black medick. There are small amounts of adder’s tongue, pignut and common spotted-orchid. Some areas include tall ruderal species such as nettle and creeping thistle and, in places, it occurs in mosaic with bracken. Wetter areas include marsh thistle, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, soft rush, ragged-robin, compact rush, bugle and wild angelica. Ranker swards of false oat-grass have affinities to the NVC community MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius and richer areas include elements of MG5 Cynosurus cristatus- Centaurea nigra grassland.

Semi-improved neutral grassland It is locally dominated by false oat-grass, meadow fescue and rough meadow-grass with locally abundant red fescue and Yorkshire fog. Other grasses include cock’s-foot, perennial rye-grass, meadow foxtail, false brome, sterile brome and tufted hair-grass. Broadleaved herbs include silverweed, selfheal, wood dock, enchanter’s-nightshade, dog’s mercury, ground ivy, creeping buttercup, creeping cinquefoil, germander speedwell and common comfrey. Tall ruderal species include locally abundant nettle with some creeping thistle and hogweed.

Unimproved calcareous grassland (including rank grassland and transitions to more neutral swards) To the southern end of the site at Target note 4, there are small areas of grassland with calcareous character. The sward is rough with high abundance of ranker grasses including tor-grass and false oat-grass. This grassland occurs in small pockets amongst parkland trees and scrub, rougher more neutral grassland and areas of nettle. There are locally abundant anthills. Broadleaved herbs include lady’s bedstraw, crosswort, common bird’s- foot trefoil, hairy violet, germander speedwell, ground ivy, barren strawberry and yellow rattle. There are also small amounts of eyebright and common rock-rose. Areas dominated by tor-grass have affinities to the NVC type CG4 Brachypodium pinnatum grassland. The species-rich areas tend to be transitional to more neutral swards. To the north at Target note 19, there is a calcareous (to neutral) grassland bank. It is dominated by rough meadow-grass and red fescue with sweet vernal-grass, Yorkshire fog and a mix of other grasses including tor-grass, cock’s-foot, false oat-grass, soft brome and meadow fescue. Broadleaved herbs include pignut and crosswort with yellow rattle, cowslip

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 5

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

and meadow buttercup. There are smaller amounts of creeping buttercup, creeping thistle, germander speedwell, common sorrel, meadow vetchling, creeping cinquefoil, tormentil, lady’s bedstraw, common twayblade and lesser stitchwort.

Bracken Extensive stands of bracken are present across central and northern areas of the site. Some open areas of the parkland are almost exclusively bracken with small amounts bramble, bluebell and other woodland herbs. Other areas have a more open nature with mixture of bracken and grassland species.

5 Evaluation & Recommendations The following evaluation is an assessment of the grassland on the site, highlighting the areas of greatest botanical interest and includes some recommendations for management.

Evaluation Naturalness Grassland habitat on the site includes examples of three ‘Habitats of Principal Importance’ included in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. These are Lowland calcareous grassland, Lowland meadow and Lowland dry acid grassland. These habitats are a priority for conservation in England. The Lowland calcareous grassland found on the site is a species-poor, tor-grass dominated community. A wider range of species are found in the more neutral transitional swards that fall outside the priority habitat definition. There are small areas of Lowland dry acid grassland that form a reasonable example of the priority habitat. In places, these grade into wetter acid grassland communities. Unimproved neutral grassland includes small areas with affinities to the NVC community MG5 Cynosurus cristatus - Centaurea nigra grassland. These areas constitute Lowland meadow habitat but are limited in extent and are patchy, occurring in mixtures with wet grassland and rougher grassland swards that would fall outside the priority habitat. Rarity A small amount of Meadow Saffron was recorded. This species noted as nationally threatened and is included on the Oxfordshire Rare Plant Register. Unimproved acid grassland is a rare habitat in Oxfordshire.

Diversity The richest areas of the site, in terms of grassland flora, are;  Unimproved (dry) acid grassland at Target notes 11 (west end of ride), Target note 5.2 and small patches along mown paths through parkland at Target note 12  Unimproved (wet) acid grassland at Target notes 8 and 10  Unimproved neutral grassland in central to eastern areas of ride at Target note 11  Small areas of unimproved acid (to neutral) grassland in mosaic with bracken at Target notes 5.1 and 5.5  Unimproved calcareous (to neutral) grassland at Target notes 19, 4.6 and the finer sward areas at Target notes 4.1, 4.2 and 4.5.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 6

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

 Unimproved neutral grassland at Target note 23

Size The individual blocks of grassland habitat on the site are small but collectively form a valuable area of semi-natural habitat.

