snh commissioned report: nvc site survey bankhead moss

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

NVC SITE SURVEY

BANKHEAD MOSS

Report No. FOOLJ03

For further information on this report please contact:

lan Bray Scottish Natural Heritage 46 Crossgate CUPAR Fife KY155HS

This report should be quoted as:

Central Environmental Surveys (2000) Natural Resource Management Consultancy National Vegetation Classification Survey of Selected Sites of Special Scientific Interest - Bankhead Moss. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. FOOLJ03.

This report or any part of it should not be reproduceEl without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage which will not be unreasonably withheld. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2000.

:1 cl

I 'I 'I \1

'I ( 'I

I I ,I I I I I

Central Environmental Surveys

Natural Resource Management Consultancy

NVC SITE SURVEY

BANKHEAD MOSS

Ecological Surveys, Environmental Assessments, Natural Resource Management Planning, Ecological Monitoring, GIS, Biological computing and databases. Principal: Alan Booth MSc., M.I.E.E.M , Woodlca Perth Road, Dunblane, Perthshire FKI5 OEE TellFax: 01786 824440

I I I

NVC SITE SURVEY

I BANKHEAD MOSS

I I ,I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

SUMMARY

A survey was made of Bankhead Moss, North-east Fife, Fife during August 2000. A total of

26 quad rats were recorded encompassing 6 communities or sub-communities of the

National Vegetation Classification (NVC). The communities are compared to the published

tables appearing in Rodwell (1991 a, 1991 b, 1992, 1995, 2000) and variations described.

The site contains a rare example of raised mire with associated birch woodland and

marginallagg fen.

KEYWORDS

National Vegetation Classification, Raised mire, Bog woodland, Lagg fen.


I I I CONTENTS

I SUMMARY

I KEYWORDS

I 1. INTRODUCTION 1

I 1.1 Study aims and objectives 1

I 2. SITE SUMMARY 1

I 3. METHODOLOGY 3

I 4. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS 4

I 5. REFERENCES 7

I APPENDIX 1:T ARGET NOTES 8

I APPENDIX 2: QUADRAT DATA 9

I I I I I I I ii

I

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study aims and objectives

This survey was carried out by Central Environmental Surveys during August 2000 on

behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage. The aim of the project is to provide detailed vegetation

survey information for selected SSSI sites within Fife using the National Vegetation

Classification (NVC).

The objectives of the survey are as follows:

• To provide base-line information on the location, extent and floristics of the existing

vegetation within the sites.

• To produce an annotated vegetation map using the NVC to identify and map the

communities to sub-community level where possible. This is supported by quadrat data,

community descriptions and target notes.

Nomenclature for vascular plants follows Stace (1991), bryophytes follows Smith (1978),

liverworts follows Smith (1990) and for lichens Dobson (1979).

2. SITE SUMMARY

Bankhead Moss is a rare, but small raised bog close to Peat Inn, Fife. The central area of

the mire supports dry and wet raised mire vegetation whose NVC unit is not immediately

obvious. The wettest hollows contain Sphagnum rich vegetation (M18a) with lint holes

containing bog pool communities (M2b). The majority of the mire however supports drier

mire vegetation that has characteristics of the M19a Cal/una - Eriophorum community but

is most likely to be a dry form of the M18 Erica - Sphagnum mire, conceivably the

Empetrum - Cladonia M18b sUb-community. Certain even drier sections correspond to the

dry Cal/una - Vaccinium heath (H12a). Birch woodland (W4a) surrounds the mire and birch

scrub is widespread over the mire surface. A marginallagg fen borders the site to the north

supporting Juncus dominated vegetation (M23b) that grades to Filipendula (M27c) fen to

the east. Unfortunately, a section of the moss could not be surveyed due to access

problems.

Further areas outwith the SSSI but within the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve were briefly

surveyed but without quantitative data. This includes extensive areas of the Juncus -

Galium rush-pasture (M23b), rank Deschampsia grassland (MG9b) and Arrhenatherum

grassland (MG1).

1


3. METHODOLOGY

The National Vegetation Classification scheme provides a system for the classification and

mapping of British vegetation according to phytosociological grouping, using standard field

methods, data analysis and classification techniques. The methodology is based on a strict

sampling system from homogenous stands of vegetation, with emphasis on taxonomic as

well as edaphic and climatic parameters. The methodology used here is based on that

described by Rodwell (1991, et al).

