OR/17/020 Site descriptions

Farr, G, and Graham, J. 2017. Survey, characterisation and condition assessment of Palustriella dominated springs 'H7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)' in Gloucestershire, England. British Geological Survey Internal Report, OR/17/020.

Overview of vegetation

All twenty two sites surveyed had tufa and in many cases tufa formations were extensive and relate to the very high levels of saturated calcium carbonate associated with springs of the Stroud Valley area in particular. Hedenäs & Kooijman (2004) note that Palustriella commutata grows under very high mineral levels. Fifteen of these sites (68%) had tufa associated with the moss Palustriella commutata and are classed as having the habitat ‘H7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)’ although the extent of the H7220 habitat varied considerably within different sites.

The majority of sites identified with H7220 habitat (15) comprise spring systems in relatively steep sided wooded valleys over limestone where the channels are frequently rocky and include small falls and gorges. Many of these woodlands are ancient woodland sites. A single site identified with a small area of H7220 habitat (Sedbury Cliff) comprises a sea cliff seepage but was essentially similar in being a seepage in scrub woodland on the cliff face.

The 15 sites identified with H7220 habitat compare well with lowland Welsh woodland and sea cliff sites (Group 2 sites, Graham & Farr, 2014) and with wooded spring head sites in Ireland (Group 2: Palustriella commutata–Geranium robertianum spring heads, Lyons & Kelly, 2016).

In terms of National Vegetation Classification (NVC), most sites surveyed with Palustriella commutata would fall within the M37 Cratoneuron commutatum — Festuca rubra spring community. However, there are subtle differences between Palustriella commutata dominated vegetation within woodland and the more open communities associated with spring heads extending above the woodland (such as the grazed channels at Toadsmoor and Strawberry Bank). Such sites closely match descriptions of hillside springheads and seepages in Ireland (Group 4 Palustriella commutata–Agrostis stolonifera springheads, Lyons and Kelly, 2016).

Table 2 lists plants of conservation concern recorded from sites based on A Vascular Plant Red List for England (Stroh et al. 2014) for flowering plants, A Provisional Red Data Book of Gloucestershire Bryophytes (Lansdown 2014) for bryophytes, Identifying ancient woodland using vascular plant indicators (Peterken, 2000), Ancient Woodland Species (Woodland Trust, 2017) for ancient woodland indicator species. None of the species listed are associated directly with Palustriella commutata and the H7220 habitat but they do serve as habitat quality indicators for sites and adjoining woodland.

The aquatic moss Fissidens rivularis (Slade Brook) is of interest. This is a nationally scarce species of National Responsibility in Gloucestershire (Lansdown 2014). At Slade Brook it was recorded from tufa-encrusted stones within the brook (pH 7.4) which is an unusual habitat for this species within the UK. Typically this species occurs on neutral to acid rocks (Atherton et. al, 2010) although it will occur rarely on limestone (Smith, 2004).The combination of high humidity associated with seepages and occurrence of seepages within open woodland at many of the sites surveyed has resulted in good development of epiphytic bryophytes.

Table 2    Plants of conservation concern.

Species	English name	Status	Sites
Fissidens rivularis	River Pocket-moss	Least Concern (National Responsibility)	Slade Brook
Fragaria vesca	Wild Strawberry	Near Threatened	Strawberry Bank
Oxalis acetosella	Wood Sorrell	Near Threatened (Ancient Woodland Indicator)	Dowdeswell Midger Wood (both sites) Strawberry Bank Woodchester Park sites 1 and 3
Sanicula europaea	Wood Sanicle	Near Threatened	Alder Carr Midger Wood site 2 Strawberry Bank
Senecio aquaticus	Marsh Ragwort	Near Threatened	Kingscote & Horsley Wood site 1
Valeriana dioica	Marsh Valerian	Near Threatened	Strawberry Bank
Valeriana officinalis	Valerian	Near Threatened (Ancient Woodland Indicator)	Slade Brook
Allium ursinum	Wild Garlic	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Alder Carr Bathurst Estate Cranham Wood Dowdeswell Kingscote and Horsley Wood site 1 Midger Wood (both sites) Minchinhampton Brook Slade Brook Strawberry Bank Woodchester Park sites 2 and 3 Workman’s Wood sites 2 and 3
Dipsacus pilosus	Small Teasel	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Dowdeswell Kingscote Wood site 3
Galium odoratum	Sweet Woodruff	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Cranham Woods Dowdeswell Midger Wood site 3 Slade Brook Strawberry Bank Woodchester Park 1 and 3
Lysimachia nemorum	Yellow Pimpernel	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Midger Wood site 3
Polystichum aculeatum	Hard-fern	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Slade Brook
Primula vulgaris	Primrose	Ancient Woodland Indicator	Bathurst estate Midger Wood site 1 Strawberry Bank Woodchester Park site 1

Alder Carr

Alder Carr (SO853078) is small area of seepages within a shaded stand of Alder dominated woodland closely adjoining the Painswick Stream (Figure 3-1). The site is underlain by the Jurassic Lias Group and Inferior Oolite Group and the main seepages occur on the northern side of the site at the base of a small slope. The main seepage area (Figure 3-2) is semi-shaded and has scattered small stands of the moss Palustriella commutata mostly associated with stones and tufa formation (Figure 3-3) and other bryophytes including Brachythecium rivulare, Cratoneuron filicinum and Pellia endiviifolia. Leaf litter is frequent and is dominated by Alder leaves.

Below the seepage face and main springhead, more extensive marginal stands of vegetation have developed including tall stands dominated by Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and more open stands dominated by Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. A moderate number of other species are present on the banks of the channels created by the springs including Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna and the bryophytes Conocephalum conicum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiomnium rostratum.

Where the springs join the river and the ground levels out, wet swampy vegetation has developed (Figure 3-4) dominated by Pendulous Sedge, occasional Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratense, Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus and very locally Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris.

At the margins of the main area of springs (mainly on higher ground), Ash, Beech and Hazel woodland predominates with occasional Pedunculate Oak and Wych Elm. An open understory occurs in many places with Holly, Ivy and Honeysuckle. A woodland ground flora has a broad number of species (at low cover) including False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Nettle Urtica dioica, Red Campion Silene dioica, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and the common bryophytes Brachythecium rutabulum, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Kindbergia praelonga, Lophocolea bidentata, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiomnium undulatum. Locally the ground flora includes the ancient woodland indicators Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Wild Garlic Allium ursinum.

Where the tops of rotting logs rise above the level of flush water, ferns are prominent including Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas and the bryophytes Mnium hornum, Rhizomnium punctaum, Plagiothecium succulentum.

The bases of larger trees, such as Ash and Oak, support the epiphytic bryophytes Hypnum cupressiforme, Rhynchostegium confertum, Isothecium myosuroides while the humid conditions have allowed rich epiphytic bryophyte communities to develop on Hazel branches with Bryum capillare, Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata, Ulota bruchii.

Close to the riverbank in a less shaded area (SO85380790) where a spring has backed up slightly and a stand to Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum has developed associated with Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens and Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus. The small moss Didymodon sinuosus occurs on stones in this area along with the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes at the immediate river’s edge.

The H7220 feature (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) covers most of the site (measured using GIS to cover an area of 0.76 ha) starting just below the seepage face and spring south to the margin of the river bank where a number of larger stands of Palustriella commutata are associated with tufa blocks on the steeper gradient of the river bank (Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-1    Alder Carr location map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-2    Alder Carr springhead with tufa, leaf litter and patches of Palustriella commutata on stones.

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  Figure 3-3    Palustriella commutata with Conocephalum conicum (stone with tufa) and Alder leaf litter.

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  Figure 3-4    Swampy vegetation dominated by Pendulous Sedge, close to river.

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  Figure 3-5    Tufa with Hart’s-tongue Fern, Palustriella commutata and Pellia endiviifolia near river.

Aust Cliff

This site comprises seepages across the base of a cliff face at the east side of the Seven estuary south of the original Seven road bridge (ST56558960) (Figure 3-6) with Jurassic–Triassic strata including the Blue Anchor Formation, Penarth Group and Blue Lias. The interbedded nature of these low permeability rocks create the ideal situations for slow diffuse cliff face seepages. This cliff area is generally open although there are adjoining stands of rough grassland dominated by Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata with Bramble, Dog Rose, Wild Privet, Gorse and Hawthorn scrub.

Seepages occur on vertical rock faces along a length of ~10 m and are associated with extensive tufa formation (Figure 3-7). Where these dripping rock faces are exposed without too much shade from adjoining scrub (west-facing cliff), large cushions of the moss Eucladium verticillatum dominate along with occasional cushions of Didymodon tophaceus (Figure 3-8). Both these mosses are actively associated with tufa formation. Occasional flowering plants (mostly seedlings) are also present including Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata, Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca.

Where seepages on rock faces are partially shaded by adjoining scrub (north-facing cliff) (Figure 3-9), additional species include Ivy and the bryophytes Aneura pinguis, Calliergonella cuspidata, Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia, Riccardia chamedryfolia. Large cushions of Eucladium verticillatum have formed on the West facing part of the cliff (Figure 3-10; Figure 3-11).

At the base of the cliff where the slope is less steep, seepages support an additional number of wetland plants including Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis, Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea and Common Reed Phragmites australis. There is no H7220 feature at this site although there is extensive tufa formation.

Figure 3-6    Aust Cliff location map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-7    Seepages on low cliff (with tufa and cushions of Eucladium verticillatum) surrounded by rough grassland, Bramble and Hawthorn scrub.

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  Figure 3-8    Seepages on low west-facing cliff with extensive tufa and cushions of Eucladium verticillatum.

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  Figure 3-9    Shaded north-facing part of low cliff with Ivy and large cushions of Eucladium verticillatum, Pellia endiviifolia.

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  Figure 3-10    Close up of large cushions of Eucladium verticillatum with tufa (west-facing cliff).

Figure 3-11    Close up of large cushion of Eucladium verticillatum showing seepages and active tufa formation (west-facing cliff).

Bathurst Estate

An area of springs and seepages (S095150440) within an ancient woodland (Hen Wood) that has an open canopy of Field Maple, Hazel, Beech, Ash and locally (adjoining seepages) Goat willow. Underlain by the Jurassic Salperton Limestone Formation, Fullers Earth Formation and Great Oolite Group. The seepages join into one main stream that discharges to a small river (River Frome) via a culvert (under a public footpath) and via some 19th Century, stone built water control features (Figure 3-12).

Several springheads discharge a number of seepages from the base of large blocks of limestone (Figure 3-13; Figure 3-14). These rocky springheads have abundant Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum. Where water seeps through the limestone, shaded vertical rock faces have tufa deposits with cushions of Eucladium verticillatum and Pellia endiviifolia. Both these bryophytes appear active in tufa formation and larger and ancient blocks of limestone close to the springheads support Ivy and a number of interesting bryophytes including Ctenidium molluscum, Tortella tortuosa, Anomodon viticulosus, Fissidens dubius and Neckera crispa. Two other bryophytes (Frullania tamarisci and Plagiochila porelloides) occur locally on both the tops of large boulders and on the lower trunks and roots of larger trees (mainly Ash).