Recommendations

Due to the high level of invertebrate interest on the site and records for rare species, it is recommended that management options be considered in consultation with an invertebrate specialist to help ensure that the habitat requirements of rarer species are met.  Bracken dominates a high proportion of the open areas of the site. Limiting the spread and dominance of bracken through continued control, especially in species-rich grassland areas should be a priority. Control of bracken may require additional cutting to that specified for grassland management. If bracken can be controlled over wider areas (especially around Target note 5 and adjacent to species-rich patches on the mown paths through Target note 12) it may be possible to restore additional areas of acid grassland.  In Britain, nearly all grasslands require some form of management to prevent succession to other habitats. This generally involves grazing, mowing or more occasionally burning. The grassland on this site is managed by cutting but parkland such as this would ideally be managed by grazing. If this is not possible, cutting regimes can be used to maintain grassland interest in most areas.  Where grassland is to be managed by cutting, removal of grass cuttings in the most species-rich areas is desirable. This will help keep soil nutrient levels low and prevent the build-up of dead vegetation that may smother small plant species. Cutting regimes on species-rich grassland should maintain, and where possible enhance, species diversity by a bi-annual cut in spring and late summer after wildflowers have seed set.  Target note 4 includes areas with abundant anthills. Attempts should be made to limit damage to anthills during any management operations.  Small pockets of unmanaged grassland are present amongst parkland trees and scrub at Target notes 4.9, 4.11 and 4.12. These areas have a species-poor, rank sward locally dominated by tor-grass. Restoration to more species-rich calcareous grassland is unlikely in tor-grass dominated areas but some management would be beneficial to retain some small, sheltered, open patches within areas of scrub for birds and invertebrates.  In calcareous grassland to the south (at Target notes 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7) control of ranker grasses especially tor-grass is desirable to limit transition from finer, more open swards to ranker closed swards as this would result in reduced species-richness and the loss of smaller more desirable species. Restoration of areas where tor-grass is already dominant is difficult and unlikely to be achievable, especially without grazing.  Stands of nettle around Target note 4 indicate areas with higher nutrient levels. Removal of cuttings from the nearby species-rich areas (especially Target note 4.6) would be desirable to help keep nutrient levels low.  Biodiversity interest of grassland tends to be higher where there is diversity in the sward structure. Different invertebrate species tend have specific structural requirements so a

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 7

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

habitat suitable for many types can be created by maintaining a wide range of structure in terms of sward density, height and variation in the relative abundance of grasses to broadleaved herbs. Managing grasslands by cutting tends to create uniform conditions but structural diversity of the sward can be produced by varying mowing regimes and cutting different areas at different times of year, with different frequency and to different heights (Ausden & Treweek 1995). The vegetation on the site already has quite a varied structure and composition in most areas which should be maintained.  Short-mown corridors of grassland, as found along paths on the site, are an important feature to retain. They provide the short vegetation needed by many invertebrate species, especially butterflies (Ausden & Treweek 1995).  Rough grassland provides habitat for a range of species including some areas of tussocky grassland that can provide habitat for overwintering invertebrates. Management should aim to enhance species-richness of rougher areas of grassland by keeping fertility low, preventing the establishment of weed species (such as creeping thistle, nettle and docks) and limiting spread/abundance of bracken.  Flower-rich areas of grassland provide an important nectar source for invertebrates. Priority should be given to maintaining the existing species-rich areas of grassland but the restoration and/or creation of additional areas of species-rich grassland is desirable. This may be possible through management of rougher grassland areas to the south (that are not dominated by tor-grass) and/or reduction in abundance of bracken in some central to northern areas. Increased frequency of cutting helps control rougher grass species and bracken but if cutting is too frequent wildflower species will not get the opportunity to flower and set-seed. Successful establishment of richer swards depends on the presence of desirable grassland wildflowers (in the sward, in the seedbank and/or located in surrounding area with opportunity to set seed in the restoration area).  Creation of species-rich grassland in areas that lack desirable species would require a method of introducing them such as green hay spreading.

6 References Ausden, M. & Treweek, J. (1995). Grasslands. Managing Habitats for Conservation eds: Sutherland, W. & Hill, D. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Crofts, A. & Jefferson, R.G. (1999). The Lowland Grassland Management Handbook. English Nature / Wildlife Trust, Peterbrough. Gilbert, O. & Anderson, P. (1998). Habitat Creation and Repair. Oxford University Press, UK. Humphrey, J., Stevenson, A., Whitfield, P and Swailes, J. (2002). Life in deadwood. Forestry Commission. Forest Enterprise. JNCC (2010) Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey: A technique for environmental audit. JNCC Rodwell, J. S. (ed.) 1992. British Plant Communities. Volume 3. Grassland and montane communities. Cambridge University Press. Sutherland, W.J., and Hill, D.A (1998) Managing habitats for conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Wychwood Project (2014). A management plan for High Park - The Blenheim Estate. Wychwood Project

