Site Dossier for Bryological Interest – Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI

Scottish Natural Heritage Archive Report No. 061

Site dossier for bryological interest – Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI

ARCHIVE REPORT

Archive Report No. 061 Site dossier for bryological interest – Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI

For further information on this report please contact:

David Genney Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House Leachkin Road INVERNESS IV3 8NW Telephone: 01463 725253 E-mail: [email protected]

This report should be quoted as:

Hodgetts, N.G. 2006. Site dossier for bryological interest – Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI. Scottish Natural Heritage Archive Report No. 061.

This report, or any part of it, should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. This permission will not be withheld unreasonably. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage.

Archive Reports

Scottish Natural Heritage is committed to making the findings of all of its research publicly available whenever possible.

In the past, a number of reports from staff and contractors were produced as paper documents and lodged in the SNH library or file systems. Some related to Site Condition Monitoring, others covered a range of subjects. These were not published as Research Reports for a number of reasons.

In order to make these reports more available, we have decided to publish them online under the series title of Archive Reports. These will be numbered consecutively in the order that they are prepared for web publication. Their publication date, authors and title will be recorded as presented in the original report.

The Archive Reports will be published as scanned PDF files of the original reports. They have not been subject to any new editing, formatting or other changes, other than the cover, title page and this page.

Many of the reports published as Archive Reports were produced by contractors and were originally intended as internal documents to inform our policy and advice. As a result they may contain historical information that is no longer current or accurate, and may contain views of contractors or staff which do not represent the current views and policy of SNH.

This report was commissioned by SNH as part of the Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) programme to assess the condition of special features (habitats, species populations or earth science interests) on protected areas in Scotland (Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar). Site Condition Monitoring is SNH’s rolling programme to monitor the condition of special features on protected areas, their management and wider environmental factors which contribute to their condition.

The views expressed in the report are those of the contractor concerned and have been used by SNH staff to inform the condition assessment for the individual special features. Where the report recommends a particular condition for an individual feature, this is taken into account in the assessment process, but may not be the final condition assessment of the feature. Wider factors, which would not necessarily be known to the contractor at the time of the monitoring, are taken into consideration by SNH staff in making final condition assessments.

Access permission was obtained from all those owning and managing the site.

Site Condition Monitoring dossier for bryological interest – Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI

Introduction

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated on the basis of notified features of interest. These include habitats, species or geological features. Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) is a six year programme of assessment of the state of all notified features of interest on designated sites. Reporting is based on feature types and will be to common standards across the four UK country conservation agencies. This project addresses bryophyte monitoring on sites in Scotland, and covers all Scottish SSSIs where bryophytes are a notified feature. Endrick Mouth and Islands is a large and varied area of woodland, open water and mire communities at the south-east corner of Loch Lomond, partly on the line of the Highland Boundary Fault. The known biological interest at the time of notification is described on the citation (Appendix 1). The site occupies 451.1 ha at altitudes between ca. 5 m and 85 m (summit of Inchcailloch), at grid reference NS430895 (site centroid), in Watsonian vice-counties 86, Stirlingshire and 99, Dunbartonshire.

Known bryophyte interest

Although not generally thought of as a very rich site for bryophytes, Endrick Mouth and Islands has some bryological features of importance. The most important of these is probably the presence of Physcomitrium sphaericum on bare mud at the edge of Wards Ponds. This plant was discovered here by John Mitchell in 1980, and is part of a distinctive ephemeral bryophyte flora that occurs principally on seasonally exposed mud at the edge of reservoirs and other water bodies. The British headquarters of this flora occurs on the Pennine reservoirs in northern England, and Loch Lomond is a northern outlier. In Scotland the only other recent (post-1980) site for P. sphaericum is at Antermony Loch, some miles to the south-east of Loch Lomond. Another member of this flora, the rare Riccia canaliculata, was also recorded here, at Ring Point, by Alan Stirling in 1981, but has not been seen since.

Bryologists such as Alan Stirling and Alan Crundwell visited the site at various times in the 1950s and 1960s. Visits by myself in 1988 resulted in further records, including the Nationally Scarce liverwort Cololejeunea rossettiana on base-rich serpentine rock on Creinch, and short lists for Ring Wood, Ring Bog and Gartfairn Wood. The SSSI citation (Appendix 1) mentions bryophytes as follows:  "Plants found on the islands include … the western liverworts Marchesinia mackaii and Cololejeunea rossettiana."  "The rare ephemeral moss Physcomitrium sphaericum, recorded recently in only nine 10 km squares in the British Isles, has been found on exposed mud at Wards Ponds." [Note that this information is out-of-date: P. sphaericum has now been recorded recently from at least 15 10 km squares in the British Isles.] Therefore, the main bryological features reported on are:  Bryophytes on the islands including western liverworts.  Ephemeral bryophyte flora of Wards Ponds.