Below the springheads, small rocky runnels occur (with increased flow). Stands of the moss Palustriella commutata appear along with Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, the bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum salebrosum, Cratoneuron filicinum, and locally (on tufa-encrusted stones and tree roots) Plagiomnium rostratum, Jungermannia atrovirens. Towards the centre of the site, many of spring channels come together and form a complex of separate channels and tufa dams with frequent large cushions of Palustriella commutata (Figure 3-15). Very locally there are patches of the mosses Calliergonella cuspidata and Didymodon fallax on open more illuminated rocky areas.

Towards the margins of the springs, on higher ground and away from the flushing water, a rich woodland flora is present with False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Sweet Violet Viola odorata and bryophytes Cirriphyllum crassinervium, Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiochila asplenioides, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium tamariscinum. Locally, the ancient woodland indicators Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Primrose Primula vulgaris also occur.

Below one springhead, seepages have backed up into a small pool (to 20 cm water depth) which is dominant by stands of Water-cress Nasturtium officinale sensu. lato. (Figure 3-17).

Due to the increased humidity in close proximity to the flushed areas, fallen and rotting tree trunks and branches support a good number of bryophytes including Dicranum scoparium, Mnium hornum, Rhizomnium punctaum, Lophocolea bidentata and locally Lepidozia reptans, Nowellia carvifolia (these last two species being local within Gloucestershire). Similarly, tree bases and roots of larger trees (mainly Ash) support the common mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Zygodon viridissimus, Homalothecium sericeum, Isothecium alopecuroides, Isothecium myosuroides and Neckera complanata, while the upper trunks and twigs of smaller Ash, Hazel, Field Maple and Goat Willow have Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria violacea, Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata and Ulota bruchii.

Towards the base of the site (where spring lines converge into a single stream), soil, leaf litter and much tufa has washed down (Figure 3-18). In this slightly more nutrient enriched area, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens and the liverwort Lunularia cruciata are present. In addition, the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes is associated with increased flow in this area closely adjoining the River Frome.

The H7220 feature (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) covers most of the site and is estimated using GIS to cover an area of about 0.3 ha from just below the springheads to shortly before the main channel joins the River Frome.

Figure 3-12    Bathurst Estate Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-13    Area of main springheads with limestone blocks and tufa, frequent Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-14    Close up of seepages below large block of limestone with Hart’s-tongue Fern and Thamnobryum alopecurum.

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  Figure 3-15    Complex of separate channels, tufa dams and pools with frequent large cushions of Palustriella commutata.

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  Figure 3-16    Close up of large cushions of Palustriella commutata associated with tufa formation.

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  Figure 3-17    Small pool dominated by Water-cress closely below main springhead.

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  Figure 3-18    Spring discharge forms a single tufa depositing stream that discharges to the River Frome.

Cranham Wood

Cranham Wood is an ancient Ash and Beech woodland and is underlain by the Jurassic Great Oolite Group and the Inferior Oolite Group. It is part of Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR).

The site (SO90441277 to SO90511282: Figure 3-19) has formed down the valley side, and is supplied by a single strong spring and adjacent seepage, which may be associated with the Inferior Oolite aquifer. The site is formed from a series of tufa dams and pools that cascade down the side of the valley forming a ‘fan’ shape (Figure 3-20) and a channel flows around the main tufa area to the west. The remaining water seeps through the tufa dams and pools and exits at the base of the feature, re-joining the side channel and developing into to a runnel that passes through a culvert below the footpath/track before joining the Painswick Stream in the base of the valley.

The spring and seepages emerge from below large blocks of limestone within Beech dominated woodland that has occasional Ash and Sycamore (Figure 3-21). The shaded developing rocky channels support stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Hart’s- tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and bryophytes Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia and Brachythecium rivulare. The tiny moss Fissidens pusillus is locally frequent on tufa-encrusted stones within the channel.

Immediately below the rocky springhead, the moss Palustriella commutata quickly becomes abundant and is associated with active tufa formation, where a large fan of dams and associated pools has formed (Figure 3.4.2). In addition to dominant stands of Palustriella commutata, Hart’s-tongue Fern is particularly abundant along with regular cushions of Eucladium verticillatum with Conocephalum conicum, Plagiomnium rostratum (e.g. Figure 3-22; Figure 3-23). The moss Calliergonella cuspidata occurs very locally in open areas. Occasionally, sections of the tufa dome have eroded and (where sufficiently illuminated), a number of additional bryophytes have colonised the exposed tufa including Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Barbula unguiculata and Didymodon insulanus.

The raised banks of the main channels and surrounding woodland are typically dominated by the shade-tolerant mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Fissidens bryoides, Oxyrrhynchium hians and in many places there is a dense layer of leaf litter and dead wood (primarily from Beech). However, there are a number of characteristic Ash woodland ground flora species present at low cover including Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, seedling Holly, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, seedling Yew, Dog Violet Viola riviniana and the bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Brachythecium rutabulum, Fissidens taxifolius, Lophocolea bidentata, Plagiomnium undulatum, Thamnobryum alopecurum. Locally, the ancient woodland indicators Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Wild Garlic Allium ursinum also occur and the moss Ctenidium molluscum was recorded, on the bank beside the springhead.

Although humidity is high, probably associated with the wide extent of flushing at the middle of the site, the heavy shading by the Beech canopy and lack of saplings have restricted development of epiphytic bryophytes. However, a small number of species were recorded (mostly from semi-mature Ash trunks) including Hypnum cupressiforme, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine, Rhynchostegium confertum and Ulota bruchii.

The H7220 feature, area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata, covers most of the site, from just below the springhead (SO90441277) to just above the culvert and associated track before joining the main valley stream (SO90511282). The site is measures about 70 m from top to base and covers an area about 0.3 ha.

Figure 3-19    Cranham Wood Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-20    Base of site looking up slope towards the tufa dome, marked out by high frequency of Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-21    Base of site looking up slope towards the tufa dome, marked out by high frequency of Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-22    Tufa block with abundant Palustriella commutata, Eucladium verticillatum with Hart’s-tongue Fern — middle part of site.

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  Figure 3-23    Lower part of site with frequent cushions of Palustriella commutata, Harts’-tongue Fern and abundant leaf litter, dead wood (Beech).

Dowdeswell

This site comprises a 0.6 km stream which rises from a springhead (SO99172057) close to the Cotswold Way footpath and discharges into the River Chelt at Scobb Grove, (SO99682014) to the east (Figure 3-24). Much of the stream channel is steep and descends through an area of ancient woodland that has been extensively planted with conifers. The site is underlain by the Jurassic Whitby Mudstone Formation, however the spring feeding the site issues from close to the contact with the overlying Jurassic Inferior Oolite Group.

The springhead (Figure 3-25) is rocky with much evidence of tufa and is heavily shaded by an adjoining Western Red Cedar plantation. Vegetation at the springhead is sparse with only localised Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and the shade tolerant liverwort Pellia endiviifolia. The minute moss Fissidens pusillus is locally frequent on tufa-encrusted stones in the channel.

A short distance below the springhead, the canopy opens out and cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata appear on stones (actively associated with tufa formation) and Pendulous Sedge, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, mosses Cratoneuron filicinum, Brachythecium rivulare are associated with the developing shallow channel. The banks and stones (raised above the water level) support Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and mosses Thamnobryum alopecurum, Plagiomnium rostratum, Fissidens taxifolius.

Towards the central part of the site, the gradient is less steep and the stream divides into several channels where there is a complex array of tufa dams, frequent cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata, mixed stands of the liverworts Pellia endiviifolia, Conocephalum conicum and Pendulous Sedge. All three of these bryophytes appear to be actively associated with tufa formation and a particularly large block of tufa was noted (Figure 3-26). An open area (SO99302035) is of interest in supporting a number of additional wetland species including Wild Angelica sylvestris, Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratense, Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and the moss Calliergonella cuspidata.

Where the stream passes through planted conifers, including Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce and Western Red Cedar, the ground flora tends to be heavily shaded (Figure 3-27). In these situations, tufa dams are present but with almost a complete absence of vegetation except for occasional marginal patches of Pendulous Sedge where some light manages reach the ground (Figure 3-28). However, sections of the stream that pass through native broadleaved woodland (with Field Maple, Hazel, Hawthorn, Beech, Ash, Holly, Pedunculate Oak, Goat Willow and Elder), have a moderately rich ground flora. A broad range of species are present including; Bugle Ajuga reptans, Lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum, False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Wild Clematis Clematis vitalba, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Red Campion Silene dioica, Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea and the common bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Lophocolea bidentata, Thuidium tamariscinum, Cirriphyllum piliferum and Amblystegium serpens var. serpens. Locally towards the lower part of the stream, a number of ancient woodland indicators occur including Sweet Wood-ruff Galium odoratum, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis, Wild garlic Allium ursinum and Wood Sorrell Oxalis acetosella.

Towards the lower part of the site (close to its junction with the River Chelt), the stream has cut out a deeper channel below a small waterfall (tufa cascade) at SO99502026 (Figure 3-29) with much deposited leaf litter and clay-rich sediment. Some of this deposited material is likely to have come from a small and eroded side stream just above this waterfall. The humid and steep sided banks of this section (Figure 3-30) are dominated by ferns and a number of bryophytes often characteristic of clay-rich banks including Atrichum undulatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiochila asplenioides and very locally Fissidens bryoides and Calypogeia fissa. Due to the increased water flow in this section, cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata (and associated tufa) become scarcer and are replaced by the characteristic stream and river moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes. In close proximity to the River Chelt, occasional plants of Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata and Small Teasel Dipsacus pilosus (a local Gloucestershire species and ancient woodland indicator) occur.

The humid conditions provided by both the woodland canopy and stream have allowed good growth of epiphytic bryophytes. Tree bases and roots of larger trees (Oak, Ash and Beech) support the common mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Rhynchostegium confertum, Hypnum cupressiforme and very locally Neckera complanata Plagiochila porelloides. Twigs and branches of smaller trees (particularly where well illuminated) support a large number of additional species including Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria violacea, Orthotrichum affine, Orthotrichum lyellii, Orthotrichum pulchellum, Radula complanata, Ulota bruchii, Urtica dioica and Zygodon viridissimus. The common lichen Evernia prunastri is also a frequent associate.

Rotting logs and tree stumps support Male and Broad Buckler ferns, the mosses Mnium hornum, Rhizomnium punctatum and locally the moss Plagiothecium succulentum.

The H7220 feature (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) covers a large part of the site, at least 600 m in length and an estimated 0.12 ha covering an area from just below the springhead (SO99172054) to just below the small waterfall (SO99522025) (Figure 3-24).