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 8

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

7 Appendices

Appendix 1. Target notes These descriptions expand on those for grassland areas in the Ecological Target Notes included in the 2014 management plan (Wychwood Project 2014). They provide additional detail for the vegetation found at Target notes 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 21, 23 and 25. An additional location Target note 26 has also been included. Target Note 4. Parkland including areas of calcareous and more neutral grassland. It is generally limited in the range and abundance of broadleaved herbs but does includes some species-rich areas. It includes unimproved (rank) calcareous grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland and tall ruderal vegetation. Most of the grassland is similar to that described for Target note 4.5. Tall herb comprises areas dominated by nettle around the parkland trees with more extensive stands to the north and west. Due to localised variation in the vegetation, notes are provided at specific locations within this block as follows; Target Note 4.1. Unimproved calcareous (to neutral) grassland on ride. It is species-rich with locally abundant red fescue, tor-grass, white clover, creeping cinquefoil, lady’s bedstraw, bugle and yellow rattle. It includes some lesser stitchwort, dog’s mercury, germander speedwell, smooth meadow-grass, ground ivy, crosswort, common bird’s-foot-trefoil, spiked sedge, barren strawberry, Yorkshire fog, common mouse-ear and creeping buttercup. There is a small amount of cuckooflower. Target Note 4.2. Unimproved calcareous (to neutral) grassland with frequent large anthills. The grassland has abundant lady’s-bedstraw, crosswort and dog’s-mercury with germander speedwell and field wood-rush in a sward of tor-grass, smooth meadow-grass, red fescue and false oat-grass with false brome. Photograph at Target Note 4.2

Target Note 4.3. Unimproved (rank) calcareous grassland with a rough, tussocky sward. It is tor- grass dominated with false oat-grass, red fescue, dog’s mercury, creeping thistle, lady’s bedstraw, lesser stitchwort and crosswort. This area includes numerous anthills. There is also hairy violet, cock’s-foot, germander speedwell, ground ivy, barren strawberry and yellow rattle.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 9

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Target Note 4.4. Semi-improved neutral (to calcareous) grassland. The sward is rough and dominated by false oat-grass and rough meadow-grass with Yorkshire fog. There is abundant lady’s bedstraw and dog’s-mercury with hairy tare, common toad flax, spiked sedge, crosswort, hogweed and creeping cinquefoil. It includes some anthills.

Grassland at Target note 4.4

Target Note 4.5. Unimproved calcareous (to neutral) grassland. It that has a variable sward with a mosaic of finer and denser, tussocky areas with anthills. The tussocky areas are dominated by false oat-grass and rough meadow-grass with locally abundant tor-grass and Yorkshire fog. Finer swards are dominated by creeping bent and red fescue with lesser stitchwort, germander speedwell, crosswort, lady’s bedstraw, barren strawberry, hairy tare and common rock-rose.

Grassland at Target note 4.5

Target Note 4.6. Unimproved neutral to calcareous grassland. It is species-rich (one of the richest areas on the site) with a short, open sward. It has a mixture of grass species with false oat-grass, yellow oat-grass, cock’s-foot, red fescue, creeping bent, smoot meadow-grass, sweet vernal-grass and tor-grass. Broadleaved herbs include abundant white clover, lady’s bedstraw, common bird’s- foot-trefoil and crosswort with yellow rattle, creeping cinquefoil, germander speedwell, lesser stitchwort, common vetch and barren strawberry. There is also a small amount of common rock- rose. To the north east, the sward is poorer. There is abundant tor-grass, false oat-grass, dog’s mercury and nettle. There are numerous anthills. There is occasional meadow vetchling, field forget-me-not, lady’s bedstraw, crosswort and creeping cinquefoil.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 10

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Photograph at Target Note 4.6 Photograph at Target Note 4.6

Target Note 4.7. Unimproved (rank) calcareous grassland. It is dominated by tor-grass, with some nettle around the bases of trees. It has a dense, rough, tussocky sward including locally abundant crosswort and frequent lady’s bedstraw with false oat-grass, dog’s mercury and small amounts of common rock-rose, bramble, bugle, creeping buttercup, lesser stitchwort, barren strawberry, spiked sedge and creeping cinquefoil. Target Note 4.8. Unimproved neutral grassland. It is dominated by false-brome with smooth meadow grass, cock’s-foot and creeping bent. There are smaller amounts of rough meadow-grass, perennial rye-grass and Yorkshire fog. Broadleaved herbs include abundant creeping cinquefoil with selfheal, bugle, white clover, crosswort, meadow vetchling, wood avens, yellow rattle, perforate St. John’s-wort, dog’s mercury, black medick and germander speedwell.