1 Aims

The aim of this exercise was to visit Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI and to produce a site condition monitoring dossier reporting on the condition of the notified bryological features. Features of interest and their condition were to be described in simple terms and an accurate record of their precise location is to be made in such a way that, using the dossier, a stranger to the site could relocate the features and describe their condition on subsequent monitoring visits.

Methods

Preparatory work consisted of collating existing data. The SNH files contain the citation, map and management statement, which includes some information on the bryophytes. They also contain copies of Hodgetts's 1988 record cards. Records of rare species were available from the Threatened Bryophyte Database run by the British Bryological Society.

Endrick Mouth and Islands was visited on 19-20 August 2005, with about 12 hours spent on site. One day was spent exploring the islands (excluding Clairinsh and Aber Isle), the other the mainland south of the Endrick Water. The SSSI citation, site map and additional data were used to attempt to relocate the features of bryological interest. 'Monitoring sites' were sampled at a number of points, most of which were chosen because of their bryological richness and accessibility (Fig. 1). The monitoring sites were not rigidly defined squares, but simply the areas shown in a series of digital photographs, in each of which the main bryological interest was identified and should be easily re-identifiable. A GPS was used to pinpoint monitoring sites and features of interest to a maximum accuracy of 5 m and digital photography was used to identify the features of interest in more detail. Sketch maps and notes were made in the field and used, in conjunction with the SSSI maps supplied, to produce an account of the bryological interest. Although no attempt was made at a full survey, a summary list of species seen during the visit was made (Table 1).

All records were entered in the Recorder 2002 database. Bryophyte nomenclature follows Blockeel and Long (1998); vascular plant nomenclature follows Stace (1999). Information on bryophyte status is taken from the latest revision of the Red List, which updates Church et al. (2001) and is published on the JNCC web site (www.jncc.gov.uk). The site score was arrived at using the Guidelines (Hodgetts 1992) in conjunction with up-to-date status lists (JNCC web site), since the lists in Hodgetts (1992) are now badly out-of-date. Frequencies in the species list are recorded on the DAFOR scale (d = dominant, a = abundant, f = frequent, o= occasional, r = rare. These are sometimes qualified with l = locally. Categories of Atlantic bryophytes follow Ratcliffe (1968), modified by Averis (1991).

2 Figure 1. Map showing position of monitoring sites sampled during site visit.

3 Survey and monitoring record

General

A total of 123 taxa were recorded (Table 1).

Creinch

This is the only one of the islands which features bryophytes in the citation. It is wooded, with an unusual amount of elm Ulmus sp. Most of the island is fairly uniform, with Thamnobryum alopecurum, Eurhynchium praelongum and E. striatum abundant on the ground. Mnium hornum is frequent on tree bases, on the ground and on rotten wood. Rotten and fallen wood is abundant, and dominated by Hypnum spp., Thuidium tamariscinum and Isothecium myosuroides, but also with Tetraphis pellucida, Lepidozia reptans, Nowellia curvifolia etc. I. myosuroides, Hypnum cupressiforme and H. andoi are dominant on tree bases and trunks. Epiphytes are not very diverse, however - Metzgeria furcata is very frequent as an epiphyte, and Ulota spp. are abundant on branches and twigs.

Shore rocks are rich, and composed of serpentine, conglomerate and Old Red Sandstone. Climacium dendroides, Pterogonium gracile and Cinclidotus fontinaloides are all abundant in this habitat, along with Grimmia retracta, Saccogyna viticulosa (shaded rocks above shore) and Frullania tamarisci (rare).

Inchcailloch

This is the largest island on the site, and is wooded with mixed oak Quercus sp. woodland. The ground flora is dominated by great wood-rush Luzula sylvatica and bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Fallen timber and dead wood are abundant. The bryophyte flora in general is not particularly rich, with a small number of common, predictable species occurring on the woodland floor and as epiphytes. There was little here to be added to the list made on Creinch, although Dicranum majus and Leucobryum glaucum both occur in large cushions near the path, and Sphagnum palustre grows in boggy hollows here and there. Shore rocks were fairly rich, with a similar bryophyte flora to that found on Creinch. Frullania fragilifolia was occasional in this habitat, as well as Amphidium mougeotii, Ptychophyllum polyphyllum and Plagiochila killarniensis.

A small ravine on the north side of the island (near the jetty) was richer, with Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Conocephalum conicum, Rhynchostegium riparioides, Heterocladium heteropterum, Porella cordaeana, Fontinalis antipyretica, Dichodontium pellucidum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Dicranella heteromalla, Calypogeia arguta and Scapania undulata.

