Condition of SSSI units
Compiled: 01 Jan 2010
See the SSSI glossary for an explanation of terms.
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1008202 | 4.38 | 18 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Site still well managed by hay cutting and aftermath grazing. Herb composition very high in Spp rich area. There may be some changes in species represenatation which should be monitored. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008179 | 2.38 | 27 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable no change | This site has not been managed for some years and consequently is dominated by encroaching scrub, brambles, nettles and rank grass. While many juniper bushes still appear in good condition, they are becoming smothered by bramble/scrub and there is also no evidence of regeneration. Scrub clearance, followed by ongoing management - preferably grazing but otherwise topping - is needed. | Inappropriate scrub control, Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008086 | 5.10 | 14 Jun 2006 | Favourable | Site assessed as favourable overall although will need close monitoring to assess thistle control. Sward composition 40% herb with 3 positive indicator species frequent and 4 species occasional in sward. Creeping thistle frequent in sward. However assessment not failed due to discussing issue with land manager and getting agreement to take immediate action (will top thistles and consider weed wiping if topping is not effective). |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008188 | 208.60 | 08 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Ongoing programme of ride widening/management and coppicing (existing coupes and new clearance) is improving conditions for butterflies and needs to continue at a similar level. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1008189 | 336.48 | 08 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Ongoing programme of ride widening/management and coppicing (existing coupes and new clearance) is improving conditions for butterflies and needs to continue at a similar level. Introduction of cattle grazing on Barnridge seems to be working well and producing a good structure although additional scrub clearance remains necessary. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1008190 | 113.77 | 08 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Ongoing programme of ride widening/management and coppicing (existing coupes and new clearance) is continuing to improve conditions for butterflies and needs to be continued at a similar level. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008206 | 2.68 | 28 Sep 2009 | Favourable | No issues recorded during visit. Ash and to a lesser extent oak are regenerating throughout the unit. No signs of deer browsing. Woodland structure meets favourable criteria | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 2 | 1008207 | 2.26 | 28 Sep 2009 | Favourable | Although small areas of the woodland are dense with sycamore and some confir, the site still recorded as favourable, as mainly dominated by ash and some oak. Mature beech also common along the tops of the bank. Again passes all condition assessment criteria of structure, compostion and regeneration. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | David Collingbourne | 3 | 1008208 | 0.60 | 28 Sep 2009 | Favourable | Unit recorded as favourable primarily because of the retained exposed chalk surfaces for notified species Didymodon glaucus. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008199 | 31.46 | 14 Jul 2009 | Favourable |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 1 | 1008083 | 12.71 | 31 Dec 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | Assessment has been changed to recovering on the basis that additional capital works has been carried out under WES to top up the CSS agreement. Since the last assessement in 2003 fencing has been completed and grazing resumed. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007855 | 8.28 | 08 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Very herb rich sward with 11 frequent, 2 occassional and 4 rare species present. 73.4% herbs; 5.7cm average height. Still a problem with scrub encroachment which needs to be tackled - hence unfavourable assessment. (Unit would appear favourable for Adonis though scrub management is required) | Inappropriate css/esa prescription |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007857 | 22.62 | 30 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Site passed on all attributes although questioned whether CG2 or 3: 60% herbs, 5 indicator species frequent and 5 occasional, some ragwort but not a problem; bare ground and litter within limits; height 6cm. Site does have a large number of game strips surrounding the SSSI and so there is potential for some potential enrichment on the top of the slopes - this will need to be monitored closely. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007858 | 5.04 | 08 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Unit now includes non-SSSI area and grazed with 20+ cattle. Passed on all attributes. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1007859 | 12.99 | 14 Jan 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Management Agreement now signed up to include fencing and scrub management. Grazing carried out under former ESA prescriptions. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1007860 | 50.72 | 15 Jul 2009 | Favourable | Two visits made on 9th June and 15 July. Abundance of floral species over most of the unit, cattle grazed at the time. No Adonis blue seen or Early gentian but conditions appear suitable; dwarf segde noted as being present. Surfaces not assessed in detail but good scrub edge habitat on parts of the site. Currently being managed to retain 'favourable' condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 6 | 1007861 | 34.47 | 11 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable declining | Undergrazing has led to formation of tall CG3 which has replaced CG2b. | Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007925 | 51.23 | 11 May 2007 | Favourable | Bat warden data show bat numbers of all species for which the site is notified to be stable, or for some species, on the increase, since recording began in 1997. The data used indicatively to show trends of bat usage within the mine system as actual population data is impossible to gather. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1007926 | 0.60 | 18 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Extent (woodland and rock as seen at entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site access: Pass Condition of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 3 | 1007927 | 5.97 | 18 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Extent (woodland and rock as seen at entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site access: Pass Condition of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 4 | 1021409 | 0.54 | 18 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Extent (woodland and rock at mine entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site Access: Pass Condition of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 5 | 1021407 | 0.30 | 18 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Extent (woodland and rock at entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site access: Pass Condition of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 6 | 1023880 | 0.01 | 18 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Extent (rock as seen at entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site access: Pass Conditions of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 7 | 1023881 | 0.08 | 09 Dec 2008 | Favourable | 1. Extent of mines and woodland: PASS 2. Use by bats: presence/absence of notified species: PASS 3. (a) Site security/site access: no change to entrance, no damage or evidence of recent collapse, no obstructing veg., no observed change to lighting; (b) Conditions of site, external & internal: external conditions at this part of mine unchanged, no changes reported to internal conditions where bats hibernate; (c) Disturbance: No changes reported, human access limited; (d) Commuting/feeding areas: no known significant unplanned loss PASS | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Inland rock | Katie Lloyd | 8 | 1021408 | 0.01 | 04 May 2007 | Favourable | Extent (rock at mine entrance): Pass Site security: Pass Site access: Pass Condition of site (external): Pass Disturbance: Pass Use by bats: Bats present (GHB, LHB, mixed assemblage) |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1008200 | 4.43 | 04 Aug 2008 | Favourable | Assessed using CSM for the habitat. Ragwort was frequent but this was a result of an exceptionally abundant year throughout the country in 2008, rather than any mis-management. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1023941 | 1.38 | 04 Aug 2008 | Unfavourable no change | Some loss of grassland to scrub and undergrazed. | Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007877 | 5.26 | 15 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1023942 | 18.99 | 15 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1023943 | 9.33 | 07 Jul 2004 | Favourable | The following notes were made as part of the condition assessment: 1. Area attribute - no loss of ancient woodland - PASS. 2. Natural processes and structure attribute: variety of age classes & cover layers okay, a few small temporary openings in the canopy otherwise very limited. Central ride is becoming overgrown. PASS. 3. Regeneration potential - Generally sufficient. Signs of browsinmg pressure from deer but not having a significant impact on regeneration. PASS. 4. Composition attribute : At least 95% site native species. Alder is occasional to frequent sycamore and red oak noted at stops 1 & 2 also a significant stand of mature conifers here. Small rhododendron clumps at stop 3. PASS. 5. Quality indicators attribute: Nearly 100% ground flora attributed to W7. Good humid & shady conditions along streamsides. Plenty of mature trees for lichens & bryophytes. Carex pendula frequent throughout, with representative ground flora. PASS. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1023944 | 5.43 | 15 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1023945 | 9.82 | 07 Jul 2004 | Favourable | The following notes were made during the condition assessment visit : 1. Area attribute - no loss of semi-naturalwoodland - PASS 2. Natural processes and structure attribute: structural diversity as notified maintained, however SE edge of wood has standards with scant understorey. This has allowed deer to inmhibit sufficient regeration in this area. Resulting in localised lack of understorey and age class variety. PASS. 3. Regeneration potential - overall sufficient regeneration - however perhaps one fifth of the unit area is being inhibited by deer browsing pressure. PASS. 4. Composition attribute : At least 95% site native species.Alder occassional - frequent. Canopy mostle oak and ash. Understorey predominantly hazel. PASS. 5. Quality indicators attribute: Nearly 100% ground flora attributed to W7 as mapped in 2001. River corridor dark and humid suitable for bryophytes. Plenty of standards for moss Hookeria lucens. Eastern side of wood perhaps too open and airy for bryophyte interest. PASS. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 1 | 1008092 | 1.90 | 21 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Conservation Volunteers work party took place on Sat 6th December 2008, to clear scrub. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 2 | 1008093 | 10.08 | 21 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable declining | The overall level of grazing is good with free-ranging cattle across this SSSI unit, and fields above and below. The tenant farmer is in OELS. Ragwort basal leaves were frequent within the quadrats but there was little flowering ragwort and I did not consider this a particular issue for the grassland here. Scrub, on this steeply undulating landscape, is gradually expanding, currently exceeding the generic 5% upper limit for chalk grassland, which makes this unit 'unfavourable declining'. | Inappropriate scrub control |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 3 | 1008094 | 7.95 | 06 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable declining | This unit is overgrazed. The number of positive indicator species 'passed' the generic threshold - 7 species frequent, 3 species occasional (although 9 out of the 26 potential positive indicator species were never found, possibly due to repeated over-grazing); ragwort 'failed' being frequent overall and locally abundant; the average sward height 'failed' averaging <2cm; bare ground 'failed' being >10%. | Overgrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 4 | 1008095 | 15.29 | 16 May 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Site failed only on insuffeicient indicators species frequent and herb/grass ratio. Fencing in place last year which now allows two areas of this unit to be grazed. Condition should, therefore, begin to improve. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 5 | 1008096 | 24.39 | 08 Jul 2009 | Favourable | The north-facing slope and south-facing slope, in the same unit, are very different. The north-facing slope is very species-poor chalk grassland, just meeting the generic target for positive indicator species - 3 frequent, 3 occasional. This is due to past agricultural improvement before the site was a SSSI. It was being properly grazed by sheep - at the time of the visit. Ragwort basal leaves occurred in each quadrat but no flowering plants were seen - so this was not seen as an issue on this site. The south-facing slope was much more species-rich - 8 frequent and 4 occasional positive indicator species. However, it was over-grazed, with an overly short sward (1-2cm) and excessive bare ground (>10%), which must be drawn to the attention of the farmer and his grazier. Ragwort was rare. The man orchid (locally distinctive feature, not a formally notified feature) site was also over-grazed, with no sign of any plants. Previously the site was temporarily fenced off so that it was only lightly grazed but the orchid declined and disappeared. Getting the balance right is not easy but the plant has no chance with the current over-grazing. Overall, the Condition Assessment was passed but the issue of over-grazing at the time of the visit will be discussed with the farmer. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 6 | 1008097 | 44.03 | 29 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A large unit covering three valleys. The grazing level was good, with a short sward on large areas and tussocky growth on steeper slopes. There were some patches of nettles and creeping thistle on the eastern side, although the coverage probably didn't exceed the 'no more than 5%' target. The farmer has agreed to carry out scrub work and his CSS CWP has been amended. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 7 | 1008098 | 50.43 | 31 Dec 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Good level of grazing. Ragwort is quite bad this year, as it is in other areas, although not threatening the grassland. Scrub needs attention especially at either end of this large unit. A new scrub management plan will be agreed with the farmer this autumn, as part of his Countryside Stewardship Scheme. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 8 | 1008099 | 21.48 | 31 Aug 2004 | Favourable | Unusually south facing slope has longer grass growth than south. Could be due to aspect as south facing slope is much steeper. This provides variation of habitat across site. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 9 | 1008100 | 13.03 | 03 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | The eastern half of the unit is satisfactory. The quite close grazing by sheep is needed for keeping the tor-grass and upright brome under control, which occurs in discrete patches. Some scrub control has been carried out, as evidenced by dead brash on the ground. The western half of the unit appeared semi-improved to improved, with only small patches of species-rich grassland on steep banks - but was mapped as CG3 grassland in the 1989 NVC survey. The aerial photograph from 2005?? clearly shows the much greener vegetation in this half of the unit. The whole field is under EK3 - very low input grassland, under Entry Level Stewardship. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 10 | 1008102 | 12.12 | 31 Mar 2004 | Unfavourable no change | Site assessed based on visit complete in 2001. Visist later this year should further inform. Recent managment by owner has been limited to small scale coppicing of some stands for firewood. This may need increasing and/or concentrating on other areas. Ride, holloway and other areas need opening up and scyamore removed. Also need to encourage more varied age structure in some areas and increase large deadwood (if considered appropriate after further assessment). Discussion with owner to implement buffer zone would reduce impacts on woodland edge. | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 11 | 1008101 | 2.53 | 03 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | A small, difficult to manage site. It was assessed as a 'clearing in Baynton Wood' with CG2c grassland, in the NVC survey in 1989. It is currently (2009) being cattle-grazed, on an extensive basis with adjacent fields, at an appropriate level. The grassland is rather variable in quality, with species-rich areas on the steeper slopes. There are some patches of upright brome, although not >10%. There are some heavily trampled cattle paths, although not > 0.05ha. Scrub encroachment exceeds the generic 5% upper limit. Scrub control is needed, to tackle the expanding bramble, blackthorn, hawthorn, ash etc. | Inappropriate scrub control, Inappropriate weed control |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 12 | 1008103 | 4.64 | 31 Dec 2007 | Unfavourable no change | Even-aged, lacking in mature trees. No open spaces, very little natural regeneration. Sycamore frequent. | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Earth heritage | Sarah Grinsted | 13 | 1008104 | 192.19 | 06 Aug 2009 | Favourable | The geological features on Bratton Downs are at a landscape scale. All the targets in the Conservation Objectives are being met. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008191 | 10.56 | 01 Oct 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | New owners since Aug 2008. Land is now being grazed by low numbers of native breed cattle. Scrub management programme agreed with NE. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1008195 | 13.57 | 02 Apr 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | Cattle grazing now introduced to site and HLS agreement commenced 1 Feb 2007. A site visit to carry out a full Common Standards Monitoring condition assessment should be carried out in spring/summer 2007. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Coniferous woodland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1008197 | 4.44 | 12 Jul 2006 | Unfavourable recovering | Both interest and sward height are variable across this unit with some areas very species rich and others more grass dominated with longer sward. Overall, grazing pressure appears sufficient at the moment, with little thatch evident. Cattle are now on the site and continuation of summer grazing is important to maintain recovery. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1008192 | 16.31 | 17 Oct 2008 | Unfavourable declining | The eastern part of the site is undergrazed, and the grassland is becoming species-poor and tussocky CG3. The western part has some much better condition CG3a, but overall the condition is unfavourable. | Inappropriate scrub control, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Coniferous woodland | Margaret Feneley | 5 | 1008198 | 6.19 | 26 Nov 2009 | Favourable | Units 5 and 9 were formerly a single unit. Area now in unit 9 was visited by Keith Kirby in 2004 and his comments should also apply here: viz "no obvious signs of heavy browsing and some new growth from fallen stems. The longevity of the yew also means that regeneration is not an urgent issue. The yellowing and bare branches previously reported are not a problem, but should be checked in a few years to ensure they have not got worse. Should really be considered as part of the scrub/woodland/grass mosaic of the whole SSSI." | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 6 | 1008193 | 1.15 | 01 Oct 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Eastern part of unit is occupied by caravan enclosure, with paddock adjacent. Far western end is fenced out from paddock and covered by scrub. | Other - specify in comments, Overgrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 7 | 1008194 | 2.06 | 02 Jun 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Previously part of larger unit, which has now been divided into two. This part of the original unit was assessed as favourable in 2000 and the situation found to be unchanged on a visit in 2002, although lack of grazing elsewhere on the site meant the overall assessment was unfavourable no change. Now that this area has been made a separate unit, a further condition assessment should be undertaken in the next 2 years. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Coniferous woodland | Margaret Feneley | 9 | 1028527 | 17.48 | 02 Jun 2004 | Favourable | No obvious signs of heavy browsing and there was some new growth from fallen stems. The longevity of the yew also means that regeneration is not an urgent issue. The yellowing and bare branches previously reported are not a problem, but should be checked in a couple of years to ensure they have not got worse. Currently Favourable, as judged on the woodland but should really be considered as part of the scrub/woodland/grass mosaic of the whole SSSI. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 10 | 1028528 | 0.98 | 02 Jun 2004 | Unfavourable declining | Previously part of larger unit, which has now been divided into two. This unit has not been grazed for some years and consequently has a considerable cover of encroaching scrub and rank grass. | Inappropriate scrub control, Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 1 | 1008183 | 32.42 | 31 Dec 2007 | Unfavourable no change | The wood has good features like an abundance of mature/veteran trees, including multi-stemmed stools, and plenty of fallen dead wood. However, it is largely lacking in age structure and very few seedlings/saplings, with only the odd small patch of ash/hazel regeneration - where a clearing for shooting purposes has been created. The species compostion is good, typical of the W8 and W10 NVC communities. Small-leaved lime is plentiful in one area. Deer paths were well-used. I was not able to find lungwort due to my GPS not functioning, therefore the condition assessment does not entirely fulfil CSM requirements. | Deer grazing/browsing, Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 2 | 1016237 | 11.43 | 04 Aug 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | A structured walk across the site was made stopping at 10 points for a sward composition quadrats in open grassland areas. The management of the unit appeared to be complying with the Agreed Management Plan of the Section 15 Agreement. That is the unit has been fenced and cattle had recently been grazing the eastern half of this unit. However as this is the first season of grazing the restoration of the grassland has had yet no time to respond to grazing and thus is now in unfavourable recovering condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 3 | 1008164 | 21.73 | 04 Aug 2004 | Favourable | A structured walk across the site was made stopping at 10 points for a sward composition quadrat (see attached plan). The management of the unit appeared to be complying with the Agreed Management Plan of the Section 15 Agreement: Attribute; AREA -No observable loss of calcareous grassland communities. PASS. SWARD COMPOSITION: Grass/herb ratio: Average of 74% herbs for the 10 stops. Attribute PASS. Positive indicator species: Easily passed the threshold frequency requirements for indicator species. Attribute PASS. Frequency of negative indicator species. Brachypodium and Bromopsis< 10% PASS. Scrub < 5%. PASS. Ragwort (Senecio jacobea) averaged as Rare across the 10 quadrats. PASS. SWARD STRUCTURE: Average sward height for 10 quadrats = 5.6 cm. PASS Leaf Liitter < 25% PASS Bare Ground overall <10% PASS Rabbit Grazing- No more than 0.5 ha. PASS. Overall condition therefore FAVOURABLE. Wildlife observed: Meadow Brown butterflies, three Brown Hares disturbed, flock of about 50 linnets moving about down and Yellowhammer singing. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 4 | 1008165 | 6.74 | 09 Aug 2007 | Favourable | The CG2 grassland looked in good condition with the right level of grazing. Sheep were grazing the SSSI slope in conjunction with the opposite slope, at the time of visit. Positive indicator species well exceeded the basic requirement, with 9 species frequent and 3 occasional. No Brompsis erecta was seen. Other negative indicator species were rare or absent, although Galium mollugo (hedge bedstraw) was frequent, unusual for chalk grassland, possibly indicating undergrazing in the past. The only area of concern was the top of the slope which showed signs of enrichment/nettles due to run-off of agricultural fertiliser from neighbouring land. The neighbour was in the process of cultivating a strip along here, perhaps as a grass buffer strip - I need to find out if this is part of his agri-environment agreement. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 5 | 1008184 | 90.94 | 25 Nov 2009 | Favourable | Major NVC communities present at previous survey (1989): CG2b, CG2b/c, MG5 Major NVC communities present in 2009: CG2b, CG2c, MG6 Unit 5 of Brimsdown Hill SSSI extends over approximately 2.5km of steep south-facing escarpment to the west of Monkton Deverill. Unimproved calcicolous grassland has been mapped on the steeper slopes. The major grassland type recorded in previous surveys was CG2b on the steepest slopes, grading into less-rich CG2b/CG2c at the top of the slope and then into semi-improved MG6 on the flatter ground above the steep slope. An area of MG5 was recorded in the east of the site at Whitepits Down. In 2009 the grassland types present were largely the same as those mapped previously. The most species-rich CG2b was present on the steepest slopes, grading into poorer CG2c on the upper slopes. This was generally in favourable condition for all attributes, although it was structurally diverse with some areas, particularly to the western end, being rather tall and tussocky. Gentianella anglica was recorded from this unit in 1997 at Holcombe Hole. Grassland here is in suitable condition for this species. A large area of MG5 was previously mapped at Whitepits Down, but this was considered to be virtually identical to the relatively species-poor CG2c on the upper escarpment slopes. This grassland was in unfavourable condition whether assessed as CG2 or MG5. This unit is managed by a combination of sheep and dairy cattle grazing. This appears to be maintaining the grassland in favourable condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 6 | 1008185 | 21.77 | 22 Nov 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Section 15 management agreement started on 01/10/2003. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1008124 | 18.40 | 29 Sep 2006 | Unfavourable recovering |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007879 | 45.58 | 30 Jul 2004 | Favourable | Sward looks excellent, with 13 positive indicator species frequent. Bastard toadflax locally frequent in the Punchbowl. Some of the juniper bushes are becoming covered by scrub but they look reasonably healthy. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008063 | 47.96 | 05 Aug 2002 | Unfavourable no change | A strucured walk with ten stops was made in just over 2 and a quarter hours. The extent of semi-natural woodland was the same as mapped in 1998 by Chalkhill Consultants. Much of the wood has been left unmanaged for atleast 30 years, except the glades and rides on the southern edge which are mown annually for game management. Large areas of largley neglected ash coppice, now forming a canopy with occasional oak standards, with a few mature conifers and sweet chestnuts. Generally a poor representation of understorey species. Regeneration mostly by suckering, and occassional saplings near road and on gladeside. Virtually no natural regenarion of the woodland otherwise, apart from within the pheasant rearing pen, where strong ash regeneration was observed. Small areas of planted oak (25msq.). Predominantly native species 95%+, except notable local area of larch and sycamore. Ground flora sufficiently represented across woodland as a whole and most typical of W8. Large areas of nettle dominate the springline at the foot of the greensand slope, it is thought nitrates enrich the spring water from the arable above the woodland. Visit too late to confirm presence of Herb Paris or Bath Asparagus. Assessed to be in unfavourable condition due to insufficient signs of natural regeneration across the woodland. Englsih Nature is in discussion with the owner to have the Site Management Statement incorporated into a Woodland Grant Scheme aimed at re-establishing coppice management, deer control and thinning of invasive species(sycamore). | Deer grazing/browsing |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1008203 | 62.10 | 17 Mar 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | A cattle handling pen has been erected to facilitate cattle grazing and address the under grazing issue on this unit. Contribution to the pen was provided by a Wildlife Enhancement Scheme agreement with English Nature. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 2 | 1008204 | 61.35 | 18 Jul 2002 | Favourable | Passed criteria for favourable condition for NVC communities CG3,4 and 5 using 30 quadrat stops. Principle communities CG3 and CG5, with Brachypodium pinnatum not surprisingly more abundant in the quadrats taken in the CG5 areas. Nationally scarce round-headed rampion observed frequently in the sward over large areas of this unit, and the small bastard toadflax growing well in and around one quadrat Grid ref.SU044689. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 3 | 1008205 | 4.77 | 16 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Extent: No loss or change in extent recorded. Extent corresponds to NVC data. Sward Composition: pass on grass/herb ratio within 40-90% and positive indicator species present: 12 frequent- bird’s foot trefoil, rough hawkbit, clustered bellflower, mouse ear hawkweed, rock rose, devil’s bit scabious, upright brome, stemless thistle, salad burnet, ladies bedstraw, hoary plantain, fairy flax and 4 occasional: squinancywort, small scabious, ox-eye daisy and cowslip. Bromus erectus was frequent component of the sward- but overall cover was less than 10% cover. Brachypodium pinnatum is locally abundant- the current grazing pressure is keeping it in check sufficiently. Pass. Bare ground – no more than 5% recorded. Leaf Litter c.20% PASS. Rabbit Grazing- No more than 0.05 ha. PASS. Scrub: estimated 10-15% cover –comprises mature scrub and young hawthorn bushes and seedlings which need to be controlled. FAIL. Vascular Plant assemblage: Round headed rampion and bastard toadflax recorded. Overall Assessment: unfavourable recovering as scrub management and grazing is to be addressed through existing CSS and forthcoming HLS application. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1008118 | 7.31 | 30 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Sward composition good overall, with 8 positive indicator species frequent, and bastard toadflax also present. Height and structure quite variable; western section longer and tussocky with some litter. Scrub was cleared from two areas in early 2003; there is some regrowth and bramble in the western part of the site. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008117 | 3.53 | 04 Apr 2008 | Favourable |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007907 | 10.51 | 30 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | The grassland/ scrub mix passed the condition assessment, though there are patches of tor grass which need to be kept in check. Tuberous Thistle was extensivly searched for but not found. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Inland rock | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008115 | 8.10 | 13 Aug 2004 | Unfavourable no change | Inappropriate scrub control, Public access/disturbance | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1008116 | 0.10 | 23 Mar 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Work under management agreement to remove scrub, vegetation and rubble from on/around geological faces was completed March 2008. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Inland rock | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1019317 | 0.02 | 01 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Site now in HLS; agreement includes works to install grille at quarry entrance | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Inland rock | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1028669 | 1.57 | 24 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Bat grille installed June 09 |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Neutral grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1008123 | 24.70 | 14 Feb 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Weeds now under control and unit is being either grazed or hay cut with arisings being removed. Regular monitoring still required | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 2 | 1008121 | 7.88 | 07 Sep 2007 | Unfavourable no change | The area of Japanese Knotweed has expanded since the last assessment and covers a significant part of the SSSI unit | Other - specify in comments |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 3 | 1008119 | 2.22 | 26 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable no change | Nice area of wet woodland, with standing deadwood. Not a CSM assessment but lack of open space and the shading of the SAC interest feature (Glyceria swamp along ditches) suggests unfavourable condition. Woodland management option under HLS being discussed with owner | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 4 | 1008122 | 7.28 | 29 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable no change | Nice area of wet woodland, with standing deadwood. Not a CSM assessment but lack of open space and the shading of the SAC interest feature (Glyceria swamp along ditches) suggests unfavourable condition. Woodland management option under HLS being discussed with owner | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Neutral grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 5 | 1008125 | 7.65 | 29 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable declining | No management had taken place since the last assessment, sward height in excess of 80cm, mature willow scrub over up to 40% of site. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Neutral grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 7 | 1023953 | 3.12 | 07 Sep 2007 | Unfavourable no change | This unit is best described as swamp, and dominated by Carex acutiformis. Several mature trees are present on the unit and no active management has occurred for many years | Other - specify in comments |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1008187 | 7.24 | 15 Jun 2004 | Favourable | Although notified for MG4, most of this unit is best described as MG5. Centauria nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Leucanthemum vulgare and Dactylorhiza fuchsii all frequent in the sward, with Silaum silaus, Lathyrus pratensis, Primula veris occasional. Using MG5 criteria the sward is favourable. The herb ratio was 60% on average. Cirsium vulgare was occasional in the sward and Juncus exceeded the target of 10% cover. However this should be dealt with by cutting this meadow for hay this year, and therefore was the site was not classed as unfavourable on this attribute. In the last few years this unit has been grazed hard, however the lack of grazing this year has allowed huge numbers of Common spotted orchid to flower. Also present in the sward was Southern Marsh orchid and Adders tongue fern. Consideration should be given to managing this unit as a hay meadow or having very low stocking densities early in the season if grazed | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 2 | 1023609 | 7.33 | 15 Jun 2004 | Favourable | Sward very herb rich, with herb ratio >80%. Rhianthus minor, Silaum silaus, Centaurea nigra, Filipendula ulmaria, Lotus corniculatus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Galium verum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Succisa pratensis were all frequent in sward. Dactylorhiza fuchsia also frequent in the sward. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 3 | 1023610 | 20.64 | 15 Jun 2004 | Favourable | Only MG4 areas of Washpool Ground included in assessment. 8 Positive indicator species frequent (including Sanguisorba officinalis, Silaum silaus, and Centaurea nigra) and 5 occasional, and herb ratio >75%. Some areas of Cirsium vulgare in Washpool Ground but well under 5% limit for negative indicator species | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 4 | 1023612 | 24.34 | 15 Jun 2004 | Favourable | MG4 area (Ham Ground and Side Ham) very species rich with 10 positive indicator species frequent in the sward including Sanguisorba officinalis, Silaum silaus, Succisa pratensis and Centaurea nigra. Herb ratio >85%. Areas in the Drive were not included in the assessment as these areas were of low grassland quality at the time of notification. However, this area was very rank with Creeping thistle starting to come into flower. It appeared that no grazing had taken place in the last few months. It was agreed with the site manager that Field 9 would be cut for hay in the as soon as possible (mid June). An early cut will help to address the issue of rank grass (high proportion of Deschampsia and Arrhenatherum present) and the thistle infestation. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007915 | 31.13 | 23 Jul 2004 | Favourable | The site passed the condition assessment with many of the indicator species seen (8 frequent and 4 occasional), including bastard toadflax. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 1 | 1008058 | 26.66 | 16 Dec 2009 | Favourable | Major NVC communities present at previous survey (1989): CG3c, CG3a, CG3b, MG6 Major NVC communities present in 2009: CG3b/c, CG3a, MG6 Unimproved calcicolous grassland is present on all the steep slopes. In 1989 the major community was CG3c with smaller areas of CG3a and CG3b on south-facing slopes. The majority of the grassland was described as species-rich, although that on the very shady north faces was more mesotrophic. The grassland on the plateau was species-poor MG6. Species-rich calcicolous grassland was still present on the steep slopes. The major community was CG3b or CG3c, with CG3a on the south-facing slope, and also on parts of the east and west-facing slopes and in the former quarry. The grassland on the north-facing slopes was typical of these very heavily shaded slopes towards the western end of the distribution of chalk grassland in Britain. An overall impression is that the quality of the grassland had improved since the NVC survey, with a much increased area of CG3a. This is supported by observations made during surveys of Gentianella anglica between 1997 and 2007, with an increase in suitable area between these dates and a consequent increase in numbers of G. anglica. Grazing pressure may have increased since the 1980s, and current management is ideal. The grassland passes the condition assessment for all attributes. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1030225 | 26.72 | 22 Aug 2007 | Unfavourable declining | MG5 grassland is botanically diverse but sward structure not meeting objectives. Marsh Fritillary larval web found in August 07 so still present. Brown Hairstreak also still present in good numbers in latest egg search (06/07). | Overgrazing, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 2 | 1030226 | 13.16 | 22 Aug 2007 | Favourable | Egg counts show good numbers to be present on most hedges in this compartment. Hedges unmanaged with much Blackthorn. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1018553 | 12.12 | 16 Nov 2009 | Favourable |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008079 | 12.62 | 11 May 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | EWGS agreement 2009 addressing lack of open spaces by managing rides, introducing and continuing coppicing, removing non natives and creating additional deadwood |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Standing open water and canals | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008048 | 28.71 | 06 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable no change | There is still evidence that water quality remains an issue. The Site Manager reported that algae blooms were present again last year. There are siltation problems which are being excacerbated by the presence of large bottom feeding fish (bream and carp). Although there is no fish stocking on site, there are a number of large carp in the main lake for fishing interests. Unconsented digging of the bank near a kingfisher burrow led to loss of an area of bank | Siltation, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Neutral grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 2 | 1028256 | 12.67 | 06 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Failed on lacked of positive indicator species (3 frequent, 2 occasional). Field 1 Centaurea, Rhinanthus and Lathyrus frequent, although northern end spp poor with thistle and dock. Field 2 (small triangular field) Filipendula and Succesia frequent. Field 3 lower herb ratio (30-50%) with Filipendula frequent. Field 4 contained adders tongue fern, and Lathyrus and Rhinanthus freq. Also 3 pairs of breeding lapwing. Juncus cover very dense in place >105 cover overall | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 3 | 1028257 | 7.92 | 06 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable declining | Fails on the lack of understorey. At least 20% understoey required to support breeding woodland birds. One of the quality indicators is the presence of ponds within the woodland, particularly important for dragonfly assemblage. Both ponds were silted up and heavily shaded, not supporting any emergent or submerged vegetation. One pond suffering from pollution incident from nearby cottage | Forestry and woodland management, Water pollution - discharge |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1008166 | 9.24 | 29 Jun 2006 | Favourable | A very herb rich site with 12 species frequent, 2 occasional and 3 rare. Good sward height (7cm) even though has not been grazed this year. Due to the lack of grazing lots of invertebrate activity. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1020832 | 6.78 | 04 Aug 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Site was assessed by Wessex Environmental Associates. There was concern regarding the apparent lack of grazing resulting in some deterioration of sward quality and an increase in Bromus erectus. However, since then the grazing has been secured and with the right regime the site should continue to recover. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008036 | 49.94 | 27 Jun 2005 | Favourable | 1. Area attribute - no loss of ancient woodland, however apparent enroachment of scrub on southern fringes of permanent grassland area - PASS 2. Natural processes and structure attribute: structural diversity as notified maintained (with more ride widening), canopy cover 50 - 90%, clearings >5%, understorey 50%, ground flora >85%. Overall assessment is a PASS, however there is a lack of canopy replacement tree species, 20yrs old in in much of the wood away from the coppice areas and rides,especially on the heavily shaded lower slopes of Monks Wood. 3. Regeneration potential - natural regenration good close to openings and widened rides but lacking away from these areas. Coppice regrowth has generally been very good. PASS 4. Composition attribute : At least 95% site native species. PASS. 5. Quality indicators attribute: Nearly 100% ground flora attributed to W8. At least 10% presence of ash, elm and field male components in mature woodland. Bath Asparagus at recorded location at known population of 7 spikes. Thin-spiked wood-sedge in seepage flush. Seepage springs and streams. PASS. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Earth heritage | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008071 | 5.25 | 09 Dec 2008 | Favourable | 1. Exposure of features: PASS 2. Vegetation: BORDERLINE PASS - young growth of woody vegetation, ivy and bramble obscuring, and soon likely to start damaging, features. Requires removal within next 2 years or site will become unfavourable. 3. Tipping/landfill: PASS 4. Tree planting: PASS 5. Engineering works: PASS 6. Geological specimen collecting: PASS |