Figure 3-24    Dowdeswell Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-25    Main springhead with Pellia endiviifolia, marginal Pendulous Sedge, leaf litter and fallen twigs (conifers), tufa covered stones.

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  Figure 3-26    Large tufa block (covered with actively tufa forming bryophytes Pellia endiviifolia, Conocephalum conicum), upper area of main spring channels dominated by Pendulous Sedge.

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  Figure 3-27    Heavily shaded upper section of main channel (Douglas Fir Plantation) with tufa dams but virtually no vegetation except for localised marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge where some light reaches the ground.

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  Figure 3-28    Open central section of main channel with a complex array of tufa dams, frequent clumps of Palustriella commutata on stones and actively forming tufa, Pendulous Sedge.

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  Figure 3-29    Tufa cascade (SO99502026) with Pendulous Sedge and broad marginal stands of Palustriella commutata.

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  Figure 3-30    Steep sided river banks (River Chelt) with abundant leaf litter and ferns (particularly Soft Shield-fern.

Kingscote & Horsley Woods (Sites 1–4)

Kingscote and Horsley Woods (ST830971) (Figure 3-31) are adjoining ancient Ash and Beech woodlands that have been modified, in a few places, by the planting of conifers. Both woodlands are notified as Kingscote and Horsley Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Kingscote Wood is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). The main geological formations include the Jurassic Fullers Earth Formation, Great Oolite Group and Inferior Oolite Group.

A series of springs arise from an area of open farmland around Binley Farm cottages (ST81379709) and form a stream that descends a small valley through Kingscote Wood. A series of side springs join the main developing valley stream, the most significant of which are a spring at ST82639712, series of springs within Nurbridge Wood (ST83089677), a spring at ST83499759 and distant springs in the area close to Sealey Wood (ST82139789) that connect to Horsley Wood. The combination of these inflows create a valley stream (with a deeply cut channel below) which continues eastwards through the woodland, passing the village of Horsley and joining the Nailsworth Stream at ST85029980.

Site 1 (ST83399761 to ST83589757) comprises a small stream formed from a springhead, within open pasture above Horsley Wood. This spring water descends a steep slope through the woodland to join the main stream in the valley bottom. The stream passes through two culverts associated with tracks.

The springhead had a good flow at the time of the survey with stands of Fool’s Watercress Apium nodiflorum (within channel) and marginal emergent wetland vegetation with Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, Marsh Ragwort Senecio aquaticus, Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus, Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, a Willowherb Epilobium sp., Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans and the bryophytes Pellia endiviifolia, Brachythecium rivulare, Cratoneuron filicinum, Calliergonella cuspidata (Figure 3-32). The raised margins of the channel (including ant hills) locally support a few species characteristic of unimproved grassland such as Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys, Self-heal Prunella vulgaris and the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum.

The developing stream and seepages pass briefly through a very small area of tufa dams, shaded by Hawthorn, Ivy and Bramble scrub, before crossing a stock fence and steep bank of track to continue into the woodland. Immediately below the stock fence, adjoining a track at the upper edge of the woodland, a large tufa block has developed on the steep northern bank of the track with stands of the moss Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation) and occasional cushions of Eucladium verticillatum (Figure 3-33). The tiny moss Fissidens pusillus was also recorded on tufa- encrusted stones below. The area of the track is muddy and slightly eroded as a result of the stream and flushes above regularly washing over its surface.

The section of stream, below the track, is moderately shaded by the woodland canopy but supports marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas and the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum. Cushions of Palustriella commutata continue to be present at the margins of the channel (very locally) associated with tufa-encrusted tree roots, stones and occasionally fallen dead wood.

The stream passes through a second culvert, associated with the lower track, and connects through densely shaded woodland to the main stream in the valley bottom (Figure 3-34). The raised banks of the main channel and surrounding woodland are dominated by Bramble, fallen dead and leaf litter (mainly Beech) but do locally support a small number of woodland species including: False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, seedling Holly, seedling Sycamore, Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica, Sweet Violet Viola odorata and the common bryophytes Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Ctenidium molluscum, Fissidens taxifolius, Kindbergia praelonga, Plagiomnium undulatum and Rhynchostegium confertum.

Due to heavy shading by the canopy and the relatively few trees close to the stream channel, only a few epiphytic bryophytes are recorded from this site (all on a semi-mature Ash), and include Anomodon viticulosus, Hypnum cupressiforme, Lophocolea heterophylla, Neckera complanata, Orthotrichum affine. This site has a number of artificial log dams as part of enhancement works (Figure 3-35).

The H7220 feature at Site 1 (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) is limited (40 m, 0.008 ha) occurring from the N bank of the first track (ST83509759) to shortly below the culvert and second track (ST83549758).

Site 2 (ST82929702) comprises an upper section of the main valley stream (below the area of springs near Binley Farm cottages) close to where it enters the south edge of Kingscote Wood (Nurbridge Wood). At the edge of the woodland, the stream widens briefly into an open depression with marginal Crack Willow trees. This rounded and flush area (with deposited silt and loose tufa fragments) may relate to a 19th century dammed water holding structure (Figure 3-36). In this area, occasional patches of Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum occur in the channel with occasional marginal stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the bryophytes Pellia endiviifolia, Brachythecium rivulare.

The outfall of this flushed area continues down a gentle slope into dense Oak, Ash, Beech and Hazel woodland and the shaded stream channel supports only small marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge, Hart’s-tongue Fern, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas and the common bryophytes Oxyrrhynchium hians and Plagiomnium undulatum (Figure 1.6). The raised banks of this channel and surrounding woodland are dominated by Bramble, fallen dead and leaf litter (mainly Beech) but do locally support a small number of woodland species including Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and bryophytes Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum and Eurhynchium striatum. The ancient woodland indicator Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon was seen in one place.

Due to heavy shading by the canopy and the relatively few trees close to the stream channel, only a few epiphytic bryophytes were recorded from this site. The mosses Hypnum cupressiforme, Rhynchostegium confertum were recoded from the trunks of semi-mature Oak and Beech while the upper branches and twigs of Hazel locally support Frullania dilatata, Orthotrichum affine and Ulota bruchii.

There is no H7220 feature at Site 2 although there is extensive tufa formation on stones within the channel.

Site 3 (ST8275397126) comprises a small area of seepages within a dense area of Beech woodland, where a springhead arises from a collapsed historic brick and concrete water collecting tank (Figure 3-38). Spring water still flows from the well and for a distance of about 10 m down slope before dissipating (Figure 3-39) forming a series of small tufa dams with dominant stands of the moss Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation). Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the liverwort Pellia endiviifolia are also prominent. Other species occur at low cover including Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum and the bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Cratoneuron filicinum, Didymodon sinuosus, Eucladium verticillatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Homalothecium sericeum (concrete at springhead), Lophocolea bidentata, Thamnobryum alopecurum. A single patch of the robust liverwort Plagiochila asplenioides was noted.

The raised banks beside the flush and surrounding woodland are heavily shaded by the dense canopy and are covered with a deep leaf litter (Beech Leaves). The ground flora is consequently poorly developed and comprises only seedling Holly Ilex aquifolium and a small number of mainly shade tolerant mosses such as Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga.

The H7220 feature at Site 3 (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) covers all of this small site (4 m, 0.0004 ha) (ST8275397126).

Site 4 (ST82639711 to ST82679729) comprises an open springhead (in pasture above the south margin of Kingscote wood) that forms a wide area of seepages in the woodland below. These seepages gather, pass through a culvert associated with track and a single channel then joins the main stream in the valley bottom.

The springhead arises from the break of slope in tussocky grassland with Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa and Hard Rush Juncus inflexus. There is a small pool dominated by Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum (Figure 3-40).

Below the spring (and associated pool), a stream and seepages pass through a stock fence and descend down the slope into Kingscote Wood. This upper section of the woodland is open and scrubby with Wild Clematis, Hazel, Elder and there are wide areas of muddy seepages beneath with the bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Pellia endiviifolia and Cratoneuron filicinum on stones and tree roots (Figure 1.10). Further down the slope, two rocky streams develop and form a wide fan-shaped area of flushing with a complex array of tufa dams, pools and dominant stands of the moss Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation) (Figure 3-41). Other species present include Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus and the large liverwort Conocephalum conicum. Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia occurs very locally.

Raised banks beside the main channels and the surrounding areas support Beech, Ash and Hazel woodland and have a characteristic ground flora with Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum, Remote Sedge Carex remota, False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Bramble, Red Campion Silene dioica, Nettle Urtica dioica and bryophytes Thamnobryum alopecurum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Ctenidium molluscum. The ancient woodland indicators Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis occur locally.

The high humidity associated with the wide area of flushing, open canopy (particularly in the upper part of the site) and frequency of young trees close to the stream channels has allowed good development of epiphytic bryophytes. The mosses Hypnum cupressiforme, Homalothecium sericeum, Brachythecium rutabulum were recoded from the trunks of semi-mature Ash and Beech while the upper branches and twigs of Ash, Hazel, Elder support Frullania dilatata, Orthotrichum affine, Cryphaea heteromalla, Radula complanata and Zygodon viridissimus. In addition, the Jelly Ear fungus Auricularia auricula-judae was recorded from Elder.

The two streams converge and pass through a culvert and associated track (Figure 3-42) and a single channel (Figure 3-43) then continues for a short distance connecting to the main valley stream at the bottom of the wood. Where the streams converge and enter the culvert a small series of water falls have stands of the moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes on rocks and a shaded dripping rock face has cushions of the moss Eucladium verticillatum. The minute aquatic moss Fissidens pusillus was also present (in many places) on tufa-encrusted stones within the channel.

Small Teasel Dipsacus pilosus (an uncommon Gloucestershire plant and ancient woodland indicator) was recorded from beside the main channel in open woodland in the lower part of the site (below the culvert and associated track).

The H7220 feature at Site 4 (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) covers the entire site estimated to be about 130 m from spring head to river covering an area of approximately 0.01 ha (ST82629711 to ST82679729).

Figure 3-31    Kingscote and Horsey Woods Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-32    Site 1 — Main springhead (ST83399761) in open pasture above woodland.

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  Figure 3-33    Site 1 — Tufa block below stock fence with frequent Palustriella commutata (bank of track at upper edge of woodland.

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  Figure 3-34    Site 1 — Stream in more open section of woodland (above culvert and associated second track). The artificial log dam is part of enhancement works and provides a safe cover over the culvert.

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  Figure 3-35    Site 1 — Heavily shaded section of stream with abundant dead wood (below culvert and associated second track) showing occasional marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge, Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-36    Site 2 — Stream at south-western margin of Kingscote Wood (Nurbridge Wood) with wide area of seepages that may relate to a 19th century dammed water holding area.