Torrinch

This wooded island is dominated by birch Betula pubescens, with great wood- rush, bracken and blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus dominant below. There are some stands of aspen Populus tremula by the south-east shore but these are young and not interesting for epiphytes, except for some Frullania dilatata and Ulota spp. Some rather acid conglomerate rocks occur on the shore on the south-east side of the island, which contrast with the more base-rich rocks on Creinch and Torrinch. Species here include Campylopus flexuosus, Scapania compacta, Andreaea rothii ssp. falcata, Marsupella emarginata, Campylopus atrovirens and Polytrichum juniperinum.

4 Wards Ponds

Wards Ponds were very full at the time of the visit, with almost no exposed mud. The ponds are fringed with thick sedge and grass beds, but had been well exposed earlier in the year (Nick Haycock, pers. comm.). The bed is mainly of very fine silt, and unsuitable for bryophytes. There is much water-starwort Callitriche sp. and algae. However, some areas are firmer and bryophytes were found below the surface. These had clearly been submerged fairly recently. Physcomitrium sphaericum was found, with Riccia fluitans, Dicranella staphylina and Aphanorhegma patens.

Figure 2. Wards Ponds.

Loch shore south of Ring Point and Endrick Mouth

This area is for the most part not particularly interesting, but some exposures of mud were found. Many of these are sandy, and therefore not suitable for most of the ephemeral waterside bryophyte flora, and there was much cattle-poaching and evidence of cattle in the form of cow-pats. Locally there are many colonies Pseudephemerum nitidum on bare ground, especially on banks by the loch shore. Other frequent species include Pohlia melanodon, Calliergonella cuspidata, Calliergon cordifolium, Bryum pallens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Ditrichum cylindricum and Climacium dendroides. Rarer plants here include Physcomitrium pyriforme, Bryum argenteum, B. bicolor, Dicranella rufescens, Ceratodon purpureus and Polytrichum urnigerum. Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus is common in the cattle pastures.

Ring Ponds initially looked quite promising but proved disappointing. Drepanocladus aduncus is frequent, with Pseudephemerum nitidum, Calliergon cordifolium, water starwort, marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum and redshank Persicaria maculosa.

Bryophytes are few. Green algae are abundant.

5 Woodland south of Ring Point and Endrick Mouth

Pentagonal Wood is swamp woodland with alder Alnus glutinosa and ash Fraxinus excelsior dominant. Microlejeunea ulicina is a common epiphyte, and Cololejeunea minutissima was found on alder. Trichocolea tomentella is frequent on the ground.

Shore Wood is drier above, but wet by the loch, where there is a stony shore of swamp woodland subject to regular inundation. Lophocolea bidentata, L. heterophylla and Riccardia palmata were found on a large rotten tree trunk (driftwood). Rocky areas have Blindia acuta, Pellia epiphylla, Hookeria lucens, Eurhynchium hians, Fissidens taxifolius and Scapania undulata.

Dragonfly Pond (NS42988768) is a small body of water with extensive Sphagnum colonising it. The Sphagnum cover is varied. S. inundatum and S. palustre are abundant and S. magellanicum is locally abundant. Other species here are S. fallax, S. subsecundum (one large 50cm hummock, plus smaller colonies amongst other Sphagnum spp. - new vice-county record of this Nationally Scarce species), S. capillifolium and S. papillosum.

6 Monitoring sites

Monitoring site 1, NS39478857, ca. 10 m. Figs. 3-8. This is on a serpentine outcrop on Creinch just inland from the landing point on the beach. Marchesinia mackaii (distinctive black shoots growing closely appressed to rock) is abundant, with a variety of Lejeuneaceae (tiny pale green liverworts) on the rocks and epiphytic on mosses such as Thamnobryum alopecurum – Lejeunea patens, L. lamacerina, Cololejeunea calcarea and C. rossettiana. Metzgeria furcata and Fissidens dubius are also abundant. Tortella tortuosa is occasional on the crags, as are Neckera crispa, N. complanata and Trichostomum brachydontium. The crag continues up and to the left for at least 50 m. It is heavily shaded by elm and holly Ilex aquifolium.

Figure 3. Monitoring site 1 - position.

7 Figure 4. Monitoring site 1 - heavily shaded serpentine rocks.

Figure 5. Monitoring site 1 - label 1, with position of Cololejeunea rossettiana shown.

Figure 6. Monitoring site 1 - label 2, with mixed Lejeuneaceae.

8 Figure 7. Monitoring site 1 - mixed Lejeuneaceae on serpentine.

Figure 8. Monitoring site 1 - Marchesinia mackaii. Note distinctive black shoots, closely appressed to rock.

