Biodiversity Action Plan 2017
Prepared by Joshua Styles, BSc Ecology – Ecologist
Document Review Date: 01 July 2018 Table of Contents
1. Objectives
2. Site Context
3. Designated Sites and Habitat Connectivity
4. Phase 1 Habitat Survey
5. UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP)
6. Site Related Specially Protected Species
7. Invasive Botanical Species
8. Proposed Management Strategies for: 8.1 University Meadows 8.2 Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) 8.3 Lakes 1 & 2 8.4 Ponds 1 & 2
9. Biodiversity Improvement Measures: 9.1 Landscaping using Native Species 9.2 Provisions for Bats and Birds 9.3 Green Hay 9.4 Pond Creation 9.5 Plant Translocations
10. Acknowledgements
11. References
Appendix 1 – Biological Records Data Set for Edge Hill University Meadows (excel spreadsheet)
Appendix 2 –Site Photographs
Appendix 3 –Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) survey (2016)
Appendix 4 – Dune Helleborine survey (May 2017) 1. Objectives
1.1 The objectives of this Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) are to identify key habitats and species on Edge Hill University campus and within the immediate vicinity. This can provide a framework for managing these habitats and species and to improve biodiversity on campus.
1.2 Information on habitats and species was obtained from a desk study using resources such as Magic Mapping and LERN to obtain information on designated sites and species within the area. This was accompanied by three years of field surveys on campus. Most of the field work was completed in the summer of 2016.
2. Site Context
2.1 Edge Hill University is a large site (approximately 52.5 ha) situated close to the centre of Ormskirk, Lancashire. It is bisected by roads and residential development and is attended by approximately 16,000 students annually. The University backs onto farmland and is situated close to agricultural arable and pasture fields with relatively good connectivity between sites via hedgerows and lines of trees. A central grid reference is SD 42213 07362 (see Figure 1 & 2)
2.2 Several green spaces on campus support a variety of species. The main areas of value to wildlife being shown in Figure 3.
Figure 1 – Existing campus site plan
Figure 2 – Approximate site location and continuous habitat (Bing Maps, 2017)
Lake 1
Lake 2
Pond 1
Pond 2
Figure 3 – Edge Hill University campus with meadow area boundary (red) and freshwater bodies on campus marked in blue
3. Designated Sites and Habitat Connectivity
3.1 Nearby is a series of farmland arable and pasture fields with moderate connectivity between sites via lines of trees, hedgerow and scattered areas of woodland listed within the National Forestry Inventory (Magic, 2017). These features are used by various bird and bat species for nesting/commuting/foraging purposes.
3.2 Within 1 km of the site there are five ponds, four of which are on campus. Connectivity between ponds is poor between the single pond located approximately 950 metres away and those on campus, providing little opportunity for commuting for Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) and Water Vole (Arvicola amphibious).
3.3 No statutorily designated wildlife sites are within a 5 kilometre radius of Edge Hill University. There are however, five non-statutorily designated sites within a 2 kilometre radius (see Figure 4). These include two biological heritage sites (Ruff Wood and New Park Wood) and three district wildlife sites (Greetby Hill Railway Cutting, Ormskirk Sidings and Prescot Road Quarry). Additionally, farmland to the south of Edge Hill University is noted to be used by migratory Pink- Footed Geese (Anser brachyrhynchus).
3.4 A data search obtained from Lancashire Environmental Record Network (LERN) revealed several species and habitats of conservation importance within two kilometres of the site including Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Whiskered Bat (Myotis mystancinus) and Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
Figure 4 – Area of data search with Lancashire Key Species locations and Wildlife Sites marked
Figure 5 – Location of EHU and surrounding landscape (Bing Maps, 2017) 4. Phase 1 Habitat Survey
4.1 Phase 1 habitat survey involves the identification of habitats and key species in a specified area, with an emphasis on plants.
4.2 Information on the habitats and species on the campus of Edge Hill University was collected over a three year period by the author, most recording being during the summer of 2016.