Initially, the site was walked over to ascertain the total variation and scale of variation as

well as noting the relative proportions of different vegetation types. Homogenous stands of

vegetation were then mapped on to a base map at a scale of 1 :10,000 (sometimes

enlarged for smaller sites). Where vegetation was clearly recognisable e.g. bracken, this

was relatively straightforward. However, complex mosaics were often encountered where

vegetation units graded repeatedly and often inconspicuously into each other. These are

indicated on the NVC map as mosaics with the relative proportion of each community

noted. Mosaics often occurred at several hierarchical levels. Only the coarsest level of

discrimination was possible in this survey.

Representative quadrat data were collected from examples of all significant vegetation

units. Usually, five quadrats were taken, however where stands of vegetation were small or

species poor, fewer quadrats were deemed necessary to capture the floristic variation.

Linear strips of vegetation were usually sampled in their entirety otherwise samples are

based on a 2m x 2m quad rat extending to 10m x 10m in woodlands. hi some cases

however, quadrat size needed to be extended to pick up the full floristic variation (e.g. in

heavily grazed areas). All vascular plants and common bryophytes were identified within

each quadrat and their cover/abundance recorded using the Domin scale; Quadrat data

was entered into the MATCH programme to assist in the assignment of NVC units although

this was only used as a tool and not a substitute for the published NVC tables. Locations of

quad rats and target notes were recorded in the field using a Global Positioning System

(GPS) and are marked on the relevant map.

Stands of vegetation too small to map (less than 10m) were recorded in a target note with

full species list. It is important to remember when interpreting the NVC maps that fine-grain

features such as flushes and springs will usually not appear on the map.

NVC maps were digitised using the ArcView version 3.1 GIS package.

3


I I I I I I ,I I I I I I I I I I I I

4. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS

A total of 26 quad rats were recorded encompassing 6 communities or sub-communities of

the NVC. Quadrat data is given in Appendix 2.

The following section describes the botanical composition of the communities and how they

compare to the published tables.

• Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillo5um raised and blanket mire, Sphagnum

magellanicum - Andromeda pOlifolia sub-community (M18a)

This typical raised mire vegetation is restricted to the wettest hollows on top of the dome.

Unfortunately, these are limited in extent. Community constants here are Eriophorum

vaginatum, Sphagnum magel/anicum, Erica tetralix and Gal/una vulgaris. Sphagnum

papillosum, Betula pubescens (g) and Aulacomnium palustre are generally frequent.

Sphagnum recurvum and Empetrum nigrum nigrum can be locally frequent.

In comparison with the published tables, Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum

capillifolium are less frequent than expected. In contrast, Polytrichum commune and f"

Sphagnum recurvum are unexpectedly abundant. A number of typical species were not' , 0

encountered possibly a reflection of the relatively dry conditions. These include '

Odontoschisma sphagm: Narthecium ossifragum, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Andromeda

polifolia, Mylia anomala and Trichophorum cespitosum. )~ ".

• Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillo5um raised and blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum -" Cladonia sub-community (M18b)

The majority of the mire surface and rand supports much drier mire vegetation, which is

conspicuously succeeding to birch woodland. Certain areas verge on dry heath. Gal/una

vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula pubescens (s), Erica tetralix, Pleurozium schreberi

and Hypnum jutlandicum are constant. Sphagnum is noticeably less frequent with only

Sphagnum capilfifolium appearing with significant frequency. In contrast, hypnaceous

mosses such as Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozium schreberi increase in abundance.

NVC correlation suggests a form of the M19 Gal/una - Eriophorum mire, conceivably the

M19a Erica tetralix SUb-community. Rodwell states that the difference between this type of

vegetation and drier types of the Erica - Sphagnum mire is fine. However, given the

context of the mire, it is more likely to be a dry form of the M18 mire, most probably the

Empetrum - Gladonia M18b SUb-community. This form typically marks out drier areas

I within stands of the Sphagnum - Andromeda SUb-community. However, several

I 4

I

irregularities occur when the test data is compared to the tables resulting in a less than

convincing match. Most problematic is the non-appearance of several strongly

characteristic species such as Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum papillosum,

Sphagnum tenel/um, Odontoschisma sphagni, Empetrum nigrum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus,

Cladonia arbuscula, Mylia anomala and Trichophorum cespitosum. As already stated,

certain sections resemble the dry H12a Cal/una - Vaccinium heath and this could be a

successional stage to birch woodland.

• Sphagnum cuspidatumlrecurvum bog-pool community, Sphagnum recurvum sub

community (M2b)

Lint holes cut for retting lint and colleCting Sphagnum for wound dressings now harbour

typical bog pool vegetation. Sphagnum recurvum is the most abundant species and is

joined by frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum and Drosera

rotundifolia. Vaccinium oxycoccos, which is typically found in this community, was not

recorded.