9 Monitoring site 2, NS39498891, ca. 5 m. Figs 9-14. This site is on lochshore rocks on Creinch, with a rich and mixed bryophyte flora of species such as Homalia trichomanoides, Bryum capillare, Grimmia retracta, Hypnum cupressiforme, Eurhynchium praelongum, Schistidium sp. and Pterogonium gracile.

Figure 9. Monitoring site 2 - position, looking north.

Figure 10. Monitoring site 2.

10 Figure 11. Monitoring site 2 - label 1. Colonies of Homalia trichomanoides (ca. 18 x 10 cm, discontinuous) with Bryum capillare.

Figure 12. Monitoring site 2 - label 2. Cushions of Grimmia retracta with Schistidium sp.

Figure 13. Monitoring site 2 - label 3. Cushions of Grimmia retracta.

11 Figure 14. Monitoring site 2 - label 4. Cushions of Grimmia retracta.

12 Monitoring site 3, NS40679013, ca. 5 m. Figs. 15-16. This is a serpentine rock face on the west coast of Inchcailloch, with a rich bryophyte flora. Species here include Grimmia retracta, Hymenostylium recurvirostrum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Pterogonium gracile, Climacium dendroides, Frullania fragilifolia, Ctenidium molluscum, Porella platyphylla, Lejeunea patens, L. lamacerina, etc. Labels l-r.

Figure 15. Monitoring site 3 - position.

Figure 16. Monitoring site 3 - position.

1: Frullania fragilifolia, ca. 5 x 5 cm 2. Frullania fragilifolia, two patches each ca. 2 x 3 cm. 3. Mixed Porella platyphylla, with Plagiochila sp., Ctenidium molluscum and Grimmia retracta. 4. Plagiochila killarniensis (small colony ca. 2 x 3 cm) + Grimmia retracta.

13 Monitoring site 4, NS44218759, ca. 5 m. Figs. 17-19. This is at Wards Ponds, on the mainland south of the Endrick Water, near a bird hide, which serves as a useful marker. Physcomitrium sphaericum grows submerged with Aphanorhegma patens, Dicranella staphylina and water-starwort, at the junction between the rush Juncus sp./marsh cudweed zone (closest to the pond) and the sedge Carex sp./spike-rush Eleocharis sp. zone (furthest from the pond). It is impossible to estimate the population of P. sphaericum, since the pond edge was entirely submerged at the time of the visit, but it is presumably widespread on mud in this zone, and would have been more visible earlier in the year.

Figure 17. Monitoring site 4 - position.

Figure 18. Monitoring site 4 - position, looking towards hide.

Figure 19. Monitoring site 4 - Physcomitrium sphaericum habitat.

14 Monitoring site 5, NS44178774, ca. 5 m. Figs. 20-23. This is another point where Physcomitrium sphaericum occurs at the edge of Wards Ponds. It grows submerged with water-starwort, amongst rushes and grasses, ca. 150 m from the sluice, next to a long arm of the pond. Bryological associates are Riccia fluitans, Dicranella staphylina and Aphanorhegma patens.

Figure 20. Monitoring site 5 - position, looking towards sluice.

Figure 21. Monitoring site 5 - position, looking east.

Figure 22. Monitoring site 5 - Physcomitrium sphaericum habitat.

15 Figure 23. Monitoring site 5 - detail of habitat.

16 Monitoring site 6, NS43428838, ca. 10 m. Figs. 24-26. This is in Pentagonal Wood, by a prominent ash tree and a patch of bare swampy peat where American skunk-cabbage Lysichiton americanus had been removed recently (Nick Haycock, pers. comm.). There is a large patch of Trichocolea tomentella ca. 50 cm across, with another slightly smaller colony just to the right, below the tree. The main bryophyte associate is Rhizomnium punctatum.

Figure 24. Monitoring site 6 - position.

Figure 25. Monitoring site 6 - Trichocolea tomentella.

Figure 26. Monitoring site 6 - Trichocolea tomentella detail. Note large, feathery shoots

17 Monitoring site 7, NS42988768, ca. 10 m. Figs. 27-29. This is at Dragonfly Pond, in Ring Wood. This is a small body of water with extensive Sphagnum colonising it, including S. inundatum, S. palustre, S. magellanicum, S. fallax, S. subsecundum, S. capillifolium and S. papillosum.

Figure 27. Monitoring site 7 - position of main Sphagnum subsecundum hummock.

Figure 28. Monitoring site 7 - position of main Sphagnum subsecundum hummock, ca. 50 cm in diameter.

Figure 29. Monitoring site 7 - position of main Sphagnum subsecundum hummock.