Grassland bank at Target note 4. Target Note 4.9. A mixture of tall ruderal and rank grassland. It is locally dominated by tor-grass and nettle with patches of rough meadow-grass and red fescue. There is locally abundant false brome with broadleaved herbs including creeping cinquefoil, crosswort, dog’s mercury and white clover. Target Note 4.10. Unimproved (rank) neutral grassland. It is rough with locally frequent anthills. It includes abundant false-brome and locally abundant Yorkshire fog, red fescue, smooth meadow- grass, rough meadow-grass and false oat-grass. There is locally frequent dog’s mercury, white clover, yellow rattle and spiked sedge. There are also smaller amounts of perforate St. John’s-wort, common ragwort, crosswort, nettle, creeping bent, creeping cinquefoil and common figwort. Broadleaved herbs comprise about 5% of the sward. Target Note 4.11. Unimproved (rank) calcareous grassland in a small glade. It has a tall, dense sward dominated by tor-grass and false oat-grass with abundant nettle and dog’s mercury. It includes cock’s-foot, wood avens, lady’s bedstraw, spiked sedge and germander speedwell. There is a matt of dead plant material indicating lack of management.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 11

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Target Note 4.12. Unimproved (rank) calcareous grassland in a small glade. It has a dense sward of tor-grass, rough meadow-grass and false oat-grass with nettle, dog’s-mercury, meadow vetchling and wood avens. There are frequent ant hills dominated by red fescue. Further to the north, there are denser wooded areas with a field layer of abundant nettle with dog’s-mercury and rough meadow-grass. Target Note 5. Parkland. Open areas are dominated by bracken, unimproved acid (to neutral) grassland or a mixture of the two. Wider areas of this parkland block (not noted specifically below) also includes locally frequent crosswort, silverweed and small amounts of common figwort, soft brome, dog’s-mercury, common bird’s-foot-trefoil, wood avens and lady’s bedstraw. There is also tor-grass, occurring in small but dense patches suggesting local calcareous conditions. Common twayblade was also recorded. Due to localised variation in the vegetation, notes are provided at specific locations within this block as follows; Target Note 5.1. Bracken and acid grassland mosaic. It includes bracken in mosaic with moderately species-rich grassland. It is locally dominated by Yorkshire fog and red fescue with smooth meadow-grass, common bent, rough meadow-grass, sweet vernal-grass, false-brome, meadow foxtail, false oat-grass, cock’s-foot and more local patches with abundant creeping soft-grass. Broadleaved species include locally abundant white clover, lesser stitchwort, ground ivy and marsh thistle with bugle, germander speedwell, common dog violet and selfheal. There are also smaller amounts of crosswort, barren strawberry, red clover, common mouse-ear, creeping cinquefoil, creeping buttercup, eyebright, hairy sedge, hairy tare, wood sedge and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil.

Photograph at Target note 5.1 Target Note 5.2. Unimproved acidic grassland. It has abundant sweet vernal-grass with common bent, red fescue, Yorkshire fog and rough meadow-grass. There is locally frequent tormentil with some lesser stitchwort, germander speedwell, barren strawberry, ground ivy, creeping cinquefoil, common dog violet and field wood-rush. It also includes soft rush, bugle, creeping-Jenny and marsh thistle indicating wetter conditions. Grasses dominate with a variable component of broadleaved herbs (approximately 30-40% cover).

Open grassland area at Target note 5 Bracken dominated area at Target note 5

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 12

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Target Note 5.3. Unimproved acidic (to neutral) grassland. The grassland has a short sward of common bent with red fescue and creeping bent. There is locally abundant germander speedwell, tormentil, lesser stitchwort and bugle. Target Note 5.4. Bracken and grassland mosaic. It is locally dominated by Yorkshire fog with patches of common bent and bracken. There is locally abundant marsh thistle and germander speedwell with occasional crosswort and lesser stitchwort. Target Note 5.5. Bracken and grassland mosaic. It is moderately species-rich. It is dominated by bracken and Yorkshire fog. It has abundant barren strawberry with creeping cinquefoil, enchanter’s- nightshade, bugle, germander speedwell, common mouse-ear, field forget-me-not, wood avens, ground ivy, common dog violet, false-brome, rough meadow-grass, dog’s-mercury and small amounts of crosswort, marsh thistle, thyme-leaved speedwell and wall speedwell.

Bracken and grassland mosaic at Target Note 5

Target Note 5.6. Open bracken and grassland mosaic. It is locally dominated by bracken, Yorkshire fog and false oat-grass with abundant marsh thistle and ground ivy. There is locally abundant common bent with frequent germander speedwell and lesser stitchwort. There is also rough meadow-grass and smaller amounts of common mouse-ear, soft rush, bugle and tormentil.

Bracken-grassland mosaic at Target note 5

Target Note 7. Woodland block with some sections where the canopy is more open. The field layer in open areas includes bracken with a mixture of woodland and rough grassland species. It includes false-brome, Yorkshire fog, false oat-grass, wood avens, enchanter’s nightshade, dog’s mercury, rough meadow-grass, germander speedwell and ground ivy.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 13

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Grassland at Target Note 8. Grassland at Target Note 8.