• Calluna vulgaris - Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Calluna vulgaris sub-community

(H12a)

As stated above, the driest areas of the mire resemble this dry heath community.

Sphagnum spp., and Eriophorum spp., are generally absent. Cal/una vulgaris is

overwhelmingly dominant with a ground layer of hypnaceous mosses, typically Pleurozium

schreberi and Hypnum jutlandicum. These areas are particularly susceptible to birch

invasion and may be part of the succession to birch woodland.

• Juncus effususlacutiflorus - Galium palustre rush pasture,Juncus effusus sub

community (M23b)

The lagg fen to the north supports Juncus dominated vegetation with a distinct swampy

element. Juncus effusus, Equisetum fluviatile, Angelica sylvestris and Ranunculus repens

appear to be constant with frequent Epilobium ciliatum, Galium palustre and Rumex

acetosa. Equisetum fluviatile is unusually frequent for the community, giving it a swampy

feel and superficial resemblance to the S1 0 swamp. Species such as Carex rostra ta,

Epilobium ciliatum, Stachys palustris and Urtica dioica are not usually found in the unit.

Moving east, Juncus effusus is joined by Filipendula ulmaria as aco-dominant. The

vegetation appears to be grading to the Filipendula - Angelica mire (M27), possibly the

Juncus - Holcus sub-community (M27c). Species such as Geum rivale add diversity to the

5



sward. This certainly seems to be the prevailing vegetation in the section of the site which

could not be surveyed due to access problems.

• Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland, Dryopteris dilatata - Rubus

fruticosus sub-community (W4a)

Relatively dry birch woodland surrounds the moss. Betula pubescens is almost the sole

woody component and is overwhelmingly dominant. Salix cinerea and Sorbus aucuparia

are the only other woody species recorded. The field layer is similarly dominated by

Dryopteris dilatata almost to the exclusion of other species. Bryophytes such as

Plagiothecium undulatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Mnium hornum and Dicranum

scoparium are scattered under the ferns.

The absence of community constant Molinia caerulea and sub-community constant Rubus

fruticosus is problematic resulting in a less than convincing NVC match. Indeed, the

woodland has similarities to one of the acid oak-birch woodland such as the W16 Quercus

- Betula - Deschampsia woodland. '1::<""

6

5. REFERENCES

Cooper, E & MacKintosh, J. 1996 NVC review of Scottish Grassland Surveys. Scottish

Natural Heritage Review No 65.

Corbet, G.B. et al. 1998. The Nature of Fife. Scottish Cultural Press.

Crofts, A & Jefferson, R.G (eds) 1999. The Lowland Grassland Management Handbook.

English Nature/The Wildlife Trusts.

Rodwell, J.S. 1991. British Plant Communities: Vol. 1: Woodlands and scrub. Cambridge

University Press.

Rodwell, J.S. 1991. British Plant Communities: Vol. 2: Mires and Heaths. Cambridge

University Press.

Rodwell, J.S. 1992. British Plant Communities: Vol. 3: Grasslands and Montane

communities. Cambridge University Press.

Rodwell, J.S. 1995. British Plant Communities: Vol. 4: Aquatic communities, swamps and

tall-herb fens. Cambridge University Press.

Rodwell, J.S. 2000. British Plant Communities: Vol. 5: Maritime communities and vegetation

of open habitats. Cambridge University Press.

7



1x1km

N0441 0

N0441 0

Grid reference

44651019

44941023

APPENDIX 1:T ARGET NOTES

Target note

This area of the mire has undergone considerable

scrub control and is now dominated by ferns,

principally Dryopteris dilatata.

This section of the SSSI was not sUNeyed due to

access problems. However, the prevailing vegetation

type appears to be a form of the Filipendula - Angelica

mire (M27).

8

Date Surveyo

r

Aug-OO FM

Aug-OO FM

L

APPENDIX 2: QUADRAT DATA

Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillosum raised and blanket mire, Sphagnum

magellanicum - Andromeda polifolia sub-community (M18a)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Eriophorum vaginatum

Sphagnum magel/anicum

Erica tetralix

Gal/una vulgaris

Sphagnum papil/osum

Betula pubescens (g)

Aulacomnium palustre

Sphagnum recurvum

Polytrichum commune

Eriophorum angustifolium

Drosera rotundifolia

Empetrum nigrum nigrum

Pleurozium schreberi

Sphagnum capillifolium

M18a M18a M18a M18a M18a

10 11 12 13 15

N044811019 N044801017 N044781018 N044761019 N044741021

9

4

8

6

4

2

5

4

2

2

3

3

8

3

6

3

3

2

4

2

9

8

8

4

4

3

3

3

4

3

5

6

7

5

4

3

3

2

4

4

3

o

8

6

3

7

6

3

3

I I I I I I

v

I v v v I IV

IV

I IV

III

III I III

III

I I I I I I I I I I I


Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papil/osum raised and blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum -

Cladonia sub-community (M18b)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Gal/una vulgaris


Betula pubescens (s)

Erica tetralix


Hypnum jutlandicum

Sphagnum capillifolium

Gladonia uncia lis

Polytrichum formosum

Aulacomnium palustre

Dicranum scoparium

Gampylopus sp.