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  Figure 3-37    Site 2 — Lower part of rocky stream (with frequent tufa-covered stones on bed) and marginal stands of pendulous sedge, Hart’s-tongue and Male Fern.

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  Figure 3-38    Site 3 — Springhead with collapsed historic brick and concrete water collecting tank.

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  Figure 3-39    Site 3 — Rocky seepages with tufa (below collapsed historic brick and concrete water collecting tank) with abundant Palustriella commutata (on rocks) and Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-40    Site 4 — Upper part of site with muddy seepages and tufa, hanging stems of Wild Clematis, Hart’s-tongue Fern, Pendulous Sedge (just below stock fence).

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  Figure 3-41    Site 4 — Main area of flushes with two small streams and frequent tufa dams with Palustriella commutata, marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge and Hart’s-tongue Fern (above culvert and associated track).

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  Figure 3-42    Site 4 — New culvert and associated track looking north (left) and section of old culvert blocked with tufa.

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  Figure 3-43    Site 4 — Lower part of channel (below culvert and close to outfall to main valley stream) with tufa dams, Palustriella commutata, marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge and Hart’s-tongue Fern.

Minchinhampton Stream

Minchinhampton stream site comprises a number of springheads in both open and wooded areas, below Derhams House (SO86850040) (Figure 3-44) which connect to a large artificially created pond (SO87020015). The outfall of this pond forms a stream which cuts down through a steep wooded valley immediately south of Minchinhampton (for 200 m) connecting to the brook (ST87109986) further down the valley which follows the north margin of Gatcoombe Wood.

Open springheads (such as the one at SO86950035) (Figure 3-45) occur in pasture and are dominated by Water-cress Nasturtium officinale sensu. lato., Fools Water-cress Apium nodiflorum with occasional Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus, a Willowherb Epilobium sp., Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata, Teasel Dipsacus fullonum, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga and the bryophytes Cratoneuron filicinum, Brachythecium rivulare.

A spring (SO86920009) and large section of the main stream, below an artificial pond (SO87020015) lie within open woodland dominated by Ash and Field Maple with Wild Clematis, Hazel, Holly, Hawthorn, Ivy and Bramble. The running water channels are rocky, with tufa formation, and support Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna and bryophytes Cratoneuron filicinum, Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Pellia endiviifolia. A small area of the main stream with waterfalls and small boulders has large stands of the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum and fruiting stands of the moss Plagiomnium rostratum (Figure 3-46). Locally the ancient woodland indicators Wild Garlic Allium ursinum and Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis are present.

On raised banks or boulders (adjoining the water channels) and in the surrounding woodland, a large number of characteristic open Ash woodland species are also present including Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Nettle Urtica dioica, Dandelion Taraxacum sp. and bryophytes Cirriphyllum piliferum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiomnium undulatum, Lophocolea bidentata. The moss Mnium hornum occurs locally on rotting logs and the roots of larger trees and Greater Horsetail Equisetum telmateia occurs in one place (spring line at SO86950013).

The lower section of the main stream is full of small stones (many with tufa) as well as loose tufa (Figure 1.5). In this area, the increased water flows support occasional stands of the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes (on larger stones) and the small aquatic mosses Fissidens crassipes, Fissidens rufulus occur on shaded tufa-encrusted stones within the channel. This section of the channel is more deeply cut and has banks (formed of deposited clay-rich washings and leaf litter) which support stands of the bryophytes Oxyrrhynchium hians, Fissidens viridulus, Lunularia cruciata.

The area of flushes and small waterfalls (lower wooded part of main stream) is particularly humid and has prominent epiphytic bryophytes (Figure 3-48). The bases and roots of larger trees (mainly Ash) support the common mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Zygodon viridissimus, Homalothecium sericeum, Rhynchostegium confertum while the upper trunks and twigs of smaller trees (Hawthorn, Elder, Field Maple) have Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria violacea, Microlejeunea ulicina, Orthotrichum affine, Orthotrichum lyellii, Radula complanata and Ulota bruchii.

The sides of a small channel from a single springhead SO87020036 (within pasture) has been reinforced with concrete and the non-native Wilson’s Honeysuckle Lonicera nitida has been planted locally at the margins of the wooded area of the stream.

There is no H7220 feature at this site. There is extensive tufa formation on stones within the channel however the moss Palustriella commutata was not recorded.

Figure 3-44    Minchinhampton Stream Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-45    Open side spring within pasture with frequent Water-cress and Fool’s Water-cress.

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  Figure 3-46    Wooded stream (with small falls and tufa) below artificial pond with frequent Ivy and Hart’s-tongue Fern. Small side stream (rocky runnel) discharging (left).

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  Figure 3-47    Pipe draining surface runoff from tennis court discharging to main stream (wooded stream below artificial pond).

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  Figure 3-48    Hawthorn adjoining main stream in lower wooded section showing the abundance of epiphytic bryophytes.

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  Figure 3-49    Lower rocky section of main stream with frequent tufa.

Midger Wood (Sites 1 & 2)

Midger Wood (ST79918953) is an ancient woodland dominated by Ash and Beech with Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Pedunculate Oak and Crab Apple within a steep sided stream valley. It is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A series of springs arise from the break of slope, near the junction of the Great Oolite Group and the underlying Fullers Earth Formation, within the wooded ‘Saddlewood Roughs’ area (ST79898985) and form a stream running south-west where it joins (via a series of old mill ponds) a lager stream running through the Lower Kilcott valley. The stream within Midger Wood has a number of spring fed side springs including a significant spring flow from the area named as ‘White Well’ (Figure 3-50).

Site 1 (ST80058961 - ST80078954) comprises a small side stream in open woodland with two small springheads. The springheads associated with this side stream (Figure 3-51) are rocky with frequent marginal stands of Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum. Within the channel are the bryophytes Cratoneuron filicinum, Brachythecium rivulare, Pellia endiviifolia and locally on shaded stones the mosses Eucladium verticillatum, Didymodon tophaceus, Rhynchostegiella teneriffae. Several metres below the springheads, cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata appear on stones in conjunction with actively forming tufa, and occasionally on tree roots. From this point and below other associated species occur at low cover including Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and the bryophytes Conocephalum conicum, Plagiomnium rostratum.

The two springheads converge at centre of the site (Figure 3-52) and there are a series of rocky falls (with frequent Palustriella commutata) below which the dams and pools widen out into a fan shape (Figure 3-53) before joining with the main valley stream. In this area, the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes occurs in small quantity associated with the increased flow and the deeper cut banks of the stream (with washed soil and leaf litter) and the surrounding woodland supports a characteristic Ash woodland ground flora with False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Bramble and bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Lophocolea bidentate, Plagiochila asplenioides, Plagiomnium undulatum, Thuidium tamariscinum. The ancient woodland indicators Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis, Primrose Primula vulgaris, Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta are also present.

Due to the increased humidity in close proximity to the streams, rotting tree stumps and fallen branches support a good number of bryophytes including Lophocolea heterophylla, Mnium hornum, Rhizomnium punctaum, Orthodontium lineare Nowellia carvifolia (a species local within Gloucetershire) and Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella (an ancient woodland indicator) was noted on a fallen rotting tree in one place. Similarly, tree bases and roots of larger trees (mainly Ash) support Common Polypody Polypodium vulgare, the common mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Zygodon viridissimus, Homalothecium sericeum, Isothecium myosuroides, Neckera complanata and the liverwort Frullania tamarisci (a species local within Gloucetershire). The upper trunks and twigs of smaller Ash and Hazel have Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata, Ulota bruchii and the small liverwort Lejeunea carvifolia (a species local within Gloucetershire) was recorded from a Hazel in one place.

The H7220 feature at Site 1 (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs throughout the site measuring about 60 m from the springheads (ST80058961) to the tufa fan near the main stream (ST80078954) and covering a total area of about 0.08 ha.

Near the ‘White Well’ spring (ST80178962), there is a 19th Century stone walled water holding area, which discharges to the main valley stream. A disused Ram pump is located near the outflow from the spring (Figure 3-54; Figure 3-55). Above the water holding area is a small (6 x 4 m) silted up seepage (ST80188963) frequently labelled on maps as the ‘White Well spring’ that may have formerly been a connecting water channel. Today this area supports mainly wetland species with Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Bugle Ajuga reptans, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Greater Horsetail Equisetum telmateia, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Palustriella commutata, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Plagiomnium undulatum.

Site 2 (ST79958946–ST79938949) comprises a wide area of flushing within woodland and adjoining the south-east side of the main valley stream. This broad area of flushing is formed from a series of springheads and discharges to the south-east bank of the river where there are considerable tufa block deposits associated with large stands of bryophytes.

In contrast to site 1, the springheads of site are not particularly rocky and have only a few associated species such as Harts-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the liverwort Pellia endiviifolia (Figure 3-56). The channels immediately below the springheads descend a gentle slope and the slow seepage of water has resulted in a good depth of deposited soil, leaf litter and loose tufa fragments. Where these developing wide muddy channels are in close proximity to living trees, rotting tree stumps and fallen branches, the increased structure of the habitat supports a rich characteristic open wet Ash woodland ground flora with Bugle Ajuga reptans, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Hemp- agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, (a species often associated with ancient woodland) and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Calliergonella cuspidata, Conocephalum conicum, Cratoneuron filicinum (Figure 3-57). The ancient woodland indicators Wild Garlic Allium ursinum and Yellow Pimpernel Lysimachia nemorum occur locally.

Cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation) are frequent throughout the areas of flushing which are loosely attached to tree bases, fallen logs and occasional surface stones. Occasional cushions of Eucladium verticillatum also occur on surface stones.

The less frequently inundated raised banks of channels and the surrounding woodland have Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Bramble, Sweet Violet Viola odorata, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix and bryophytes Cirriphyllum crassinervium, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Eurhynchium striatum, Plagiochila asplenioides, Plagiomnium undulatum, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Oxyrrhynchium hians. The ancient woodland indicators Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis, Wood Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum and Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella also occur locally.

The wide area of seepages and small channels are particularly humid and where trees, rotting tree stumps and fallen branches occur within the channel, these are very rich in epiphytes (Figure 3-58). Larger living tree bases and support the common mosses Brachythecium rutabulum, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Zygodon viridissimus, Homalothecium sericeum, Rhynchostegium confertum and locally the liverwort Frullania tamarisci (a species local within Gloucestershire). The upper trunks and twigs of smaller trees (Hazel and Ash) have Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria temporata, Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata, Ulota bruchii and the lichen Pertusaria sp. Rotting stumps occasionally support the moss Mnium hornum and fallen tree trunks (where they cross seepages) are important for stands of Common Polypody Polypodium vulgare, the dog lichen Peltigera sp. and unusually the moss Fissidens adianthoides.

At the lowest part of the site, seepages run over the south-east bank of the main valley stream and have formed considerable vertical tufa block deposits with large stands of the mosses Palustriella commutata, Fissidens adianthoides and Eucladium verticillatum (Figure 3-58). All three of these mosses appear actively associated with tufa formation.