Target Note 8. Parkland with pocket of unimproved acidic and neutral grassland. There is much bracken in open areas with patches of grassland similar to the poorer parts of Target note 10. The sward locally dominated by false oat-grass and Yorkshire fog. There is locally abundant creeping soft-grass, sweet vernal-grass, bugle and ground ivy with crosswort, creeping thistle, marsh thistle, germander speedwell and sterile brome. There are small amounts of silverweed, common mouse- ear, lesser stitchwort, red clover, comfrey, ribwort plantain, creeping buttercup, yellow rattle, common spotted-orchid and water mint. Species-rich patches have abundant pignut, tormentil, selfheal, meadow vetchling, greater bird’s- foot trefoil and lady’s-bedstraw. These occur along the mown paths through the denser bracken. Towards Target note 10, there is bracken and bramble with rougher swards of grasses dominated by Yorkshire fog with sweet vernal-grass and creeping soft-grass. Dog’s mercury, soft rush, tormentil and heath bedstraw are locally abundant. There is also silverweed, skullcap and small amount of field wood-rush, crosswort, pignut and lady’s bedstraw.

Target Note 9. Woodland not included in the 2015 survey Open area to the north east of Target Note 9. Here there is much bracken with dog’s mercury, ground ivy, false brome, Yorkshire fog and sweet vernal-grass.

Photograph at Target Note 10 Target Note 10. Parkland with open areas of bracken, neutral grassland and acid grassland. The grassland is locally wet. It is dominated by rough meadow-grass, Yorkshire fog, sweet vernal-grass and red fescue with false-brome, creeping bent, wood sedge and glaucous sedge. Broadleaved herbs include locally abundant bugle with creeping cinquefoil, selfheal, creeping-Jenny, bluebell, silverweed, wood avens and common mouse-ear. There are small amounts of meadow saffron, lady’s bedstraw, crosswort, common figwort, heath bedstraw, lesser stitchwort and common vetch.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 14

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Herb-rich patches on wet ground have rushes including hard and compact rush, hairy sedge, sweet vernal-grass, red fescue, meadow fescue and Yorkshire fog with tormentil, meadow vetchling, greater bird’s-foot-trefoil, common sorrel, marsh thistle, meadowsweet, skullcap and common marsh-bedstraw. There are small amounts of wild angelica, common spotted-orchid. Some areas have a tussocky sward locally dominated by tufted hair-grass with locally frequent bramble and compact rush. To the north, there is much bracken with broadleaved herbs more limited in abundance. On the southern side of the road, there are open patches of grassland and bracken amongst denser areas of trees and shrubs. Grassland areas have a mixture of rough meadow-grass, false oat-grass, Yorkshire fog and red fescue with red clover, bramble, creeping buttercup, crosswort, common spotted-orchid, creeping cinquefoil, glaucous sedge, soft rush, common sorrel, field forget-me-not, meadowsweet and common mouse-ear. Target Note 11. Unimproved grassland on wide ride. The central to western areas of the ride have unimproved acid grassland and to the east the grassland is more neutral in character. To the west, it is dominated by red fescue, sweet vernal-grass and Yorkshire fog with crested dog’s-tail, meadow foxtail and false oat-grass. There are small amounts of false brome and wetter areas include some tuft hair-grass. It is rich in broadleaved herbs with locally abundant pignut, tormentil, heath bedstraw, silverweed, greater bird’s-foot trefoil and crosswort. There is also lesser stitchwort, black medick, common sorrel, hairy tare, greater stitchwort, germander speedwell and red clover. There is locally frequent bracken at the edges of the parkland. Wetter areas include marsh thistle, soft rush, compact rush, bugle, skullcap and wild angelica. There are small amounts of cat’s-ear and heath speedwell.

Ride at Target note 11 Unimproved acid grassland at Target note 11 More neutral areas to the east are generally less species-rich but include locally abundant lady’s bedstraw, silverweed and greater bird’s-foot-trefoil. The sward here has a higher abundance of meadow foxtail and rough meadow-grass. This area includes locally frequent meadow fescue with a small amount of common spotted-orchid and ragged-robin. There are small areas of wetter ground with soft rush, jointed rush and lesser pond-sedge.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 15

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common spotted-orchid and ragged-robin to the east end of the ride at Target Note 11

Target Note 12. Parkland. Open areas are predominantly bracken with some bramble. Mown rides are grass-dominated with rough meadow-grass, cock’s-foot, crested dog’s-tail, red fescue, hairy sedge, sweet vernal-grass, white clover, selfheal, creeping-Jenny, germander speedwell, common mouse-ear, false-brome, silverweed, spiked sedge, wood sedge, wood dock, bugle, soft rush, common marsh-bedstraw and creeping cinquefoil. There are small amounts of skullcap and oval sedge. There are small patches of acid grassland along the mown paths including tormentil, heath bedstraw, sheep’s sorrel and pignut. There is a wider open area to the south west of Target Note 11. This is dominated by bracken with abundant sweet vernal-grass and Yorkshire fog. There is locally abundant bluebell. It also includes common dog violet, false oat-grass, field wood-rush, marsh thistle.