Sphagnum recurvum

Dryopteris dilatata

Gladonia polydactyla

M18b M18b M18b M18b M18b

7 8 9 14 16

N044791023 N044801023 N044821022 N044761020 N044711020

7

5

5

5

4

3

2

2

3

2

7

6

5

3

4

3

3

3

3

3

2

10

8

5

5

5

4

3

3

3

2

2

Sphagnum cuspidafumlrecurvum bog-pool community, Sphagnum recurvum sub

community (M2b)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Sphagnum recurvum

Eriophorum angustifolium

Drosera rotundifolia

Sphagnum cuspidatum

Erica tetralix


Sphagnum

magellanicum

Gal/una vulgaris

Sphagnum papil/osum

M2b M2b M2b

19 20 23

N044751021 N044761 021 N044751 020

10 5 5 V

5 4 6 V

3 2 2 V

6 4 IV

3 11

3 11

3 11

2 11

2 11

Cal/una vulgaris - Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Cal/una vulgaris sub-community (H12a)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Gal/una vulgaris


Betula pubescens (s)

Hypnum jutlandicum

Dicranum scoparium

Gladonia uncialis

Sphagnum capil/ifolium

Erica tetralix


H12a H12a· H12a

24 25 26

N044771020 N044791020 N044771019

10

6

5

6

3

3

2

9

5

3

3

3

11

9

4

3

3

3

3

2

v v V

IV

IV

IV

IV

11

11



Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre rush pasture, Juncus effusus sub

community (M23b)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Juncus effusus

Equisetum f/uviatile

Angelica sylvestris

Ranunculus repens

Epilobium ciliatum

Galium palustre

Rumex acetosa

Filipendula ulmaria

Stelfaria uliginosa

Deschampsia cespitosa

Carex rostrata

Geum rivale

Epilobium palustre

Lotus pedunculatus

Holcus lanatus

Urtica dioica

Stachys palustris

Lathyrus pratensis

Rumex obtusifolius

M23b M23b M23b M23b/M27 M23b/M27

12345

N044741030 N044761030 N044781029 N044811028 N044841028

9 9 8 8 9

6 7 7 4 6

4 3 4 2 4

3 2 2 3 3

3 4 2 4

3 2 3 3

3 3 3 2

3 6 6

3 3 2

2 2 3

4 3

4 3

3 3

3 3

2 3

2 3

2

2

2

12

V

V

V

V

IV

IV

IV

III

III

III

11 }

11

11 ii': _i

,. - 11 t·,~

11 ~ 'f :a

11 " . 11 :"4~.{~

I

Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland, Dryopteris dilatata - Rubus

fruticosus sub-community (W4a)

NVC code

Quadrat Number

Grid reference

Betula pubescens (c)

Sa/ix cinerea (5)

Sorbus aucuparia (5)

Dryopteris dilatata

Plagiothecium undulatum

Hypnum cupressiforme

Mnium hornum

Deschampsia flexuosa

Dicranum scoparium

Gal/una vulgaris

Eurhynchium praelongum

Polytrichum commune

Ghamerion angustifolium

W4a W4a W4a W4a W4a

6 17 18 21 22

N044791027 N044661025 N044611020 N044581018 N044591 021

10

3

2

10

3

2

2

2

2

10

10

3

3

2

2

3

13

10 10 10

2 2

2 2

9 7 8

3 3

3 3

3 3

3

3

3

I I I I I

v I III

I III

V I IV

IV

I III

" " I

I I I I I I I I I I I


Bankhead Moss SSSI: Habitat Codes

() nkhead

o 100 200

, 1 I

• ,1 I 1

o SSSI Boundary Bankheod Moss SSSI

A 1.1.1 WocxIand. broadleavad. seml-nannl Al .l .2 Broo6-Ieovad. plan101Ion A 1.2.1 Coniferous semi-naWral Al.2.2 Conlf1lrous plan18tion Al.3.1 Mb<adwoodland, Hmi_ A 1.3.2 Mb<ad woodIoo<I. pIenta1Jon

/ 1 A2.1 Dense 8CNb '/ 1'.4.1 Roc:ently felled woodland. __ // 1'.4.2 Roc:entIy felled woodland. conIfen;