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| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Standing open water and canals | Alisa Swanson | 5 | 1016370 | 13.58 | 13 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Assessed by Jude Smith. Not all attributes measured but enough to indicate that lake is unfavourable declining due to high cover of Elodea nutallii (80%) frequency suggesting eutrophication and low cover of charophytes. Good range of aquatic macrophytes. |
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| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1026053 | 5.14 | 17 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Currently non-intervention which is generally good for this small woodland, and which compliments adjacent actively managed unit, but it may become too shady for some of the epiphytic lichens and as such limited resumption of coppicing to open small clearings is recommended. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1008181 | 26.05 | 23 Mar 2005 | Favourable | A condition assessment was made as part of the 2001 NVC survey and assessed by a Conservation Officer. This Unit "Wiltshire Coppice" is extensively magaged as coppice, and significantly contributes to the SSSI targets for temporary open space and understorey cover. 1. Area attribute - no loss of ancient woodland - PASS 2. Natural processes and structure attribute: structural diversity as notified maintained (with more coppicing), canopy cover 30%, non-coppice clearings 5%, understorey 65%, ground flora >95%. All pass however this attribite fails the SSSI target on the lack of standing dead wood recorded at 0.3 trees per hectare. However since this unit has been identified for coppice management in the SSSI management plan, and is successfully acheiving this, it should accordingly be expected to have a lower quantity standing dead wood than areas managed for high forest. The Unit is acheving expected targets in accordance with the overall SSSI management plan therefore PASS. 3. Regeneration potential - plenty of seedlings and saplings (>5 /ha). PASS. 4. Composition attribute : At least 95% site native species. PASS. 5. Quality indicators attribute: Nearly 100% ground flora attributed to W8. Presence of crab apple and field maple components in mature woodland. An extensive network of well managed rides, with some supporting high numbers of early-purple orchid, Orchis mascula PASS. Overall Unit assessment - Meeting objectives for favourable condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1024758 | 9.48 | 08 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Unit has not been actively managed since previous assessment though the characteristics have changed very little. There were very few regeneration events or indicators of local distinctiveness, though the current WGS and review of the management of the whole woodlands will determine suitable management. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1024757 | 18.74 | 04 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Since the last assessment much management has taken place within this unit with areas being managed to high forest. However, there is still little deadwood and the age structure is poor. The WGS should enable further positive management and as such the unit remains 'recovering' subject to continued suitable management. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1024761 | 5.40 | 04 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Little change since last assessment. The unit is considered to be in unfavourable condition due to the lack of undisturbed old growth and dead timber and overdominance of bramble, though the recent works will lead to a continual improvement of condition, coupled with WGS. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 6 | 1024759 | 21.74 | 17 Jun 2009 | Favourable | The whole unit is in a favourable condition for all attributes. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 7 | 1008174 | 9.14 | 26 Nov 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Grassland in a favourable condition, woodland favourable for invert assemblages and lichens but unfavourable for lack of deadwood and regeneration potential. This can be rectified through the WGS. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 8 | 1024760 | 16.48 | 17 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | This unit appears to be in a favourable condition for all attributes. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 9 | 1008173 | 28.19 | 17 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | This unit is in a favourable condition for all attributes | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 10 | 1008167 | 37.43 | 15 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Very little active management has taken place in this unit since 2001 and as such conditions for some attributes have become unfavourable, though this could be as a result of a mid-cycle coppice regime. A resumption of coppicing would restore the open and shady mosiac. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 11 | 1008180 | 36.97 | 25 Nov 2009 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 12 | 1008171 | 85.01 | 16 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A very large unit with varied soils and management, predominantly on a coppice rotation. Very little deadwood available and the adundance of regenerating birch of some concern for the future, hence the unknown management prognosis. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 13 | 1008177 | 31.26 | 25 Nov 2009 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 14 | 1008170 | 71.58 | 01 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | An actively managed large unit under a coppice rotation. Unit passed on all attributes. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 15 | 1008172 | 15.54 | 16 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Predominantly beech avenues with a structure resembling that of a linear wood pasture. The avenues have lacked a range of age classes though in recent years a programme of felling and replanting has begun to rectify this. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 16 | 1008168 | 10.32 | 24 Jun 2009 | Favourable | Favourable as a non-intervention stand but lichen habitat will decline if no open glades are created in the woodland. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 17 | 1008169 | 34.76 | 01 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | RSPB Garston Wood Reserve- the unit on the whole is in a favourable condition for the lichen interest and invertebrate assemblages. Coppicing is continuing though on a smaller scale than in recent years and the larch plantation in the north appears to be gradually improving with management. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008066 | 4.60 | 28 Jun 2006 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1008069 | 9.46 | 07 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Grassland - assessment of 31 July 2007 prevails Extent: Pass Grass:Herb ratio: Pass (50%) Positive indicators: Pass (5 x F, 8 x R, 3 x O) Cover of shrub/trees: <5% Negative indicators: Pass - small areas of creeping thistle restircted to bonfire sites and MG6 area Sward structure: Ave height: Pass (12.3cm) - Litter: Pass (<25% of sward) - Bare ground: Pass (<10%) - Rabbit grazing/disturbance: Pass Proxy habitat assessment for inverts on 23/06/09 Duke of Burgundy fritillary: Unfavourable recovering based on absence of butterfly (not recorded since 1985, when one individual was seen). Slightly low on "tall grassy/low scrub" preferred surface, due to scrub removal and grazing regime, being rectified. Adonis Blue: Favourable based on 04/05 records ad 06 sightings, and horseshoe vetch seen at 3 stops during 2007 assessment. White Letter Hairstreak: needs assessment |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007934 | 0.31 | 30 Nov 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1007936 | 0.08 | 08 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Scrub/vegetation obscuring rock face. | Earth science feature obstructed, Inappropriate weed control |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007950 | 0.30 | 04 Apr 2008 | Favourable |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007952 | 0.23 | 14 Mar 2005 | Unfavourable no change | Earth science feature obstructed, Inappropriate scrub control |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1008201 | 19.09 | 20 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Site favourable on all attributes except positive indicators (Centaurea nigra (F), Potentilla erecta (O), Lathyrus pratensis (O), Lotus corniculatus (O)). Hill Ground has slightly greater diversity that other fields. Spread of negative spp indicating water logging still potential local concern but within limits of favourability. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1015659 | 11.92 | 01 Jul 2003 | Favourable | The botanical composition appeared good overall with no apparent problems, although I was concerned with the tallness of the vegetation. At this time of year the cattle were located at the west end of the site and didn't appear to have entered the eastern end so far. The far eastern end or 'Bypass Field' had been mown, so I couldn't assess this. This is contrary to the previous condition assessment when much of this unit was too short. I would suggest that grazing levels are discussed with the owner, to try and achieve a more balanced approach. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 2 | 1016681 | 2.71 | 01 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Western part of site consists of MG8/S7 mosaic unchanged since 1993. Eastern part of site consists of S7 swamp and the areas of MG8 grassland have been lost to swamp (but not to S28b Phalaris arundinacea swamp which is a feature of the site). Is, however good example of transitions from lowland fen to semi-natural grassland and open water. Management of site needs reviewing as it continues to be undergrazed. | Inappropriate water levels, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 3 | 1015660 | 2.24 | 01 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Little changed since 1993 and the 2003 survey. Grassland still species poor MG8 with patches of swamp. Appears undergrazed. | Other - specify in comments, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 4 | 1015662 | 0.67 | 01 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Ungrazed area managed for fishing access. S28b swamp vegetation is in favourable condition except for presence of planted trees. | Inappropriate scrub control |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008186 | 34.40 | 05 Aug 2004 | Favourable | Western part of unit looks very good with 12 positive indicator species frequent, sward height average 4-5cm and high herb to grass ratio. To the east, the sward has always been of lesser quality, with main interest on earthwork banks. Away from these, ragwort is locally frequent and there are areas of ranker grass and thistle. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1016536 | 6.60 | 05 Aug 2004 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1023954 | 7.67 | 26 Nov 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Scrub management work has been completed and the unit is more accessible to grazing stock. Field visit required summer 2010 to check condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1023955 | 4.49 | 10 Nov 2009 | Favourable |