Bracken and grassland in parkland at Target Note 12 (to the south west of Target note 11)

Target Note 15. Woodland. Open areas are dominated by bracken with species-poor grassland on mown rides. It includes areas dominated by rough meadow-grass and creeping bent with Yorkshire fog, red fescue and tufted hair-grass. Broadleaved herbs include germander speedwell, wood dock and dog’s mercury. Wetter areas of ground include bugle and brooklime.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 16

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Bracken at Target note 15 Grassland ride at Target note 15

Target Note 19. Unimproved calcareous (to neutral) grassland on north-facing bank. The bank is species-rich with locally abundant pignut and crosswort. It is dominated by rough meadow-grass and red fescue with sweet vernal-grass, Yorkshire fog and a mix of other grasses including cock’s- foot, false oat-grass, soft brome, tor-grass and meadow fescue. There is yellow rattle, cowslip, dog’s mercury and meadow buttercup. There are smaller amounts of creeping buttercup, creeping thistle, germander speedwell, common sorrel, meadow vetchling, creeping cinquefoil, tormentil, lady’s bedstraw and lesser stitchwort. There is some common twayblade. At the bottom of the slope there is semi-improved neutral grassland locally dominated by creeping bent with creeping buttercup, silverweed, hairy sedge, Yorkshire fog, white clover, red fescue and rough meadow- grass. Target Note 20. Woodland not included in the 2015 survey There is a small glade close to Target Note 20. It has species-poor semi-improved grassland and tall ruderal vegetation. It is dominated by nettle and rough meadow-grass with creeping bent, red fescue and crosswort. There is occasional Yorkshire fog, false oat-grass, cock’s-foot, common mouse-ear, dog’s mercury, germander speedwell and soft brome. There are also small amounts of spiked sedge, cow parsley and shepherds purse. To the west, there is locally abundant forget-me- not species. Small glade by Target Note 20

Target Note 21. Semi-improved neutral grassland and tall ruderal. Grassland areas have abundant red fescue and meadow fescue with rough meadow-grass and Yorkshire fog. There is locally abundant meadowsweet and crosswort. The strip by the lake edge includes areas dominated by common comfrey with meadowsweet, gipsywort, wild angelica, Yorkshire fog and rough meadow- grass. There is also locally abundant hairy sedge, dog’s mercury and false-brome. Tall ruderal is dominated by nettle with dog’s mercury, rough meadow-grass, germander speedwell, crosswort, meadowsweet and creeping buttercup. There is also bracken to the south.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 17

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Target note 23. A mosaic of bracken and unimproved neutral grassland (on a steep bank sloping down to the lake edge). There is abundant bracken with a mixture of grasses including red fescue, rough meadow-grass, Yorkshire fog, common bent, false-brome and sweet vernal-grass. There is frequent crested dog’s-tail, cock’s-foot and tufted hair-grass. There are small amounts of sterile brome, false oat-grass and soft brome. Broadleaved species include locally abundant germander speedwell and crosswort with selfheal. There are small amounts of adder’s tongue, yellow rattle, pignut, common spotted-orchid, cowslip, ribwort plantain, perforate St. John’s-wort, bugle, common vetch, lesser stitchwort, hedge bedstraw, creeping cinquefoil, common sorrel and red clover. Woodland species spreading in to the grassland include bluebell, dog’s mercury and small amounts of wood sedge, enchanter’s-nightshade, common dog violet and wood avens. Meadow fescue is locally abundant at the bottom of the slope near the lake edge with some meadowsweet, Yorkshire fog and red fescue.

Grassland bank with abundant bracken at Target note 23 Adder’s tongue fern Target Note 25. Parkland with open areas dominated by bracken. Open patches in the bracken include rough meadow-grass, red fescue, Yorkshire fog, tufted hair-grass and false brome. Broadleaved species include germander speedwell, crosswort, creeping buttercup, bugle, wood avens, wood dock, creeping-Jenny and selfheal. Shorter mown paths have a sward of rough meadow-grass, creeping bent, Yorkshire fog and cock’s-foot with white clover, barren strawberry, selfheal, common mouse-ear, germander speedwell, creeping cinquefoil, common sorrel and crosswort. There is also locally frequent wood sedge and small amounts of hairy-brome, pendulous sedge, remote sedge, cuckooflower and heath speedwell.