The adjoining main valley stream is rocky with abundant loose and deposited tufa and the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes occurs locally on stones associated with the increased flow.

The H7220 feature at Site 2 (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs throughout the site which measures about 50 m from just below the springheads (ST79938949) to the tufa blocks on the south-east bank of the main valley stream (ST80078954) covering a total area estimated at 0.02 ha.

Figure 3-50    Midger Wood Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-51    Site 1 — Main springhead with Hart’s-tongue Fern and prominent Thamnobryum alopecurum.

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  Figure 3-52    Site 1 — Central part of site showing convergence of water discharging from the two separate springheads into a single stream with frequent cushions of Palustriella commutata (mainly on stones) and tufa within the channel.

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  Figure 3-53    Site 1 — Lower part of stream at the point where it joins the main valley stream with a wide ‘fan’ of low profile tufa barrages and frequent stands of Palustriella commutata.

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  Figure 3-54    Significant spring in the ‘White Well’ area with abundant Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and Hart’s-tongue Fern, Pendulous Sedge (left) and derelict ‘ram’ pump.

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  Figure 3-55    Stone built 19th century water holding area adjoining main valley stream and in close proximity to Ram pump and associated building (‘White Well’ Springs area).

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  Figure 3-56    Site 2 — One of several springheads feeding a large area of seepages.

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  Figure 3-57    Site 2 Central area of site with wide area of flushing. Cushions of Palustriella commutata are present within and at the margins of the channel with Thamnobryum alopecurum occurring on tree bases and raised areas. The fallen tree is rich in epiphytic bryophytes including Dicranum scoparium and unusually Fissidens adianthoides.

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  Figure 3-58    Site 2 — Large tufa block on south-east side of main valley river (right) with large stands of Fissidens adianthoides, Palustriella commutata and Eucladium verticillatum.

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  Figure 3-59    Site 2 — Close up of outfall (tufa block with prominent mixed stand of Fissidens adianthoides and Palustriella commutata).

Sedbury Cliff

This site comprises cliffs formed from late Triassic to Early Jurassic strata (ST55579308; Figure 3-60) the low permeability sediments creating ideal conditions for slow diffuse seepage of groundwater from the cliff face. The sea cliffs in this area are covered by dense scrub dominated by Bramble, Ivy with Wild Clematis and very locally the uncommon Gloucestershire plant Wild Madder Rubia peregrine (Figure 3-61). Occasional trees are also present including Ash, Hawthorn and the non-native species Buddleja and Holm Oak Seepages occur intermittently on vertical rock faces. We visited one of these seepages, which occurred across a 10 m section of the cliff face associated with tufa formation. Where these exposed dripping rock faces are heavily shaded by adjoining scrub, the small shade tolerant moss Eucladium verticillatum is the dominant (and actively associated with tufa formation) (Figure 3-62). However, where rock faces are more open and receive more light, the other bryophytes Didymodon tophaceus, Dicranella varia, Barbula convoluta and Leicolea turbinata occur.

Where stronger seepages occur (Figure 3-63), hanging stands of the moss Palustriella commutata are present (also actively associated with tufa formation) along with a number of wetland plants such as Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Hoary Willowherb Epilobium parviflorum, Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Calliergonella cuspidata, Pellia endiviifolia and Cratoneuron filicinum. Also associated with the wetter seepages are occasional small trees of Grey Willow Salix cinerea.

The high cover of scrub and proximity to the estuary provide humid conditions ideal for the growth of epiphytic bryophytes. Tree bases and roots of larger trees (Ash and Hawthorn) support the common mosses Brachythecium rutabulum, Bryum capillare, Rhynchostegium confertum, Hypnum cupressiforme and Amblystegium serpens var. serpens while twigs and branches of smaller trees (particularly Buddleja) support a large number of additional species including Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine and Zygodon viridissimus. Also, the Common Polypody Polypodium vulgare was noted as an epiphyte on an Ash trunk.

Lower down the cliff, deeper soil with leaf litter has developed as a result of landslips and washing down of material (including clay). In these areas, a number of other species are present including Harts-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and bryophytes Fissidens bryoides, Fissidens taxifolius, Lunularia cruciata, Lophocolea bidentata, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Barbula unguiculata. These cliffs are clearly unstable and fallen tufa blocks were noted from several parts of the cliff as well as mixed with pebbles of the beech below.

The accessible H7220 feature at this site (stands of Palustriella commutata and tufa) is limited to a small area measuring no more than 1 m² or 0.0001 ha of the vertical cliff face (ST55579308).

Figure 3-60    Sedbury Cliff Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-61    Scrub on sea cliffs (dominated by bramble and Ivy) with Ash, Hawthorn, Holm Oak and Buddleja.

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  Figure 3-62    Near vertical cliff face seepages with extensive tufa on vertical cliff face dominated by Eucladium verticillatum with marginal Bramble, Pendulous Sedge, Hoary Willowherb.

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  Figure 3-63    Semi-shaded and more vegetated vertical cliff face with Eucladium verticillatum (actively forming tufa) and Ivy, Pendulous Sedge, Hemp-agrimony.

Slade Brook

lade Brook (SO566054) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located in the Forest of Dean and is of national important for its active tufa formation. The Slade Brook (Figure 3-64) is located in a small valley or gorge. The Carboniferous Limestone Avon Group forms the higher elevation land in the area however the Salde Brook cuts down into the Devonian Tintern Sandstone formation which can be seen in outcrop in the base of the valley.

The site comprises a 1.4 km section of the Slade Brook which is formed from several springs in the east and flows west to Brook Farm adjoining Stowe Road. Tufa is actively deposited over a 700 m length of stream, with the main sequence of dams, totalling at least 60, being about 300 m in length (Pentacost et al., 2000). The dams range from 1 to 10 m wide and 2–46 cm in height and can contain pools that are up to 60 cm depth (Pentacost et al., 2000).

The eastern part of the site (Slade Wood and Slade Bottom) comprises ancient Beach, Ash and Elm woodland with an understory of Hazel, Holly, Elder, Ivy and Bramble. Large areas (away from the stream) have been planted with Douglas Fir which are now semi-mature although a number of larger Ash and Beech are still present adjoining the steam (particularly within steeper sections below where there are shallow gorges).

The main spring (SO56760553: Figure 3-65) emerges from a culvert in Slade Wood and has the moss Palustriella commutata growing mostly on the tops of stones within the stream, very occasionally on living tree roots and is associated with active tufa formation. Associated species include Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium and the bryophytes Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia (both also associated with tufa formation), Fissidens taxifolius, Brachythecium rivulare and Conocephalum conicum. The area of flushing with Palustriella commutata continues for a short distance before ending at a small outfall into the main stream.

Just below this small outfall (SO567605516), the flow of the stream increases dramatically due to the input of two vigorous springs, which appear to be issuing directly from the Devoniain Tintern Sandstone (SO56740549). The increased water flow has acted to cut a number of shallow gorges with cascades below (SO56740549) (Figure 3-66). Tufa is frequent within the cascades, on stones and on the river bed along with the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes. Large shaded stream-side limestone boulders and tree roots support luxuriant stands of bryophytes with Thamnobryum alopecurum, Lophocolea bidentata and occasional Plagiochila porelloides and Cirriphyllum crassinervium. Locally, the mosses Rhynchostegiella teneriffae, Plagiomnium rostratum and Fissidens rivularis (a Gloucestershire Red Data Book species) occur on rocks and tufa at the edge of the stream.

Above the shallow gorges of Slade Wood and continuing below (Slade Bottom), shaded lime-rich clay banks support many woodland plants including Lords-and-ladies Arum maculatum, Harts-tongue Fern, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana and bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiochila asplenioides, Rhynchostegiella pumila, Plagiomnium undulatum. Occasionally, there are small stands of the moss Thuidium tamariscinum and ancient woodland indicators Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Sweet Wood-ruff Galium odoratum. More gently sloping and wetter margins of the stream below additionally support stands of Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, the moss Cirriphyllum piliferum and the ancient woodland indicators Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis. Associated with the increasingly gentle gradient, tufa dams become frequent (SO56730546) (Figure 3-67).

A humid block of limestone with boulders and seepages below (SO56750548) is of interest in having occasional stands of the ancient woodland indicator Hard Fern Polystichum aculeatum and the mosses Tortella tortuosa, Mnium marginatum (an uncommon species within Gloucestershire), Anomodon viticulosus.

The area of woodland surrounding the shallow gorges of Slade Wood and continuing below (Slade Bottom) is very humid. Wide orange-coloured tufa dams become prominent (SO56310550) (Figure 3-68) and stream side native broad-leaved trees are rich in epiphytic bryophytes. Tree bases and roots support the common mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Rhynchostegium confertum (although these do occur on boulders as well), Isothecium myosuroides and Hypnum cupressiforme. The Upper trunks and twigs of smaller Ash, Hazel and Beech have Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata, Frullania dilatata, Ulota bruchii while Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum lyellii and Zygodon viridissimus are more associated with larger Ash trees. The lower trunk of a large beech immediately beside a small cascade (SO56630543) is of note in having the mosses Homalothecium sericeum, Homalia trichomanoides and the small liverwort Lejeunea carvifolia.

Rotting logs and tree stumps support the bryophytes Lophocolea heterophylla, Mnium hornum, Nowellia curvifolia, Plagiothecium succulentum, Rhizomnium punctaum and very locally steep mildly acid clay stream banks support small colonies of the liverwort Calypogeia arguta. The flat tops of limestone blocks within the widening river (just upstream of where a side spring joins the brook at SO56700544) have prominent stands of the liverwort Chiloscyphus polyanthus (in some cases appearing to be associated with tufa formation) (Figure 3-69) and a non-fruiting bryophyte likely to be the moss Dichodontium flavescens occurs on rocks beside the stream nearby.

Below Slade Bottom, the gradient of the stream valley becomes less steep and opens into grass fields. Here, the woodland is confined to the immediate stream sides and becomes increasingly dominated by Alder. At this point, a number of small islands occur as the stream channel splits (SO56100550: Figure 3-70) that are dominated by Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa and locally Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Shaded clay banks support the additional species Nipplewort Lapsana communis and the mosses Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichastrum formosum.

At Brook Farm (SO55550557), a series of overflows divert the stream into two connected ponds and a narrow strip of streamside woodland has a few planted non-native species including Wilson’s Honeysuckle Lonicera nitida and Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata in close proximity to buildings.

A small stone building (SO56710546) may have contained a ram pump or similar part of a localised water supply network. It is not in use and water is issuing from the base of this structure.

The Slade Brook is rightfully well known for its impressive and extensive tufa dams, however the H7220 feature at this site (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) is relatively small. The H7220 feature occurs along the south margin of the stream between SO56740554 and SO567605516 where it ends at a small outfall into the main stream, a length of approximately 30 metres or 0.01 ha.

