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Hippophae rhamnoides
on sand dunes - summary
Hippophae rhamnoides is a nitrogen fixing
shrub. It is thought to be native only in eastern England. It is a dioecious
species, the seed being dispersed by birds. Although new seedlings are not abundant,
when plants do become established vegetative propagation is rapid and dense
impenetrable scrub can develop over large areas. The biology, spread and the
pros and cons of controlling the species were the subject of a major study in
the 1970s (Ranwell 1972b). A more recent
assessment has also been completed (Dargie 2002).
It has generally become a species which outside its normal range is seen as
a threat
to the conservation of native dune flora and fauna. It occurs throughout much
of Great Britain except the north of Scotland. Where it has been introduced
to help 'protect', unstable dunes, it has expanded rapidly. In some sites, this
has been at the expense of semi-natural dune grassland where the plant's ability,
once established, to grow vegetatively and produce a closed canopy has eliminated
most of the native dune plants and animals. Attempts to control
the species, as recommended in the Hippophae
Study Group report (Ranwell 1972b) have
been made. At Braunton
Burrows an extensive programme was carried out (Venner
1977). However, although relatively successful, a continued programme
of control is required and it is clear that once established it is impossible
to eradicate the species completely.
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Guidance: Despite its generally adverse effect on nature conservation
interests at many sand dune sites, it is thought to be native
in eastern England. It has a recognised community within the
Natura
2000 classification. It also provides shelter and resting sites
for migrating birds and as breeding sites and winter feeding by resident
and wintering birds.
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References
Dargie, T.C.D.
2002.
Ecological Assessment of Hippophae rhamnoides.
English Nature Contract Report, I2.5.2-2
English Nature.
Ranwell, D.S.
1972b.
The Management of Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides on Selected Sites in Great Britain.
Report of the Hippophae Study Group
The Nature Conservancy, Norwich.
Venner, J.
1977.
The Eradication of Hippophae rhamnoides L from the Braunton Burrows Sand Dune System.
Senior Warden Project (unpublished)
Nature Conservancy Council, Oxford.
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