18 Table 1. Summary list for Endrick Mouth and Islands, 19-20 September 2005

Species Frequency Conservation/oceanic status Liverworts Calypogeia arguta f sub-Atlantic Chiloscyphus polyanthos f Cololejeunea calcarea r/lf Western British Cololejeunea minutissima r Atlantic Cololejeunea rossettiana r Nationally scarce, Atlantic Conocephalum conicum f Diplophyllum albicans a Frullania dilatata f Frullania fragilifolia r Western British Frullania tamarisci a Lejeunea lamacerina f Atlantic Lejeunea patens f sub-Atlantic Lepidozia reptans f Lophocolea bidentata f Lophocolea heterophylla r Marchesinia mackaii r Atlantic Marsupella emarginata f Metzgeria furcata f Microlejeunea ulicina a sub-Atlantic Nowellia curvifolia f Western British Pellia epiphylla a Plagiochila asplenioides o Plagiochila killarniensis r Atlantic Plagiochila porelloides f Porella cordaeana r Porella platyphylla r Riccardia palmata r Western British Riccia fluitans l/rf Saccogyna viticulosa o Atlantic Scapania compacta o sub-Atlantic Scapania undulata f Trichocolea tomentella f

Mosses Amphidium mougeotii o Andreaea rothii ssp. falcata r Aphanorhegma patens o/la Atrichum undulatum f Blindia acuta o Brachythecium rivulare o Brachythecium rutabulum a Bryum argenteum r Bryum bicolor o Bryum capillare o Bryum pallens o Calliergon cordifolium o Calliergonella cuspidata a Campylopus atrovirens r sub-Atlantic 19 Campylopus flexuosus f sub-Atlantic Ceratodon purpureus o Cinclidotus fontinaloides f/la Climacium dendroides f/la Ctenidium molluscum f Dichodontium pellucidum f/la Dicranella heteromalla f Dicranella rufescens o Dicranella staphylina o/la Dicranoweisia cirrata o Dicranum majus f Dicranum scoparium a Ditrichum cylindricum o Drepanocladus aduncus o Eurhynchium hians f Eurhynchium praelongum a Eurhynchium striatum f Fissidens dubius o Fissidens taxifolius o Fontinalis antipyretica f Grimmia retracta f/la Atlantic Grimmia trichophylla o Heterocladium heteropterum o sub-Atlantic Homalia trichomanoides o Hookeria lucens o Hylocomium splendens f Hymenostylium r recurvirostrum Hypnum andoi f Hypnum cupressiforme a Hypnum jutlandicum o Isothecium myosuroides a Leucobryum glaucum f

20 Mnium hornum f Neckera complanata r Neckera crispa r Physcomitrium pyriforme r Physcomitrium sphaericum r/lf Near Threatened Plagiomnium affine o Plagiothecium nemorale o Plagiothecium succulentum o Plagiothecium undulatum f Pleurozium schreberi f Pogonatum urnigerum r Pohlia drummondii r Pohlia melanodon o Polytrichum commune a Polytrichum formosum a Polytrichum juniperinum f Polytrichum urnigerum f/la Pseudephemerum nitidum o/la Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans f Pterogonium gracile o/la sub-Atlantic Ptychomitrium polyphyllum o/la sub-Atlantic Racomitrium aciculare a Racomitrium heterostichum o Rhizomnium punctatum f Rhynchostegium riparioides f Rhytidiadelphus loreus f Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus a Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus f Schistidium apocarpum s.l. o Scleropodium purum f Sphagnum capillifolium r/lf Sphagnum fallax f Sphagnum inundatum o Sphagnum magellanicum r/lf Sphagnum palustre f Sphagnum papillosum r Sphagnum subsecundum r Nationally Scarce Tetraphis pellucida o Thamnobryum alopecurum a Thuidium tamariscinum a Tortella tortuosa r Trichostomum o brachydontium Ulota bruchii f Ulota crispa f Warnstorfia exannulata r

21 Table 2. Species previously recorded from Endrick Mouth and Islands but not seen during 2005 SCM work

It is possible that some of these records were made outwith the boundaries of the present SSSI - several species listed for the site in SNH files either cannot be traced at all, or only to 10 km square resolution, and therefore cannot be regarded as having been reliably recorded from within the SSSI.