Bracken dominated area at Target note 25 Mown grassland ride at Target note 25 Target Note 26. Semi-improved neutral (to slightly acidic) grassland and bracken on verge by road. The sward is quite rough and grades into more wooded sections including large oak trees. Grass- dominated areas have false oat-grass and rough meadow-grass with locally abundant dog’s- mercury. Other grasses include cock’s-foot, red fescue, creeping soft-grass, Yorkshire fog, meadow Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 18

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim foxtail, false brome, sterile brome and tufted hair-grass. There is locally frequent silverweed, selfheal and hairy sedge with wood dock, hogweed, nettle, enchanter’s-nightshade, ground ivy, creeping cinquefoil, germander speedwell and creeping thistle. There is also a small amount of meadow vetchling and crosswort.

Grassland verge at Target note 26

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 19

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Appendix 2. Species lists The following tables detail the species recorded in the grassland habitats at High Park, Blenheim on 15 and 16th June 2015 Table 1. Unimproved (dry) acidic grassland Common name Scientific name Abundance Common Bent Agrostis capillaris LA Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera R Bugle Ajuga reptans R Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis LF Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum LD False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius O False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum O Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca O Spiked Sedge Carex spicata R Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum O Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre R Pignut Conopodium majus LA Crosswort Cruciata laevipes LA Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus LF Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata R Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii R Tufted Hair-Grass Deschampsia cespitosa R Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis LF Red Fescue Festuca rubra LD Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile LA Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum R Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea O Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus A Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis LF Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta R Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata R Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus O Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris F Black Medick Medicago lupulina LF Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis R Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis LA Silverweed Potentilla anserina O Tormentil Potentilla erecta LA Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis O Bracken Pteridium aquilinum LF Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens LF Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa F Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella R Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea R Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea O Red Clover Trifolium pratense O

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 20

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance White Clover Trifolium repens LF Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys F Heath Speedwell Veronica officinalis R Tare species Vicia R Common Vetch Vicia sativa O

Table 2. Unimproved (wet) acid grassland Common name Scientific name Abundance Common Bent Agrostis capillaris LA Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera LF Bugle Ajuga reptans LA Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis O Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris R Barren-brome Anisantha sterilis R Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum LA False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius LA False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum R Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca O Hairy Sedge Carex hirta LF Spiked Sedge Carex spicata R Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum O Enchanter’s-nightshade Circaea lutetiana R Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense R Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre O Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale R Pignut Conopodium majus O Crosswort Cruciata laevipes O Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii R Tufted Hair-Grass Deschampsia cespitosa LF Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata R Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas agg. R Hoary Willowherb Epilobium parviflorum R Giant fescue Festuca gigantea R Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis O Red Fescue Festuca rubra LF Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria LF Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre R Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile LA Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum O Wood avens Geum urbanum R Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea LF Hogweed Hercleum sphondylium R Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus LD Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis LA Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta R Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata R Compact Rush Juncus conglomeratus LF

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 21

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Soft-rush Juncus effusus LA Hard Rush Juncus inflexus LF Meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis O Common Twayblade Listera ovata R Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus LA Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris O Creeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummularia R Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis LF Water mint Mentha aquatica R Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata R Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis O Silverweed Potentilla anserina LA Tormentil Potentilla erecta LA Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis O Selfheal Prunella vulgaris LF Bracken Pteridium aquilinum LF Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens O Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa F Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella R Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa R Skull cap Scutellaria galericulata R Ragged-Robin Silene flos-cuculi R Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea R Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea R Red Clover Trifolium pratense O Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys LF Heath Speedwell Veronica officinalis R

Table 3. Unimproved neutral (to acidic) grassland Common name Scientific name Abundance Common Bent Agrostis capillaris O Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera LA Bugle Ajuga reptans LA Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis LD Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis O Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum F Lesser Burdock Arctium minus R False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius LD Lady-fern Athyrium filix-femina R Daisy Bellis perennis R False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum O Hairy-brome Bromopsis ramosa R Lesser Soft-Brome Bromus hordeaceus R White Bryony Bryonia dioica R Cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis R Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca LF

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 22

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Hairy Sedge Carex hirta LF Oval Sedge Carex ovalis R Spiked Sedge Carex spicata R Wood-sedge Carex sylvatica LF Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum LF Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana R Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense R Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre LF Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale R Pignut Conopodium majus LF Crosswort Cruciata laevipes O Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus O Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata O Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii R Tufted Hair-Grass Deschampsia cespitosa LF Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata R Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas agg. R Hoary Willowherb Epilobium parviflorum R Eyebright Euphrasia R Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea R Giant Fescue Festuca gigantea R Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis LF Red Fescue Festuca rubra LD Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria O Cleavers Galium aparine R Hedge bedstraw Galium mollugo R Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre R Lady’s bedstraw Galium verum LA Cut-leaved Crane's-bill Geranium dissectum O Wood Avens Geum urbanum R Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea LF Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus LD Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis LA Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta LF Perforate St John's-wort Hypericum perforatum LF Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus R Compact Rush Juncus conglomeratus O Soft-rush Juncus effusus LA Hard Rush Juncus inflexus O Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis LF Common Twayblade Listera ovata R Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus LA Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris O Creeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummularia LF Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis LF Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis R