Figure 3-64    Slade Brook Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-65    Springhead (left) with Palustriella commutata (stones), Ivy, Hart’s-tongue and Male Ferns; the rare aquatic moss Fissidens rivularis (right) growing unuasally on tufa.

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  Figure 3-66    Small gorge with Platyhypnidium ripariodes, Thamnobryum alopecurum; marginal stands of Ivy and Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-67    Tufa dams (Slade Wood) with Platyhypnidium ripariodes; marginal mixed stands of Thamnobryum alopecurum, Ivy, Herb Robert, Hart’s-tongue Fern, Pellia endiviifolia and Conocephalum conicum.

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  Figure 3-68    Wide orange-coloured tufa dams (Slade Bottom) mostly formed without the association of bryophytes.

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  Figure 3-69    Liverwort Chiloscyphus polyanthus growing over the flat surface of a stone with tufa within the channel of Slade Brook (SO56700544).

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  Figure 3-70    Fenced island (in distance where stream channel splits) with Tufted hair-grass and occasional Bracken; stones and boulders with Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia and Conocephalum conicum.

Strawberry Bank

Strawberry Bank (Figure 3-71) comprises a springhead (SO91120429) which runs southwards down a side valley with areas of unimproved calcareous grassland and woodland. The lower section of the developing stream cuts through a series of small gorges within a larger area of ancient woodland (Oldhills Wood, SO9002) before connecting to the larger River Frome in the valley bottom. There are two significant side springs, which form near the junction of the Jurassic Great Oolite Group and the Inferior Oolite Group, joining the main channel from the north-west. The east bank of the upper valley (north-west of Oldhills Wood) lies within Strawberry Bank Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

One of the main side channels was surveyed. The springhead of this channel (SO90670357: Figure 3-72) is rocky and surrounded by Ash, Hawthorn, Holly, Goat Willow, Ivy and Bramble scrub. The shaded rocky banks underneath have localised stands of Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum and few plants of Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca. The small shade tolerant moss Eucladium verticillatum was noted on tufa-encrusted vertical rocks.

As the stream opens out of the scrub, marginal stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium appear along with the bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia. The stream channel widens just above a dammed 19th century water holding area (Figure 3-73 and Figure 3-74) and has formed a complex of tufa dams on the break of slope with Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation), Conocephalum conicum. The historic water holding area below (Figure 3-74) is filled with tufa and has deeper water (to 20 cm) with emergent stands of Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum. In addition, there is a 19th century Ram within a concrete housing in close proximity to this historic water holding area.

Above and below the 19th century water holding area, the main stream channel passes through pony- grazed pasture (Figure 3-73) and the grazed flushed margins support a large number of wetland plants including Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratense, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, Square-stemmed St Johns-wort Hypericum tetrapterum, Greater Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Marsh Valerian Valeriana dioica, Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and the mosses Calliergonella cuspidata, Palustriella commutata. The open water channels additionally have several emergent species including Watercress Nasturtium officinale sensu. lato., Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans and Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides. Raised areas (including ant hills) within and along the margins of the flushes support unimproved herb-rich grassland species such as Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Salad Burnet Poterium sanguisorba, Cowslip Primula veris, Self-heal Prunella vulgaris and Knapweed Centaurea nigra.

This side stream joins the main side valley steam (SO90890349) which descends steeply through a series of small cut gorges and water falls (Figure 3-76). In this area, Palustriella commutata becomes less dominant (occurring more often as marginal cushions on rocks) and is replaced locally by Platyhypnidium ripariodes (a species characteristic of increased water flow) as well as large stands of Thamnobryum alopecurum. The tiny aquatic moss Fissidens pusillus is abundant on tufa-encrusted rock faces while stones of the bed occasionally support the similar species Fissidens crassipes. The bryophytes Didymodon sinuosus, Plagiomnium rostratum also occur beside the stream and in one place (on the top of a streamside boulder) the moss Fissidens dubius was recorded.

In the lower part of Oldhills Wood (a mainly Ash, Beech and Hazel woodland), the stream gradient becomes more gentle (Figure 3-77) and high wooded banks locally support a characteristic Ash woodland ground flora with Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum and the bryophytes Cirriphyllum piliferum, Ctenidium molluscum, Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Lophocolea bidentata, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Brachythecium rutabulum and Kindbergia praelonga. The ancient woodland indicators: Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum, Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella, Wood Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Primrose Primula vulgaris also occur locally.

Humidity is high around the areas of wider flushing and where there are closely adjoining trees epiphytic bryophytes are well developed. The trunks of larger trees (mainly Ash and Beech) support Homalothecium sericeum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium alopecuroides, Isothecium myosuroides, Anomodon viticulosus and Neckera complanata while branches and twigs of smaller trees (mainly Ash, Hazel and Hawthorn) have Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine, Orthotrichum pulchellum, Radula complanata, Ulota bruchii. Small plants of the common moss Mnium hornum were recorded from tree roots in one place. The stream channel in this lower section of Oldhills Wood has deep marginal sediment and abundant leaf litter, fallen dead wood (mostly Beech).

During this survey, Dippers (a rare bird in Gloucestershire) were observed feeding along the steeper section of the main river channel (within the small gorges and falls in the upper part of Oldhills Wood).

The H7220 feature at this site (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs across a moderate part of site for a distance of about 180 m covering an estimated area of 0.05 ha from just below the springhead (SO90700353) to the upper part of Oldhills Wood (SO90890349).

Figure 3-71    Strawberry Bank Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3.11.2    Rocky springhead with Hart’s-tongue Fern surrounded by Ash, Hawthorn and Bramble scrub.

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  Figure 3-72    Widened channel with a complex of tufa dams and frequent Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Palustriella commutata, Conocephalum conicum (just above 19th century water holding area).

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  Figure 3-73    Open pony-grazed area with wetland plants, localised areas of Palustriella commutata and tall wetland herbs adjoining stream (above 19th century water holding area).

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  Figure 3-74    Open banked area with tufa blocks (remnants of dammed 19th century water holding area).

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  Figure 3-75    First set of tufa dams with frequent Palustriella commutata on break of slope below 19th century water holding area.

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  Figure 3-76    One of several small gorges with falls as the stream breaks slope and descends into the upper part of Oldhills Wood.

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  Figure 3-77    Main stream showing good flow along gentle gradient in lower part of Oldhills Wood close to its junction with River Frome below.

Toadsmoor

Toadsmoor (Figure 3-78) comprises of several springheads that issue near the junction of the Jurassic Great Oolite and the underlying Inferior Oolite. Below Middle Lypiatt (SO87710421) and Meadow Cottage (SO87710421). These springs form a channel which flows eastwards through unimproved pasture and scrub before converging with the main brook at (SO87960421) and continuing along Toadsmoor Woods before joining Toadsmoor Pond in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track close to its discharge into Toadsmoor Pond.

The springhead below Meadow Cottage and stream below was surveyed. The springhead rises in grazed pasture and has occasional emergent stands of Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum. As the stream descends a steeper gradient tufa dams appear (often semi-shaded by adjoining Hawthorn and Elder scrub) with stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, frequent stands of the moss Palustriella commutata (actively associated with tufa formation) and the associated bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Plagiomnium rostratum, Cratoneuron filicinum, Pellia endiviifolia. Small stands of Fool’s Water-cress continue to be present within the regular shallow pools created by the tufa dams. In one place, the stream bank has a shaded overhang with cushions of the moss Eucladium verticillatum on a small vertical tufa-encrusted rock face and a more open and disturbed bank nearby (with tufa fragments) had the common mosses Barbula unguiculata and Phascum cuspidatum.

Further down the slope the stream passes down the west margin of a small wetland area (SO87750421) (Figure 3-79) locally dominated by Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis with a large number of associated wetland species including Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratense, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Greater Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, Square-stemmed St John’s-wort Hypericum tetrapterum, Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus, Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides, Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Fleabane Pulicaris dysenterica, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens and Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata.

Just below this small wetland area, a stock fence crosses the stream (SO87770421) (Figure 3-80). The area immediately above the fence line is shaded by adjoining Hawthorn scrub, has poorly developed vegetation and has deposits of muddy sediment along with much fallen dead wood. At the point of the fence line (and just below) there are open and muddy tufa dams as well as evidence of erosion by stock that appear to regularly use this area to cross the stream (Figure 3-81).

Below this stock crossing point, the stream descends a steep slope towards its confluence with the other spring line at SO87960420. This section of stream passes through both open (pasture) as well as areas of Hawthorn, Bramble scrub and there are frequent tufa dams with occasional cushions of Palustriella commutata. Open margins of the stream regularly support narrow bands of emergent wetland vegetation (Figure 1.8) dominated by Hard Rush and shaded sections have an additional number of mainly woodland species including Cleavers Galium aparine, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Nettle Urtica dioica and bryophytes Brachythecium rutabulum, Kindbergia praelonga, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiomnium undulatum, Fissidens taxifolius. Cowslip Primula veris occurs locally in open areas of scrub.

Below the confluence with the main side valley spring line (SO87960420), the flow of the stream increases as it descends closely along the west margin of Toadsmoor Woods (Figure 3-84). The centre of the shaded channel is rocky (with tufa) and the minute moss Fissidens pusillus is locally abundant on tufa-encrusted stones. The raised shaded banks (formed from muddy sediment) locally support the liverwort Lunularia cruciata and Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon (an indicator of ancient woodland) was seen in one place. The stream finally passes through a culvert (associated with a track) and discharges shortly into Toadsmoor Pond.

Humidity is high around the areas of wider flushing and tufa dams and where scrub closely adjoins these features, epiphytic bryophytes are well developed. The trunks of larger trees (Ash and Hawthorn) support Homalothecium sericeum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Bryum capillare, Anomodon viticulosus and Frullania dilatata while branches and twigs of smaller trees (Hawthorn and Elder) have Cryphaea heteromalla, Orthotrichum affine, Ulota bruchii. There is a disused Ram pump at the site.

The H7220 feature at this site (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs across a large part of site over 230 m from just below the springhead (SO87730421) to the margins of Toadsmoor Wood (SO87960420) an estimated area of 0.07 ha.

Figure 3-78    Toadsmoor Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-79    Wide area of wetland adjoining the east bank of the upper stream (just below springhead).

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  Figure 3-80    Muddy area of stream just above stock fence that crosses stream. This area is within scrub and has much fallen dead wood.

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  Figure 3-81    Muddy (and eroded) area of stream associated with stock fence and area used as a crossing place for stock. Tufa dams are prominent just below the fence line.

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  Figure 3-82    Section of upper stream with frequent tufa dams (associated with Palustriella commutata) and patches of Fool’s Water-cress within the channel.

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  Figure 3-83    Upper part of stream with waterfall associated with tufa and large stands of Palustriella commutata.

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  Figure 3-84    Lower section of stream with occasional cushion of Palustriella commutata (left) and stream below culvert (right).