| Region |
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Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1008159 | 5.03 | 14 Jul 2005 | Favourable | Meadows in good condition,sward composition >70% herbs with Centaurea nigra, Leucanthemum vulgare, Lotus corniculatus and Succisa pratensis all fequent in sward. Leontodon spp. Potentilla erecta abd Carex flacca Occasional. Also noted a betony(white flowered) , heath spotted orchid and southern marsh orchid Some areas of Deschampsia and Juncus particularly around pond but localised and should be cut when hay cut is taken. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1008032 | 11.16 | 30 Nov 2009 | Favourable | Site habitat assesed in June 2006 and passed on all attributes. Conditions also suitable for Adonis blue (recorded in summer 2009) and Hornet Robber Fly (incidental sightings though requires full survey in 2010). Cattle grazing and occassional scrub control on-going. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Inland rock | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008019 | 0.72 | 01 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable no change | Repairs needed to 2 grilles. Removal of encroaching vegetation and stabilisation work is required at some entrances. | Other - specify in comments, Public access/disturbance |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Earth heritage | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1025707 | 4.60 | 12 Oct 2005 | Favourable | Visited by Rob Wolstenholme on 5 October 2005. Passed all key attributes for Static (Fossil) Geomorphological Sites (IS). Some large patches of nettles present throughout the stones, although not at present obscuring them. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Earth heritage | Stephanie Payne | 2 | 1025708 | 44.45 | 23 Feb 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Owner has carried out appropraite management of this site. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Neutral grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 3 | 1019387 | 52.16 | 12 Oct 2005 | Favourable | Visited by Rob Wolstenholme on 5 October 2005. Unit passed all key attributes for Static (Fossil) Geomorpholigical sites. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 4 | 1019388 | 98.47 | 14 Jul 2003 | Favourable | Earth Heritage SSSI monitoring form for Static (fossil) Geomorphological Sites (IS type sites) used. Unit passed on all attributes. The calcareous grassland interest was checked against the NCC 1990 NVC grassland survey records. Only 1 hectare of CG3c grassland was mapped in 1990. It was not recorded as being particlarly species rich at that time, at the record cards indicate that it did not contain sufficient indicator species to be of SSSI quality in itself. The present situation is much the same with no evidence of loss of extent or loss of species diversity. The present and past Site Managers have observed a more obvious presence of the community indicators in the sward over recent years. The Assessment is that the unit is favorable maintained for both stratigraphy and grassland interests. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 5 | 1015114 | 127.67 | 14 Jul 2003 | Favourable | Earth Heritage SSSI monitoring form for Static (fossil) Geomorphological Sites (IS type sites) used. Unit passed on all attributes. The calcareous grassland interest was checked against the NCC 1990 NVC grassland survey records. Only 1.36 hectare of CG2b/c grassland was mapped in 1990. Tthis appears to be associated with alternative corses of the old coach road cutting down into the chalk on this local incline. The present situation is much the same as the 1990 with no evidence of loss of extent or loss of species diversity. Of local interest is the presence of dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) and Autumn gentian (Gentianella amarella) - both of these were also recoreded in 1990. Four species of butterfly were also note in this area: The Hedge Brown, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and Ringlet.The present and past Site Managers have observed a more obvious presence of the community indicators in the sward over recent years. The Assessment is that the unit is favorable maintained for both stratigraphy and grassland interests. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007956 | 3.91 | 26 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | The grassland is species rich, well grazed and in good condition. Good conditions are apparent for Adonis blue. The large rabbit warren provides too much bare ground but with continued management control by the owner this problem should decline. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007959 | 9.46 | 26 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A predominantly scrubby unit with good diversity of shrub species and age structure. Good scrub edge grassland. Site appears suitable for Adonis blue though a slight increase in grazing pressure would suit the species further. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007960 | 9.83 | 26 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | On balance this unit, which consists of two grazing compartments is in a recovering condition. However, there are large areas of tor grass and bramble dominated areas which require management under the HLS. |
| Region |
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Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008061 | 10.26 | 17 Jun 2004 | Favourable | Assessors first visit to site. Southern field floristically rich along ridges, the middle and northern field were more grass dominated but had many patches of Yellow rattle, black knapweed and saw-wort. Herb ratio above 40% overall, Southern field >80%. Black knapweed, Meadow vetchling, Yellow rattle, saw-wort and Birds foot trefoil frequent, Greater Burnet, Betony and Devil's-bit scabious occasional. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 1 | 1007840 | 7.74 | 02 Jul 2008 | Favourable | The north-facing slope appeared to have been grazed in the last year, as evidenced by occasional dried cowpats and a more open sward than the other units; although the south-eastern arm with scattered mature scrub was excluded. The south-facing slope had not been recently grazed. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 2 | 1007842 | 6.89 | 02 Jul 2008 | Favourable | Very species-rich in places, less good in others. Overall, as for other units beginning to look undergrazed, although no lack of positive indicator species. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 3 | 1007844 | 10.59 | 02 Jul 2008 | Favourable | The grassland here is high quality apart from some longer/species-poor areas at the bottom. The hill is open to the wider military training area and unfenced, apart from a recently fenced area at the western end to stop army digging. There was some grazing last year within the fenced area. As far as I know there was no grazing on the rest. The far western end of this slope is more neglected, with scattered, young scrub and species like Galium mollugo indicating insufficient grazing. On-going work by WWCV here should help to tackle the scrub. Duke of Burgundy (8 seen on Tuesday 20th May 2008, Sarah Grinsted) and marsh fritillary (90+, Nigel Cope) doing well. Adonis blue surviving (11 seen on 28/05/08, Nigel Cope). | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 4 | 1007846 | 8.48 | 02 Jul 2008 | Favourable | This slope used to be quite short, possibly over-grazed but is now under-grazed. The sward height was excessive in places, although OK on the steeper slopes. Several disturbed/enriched areas with dense nettles around badger/rabbit diggings. Some mature, scattered hawthorn at far eastern end, of value to birds. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008018 | 0.45 | 26 Nov 2008 | Favourable | Visited with Dave Evans (NE specialist: Geological) and Tim Kaye (Swindon BC site Ranger). Tim has undertaken a good deal of work, three areas of the quarry surface have been exposed and Dave Evans acknowledged that good work had been done since his last visit to remove fly-tipping refuge from the site. Remains favourable with the hope that more funding might become available to expose more of the feature. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 2 | 1024990 | 0.36 | 26 Nov 2008 | Favourable | visited with Dave Evans (NE specialist : Geology) and Tim Kaye (Swindon BC site ranger). Dave Evans was happy that the large area of quarry exposed was typical of the whole of the unit and saw no reason for the unfavourable status. Much of the exposure covered in vegetation is on private land and provided nothing is going on that damages the feature in the future then this unit is favourable. No Jap knotweed found. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 3 | 1024991 | 0.34 | 26 Nov 2008 | Unfavourable declining | Visited with Dave Evans (NE specialist: Geology) and Tim Kaye (Swindon BC site Ranger). Feature still obstructed and garden waste still being dumped along the length of the feature. As the whole feature is on private land Tim Kaye has not been able to undertake and vegetation clearing, and without a WES scheme to offer funds we cannot offer a management agreement. | Earth science feature obstructed |
| Region |
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District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Coniferous woodland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007966 | 28.88 | 15 May 2007 | Favourable | Site assessment made as part of FEP QA visit. Walk over assessment made with Conservation Objective to hand and overall site is in a favourable condition. No loss of ancient semi-natural/ ancient stands; individual trees not measured but no obvious loss as a result of felling or die back. Plenty of deadwood both standing and fallen and good age sructure of yew, ash and oak - no apparent deer issue though some browsing does occur; Good evidence of yew seedlings and layering taking place throughout, some areas of ash beginning to dominate where light is getting through which will need management. The open glade of chalk grassland very herb-rich where rabbits graze - numerous orchids on scrubby margins, ideal woodland edge habitat for butteflies. External factors include regular scout visits and a wooden house but they appear not to have an effect on SSSI/ SAC. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Earth heritage | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008060 | 0.80 | 25 Sep 2007 | Favourable | Exposure of interest: Pass - can access parts of exposure; Vegetation: Pass - scrub is re-growing and will need re-clearing in c. 2-3 years to avoid obscuring/damage; Tipping/landfill: Pass - no tipping or landfill obscuring/damaging features; Tree planting: Pass - no tree planting; Engineering Works: Pass - none occuring; Planning condition observation: Pass - none present; Geol. specimen collecting: Pass - none known, no signs observed. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Earth heritage | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1025911 | 0.61 | 03 May 2005 | Favourable | This area is a buffer to the main exposure & contains no exposed geology. |