Species Last record Conservation/oceanic Comments Liverworts status Adelanthus Listed in SNH Nationally Scarce, Possibly outwith decipiens files Atlantic SSSI Bazzania trilobata 1988, Hodgetts - Western British Probably still Torrinch present Blepharostoma 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still trichophyllum Torrinch present Cephalozia 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still lunulifolia Torrinch present Frullania 1988, Hodgetts - Atlantic Probably still microphylla Torrinch present Metzgeria 1980, Stirling - sub-Atlantic Possibly still fruticulosa Aber, nr. present Gartocharn Metzgeria 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still temperata Gartfairn Wood present Mylia taylorii Listed in SNH Western British Possibly outwith files SSSI Odontoschisma Listed in SNH sub-Atlantic Possibly outwith sphagni files SSSI Plagiochila 1988, Hodgetts - Atlantic Probably still punctata Torrinch present Plagiochila 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still spinulosa Torrinch present Porella arboris- 1965, Stirling - sub-Atlantic Possibly still vitae Creinch present Porella obtusata Listed in SNH Atlantic Possibly outwith files SSSI Radula 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still complanata Gartfairn Wood present Radula 1965, Stirling - Possibly still lindenbergiana Creinch present Riccia beyrichiana 1952, Walton - Nationally Scarce Outwith SSSI Balmaha Pier Riccia canaliculata 1981, Stirling – Vulnerable Possibly Ring Point disappeared Scapania aspera 1939, Lee - Probably Creinch disappeared Scapania gracilis 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still Torrinch present

Mosses Amblystegium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still serpens Gartfairn Wood present

22 Aulacomnium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still palustre Ring Bog present Bryum 1965, Stirling - Possibly still pseudotriquetrum Creinch present Bryum tenuisetum Listed in SNH Nationally Scarce Possibly outwith files SSSI Campylopus 1960, Clear - Possibly still introflexus Inchcailloch present Campylopus 1965, Stirling - Possibly still pyriformis Creinch present Dicranodontium 1965, Stirling - Western British Possibly still denudatum Creinch present Dicranum 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still montanum Torrinch present Dicranum Listed in SNH Atlantic Possibly outwith scottianum files SSSI Ephemerum Listed in SNH Possibly outwith serratum files SSSI Eurhynchium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still crassinervium Torrinch present Eurhynchium 1965, Stirling - Possibly still pumilum Creinch present Grimmia hartmanii 1939, Lee - Western British Possibly still Creinch present Homalothecium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still sericeum Torrinch present Hypnum 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still resupinatum Gartfairn Wood present Isothecium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still alopecuroides Torrinch present Leskea polycarpa 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still Gartfairn Wood present Leucobryum Listed in SNH Nationally Scarce Possibly outwith juniperoideum files SSSI Orthodontium 1989, Anon - Probably still lineare Clairinsh present Orthotrichum affine 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still Gartfairn Wood present Orthotrichum Listed in SNH sub-Atlantic Possibly outwith pulchellum files SSSI Plagiomnium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still rostratum Ring Wood present Plagiomnium 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still undulatum Torrinch present Pogonatum 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still aloides Gartfairn Wood present Pohlia annotina 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still Ring Wood present Racomitrium 1965, Stirling - Possibly still aquaticum Creinch present Racomitrium 1965, Stirling - Possibly still heterostichum Creinch present Sanionia uncinata 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still Gartfairn Wood present

23 Scleropodium 1981, Stirling – sub-Atlantic Possibly still cespitans near Wards present Sphagnum 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still girgensohnii Ring Bog present Sphagnum 1988, Hodgetts - Western British Probably still quinquefarium Ring Bog present Sphagnum 1988, Hodgetts - Probably still squarrosum Ring Bog present Thuidium 1988, Hodgetts - Western British Probably still delicatulum Ring Wood present Trichostomum Listed in SNH Western British Possibly outwith tenuirostre files SSSI Ulota hutchinsiae Listed in SNH Western British Possibly outwith files SSSI Ulota phyllantha 1957, Crundwell - sub-Atlantic Possibly still Inchcailloch present Zygodon 1988, Hodgetts - sub-Atlantic Probably still conoideus Gartfairn Wood present

Management observations

A total of 123 species were recorded. Physcomitrium sphaericum was found in two places at Wards Ponds, but is almost certainly widespread there. Fieldwork was considerably hampered by high water levels, and the exposed mud habitat of P. sphaericum was entirely submerged at the time of the visit. In addition, two Nationally Scarce species were recorded - Cololejeunea rossettiana still occurs on shaded serpentine on Creinch, and Sphagnum subsecundum was found, new to VC99, at Dragonfly Pond.

The site in general looks in good condition. The woodland areas are reasonably intact and there appears to be nothing particularly threatening to the bryophyte flora. No rhododendron was seen (in the driving rain, though it may well be present!), and current management aims to remove it wherever it appears. Wards Ponds appear to be in good condition, with regularly fluctuating water levels and little obvious pollution. The extensive area of fen at Aber Bog looks in good condition, but is of very low bryological interest. Ring Point is fairly heavily grazed by cattle and sheep, resulting in poaching and eutrophication, but this appears to be confined to areas of low bryological interest. There were considerable amounts of rubbish on the islands' beaches, left by trippers making temporary camps and barbecue sites, but this probably has no impact on the bryophytes.