4.3 Habitat Types:
All habitat descriptions below follow designations provided in the Handbook for Phase 1 habitat survey (JNCC, 2011). Broad habitat hypes on campus include:
A3.2 Mixed Woodland (Planted) A2.1 Continuous Scrub A2.2 Scattered Scrub A3.3 Scattered Trees (Broadleaved & Coniferous) B2.2 Neutral Semi-Improved Grassland G1 Standing Water J1.2 Amenity Grassland J1.4 Introduced Shrub J2.1 Intact Hedgerow J3.6 Buildings/Hardstanding J4 Bare Ground
Most biodiversity on Edge Hill campus is associated with the meadows (see figure 1). Appendix 1 lists all biological records within this area.
Mixed Woodland (Planted) Mixed woodland occurs throughout the university campus but is largely restricted to the planted meadow areas to the north-east of campus. Here, a series of native trees including Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) have been planted in keeping with local native Oak-Birch woodland assemblages (National Vegetation Classifications W10 and W16) (1. Rodwell 1991).
Scrub (Continuous and Scattered) Scrub is present throughout the site in the form of stands of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea), Goat Willow (Salix capraea), European Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Bramble (Rubus sp.) and other species. The largest portion of native scrub lies within the planted meadows and could be used by a variety of organisms. This habitat has value for commuting/foraging bats, nesting birds, as a refuge for Hedgehog, other terrestrial mammals and amphibian species.
Scattered Trees Scattered trees are distributed across campus. Most are native species as described above, while those within areas of hardstanding on campus are generally non-native species and varieties such as Common Lime (Tilia x vulgaris), Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra), Cypress sp. (Cupressus sp.) and non-native species of Cherry (Prunus sp.). Generally, non-native species of tree have less value to wildlife than native taxa, such as Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) which can have hundreds of invertebrate species dependant on a single tree. Under planted trees within the Back Halls car park (OS: SD 42319 07537) is a large population of the nationally scarce and endemic Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis). There is also a single plant near the Durning Centre (OS: SD 42432 07442). See appendix 3 for a 2016 survey of this species. The Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland maps this plant in only 38 hectads (10 km grid squares).
Neutral Semi-improved Grassland Within the meadow compartment on campus is a large area cut on rotation with scrub. This semi-improved grassland supports 154 vascular plant species including a single plant of the nationally scarce Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bermudiana) and a few plants of Ragged Robin (Silene flos- cuculi). The latter is red-listed in England as ‘Near Threatened’ due to its large-scale decline throughout the country. Additionally, two regionally notable species in the form of Slender Trefoil (Trifolium micranthum) and Water Avens (Geum rivale) are present, both of which are rare and declining in Lancashire. On the 28th May 2017, Skylark was found nesting within the meadows area. The composition of species throughout the meadow varies, however often has local dominants including Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera) and Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea).
Standing Water At Edge Hill University there are four freshwater bodies in the form of two lakes and two ponds as identified in Figure 2.
Pond 1: Located to the south of campus, Pond 1 is largely isolated from the surrounding landscape by hardstanding in the form of a large car park to the north and St. Helens Road to the south. This is the most floristically diverse freshwater body with locally dense marginal vegetation including Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) Lesser Pond Sedge (Carex acutiformis) and one notable species: Ragged Robin (see Appendix two). No invasive species were identified in this pond.
Pond 2: Is located within the meadows area (Figure 2) and has a greater degree of connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Marginal vegetation is relatively sparse and dominated by non-native Equisetum species, Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Bulrush (Typha latifolia). There was evidence of wildfowl in the form of Mallard, Moorhen and Canada Goose throughout the study period. There are two invasive species within the pond in the form of New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii) and Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major).
Lake 1: Lake 1 is a large water body with one notable marginal species, Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) which is largely coastal and regionally scarce. This is accompanied by the less notable Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and the hybrid between Southern Marsh Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid (D. x grandis). The lake is largely isolated by hardstanding and has dense marginal vegetation including Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). No invasive species were recorded in or around Lake 1.
Lake 2: Lake 2 beside the Creative Edge building is a linear freshwater body with little marginal vegetation. It has mostly steep concrete sides with little to no connectivity into the surrounding landscape due to its isolation in the middle of hardstanding. There is one invasive species present throughout, namely Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major).