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 23

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Red Bartsia Odontites vernus R Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum R Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa R Smaller Cat's-tail Phleum bertolonii R Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata R Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis O Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis LD Silverweed Potentilla anserina LF Tormentil Potentilla erecta O Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans LF Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis R Selfheal Prunella vulgaris LF Bracken Pteridium aquilinum LA Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens O Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor R Dog Rose Rosa canina agg. R Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. O Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa LF Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus R Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius R Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus O Common Sallow Salix cinerea R Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa R Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata LF Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea R Ragged-Robin Silene flos-cuculi R Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea LA Goat's-beard Tragopogon pratensis R Red Clover Trifolium pratense LA White Clover Trifolium repens LA Common Nettle Urtica dioica R Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys LA Thyme-leaved Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia R Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta R Common Vetch Vicia sativa R Violet Viola O Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana O

Table 4. Semi-improved neutral grassland Common name Scientific name Abundance Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera LF Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis O False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius LD Daisy Bellis perennis R False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum LF Barren Brome Bromus sterilis O Hairy Sedge Carex hirta LF

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 24

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum R Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana R Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense R Crosswort Cruciata laevipes LF Crested Dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus LF Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata O Tufted Hair-Grass Deschampsia cespitosa R Giant Fescue Festuca gigantea R Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis LA Red Fescue Festuca rubra LA Cut-leaved Crane's-bill Geranium dissectum R Wood Avens Geum urbanum R Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea LF Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus LD Creeping soft-grass Holcus mollis R Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis R Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne O Gipsywort Lycopus europaeus R Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis LA Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata O Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis LD Silverweed Potentilla anserina LF Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans O Cowslip Primula veris R Selfheal Prunella vulgaris LF Bracken Pteridium aquilinum LF Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens LF Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus R Common comfrey Symphytum officinale LF Red Clover Trifolium pratense LF White Clover Trifolium repens LF Common Nettle Urtica dioica LA Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys LF

Table 5. Unimproved (rough) calcareous grassland Common name Scientific name Abundance Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria R Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera LF Bugle Ajuga reptans LA Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis R Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis O Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum LA False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius LD Tor-grass Brachypodium pinnatum LD False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum LD Lesser Soft-Brome Bromus hordeaceus R

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 25

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Cuckooflower Cardamine pratensis R Hairy Sedge Carex hirta O Oval Sedge Carex ovalis R Spiked Sedge Carex spicata O Wood-sedge Carex sylvatica O Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea R Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum O Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana LF Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense O Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare R Pignut Conopodium majus R Crosswort Cruciata laevipes LF Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata O Eyebright Euphrasia R Meadow Fescue Festuca pratensis LF Red Fescue Festuca rubra LD Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria R Cleavers Galium aparine R Lady's Bedstraw Galium verum LA Wood Avens Geum urbanum O Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea O Common Rock-rose Helianthemum nummularium O Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium R Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus LA Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta R Hairy St John's-wort Hypericum hirsutum R Perforate St John's-wort Hypericum perforatum R Square-stalked St John's-wort Hypericum tetrapterum R Soft-rush Juncus effusus O Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis LF Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris R Common Twayblade Listera ovata R Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne R Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus LF Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris LF Creeping-Jenny Lysimachia nummularia LF Black Medick Medicago lupulina R Dog's Mercury Mercurialis perennis LA Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis O Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata R Smooth Meadow-grass Poa pratensis LA Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis LA Silverweed Potentilla anserina LF Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans LA Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis R Selfheal Prunella vulgaris LF Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens R

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 26

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Common name Scientific name Abundance Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor O Dog Rose Rosa canina agg. R Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. R Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus R Curled Dock Rumex crispus R Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius R Wood Dock Rumex sanguineus R Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa R Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea R Red Campion Silene dioica R Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea O Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale R Red Clover Trifolium pratense O White Clover Trifolium repens LF Yellow Oat-grass Trisetum flavescens LF Common Nettle Urtica dioica LA Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys LA Thyme-leaved Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia R Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta R Common Vetch Vicia sativa R Hairy Violet Viola hirta O

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 27

Appendix 3. Maps Map 2. Habitats – North

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim Map 3. Habitats – South

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 29

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim

Map 4. Target note locations – North

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 30

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim Map 5. Target note locations – South

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 31

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim Map 6. Habitats with Target note locations – North

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 32

Grassland Survey 2015 High Park Blenheim Map 7. Habitats with Target note locations – South

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 33