A number of previously-recorded species were not seen (Table 2). Many of the species recorded in 1988 almost certainly still occur, but fieldwork was severely hampered during SCM work by very poor weather - the day chosen to examine the islands was very wet and windy. (This also explains the poor quality of some of the photographs.) Other species listed in the SNH SSSI files may not have been recorded correctly from within the SSSI. Several (e.g. Adelanthus decipiens, Bryum pseudotriquetrum) have certainly been recorded in one of the same 10 km squares, but no records have been traced from within the SSSI. Riccia canaliculata has probably vanished, but this essentially ephemeral species may re-occur at some point in the future.

Total score (Hodgetts 1992): 325. Assessment The bryophyte features include arctic-alpine assemblages, rare species and Physcomitrium sphaericum. The following table (Table 3) is based on Common

24 Standards Monitoring Guidelines for Bryophytes and Lichens (www.jncc.gov.uk), including (Table 3) elements of western oceanic woodland and reservoirs and ponds supporting ephemeral species.

Table 3. Assessment of condition of bryophyte interest features

Attributes Targets Method of assessment Comments Niche availability Sufficient area of Mapping, photography Favourable suitable habitat to maintain population. No loss of area of suitable Canopy structure Woodlandhabitat canopy Visual assessment Favourable should remain intact Bryophyte Bryophyte cover should Visual assessment Favourable biomass dominate on wet ground, rocks, banks and trees. Negative No evidence of loss, Visual assessment Favourable indicators: discoloration or necrosis pollution of epiphytic species. Water level Water levels should Measurement Favourable fluctuate seasonally, (probable, exposing a margin of according to mud at least 10 metres Nick Haycock, wide in late pers. comm.) summer/early autumn for a period of at least 12 weeks Water quality No obvious sign of Visual assessment, Favourable pollution evidenced by existing water quality excessive algal growth monitoring systems or discoloration of water. Vegetation Dominant vascular plant Visual assessment Favourable structure growth on draw-down zone less than 5%.

Assessment: Bryophytes on the islands including western liverworts: Favourable - maintained. Ephemeral bryophyte flora of Wards Ponds: Favourable - maintained.

The total score exceeds the threshold of 300 points (Hodgetts 1992), and would rise higher with the inclusion of species recorded previously but not seen during this visit. Water quality is somewhat variable and subject to fluctuation at this site, and the maintenance of good water quality is dependent on bunding and other management, but overall it appears to be reasonable at the places where it matters for the bryophytes. There is certainly eutrophication on Ring Point, but it is not considered that this is of sufficient importance to assess the site as a whole as 'Unfavourable- declining'.

25 Summary statement: "The site is of bryological importance primarily for the presence of the Near Threatened moss Physcomitrium sphaericum at the margins of Ward Ponds, one of only two recent sites in Scotland for this species, which is recorded at 15 10 km squares in Great Britain as a whole. There are also at least two Nationally Scarce species, Cololejeunea rossettiana on Creinch and Sphagnum subsecundum at Dragonfly Pond. The bryophyte flora of the woodlands is of some interest, and contains Atlantic elements, although they are much less rich than woodlands further to the north-west, including those on the west banks of Loch Lomond."

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Anna Griffith (former SNH Lower Plant Specialist) and Nick Haycock and Tim Jacobs (SNH Stirling office) for their invaluable help. I would also like to thank all the landowners/occupiers who gave permission for the fieldwork.

References

Averis, A.B.G. 1991. A survey of the bryophytes of 448 woods in the Scottish Highlands. Scottish Field Unit Survey Report No. 54. Edinburgh, Nature Conservancy Council.

Blockeel, T.L. & Long, D.G. 1998. A checklist and census catalogue of British and Irish bryophytes. Cardiff, British Bryological Society.

Church, J.M., Hodgetts, N.G., Preston, C.D. & Stewart, N.F. 2001. British Red Data Books. Mosses and liverworts. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Hodgetts, N.G. 1992. Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs: non- vascular plants. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Ratcliffe, D.A. 1968. An ecological account of Atlantic bryophytes in the British Isles. New Phytologist 67: 365-439.