Amenity Grassland Throughout the university campus are areas of amenity grassland dominated by Festuca hybrids, Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifera), Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus) and the mosses Brachythecium rutabulum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. Introduced Scrub Throughout campus, largely to the south-west incorporated into landscaping are areas of species-poor introduced scrub. Most species shrubs are non-native including Berberis (Berberis sp.), Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp.), Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) and Common Lime (Tilia x vulgaris).
Intact Hedgerow Site boundaries and landscaping internally are characterised by hedgerow largely comprising native species such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Beech (Fagus sylvatica).
Buildings/Hardstanding Throughout the campus are buildings in the form of old and recent development alongside hardstanding in the form of footpaths, carparks and other hardstanding.
Bare Ground Bare ground on campus exists occasionally from recent and ongoing development or recent spraying of herbicide. In some areas of bare ground there is a limited diversity of plant species including Scentless Mayweed (Tripleurospermum inoderum), Daisy (Bellis perennis) and Annual Meadow Grass (Poa annua).
5. UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP)
5.1 Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) on both a national and regional level were established to identify key habitats and species that are of conservation importance due to their infrequency, decline or conservation status internationally. Species listed under both the national and regional BAP are not necessarily statutorily protected but should be part of the focus when formulating a management strategy for an area. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) acts as a revised and more up-to-date form of the national BAP within England, species listed in Section 41 being of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity in England.
5.2 Species Identified on Campus Listed within s.41 NERC Act (2006): On campus there are several ‘priority species’ and ‘priority habitats’ as listed in the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (2006) (Table 1).
Table 1 - Species & Habitats (NERC Act (2006)) Group Scientific Name Common Name Vascular Plants Centaurea cyanus Cornflower Birds Alauda arvensis Skylark Birds Passer domesticus House Sparrow Birds Turdus philomelos Song thrush Birds Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Terrestrial Mammals Chiroptera Bats Terrestrial Mammals Lepus europeaus Brown Hare Terrestrial Mammals Nyctalus noctula Noctule Bat Invertebrates Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth Habitats Hedgerow Broadleaved Mixed Deciduous Woodland
5.3 Species Identified on Campus within the Local BAP: For the sake of this report, two local BAP’s for Lancashire and North Merseyside will be considered. Edge Hill University is not in North Merseyside, but is close enough for the BAP to be relevant. Priority species and habitats listed in both BAPs and recorded on campus are listed in Table 2.
Table 2 - Local BAP Species & Habitats Group Scientific Name Common Name Vascular Plants Epipactis dunensis Dune Helleborine Birds Alauda arvensis Skylark Birds Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Birds Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Birds Passer domesticus House Sparrow Birds Turdus philomelos Song thrush Birds Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Birds Larus ridibundus Black-Headed Gull Terestrial Mammals Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Bat Terrestrial Mammals Lepus europaeus Brown Hare Terrestrial Mammals Chiroptera Bats Amphibians Rana temporaria Common Frog Habitats Hedgerow Lowland Mixed Woodland Urban Grasslands
6. Site Related Specially Protected Species
6.1 Birds: All birds’ nests, eggs and young are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and nests should not be disturbed within the breeding bird season (Marsh-August).
6.2 Kestrel: Though all nesting birds receive a basic level of protection, birds listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended), including Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), receive a higher level of protection and it is an offence to kill, injure or disturb these birds (during the breeding season) without a license to do so.
6.3 Bats: All bat species (and their roosts) are specially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and are all listed as European Protected Species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010). 7. Invasive Botanical Species on Site
7.1 Invasive species are those that pose a significant threat to native flora and fauna through their rapid spread and competition with native species.
7.2 Major invasive species are listed within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and it should be noted that although it is not an offence to have species listed here on a person’s land, it is an offence to spread or allow these species to spread onto a neighbours land. Any contaminated material taken from areas with invasive plant species should be treated as controlled waste and disposed of at a landfill site authorised to take such waste. Invasive species should ideally be treated by licensed contractors such as KnotweedEradication (http://www.knotweederadication.co.uk/invasive-weeds/) based in Leyland, Lancashire.