Woodchester Park (Sites 1–3)

Woodchester Park (SO82080133) (Figure 3-85) is an ancient Ash and Beech woodland that is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site has been extensively modified by the planting of conifers (mainly Larch, Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir). A series of springs arise from the break of slope within the woodland close to the junction of the Great Oolite Group and the Fullers Earth Formation, forming streams that flow west to east draining into the ponds in the base of the valley.

Site 1 (SO8200500757 to SO82290115) comprises a small stream formed from at least two springheads, within Pontin’s plantation, which flow downhill ultimately joining the dammed pond (Middle Pond) in the valley bottom. The stream passes through two culverts associated with tracks.

The main springhead (SO8200500757) (Figure 3-86) appears at the break of slope at the edge of the woodland where there is a disused water feed pipe and collection trough. This shaded and rocky springhead supports just a few marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Fool’s Water-cress Apium nodiflorum and the bryophytes Pellia endiviifolia, Cratoneuron filicinum. Directly below this main springhead is an open area of wide seepages mixed within scrub woodland comprising Wild Clematis, Goat Willow and Elder. Under this scrub are dominant tall stands of Pendulous Sedge with several other wetland plants including Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Soft Rush Juncus effusus, Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, a willowherb Epilobium sp. and the moss Calliergonella cuspidata.

Below this wide area of open seepages, a second springhead (SO8202200778: Figure 3-87) forms a muddy channel joining the main stream (SO8205400804: Figure 3-88) which continues down the slope and into a Larch plantation. This area has a dense canopy of Larch with an occasional shrub layer of Birch, Hazel, Holly, Dog Rose and Bramble. The ground flora is sparse, with abundant needle litter from the Larches and washed soil mostly derived from the second spring line and associated channel. However, a broad number of woodland species do occur on the raised banks of the main channel and within the surrounding woodland including, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Bugle Ajuga reptans, Harts-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Nettle Urtica dioica, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Cleavers Galium aparine, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa and the bryophytes Conocephalum conicum, Brachythecium rivulare, Cirriphyllum piliferum, Fissidens taxifolius, Lophocolea bidentata, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Plagiomnium rostratum, Plagiomnium undulatum and Thamnobryum alopecurum. The ancient woodland indicator Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis occurs locally.

Further down the stream channel, a few additional plants occur locally including the ancient woodland indicators Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella, Primrose Primula vulgaris and Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum. In addition, the large liverwort Plagiochila asplenioides was seen in one place (on a stream bank) and Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia occurs at one place (SO82180097) associated with a small side seepage. The small mosses Eucladium verticillatum and Fissidens pusillus occur locally on shaded stones and tufa-encrusted roots and twigs within the channel. Also, where there is increased water flow (associated with small falls), the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes occurs locally on stones.

There is a historic linear drain to the east of the main stream (SO82110070 to SO82250102) (Figure 3-89) running down the slope. It is possible that this drain relates to artificial drainage for the Larch plantation (c.1960s) but could possibility be 19th Century in origin. The banks of this drain have been reinforced with loose limestone which today support large stands of Hart’s-tongue Fern and the moss Thamnobryum alopecurum. The channel is filled with muddy sediment and would originally discharged into the main stream.

The high humidity associated with the springs (particularly the wide area of open seepages just below the main springhead) are rich in epiphytic bryophytes. Larger native tree bases have Common Polypody Polypodium vulgare as well as the common mosses Brachythecium rutabulum, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Dicranoweissia cirrata, Isothecium myosuroides, Kindbergia praelonga and large lichens such as Flavoparmelia caperata. The upper trunks and twigs of smaller trees (Hazel, Elder and Goat Willow) have Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria temporata, Metzgeria violacea, Orthotrichum affine, Orthotrichum lyellii, Orthotrichum pulchellum as well as the lichen Hypogymnia tubulosa. Also the moss Rhizomnium punctaum was recorded from rotting logs.

The stream passes through two culverts (associated with tracks) before connecting to the outflow Middle Pond in the valley bottom. At the point of the first culvert there is some evidence of the stream crossing the track (in periods of high flow) with signs of mild erosion.

There is no H7220 feature at this site although there is tufa formation.

Site 2 (SO81630102 to SO81880133) is similar to site 1 and comprises a small stream (within Pontin’s plantation) which arises from a pond (adjoining a springhead marked as a well on most maps) connecting to a dammed pond (Middle Pond) in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track.

The springhead (SO81630102) (Figure 3-90) has been dammed to form a gathering pond with stands of Water Forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides and Water Mint Mentha aquatica. The outfall from this pond comprises a number of small falls over large limestone blocks (some relating to collapsed water control structures) that form a small stream that continues down the slope into a Douglas Fir plantation. The robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes occurs on stone and tufa at the outfall of the pond associated with the increased water flow.

The main stream is heavily shaded by the adjoining Douglas Fir plantation although the immediate stream banks locally support naturally regenerating broadleaf species such as Beech and Ash where more light is available. The shaded muddy channel generally supports a small number of shade tolerant bryophytes such as Pellia endiviifolia and Fissidens pusillus, Fissidens crassipes (locally on tufa-encrusted stones) along with small marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula. In sections with more light, other species associated with the wet channel margins include Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Greater Horsetail Equisetum telmateia (very locally) and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Cratoneuron filicinum and Plagiomnium rostratum. The ancient woodland indicator Wild Garlic Allium ursinum also occurs locally.

In addition, a broad number of other woodland species occur locally on the raised banks of the main channel or around the raised bases of tree trunks. These include Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Ivy Hedera helix ssp. helix, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Red Campion Silene dioica, Dog Violet Viola riviniana and bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiomnium undulatum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Kindbergia praelonga, Brachythecium rutabulum, Thamnobryum alopecurum and Thuidium tamariscinum. The minute moss Fissidens gracilifolius was also found (in one place) on a small block of limestone beside the stream and the ancient woodland indicators Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis occur very locally.

Towards the centre of the site, there is an interesting tufa dam with associated pool (Figure 3-91) surrounded by stands of Soft shield and Hart’s-tongue Fern, probably as a result of the associated high humidity (Figure 3-92). This feature is the largest dam and pool at this site and may have formed from a large old tree stump that has become tufa-encrusted over a long period of time. Below this the channel becomes muddy and intermittent (disappearing completely in several places).

Due to the low humidity resulting from a narrow channel, low extent of seepages and low number of native broadleaved trees within this mainly plantation woodland, few epiphytic bryophytes are recorded. A small number of species present (mainly on Ash) include the bryophytes Cryphaea heteromalla, Metzgeria furcata, Orthotrichum affine, Radula complanata with the lichen Ramalina fasgiata.

There is no H7220 feature at this site although there is much tufa formation.

Site 3 (SO82470037 to SO82920081) comprises a small stream (within Collier’s plantation) which arises from a springhead in pasture (SO82470037) connecting to a dammed pond (Parkmill Pond) in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track.

The springhead arises at the break of slope in rough grass pasture (Figure 3-93) and open seepages below are dominated by Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula with Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus and Water Mint Mentha aquatica. The seepages quickly gather into a small muddy runnel which continues below into a Douglas Fir and Norway Spruce plantation.

The developing upper stream is heavily shaded by the adjoining planted conifers (Figure 3-94) and there is much leaf litter (mainly Norway Spruce needles) and fallen dead wood. Consequently the channel supports only a few shade tolerant bryophytes such as Pellia endiviifolia, Fissidens pusillus (on tufa-encrusted stones), Eucladium verticillatum (on tufa-encrusted tree roots) as well as occasional marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium. Further below (just above a culvert and track), the channel begins to deepen, widen and has more seepages (Figure 3-96). In addition, planted conifers (immediately adjoining the channel) have not grown so well allowing development of an understorey of native trees and shrubs including Sycamore, Wild Clematis, Beech, Ash, Holly, Hawthorn and Elder. The open nature of these area has allowed (in places) development of a richer ground flora characteristic of a wet Ash woodland with Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Nettle Urtica dioica and bryophytes Plagiomnium undulatum, Brachythecium rivulare, Lophocolea bidentata, Conocephalum conicum, Cratoneuron filicinum. The ancient woodland indicator Wild Garlic Allium ursinum occurs locally.

The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track (SO82740068) below which the gradient increases and the stream descends through a series of small falls and gorges with large stands of the mosses Thamnobryum alopecurum, Platyhypnidium ripariodes. In addition, the mosses Fissidens pusillus and Rhynchostegiella teneriffae are locally abundant on shaded large blocks of limestone with tufa amongst the small gorges and water falls.

Further below this stream section with small gorges, the small stream valley widens as a result of the input of a number of side streams and seepages, most of which have dominant stands of the moss Palustriella commutata associated with active tufa formation (Figure 3-95). Cushions of Palustriella commutata also frequently occur on tufa-encrusted rocks and tree roots within the main channel. The broad banks of the channel in this area mainly support broadleaved woodland (including larger Ash and Beech) and many additional woodland ground flora species are present including Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and bryophytes Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiochila asplenioides, Plagiomnium rostratum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Fissidens viridulus. The ancient woodland indicators Sweet Woodruff Galium odoratum, Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella and Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon also occur locally.

The higher humidity associated with the more deeply cut lower section of the stream valley and higher proportion of native broadleaved trees has resulted in good development of epiphytic bryophytes. Larger tree trunks support colonises of Common Polypody Polypodium vulgare as well as the common mosses Brachythecium rutabulum, Amblystegium serpens var. serpens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Homalothecium sericeum, Zygodon viridissimus while the upper trunks and twigs of smaller trees (mainly on Hazel) have Cryphaea heteromalla, Frullania dilatata, Metzgeria temporata, Metzgeria violacea, Orthotrichum affine and Radula complanata. The bryophytes Rhizomnium punctaum, Plagiothecium succulentum, Mnium hornum, Lophocolea heterophylla were additionally recorded from rotting logs.

Where the stream flows into the Parkmill Pond, a wide gently sloping channel has developed with deep sediment deposited where the stream loses energy. This area supports large stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and ferns (Figure 3-96). A small colony of Hard Fern Blechnam spicant is of note on the west bank of the stream channel (SO82930083). This species is often considered to be an ancient woodland indicator within Gloucestershire.

Tufa forms from the spring head to the lake over a length of about 680 m, however the H7220 feature at this site (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs over a distance of about 210 m (and estimated area of 0.06 ha) from just above the culvert (near the footpath/track) to the outfall into the Parkmill Pond (SO82740068 to SO82920081). The most significant areas of the H7220 feature are associated with the inflow of small side springs and seepages in the lower part of the valley.

Figure 3-85    Woodchester Park Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-86    Site 1 Main springhead with marginal stands of pendulous Sedge, old pipe and water collection tank.

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  Figure 3-87    Site 1 Second springhead with field pH, EC and Temperature meters.