Stace, C. 1999. Field Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

26 Appendix 1. Citation and site map for Endrick Mouth and Islands SSSI

ENDRICK MOUTH AND ISLANDS SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

Stirling District/Dumbarton District

Midas Reference: 610

PLANNING AUTHORITY: Stirling District & Dumbarton District

DATE NOTIFIED UNDER 1949 ACT: 1 January 1955

DATE NOTIFIED UNDER 1981 ACT: 24 October 1988

NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: NS 430895

OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: 56, 57 1:25,000 SHEET NO: NS 48/58

AREA: 451.1 ha.

DESCRIPTION:

Biological: Habitat: Woodland: Peatland: Open Water Biological: Species: Invertebrates: Birds: Vascular Plants

This site is a large and varied area of woodland, open water and mire communities at the south-east corner of Loch Lomond, partly on the line of the Highland Boundary Fault.

South-west of the River Endrick the woodland is mainly sessile oak and birch, while north of the river the woods range from low-growing alder-willow carr with a very wet ground flora to dry acidophilous oak woodland. Gartfairn Wood,supports a good wet woodland flora, including Scottish dock Rumex aquaticus, which is confined in the British Isles to Loch Lomond and its environs, summer snowflake Leucojum aestivum and elongated sedge Carex elongata. it also has a heronry of 10-15 nests.

The woodland on the islands is particularly rich and exhibits a range of oak woodland communities with a varied ground flora. lnchcailloch is mainly oakwood but also has wet areas with alder coppice, and Scots pine on the two summits. Torrinch has more birch, and some aspen. Clairinsh is notable for the wide range of age classes of oak, ranging from 21-165 years. Creinch is characterised by a number of large coppiced wych elms and mature ash, whilst Aber Isle has an abundance of guelder rose and supports the site's only hornbeams. Plants found on the islands include Tonbridge filmy-fern Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, hay-scented buckler-fern Dryopteris aemula and the western liverworts Marchesinia mackaii and Co/o/ejeunea rossettiana. The wych elms on Creinch support the parasitic plant toothwort Lathraea squamaria. The island woodlands have some of the highest recorded densities of breeding insectivorous birds in Britain. The shore zone of the islands, particularly Creinch and Clairinsh, is rich and supports a good variety of plants including globeflower Trolfius europaeus, columbine Aquilegia vulgaris and goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus auricomus.

27 There is a range of mire communities on the mainland. Inundated mineral marshes, including reedbeds and rough grassland, occur on the north side of the river and include scarce wetland plants such as thread rush Juncus filiformis, tufted loosestrife Lysimachia thyrsiflora and further colonies of Scottish dock. On the south side the Ring Bog is a tract of flood-plain mire consisting mainly of eutrophic-mesotrophic swamp communities. There are extensive areas of reed canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea with patches of sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, bladder sedge Carex vesicaria, water sedge Carex aquatilis and common sedge Carex nigra. The Twenty Acres is managed as a bog hay meadow, and is dominated by sedges, in particular bladder sedge, with the local tufted loosestrife also occurring.

The loch shore and the mouth of the River Endrick, support a good ephemeral flora, which includes the rare eight-stamened waterwort Elatine hydropiper and awlwort Subularia aquatica. The rare ephemeral moss Physcomitrium sphaericum, recorded recently in only nine 10 km squares in the British Isles, has been found on exposed mud at Wards Ponds.

The wetland and open water are noted for breeding and migrant birds. The area is a regionally important wintering refuge for wildfowl, with more than 200 Greenland white-fronted geese and up to 3,000 greylag geese. The Limehill Field and the Pentagonal Fields, both improved pastures, are important grazing areas for geese. In summer the area holds one of the largest inland breeding populations of shelduck in Scotland and a regionally important inland wader breeding population.

The site is rich in invertebrates and supports three Red Data Book species; a rare moth, the bulrush wainscot Nonagria typhae in stands of bulrush Typha latifolia on the mainland, a beetle endemic to Scotland, Dropephylla grandi/oqua in dead wood on lnchcailloch, and the endangered beetle Eutheia linearis in rotting vegetable material on lnchcailloch. In addition, the slow-moving rivers and lagoons of the mainland are rich in aquatic invertebrates.

REMARKS

Area significantly increased.

The woodland component forms part of the Loch Lomond Woods Nature Conservation Review site. The peatland habitats form part of the Aber Bogs and Loch Lomond Marshes Nature Conservation Review site. The marginal strip of the loch lies within the Loch Lomond Nature Conservation Review site, while the river section is part of the River Endrick Nature Conservation Review site.

The islands (except Aber Isle) and the mainland south of the River Endrick were designated a wetland of international importance in 1976 under the Ramsar Convention.

The islands and most of the mainland section (total area: 428 ha) have been declared a National Nature Reserve.

28 Scale 1:10000

29 www.nature.scot

Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW T: 01463 725000

You can download a copy of this publication from the SNH website.

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