7.3 Throughout the study area encompassing the entirety of the Edge Hill University campus, there are five invasive species listed in Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) (as amended): Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa), Three Cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum), New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii) and Curly Waterweed (L. major). The first two exist occasionally within landscaping throughout the built up areas of campus, however the last three occur as naturalised aliens on campus and pose a significant threat to biodiversity. New Zealand Pygmyweed and Curly Waterweed are present in Pond 2 and Lake 2. Three Cornered Garlic is located to the north-west of main halls and is directly adjacent to Student Services and the University Library (see below).
Figure 6 – Location of Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major)
Location of New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii)
Location of Three Cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum)
8. Proposed Management Strategies for:
8.1 University Meadows: The grasslands to the east of campus (see Figure 2) are currently mown on rotation. This varies from no mowing to frequent mowing of amenity areas and annual mowing of flower meadows. To enhance botanical diversity within the meadows it is recommended that all grassland areas within the meadows boundary (see Figure 2) are mown once annually in mid-August. This timing allows most native species of wildflower (including the nationally scarce Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bermudiana) to set seed, while cutting inhibits ranker species of grass and other plants that outcompete other forbs within the meadow matrix. It is also recommended that thinning of planted and successional scrub is undertaken in areas of dense scrub.
8.2 Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis):
The area located within the back halls car park where this species has been identified has a largely ruderal associated flora. The population of this nationally scarce species fluctuated greatly between 2015 and 2017 (see Appendix three & four). In 2015, there were only two flowering spikes, perhaps due to excessive trampling, while in 2016 an increase to 86 plants (41 flower spikes) was noted. It seemed that this was due to reduced trampling because of development works restricting pedestrian access (construction of the Tech Hub). In 2017, a total of 198 plants of Dune Helleborine was counted (see Appendix four). Protection from trampling may allow the orchids to be successful but this effect may be temporary as succession leads to colonisation of the site by competitive vegetation Therefore, it is recommended that the island is managed sympathetically. It is important that fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are not applied to this area, and, if weeding is necessary, it should be undertaken by hand, being careful to avoid orchid rosettes (see Appendix two and four for pictures of the Dune Helleborines at various life stages). Strimming can take place after flowering during the period October – March. Ideally, the Dune Helleborine population at Edge Hill University should be counted yearly in July to monitor population fluctuations. This could be done by volunteers within the Biology Department or a qualified ecologist with relevant botanical identification skills.
8.3 Lakes 1 & 2:
Lake 1 (see Figure 5) supports a large population of Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa), Northern Marsh- orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and Marsh-orchid hybrids (Dacylorhiza x grandis) these being located within the grassy verges cut frequently for amenity use. It is recommended that the amenity grassland verges of the lake are mown once annually in mid-August. Alternatively, the area cut regularly for amenity use should be reduced while the remainder of the grassland that contains the orchids is cut once annually in mid-August.
Lake 2 on the 28th May 2017 had in the recent past been dredged, with macrophytic vegetation drying on the side of the lake (see Appendix two). It is a legal requirement all dredged material containing Curly Pondweed is treated as controlled waste and disposed of at a landfill site authorised to take such waste. This is stipulated in the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended) and is the university’s legal responsibility to do so. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £5,000.
8.4 Ponds 1 & 2:
It is recommended that, the New Zealand Pygmyweed within Pond 2 is treated by a licensed contractor such as KnotweedEradication (http://www.knotweederadication.co.uk/invasive-weeds/) based in Leyland, Lancashire. This is to prevent spread of this invasive into other local freshwater bodies on campus.
In addition, it is recommended that the marginal vegetation of Pond 1 is strimmed once annually in mid-August to prevent successional scrub out-competing marginal forbs.
9. Biodiversity Improvement Measures:
9.1 Landscaping Using Native Species:
In new developments on campus, Edge Hill University should ideally incorporate native species within landscaping. Recent developments have rarely considered native species in landscaping, preferring non-native and, in some cases, ecologically damaging plants. Future recommendations for native planting should be obtained from the site ecologist.
9.2 Provisions for Bats and Birds:
Birds: The occasional bird boxes on campus are often unoccupied due to their severely deteriorating condition. There are few areas within campus suitable as nesting platforms for breeding birds, so it is recommended that the University should place bird nest boxes at suitable locations. Appropriate bird boxes can be purchased from http://www.nhbs.com/browse/subject/908/bird-boxes.