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  Figure 3-88    Site 1 Confluence of two springs showing deposits of muddy sediment and leaf litter.

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  Figure 3-89     Site 1 Old linear drain (to east of main spring channel) with frequent Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-90    Site 2. Top of channel with small falls below pond and springhead with Pendulous Sedge and Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-91    Site 2 — Tufa dam and associated pool surrounded by Hart’s-tongue and Soft Shied Fern. This feature may have formed from a large old tree stump that has become tufa-encrusted over a long period of time.

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  Figure 3-92    Site 2 — Lower part of main channel with scattered marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge and Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-93     Site 3 — Springhead in pasture (just above plantation woodland) with developing stands of Pendulous Sedge immediately below.

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  Figure 3-94    Site 3 — Main channel within plantation (just above culvert and track) with marginal stands of Pendulous Sedge, Hart’s-tongue Fern.

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  Figure 3-95    Site 3 — one of several side seepages with dominant stands of Palustriella commutata (joining main channel in lower plantation below culvert and track).

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  Figure 3-96    Site 3 — Wide channel in lower part of site (closely adjoining outfall into Parkmill Pond) with large stands of Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and ferns growing over deep sediment.

Workmans Wood (Sites 1–3)

Workman’s Wood (SO903110) (Figure 3-97) is an ancient Ash and Beech woodland and is part of Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR).Some areas of the site have been extensively modified by the planting of conifers (mainly Douglas Fir). A series of springs arise from the break of slope, near to the junction of the Jurassic Great Oolite and Inferior Oolite Groups, in the north-east part of the woodland and discharge to a small valley stream (via a small dammed pond) where it continues (beyond the woodland) through the village of Sheepscombe (SO89211023) and ultimately connects to the Painswick Stream (SO87801046).

Site 1 (SO90661066 to SO90231087) comprises a small stream formed from the gathering of two springheads and seepages within pasture and which run through a Douglas Fir plantation before connecting to the main stream in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track lower down.

The main springhead (Figure 3-98) had a strong flow at the time of survey and discharges through a gap in a partly collapsed stone wall. This wall has frequent cushions of the live-loving bryophytes Anomodon viticulosus and Porella platyphylla and other collapsed stone features may relate to 19th Century water control structures. Below the initial discharge of the springhead, the developing stream has good stands of the mosses Thamnobryum alopecurum and Cratoneuron filicinum associated with rocks and tree roots. After a short distance, a second muddy spring line joins the main channel (from the west) and from this point onwards the main stream descends into a Douglas Fir plantation (Beech Wood) with occasional Sycamore, Beech, Ash, Holly and planted Hybrid Black Poplar. Throughout the plantation, the channel is heavily shaded with abundant leaf litter and fallen dead wood (Figure 3-99; Figure 3-100). A sparse ground flora has Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Remote sedge Carex remota, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Lesser Celandine Ficaria verna, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis, Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Bramble, Nettle Urtica dioica and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Fissidens taxifolius, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Pellia endiviifolia. Very locally, a number of additional characteristic Ash woodland ground flora species occur on the raised banks of the main channel below including Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica and the moss Eurhynchium striatum. The ancient woodland indicators Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis occur very locally.

Due to the low humidity resulting from a narrow exposed channel, low extent of seepages and low number of native broadleaved trees within a mainly plantation woodland, few epiphytic bryophytes are present. A small number of species occur (mainly on the lower trunks of semi-mature Ash and beech) including Brachythecium rutabulum, Frullania dilatata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Kindbergia praelonga, Metzgeria furcata, Metzgeria violacea, Neckera complanata, Orthotrichum affine and Zygodon viridissimus.

The upper part of site 1 appears to be suffering from mild erosion (Figure 3-99) with soil washings and exposed tree roots in several places.

There is no H7220 feature at this site although there is tufa formation.

Site 2 (SO90761108 to SO90641128) comprises a small stream formed from the gathering of two springheads and seepages at the edge of a mixed Beech and Ash woodland.

The springheads gather into a dug pond from which a buried plastic pipe delivers a small flow of water which connects (via a straight and steep channel) to the main stream in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track lower down.

The main stream channel is shaded by almost pure stands of Beech and there is abundant leaf litter (Beech) and fallen dead wood (Figure 3-101). Due to the instability of the substrate, shortage of exposed rocks and tree roots, and heavy shading, the associated ground flora of the channel is very sparse. Only a small number of species are present at low cover including Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Rough-leaved Meadow-grass Poa trivialis and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Cratoneuron filicinum, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Fissidens taxifolius. The raised banks of the main channel are typically dominated by the shade-tolerant mosses Kindbergia praelonga, Fissidens bryoides although very locally below a number of characteristic Ash woodland ground flora species are present including Soft Shield- fern Polystichum setiferum and (in one place) the large leafy liverwort Plagiochila asplenioides. The ancient woodland indicators Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Wild Garlic Allium ursinum occur very locally.

Due to the low humidity resulting from a narrow exposed channel, low extent of seepages and heavy shading by the Beech canopy, few epiphytic bryophytes are present. A small number of species (mainly on the lower trunks of semi-mature Beech) include Brachythecium rutabulum, Frullania dilatata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Orthotrichum affine, Zygodon viridissimus, Metzgeria furcata. The bryophytes Plagiothecium succulentum, Mnium hornum, Orthodontium lineare and Lophocolea heterophylla were additionally recorded from rotting logs and tree stumps.

There is no H7220 feature at this site although there is tufa formation.

Site 3 (SO90411155 to SO90521127) comprises a small stream and associated seepages running through open mixed Beech and Ash woodland to the main stream in the valley bottom. The stream passes through a culvert associated with a track lower down.

The springhead is contained within a stone building at the top of the site. Water discharges from a spring on the floor of the building and excessive flow means that water is flowing out of the door of the building and into the water control area (pond and dam). Within this building is an electric pump, which looks like it supplies a private water supply, it was not in use at the time of the visit and it is not clear who owns it or if it is still operational (Figure 3-102; Figure 3-103; Figure 3-104). Once the water has left the main pump house some of the water is contained within an old galvanised tank, which is overflowing with tufa and the moss Palustriella commutata (Figure 3-104). The water is then contained behind an old dam feature, where there is a redundant ram pump (Figure 3-103). The dam and pond were possibly used to create sufficient head to power the water wheel which is located below it, in another derelict stone building (Figure 3-102).

The springhead is open and rocky with Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Hart’s-tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium, Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and bryophytes Brachythecium rivulare, Conocephalum conicum, Pellia endiviifolia, Cratoneuron filicinum. Cushions of the moss Palustriella commutata appear just below the springhead (on stones and occasional fallen dead wood) and is actively associated with tufa formation.

Below the stone dam of the holding pond, wide seepages have developed in an open area of naturally regenerating wet woodland (with Ash, Hazel and Elder) (Figure 3-105) and continue down the gentle slope. The moss Palustriella commutata becomes frequent in this area along with additional species such as Wavy Bitter-cress Cardamine flexuosa, Remote Sedge Carex remota, Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa, Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata, Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas and bryophytes Plagiomnium rostratum, Lophocolea bidentata. An open area (near SO90511149) (Figure 3-106) supports a number of additional wetland species including Greater Horse-tail Equisetum telmateia, Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum and Hard Rush Juncus inflexus.

The raised banks of the main channel (lower section) locally support a number of characteristic Ash woodland ground flora species including: Wood Sedge Carex sylvatica, Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Herb Bennet Geum urbanum, Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea, seedling Holly, Bramble and the bryophytes Ctenidium molluscum, Eurhynchium striatum, Fissidens taxifolius, Plagiomnium undulatum, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Oxyrrhynchium hians, Kindbergia praelonga. The ancient woodland indicators Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Wild Garlic Allium ursinum, Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis also occur locally.

Where naturally regenerating scrub woodland occurs around seepages, the high humidity has resulted in good growth of epiphytic bryophytes including Hypnum cupressiforme, Isothecium myosuroides, Frullania dilatata, Orthotrichum lyellii (on larger Ash trunks) and Brachythecium rutabulum (on elder trunks above the level of flushing). Smaller twigs and branches (mainly Elder) have Zygodon viridissimus, Orthotrichum affine, Cryphaea heteromalla, Metzgeria violacea, Ulota bruchii. In addition, rotting logs had the moss Rhizomnium punctaum and a species of Dog Lichen Peltigera sp.

The lower part of the site (just above a culvert and associated track) (Figure 3-107) has a steeper gradient and a number of small falls. The moss Palustriella commutata is less frequent in this section but does occur as large cushions on occasional stones in the channel and the robust moss Platyhypnidium ripariodes occurs locally associated with the increased water flow. Several artificial log dams also occur in this area as part of enhancement works.

The H7220 feature at this site (area of flushing with tufa and frequent patches of Palustriella commutata) occurs across a large part of site, over a length of about 210 m and estimated area of 0.06 ha, from just below the springhead (SO90531141) to just above the culvert and associated track (SO90531141).

An outcrop of limestone at SO90321088 (beside a track) exposes the local bedrock as well as having large stands of the mosses Ctenidium molluscum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Anomodon viticulosus, Encalytpta streptocarpa, Eurhynchium striatum, Tortella tortuosa and on vertical dripping faces fruiting colonies of the tiny moss Seligeria pusilla.

Figure 3-97     Workmans Wood Location Map. Includes mapping data licensed from Ordnance Survey. © Crown Copyright and/or database right 2017. Licence number 100021290 EUL.

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  Figure 3-98    Site 1 Main springhead and catch pit with tufa and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage. The vertical sides of the wall have large cushions of the bryophytes Anomodon viticulosus, Porella platyphylla.

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  Figure 3-99    Site 1 Upper muddy stream channel showing signs or erosion with exposed tree roots.

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  Figure 3-100    Site 1 Lower muddy channel with abundant leaf litter and fallen twigs.

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  Figure 3-101    Site 2 Main channel, above culvert and track, with tufa-covered stones, abundant Beech leaf litter and fallen dead wood.

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  Figure 3-102    Site 3 Stone building (left) with water wheel (right) which would have been powered by water stored in the holding pond immediately up gradient. Water still discharges from below building.

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  Figure 3-103    Site 3 — Ram pump within small purpose built stone building, adjoining springhead.

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  Figure 3-104    Site 3 Galvanised steel holding tank with large tufa block covered with Palustriella commutata. The main springhead with associated pump are in the building behind.

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  Figure 3-105    Site 3 Seepages within regenerating broadleaved woodland (upper part of site) with scattered cushions of Palustriella commutata, marginal stands of Hart’s-tongue Fern, Pendulous Sedge.

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  Figure 3-106    Site 3 Open area with wetland plants upper part of site.

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  Figure 3-107    Site 3 Lower part of site (just above culvert and track) with frequent leaf litter, marginal Hart’s-tongue Fern, large cushions of Palustriella commutata (on stones in channel). The log dam is part of enhancement works.