/ I 1'.4.3 Rocently felled woodland. mixed 1/ Bl.1 AcId groaelond. urimprovad

Bl.2 AcId g .... oIand. aemHmproved I1 0 B2.l Noutnol grooaland. unimproved

/ / B2.2 _ gro88loo<1. oeml-lmproved 1/ B3.1 Cal"""", ... grossIand, unlmpn>Vad

, I 83.2 Ca ........ grassland. oemI-improvad // B4lmprovad groaeIand

. . . . /~ !:Sl BS Marshy grassland /I ' 11' . 56 Poor """'I-Improved grassland

~3~?~~(~~1.f~~~~~f~/I~~~~~J~ Cl .1 ContInuous bracken // 0(\_ C3.1Tallrudoral

C3.2 Tan Horn. non rudanIl 01 .1 Dry _ heath. acid 01.2 Dry dwa~ _. basic

SS 02W"dwa~h_ 03 UchorVbryophyte heath

- D4 Mon1ona heo1I1Idwo~ heath r-- 05 Dry '-1hIacld grassland mosaic . OS wo;. hea1hlacld grassland mosaic

El.S.1 Sphagnum bog. blanket bog El.S.2 Sphagnum bog. roIaad bog El .7 Wo;. modIfIad bog El.8 Dry ModIfiad bog E2.1 Fluohl8jlring. acld/neutral E2.2 Fluahl8jlring. basic E3Fen E4 Baro peat Fl Swamp F2.2 MarginaV Inundation -Inundation 01 Standing wotar Hl .1 Coaotal-lnter\ldal Hl.3 CoaotaI-Inter\ldaI H2.6SaItmarah - continuous H6.4Dune.~

;f\ t:). H6.S Dune grassland 'i' H6.6 Dune heath

:3; --..>...:=---., '-;:::;:;:::;:::;:;::;:'>..1 H6.7 Duns scrub * ): .£' ' I_~-'_~_.' .'. ', ... I,: r I. ::~=~hMjcHff ~ He.4 Coastal Oroaeland

o -~~:~~~::":-::,;:-~~-~.,...,~====.4.~~~----t:: He.S Coastal Heethland

19~ . -~ '--'-' . Il'I - - - 11.2. 1 Scroe Acidlno1nol . The Moss 11.3 Lim_ne pevament

11.4.1 Rod< expos ...... acid/neutral

\IT~======~===3;E;==~~~t~g;~::>~·~'=\~I~I~,~, ~g~~====::::========d 11.4.2 Rockexposuro, basic /'.....:~Tf:..;:...::..~::.:~l t 11.5 Cave 12.1 Quarry

_" Quarry ( I '-' ~ (d;s)

./300 400

~--

'1

Meters

- -- - --

" .. ' ..

' ..

---..J== 12.2 Spoil 12.3 Mine

---'== 12.4 _tip Jl.1_ Jl.2 Amenity grassland

~ Jl.3 Ephemorollohort peronial ~ Jl.4lntroducad shrub :: A ' J3.4 Ephemeral/short perenlal I!!!!I J3.8 New Buildings ~ J4 Ba ... ground

JS Other habitat NANoAcceu ctick arrow dotted 11.2.2 H2.4 E3.1 Valley mll8 E3.2 Boaln mire E3.3 FIood-plaln mire

N


Bankhead Moss SSSI: NVC Codes

~gc -...... __ ~]6m I

-....... ... "lI",<":lttle G r Id

) nkhead

.... ---' . '-'-

MG9b

- -

- -

\-t-" I

0w - Quarry (diS\l~t!l1)

Wester Radernie

--

rum

__ , Quarry ( ~ 1_ 1 J (dl:s.)

(~============~ hlare~~=4r---=-=-:::..:::-~ ~ ---

PO

, , I

"

100 o 100 200 300 400 500 Meters ~~~~~~~--~~

.. Braeside Terrace!F2~sJ

Peat Inn

, I ,

Cl Westfield of

Radernie

o SSSI Boundary Cl Bankhead Moss SSSI

N


Bankhead Moss SSSI: Target Notes & Quadrats

:) nkhead

- -

-- -- -, Quarry

(~I_'.J (dls)

---. , , I

100 o 100 200 300 400 500 Meters Braeside Terra,c~~~~

Peat Inn

I I I

Cl

Wester Radernie

urn

Westfield of Radernie

Bankhead Moss Target Notes • Bankhead Moss Quadrats

Cl 5551 Boundary D Bankhead Moss SSSI

N

snh commissioned report: nvc site survey bankhead moss

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