Bats: Two bat species have been recorded on the campus, namely Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and Noctule (Nytalus noctula). Commuting and foraging routes for both species include scrub, hedgerow and tree lines. Bat boxes for crevice-dwelling species of bat (most notably the Pipistrelle should be placed around campus fixed onto trees and buildings out of direct sunlight and heavily lit areas. Boxes should also be places near to scrub and other commuting routes such as trees and hedgerow. These can be purchased from http://www.nhbs.com/title/195745/nhbs-kent-bat- box?bkfno=211419&ca_id=1495&gclid=CK76w5b1ktQCFcEcG wodc7MExQ.
9.3 Green Hay:
To enhance diversity within the relatively new meadows it is recommended that freshly cut hay should be spread evenly after collection from from a species-rich meadow with an appropriate MG5 botanical assemblage (Natural England, 2013, 2. Rodwell, 1991). MG5 is a community mostly on neutral soils that develops from annual cutting and is one of the most floristically rich grassland assemblages. Organisations such as Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Lancashire Council and Natural England often manage such sites and could be contacted in the search for a suitable donor site.
9.4 Pond Creation:
In new developments where water features are incorporated margins should be gently sloping with native marginal wetland vegetation and aquatic macrophytes. This would be beneficial for local amphibians. Additionally, fish should not be introduced or encouraged into any water body on campus as the introduction of fish can be highly damaging to freshwater ecosystems – notably on amphibian populations.
9.5 Plant Translocations:
Edge Hill University will continue to work with The Tyrer Partnership ecological consultants to act as a receptor site for relevant red-listed plant species that have been translocated from proposed development sites.
10. Acknowledgements:
Special thanks go to Phil Smith for editing and advice on the Biodiversity Action Plan. Additional thanks go to BioSciences for the supply of materials necessary to count and the Dune Helleborine population.
11. References:
BSBI Maps, 2017. Available from: http://bsbi.org/maps
Magic Maps, 2017. Available from: http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/MagicMap.as px
Natural England, 2013. National Vegatation: MG5 Classification. Available from: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6626052
1. Rodwell, J.S., 1991. British Plant Communities: Volume 1, Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press.
2. Rodwell, J.S., 1992. British Plant Communities: Volume 3, Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge University Press.
Appendix 1 – Biological Records Data Set for Edge Hill University Meadows Excel spreadsheet available as a separate attachment
Appendix 2 – Site Photographs (Figures 7 – 26)
Figure 7 - Landscaping within new development consisting largely of species-poor amenity and introduced scrub
Figure 8 - Typical introduced scrub including Wilsons Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) and Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Figure 9 - Pond 1 with dense marginal vegetation including Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and Lesser Pond Sedge (Carex acutiformis)
Figure 10 - Pond 1 showing some scrub encroachment
Figure 11 - Pond 2 with limited areas of dense marginal vegetation including Lesser Pond Sedge (Carex acutiformis) and Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Figure 12 - Pond 2 with invasive New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii)
Figure 13 - New Zealand Pygmyweed (C. helmsii) on the margins of Pond 2
Figure 14 - Lake 1 with relatively dense marginal vegetation including Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and Branched Bur Reed (Sparganium erectum)
Figure 15 - Lake 1
Figure 16 - Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) beside Lake 1
Figure 17 - Southern Marsh x Common Spotted Orchid hybrids (Dactylorhiza x grandis) beside frequently mown amenity areas of Lake 1
Figure 18 - Dactylorhiza x grandis orchids to the margins of Lake 1
Figure 19 - Lake 2 with scattered marginal vegetation
Figure 20 - Invasive Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) from Lake 2
Figure 21 - Lake 2 dredged material (28.05.2017)
Figure 22 - Hedgehog dropping within meadows area (28.05.2017)
Figure 23 - ‘Near Threatened’ Ragged Robin (Silene flos-cucculi) within meadows area
Figure 24 - Area of meadow dominated by a variety of graminoides and forbs
Figure 25 - Area within the meadow compartment mown regularly as amenity grassland
Figure 26 - Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) flower spike, EHU (July, 2016)
Appendix 3 –Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) Survey (2016)
In July 2015 at Edge Hill University I noticed many Epipactis (helleborine) rosettes on an island in the middle of the back halls car park (SD 42319 07537). However, because the car park was open, the island suffered from a large degree of trampling. Therefore, I only saw 2 flowering spikes, both of which were damaged and attacked heavily by black aphids. Because of the damage, I mistakenly presumed that these plants were E. helleborine (Broad-leaved Helleborine).
The following year the island was partially protected from trampling damage because of the building development. Perhaps, as a consequence, the number of Helleborines increased to 41 flowering spikes, with a total of 86 plants on the island, these being determined conclusively as E. dunensis (Dune Helleborine). The island measures approximately 55m x 7m. As well as this impressive population, I also discovered a single flowering plant of E. dunensis directly adjacent to the Durning Centre (SD 42432 07442). The area where this single plant was present similarly had some trampling damage with a fairly disturbed ruderal community of plants. This brings the total population size of this Nationally Scarce plant to at least 87 plants at Edge Hill University. Both the island and area near the Durning Centre are partly shaded with much bare soil/sandy ground. Associated vegetation for both populations is given in Tables 1 and 2 with a DAFOR score for each species.
Dune Helleborine is thought to be endemic to Britain and is restricted to about 38 hectads (10 km squares of the National Grid), making all populations valuable from a conservation perspective (see extant distribution map below). Although this species is classically associated with coastal sand-dunes, such as the Sefton Coast which supports the largest British population, colonies have increasingly been discovered at inland locations, that at Ormskirk being an example. Only two other such sites have been recorded in Lancashire and North Merseyside (BSBI Maps (Figure 27)).
R = rare; O = occasional; F = frequent; A = abundant; D = dominant Table 1. Island Helleborine Associated Vegetation:-
Species (inc. bare soil/litter/dead DAFOR wood) Score Bare soil D Bryophytes A Litter A Betula sp. A Prunus sp. F Mahonia aquifolium F Malus sp. O Acer pseudoplatanus O Hedera helix O Trifolium repens O Plantago major O Vulpia myuros R Laburnum anagyroides R Circium arvense R Cotoneaster simonsii R Equisetum arvense R Sagina apetala R Aegopodium podagraria R Epilobium montanum R Epilobium parviflorum R Galium aparine R Urtica dioica R Sisymbrium officinale R Juncus bufonius R Stellaria media R Senecio vulgaris R Lotus corniculatus R Prunella vulgaris R Hyacinthoides x variabilis R Narcissus sp. R Trifolium dubium R Rubus fruticosus agg. R
Table 2. Durning Centre Helleborine Associated Vegetation:-
Species (inc. bare soil/litter/dead DAFOR wood) Score Bare soil D Pinus sp. A Litter F Festuca rubra F Taraxacum sp. O Epilobium montanum O
Poa annua R
Vinca minor R
Figure 27 - Extant distribution of Dune Helleborine orchid (Epipactis dunensis) within the UK (locations recorded in red)
Appendix 4 – Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) Survey (May 2017)
On the 26th May, 2017, I undertook weeding on the island that contains the majority of the Dune Helleborine population. Due to lack of trampling, the site was becoming increasingly vegetated, weeding being desirable to slow the rate of succession on the island and reduce competition with the Dune Helleborine plants. A count was also undertaken using canes to mark the positions of rosettes. The Dune Helleborine population had more than doubled from the previous year to 197 plants, perhaps due to reduced trampling. Seven of these plants were growing on the boundary of the central island emerging from the tarmac of the car park. There was also a single rosette near to the Durning Centre as previously identified, bringing the 2017 Epipactis survey total to 198 plants (Figure 28). This notable population has demonstrable value and merits conservation as far as is practicable.
E. dunensis Population at Edge Hill University 2015-2017
250
200
150
100
Number of Individual ofIndividual NumberPlants 50
0 2015 2016 2017 Year
Figure 28 - Epipactis dunensis population growth 2015-2017
Figure 29 - Central island within Back Halls car park where Dune Helleborine exists after weed management
Figure 30 - E. dunensis growing from tarmac to the north-east of the central island
Figure 31 - E. dunensis rosettes within the central island area of the Back Halls car park