| Region |
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Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1029643 | 3.80 | 28 Mar 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Targets met for structure, natural processes, composition and ground flora. There remains little sign of regeneration from seed (few ash, no oak), due to deer pressure, although there is evidence of regeneration via suckering. Recent small-scale work to coppice pole stage ash has allowed more light in to the woodland floor and there is regrowth from the stumps (which were cut high to protect shoots from deer). Removal and treatment of laurel clump has been largely successful, although there are some limited signs of regrowth. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1007972 | 3.29 | 21 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Improvement in sward structure and condition as a result of cattle grazing introduced this year is already evident. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1007974 | 23.26 | 24 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1007977 | 5.59 | 24 Jun 2009 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 5 | 1029644 | 1.05 | 28 Mar 2008 | Unfavourable no change | Signs of regeneration extremely limited due to deer browsing. | Deer grazing/browsing, Forestry and woodland management |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
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Unit area (ha) |
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Assessment description |
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Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Nick Nettleingham | 1 | 1008034 | 1.57 | 27 Aug 2009 | Favourable |
| Region |
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Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007995 | 20.10 | 31 Mar 2006 | Unfavourable no change | Structure dominated by mature standards and degenerating coppice. Little open space; rides are narrow and in some cases overgrown. Reasonable signs of regeneration despite widespread deer browsing, but ultimately limited by closed canopy. | Forestry and woodland management |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1028184 | 5.74 | 12 May 2004 | Favourable | Assessed as favourable during survey in June 2002 to inform notification. Succisa pratensis, Stachys officininallis, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus all frequent. Herb ratio >40% although drops to 30% in less rich areas it is >80% in the central area. Traditional cut late for hay, aftermath grazing now taking place | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 2 | 1028185 | 1.13 | 30 Apr 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | The site visit on 30/4/2004 confirmed that the conifers planted without consent have been removed. A number of trees shading the Devil's bit-scabious have been felled as part of an EN management agreement. Although further work is neccesary, the management agreement is in place. Monitoring of Marsh Fritillary will continue to monitor effects of the positive works |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Neutral grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1025607 | 6.41 | 17 Jun 2005 | Unfavourable no change | Condition assessment shows site to just be missing favourable condition due to insufficient frequency of indicator species. Five indicator species are now frequent throughout the sward, and the herb to grass ratio appears higher than the last assessment. Site validation visit on 11 May 2005 produced a count of 1739 green-winged orchids (Orchis morio). A clump of grey club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) was in fruit in the pond on 17 June 2005. The agricultural management of the land appears to be meeting objectives, although there are still outstanding management needs associated with mitigating against the surrounding residential development. | Fertiliser use |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1018685 | 4.73 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 Nov 2006. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1025854 | 2.53 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 November 2006 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1025855 | 5.73 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 November 2006 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1025856 | 1.48 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 November 2006 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 5 | 1025857 | 3.17 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 November 2006 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 6 | 1025858 | 3.19 | 10 Oct 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | HLS commenced 1 November 2006 |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007962 | 8.43 | 23 Jul 2004 | Favourable | Site passed on all attributes and is generally looking good. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007963 | 7.55 | 02 Sep 2009 | Favourable | A fairly species poor bank which is more MG5 and MG6 - this was the case at notification. Have assessed this unit as site fabric due to no CSM features of interest recorded but could be enhanced by careful management. Suggest thistle control by weed wiping and relaxing grazing pressure in late May/ June to allow flowering and nectar sources for invertebrates, but need to ensure Bromopsis doesn't spread. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007965 | 8.47 | 01 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Unit consists of two grazing blocks. Northern block passed on all attributes, mainly CG3 - 10+ Adonis blue seen flying (both CSM requirements). Southern block less grazed and more scrubby and requires some scrub management. Both units could be grazed earlier in the year to keep Bromopsis in check. Overall site is in a recovering condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1028490 | 0.66 | 09 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable declining | A small unit grazed with sheep at time of visit. Very few flowering heads and a low herb/ grass ratio of 30-50%. passed on all other attributes but requires a lighter grazing regime in June/ July to ensure flowering and nectar sources for invertebrates. | Overgrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008037 | 18.34 | 13 Aug 2004 | Favourable | Made a structured walk across the unit stopping to sample 10 quadrats in the calcareous grassland community areas. The owner had taken great care this season from the start of the grazing season in the spring to use electric fencing to start the cattle on the lusher areas in the valley bottom and top to avoid the emerging flowers on the flanks of the coombe being eaten as they appeared. The result was a spectacular show of wild flowers in the limestone grassland this year. The calcareous grassland passed the favourable condition criteria well on the primary attributes of grass/ herb ratio (av. 65% herbs), sward height (av. 11cm), and numbers of indicator species present. The local occurence of Brachypodium pinnatum matched well those areas that had been previously mapped as CG4 and CG5 and did not at present appear a problem with regard to becoming over prevalent in the CG3 areas. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1008035 | 19.53 | 07 Jul 2004 | Favourable | Meadows pass condition assessment criteria for favourable condition. False oat-grass still frequent throughout the sward, however improved aftermath grazing should gradually see a reduction in the prevalence of this species. The northern most end of the meadow north of the pond has become less species rich, but this is believed to be the result of silt/nutrient deposition from winter flooding since the management of this area is no different to other areas of the meadows, and aftermath grazing has been undertaken. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 3 | 1008038 | 4.41 | 07 Dec 2009 | Favourable | Wood assessed on 11/11/09 Area attribute: Pass Process/structure: Pass Regeneration: Pass (lots of ash and field maple seedlings; saplings have 'got away' in former canopy gaps Composition: Pass (some evidence of deer browsing on low hazel shoots, but impact of deer on wood 'light') Quality indicators: Pass (Herb Paris not seen at this time of year) Impact of pheasant pen/management very low. One small area of disturbed ground with elder dominant adds to diversity rather than being problematic. Minimum interventions management is working well. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007896 | 58.02 | 29 Sep 2006 | Favourable | The site is in favourable condition with no loss in area or changes in boundaries. There is a good age structure of trees in the wood with good understorey and diverse ground flora suited to this habitat. However, there is little coppicing being carried out in the woodland and if this is not dealt with then the wood could fall into unfavourable condition with the shading of ground flora. There is good regeneration of the old coppice and of new seedlings and saplings. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1007918 | 11.47 | 10 Sep 2002 | Favourable | This site needs reunitising. Currently one unit which covers a variety of swamp, fen, wet grassland and wet woodland. Also Desmoulin present. Time did not allow a detailed survey of each area. Day spent walking over whole site. Following notes refer to comaprtments in owner/occupier Plan (main species present were recorded at each stop made and are with notes in file). Area A was very, very wet with very good mosaic of habitats, including some very tall tussocks and some drier areas. A spring feeds this area from one of the semi-improved fields bordering track from canal (spring is in SSSI). Several drains cross this part of the site. Area to east of river was ungrazed and dominated by glyceria. Should be kept this way as Desmoulin were recorded here in 1996 contractor survey. Area B1 very complex; centre seemed lower and had different vegetation from edge. Centre had much succisa and sedges, with violet and meadowsweet; surrounding this area supported much more marestail and some scrub. Area C consists of willow carr which was not extensively investigated. Appeared fairly dense and even aged with ground flora predominately of marestail. Could benefit from management and some opening up. Area B2 newly fenced to introduce grazing. Ageed this would be light due to presence of snail. Also plan to complete some clearance as area is heavily shaded in NE. To SE dominated by glyceria. Area E is lightly grazed by 2 belties, dominated by iris and rushes, but good diversity of other species. Areas H, G and D all wet woodland with transition to fen/reed in G & H by ponded areas. Was unable to access further north for this area and area D was not visited as across the river. Seen from surrounding fields G& H seemed to have good viariety of standing deadwood, old pollards and understorey/ground flora. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1018698 | 3.92 | 02 Oct 2009 | Favourable | Many sections of the feature exposed. Although part of a willow has collapsed into the river, this is not in a section where good exposure's have been recorded. Management of the vegetation that could obscure the main exposures appears to be controlled by the flow of the river. The vast majority of the various sections of the river could easily be re-exposed using handtools. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008067 | 28.79 | 15 Jul 2005 | Favourable | very good number of positive indicator species. Scub possibly encroaching in the valley with ragwort and nettles. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007954 | 18.32 | 26 Aug 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Grassland in generally good condition, although scattered scrub (mainly hawthorn up to 1m tall) still present across both valley sides. This is due to be dealt with under present management agreement. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1023978 | 11.50 | 21 Jul 2005 | Favourable | Good overall although thistles frequent in northeastern section. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1023979 | 3.53 | 28 Jul 2006 | Favourable | Unit split into northern and southern sections. Southern block mainly herb-rich MG5 with some patches of CG2. Northern section has areas of very species-rich CG2 but ragwort is frequent towards the middle and top of slope. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1023980 | 0.61 | 08 Apr 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Agreed programme of scrub reduction/management has now commenced as part of HLS agreement | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 5 | 1023981 | 6.11 | 11 Aug 2005 | Favourable | brambles and thistles moved in where scrub removed recently | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 6 | 1023982 | 6.20 | 11 Aug 2005 | Favourable | good number of indicator species present. Grazed by sheep during assessment. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 7 | 1007955 | 3.67 | 11 Aug 2005 | Favourable | good number of indicator species. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 8 | 1023983 | 12.95 | 08 Mar 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Unit now managed under ESA and SWES. Will require a full Condition Assessment in 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 9 | 1023984 | 3.83 | 28 Jul 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Scrub control and fencing undertaken for this unit within last 3 years. Good recovery of species by grazing regime. Perhaps some further scrub need clearing but overall the site is recovering well from previous very little grazing. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007968 | 13.48 | 16 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Part of site not grazed at time of visit. Passed on all habitat attributes with 8 species frequent, 5 occasional and 4 rare. Bastard toadflax and dwarf sedge both recorded in recent years. Burnt tip orchid not seen but conditions appear suitable. Lots of hippocrepis suitable for Adonis blue but species not seen during visit. Unit noted in the past for Duke of Burgundy and Marsh fritillary but again neither seen during visit - will require further visits to confirm presence/ absence (hence unfavourable recovering assessment) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007969 | 5.81 | 16 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Less species rich than unit 1 with significant areas of upright brome, though it still passes on all attributes. No butterfly species recorded during visit. Bastard toadflax present. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007976 | 47.28 | 07 Aug 2003 | Unfavourable declining | Site consists of three seperate grazing units, none of which are directly linked. All are grazed by cattle and all have good areas of CG with plentiful indicator species. However, main problem is the scrubby areas which are seperated by way of an electric fence to help with the cover for pheasants. This is effectively encouraging areas to scrub up and until this issue has been addressed by the owner then the site will remain unfavourable. Good grazing pressures elsewhere but localised problems of ragwort. Consider splitting this unit into 3 seperate ones. | Game management - pheasant rearing, Inappropriate scrub control, Inappropriate weed control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1007978 | 13.11 | 30 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Grassland very species rich and well managed but scrub still an issue and needs to be managed appropriately (through HLS) | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1007980 | 4.25 | 30 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Requires grazing and scrub management - possibly through HLS | Inappropriate scrub control, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 6 | 1007981 | 7.05 | 18 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | No grazing at time of visit on either piece but cattle due to go on soon after. 8 species frequent, 1 occasional, 5 rare - very species rich for a north facing unit. The two management units grazed by cattle with adjacent arable reversion - suggest HLS when ESA expires. Autumn ladies tresses recorded. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 7 | 1007982 | 12.12 | 14 Aug 2003 | Favourable | CG2 form used. Site visit on 24/07/03. Passes on all attributes but ragwort more than occasional in places. Scrub approaching 5% cover limit - reassess in 2 or 3 years. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 8 | 1007983 | 5.21 | 25 Jul 2005 | Favourable | Whilst the grassland passed on all attributes there is some damage caused by rabbits and possibly badgers on parts of the SSSI unit. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 9 | 1007984 | 48.96 | 01 Jun 2001 | Unfavourable declining | The CA undertaken using site knowledge and the 2001 NVC survey. It is a generally an under managed woodland albeit for shooting but with an expired MA and no WGS. Most rides are narrow and unmanaged with no structure with many having disappeared; though there is a clearing approx 3ha of good CG which has been kept open. There is good cover of ground flora 98% and veteran trees but deadwood is limited. Ash is regenerating but so to is sycamore in one area. Overall though species diversity is not high and the woods lack age structure. The lack of management does compliment other woods in the area, namely the coppice at Cranborne Chase; however we should seek to reinstate some of the abandoned rides and improve existing rides by widening. Small scale coppice rotation of the hazel and field maple should be considered. The CG should be managed by scrub control. | Forestry and woodland management, Inappropriate scrub control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 10 | 1007985 | 9.21 | 01 Jun 2001 | Unfavourable no change | A W8a woodland dominated by mature trees and coppice with some deadwood in places. No veteran trees present and evidence of ash regeneration at up to 50/perha, generally is less varied in age composition than Knighton Wood. Management should include restoring abandoned rides and possibly reinstate some coppice - although the lack of management here does compliment the more intensive management elsewhere. | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 11 | 1021392 | 4.21 | 04 Jul 2005 | Favourable | Site passed on all attributes apart from cover of ragwort which was seen frequently throughout the sward. However, it was not considered a sign of over grazing and did not cover the site sufficiently to highlight a concern- as such the assessment of grassland remains as 'favourable'. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 12 | 1019172 | 22.43 | 15 Jul 2009 | Favourable | Site is well recorded by WWT. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 13 | 1023549 | 13.87 | 13 Jul 2009 | Favourable | A very well grazed unit with 8 species frequent, 1 occasional and 5 rare. Unit not noted for other interest features but would expect Adonis blue, dwarf sedge and bastard toadflax. Grazing has shifted from sheep to cattle - due to be part of an organic HLS. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Earth heritage | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1008068 | 0.30 | 05 Mar 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | There is one exposure with a lateral section of approximately 15 metres, and deepened by a trench along approximately one-third of this. Sheep grazing keeps scrub around this in check although the other faces are well vegetated. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1008001 | 6.48 | 18 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Site managed as per the WWT management plan. The assessment considered the habitat as recorded in 1995 compared to 2009. Southern Damselfly wasn't specifically assessed or recorded on the day but conditions appear suitable for the species. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1008002 | 2.49 | 18 Aug 2009 | Favourable | This unit is the main hydrological buffer to unit 1 from adjacent horse paddocks. They remain agriculturally improved, grazed by horses and little sign of any potentially damaging activity. Further indepth recording maybe required but there was no sign of anything that may adversley affect water quality. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Dwarf shrub heath - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007970 | 5.62 | 23 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Despite low key grazing in recent years by ponies and some scrub clearance, there has been an overall increase in the amount of tree and scrub encroachment with a resultant net loss of heath communities. A possible HLS or CES requirement. | Forestry and woodland management, Inappropriate scrub control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Dwarf shrub heath - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007973 | 4.22 | 23 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Varied habitat NVC across the site but all seemingly be managed appropriately by a lower grazing regime than in 2004. The pond has little vegetation in and appears unsuitable for dragon/ damselflies - a further specialist survey would be useful to determine suitability. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Dwarf shrub heath - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007975 | 1.86 | 24 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A continual improvement as a result of a mixed grazing regime with cattle and horses. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1014658 | 2.48 | 02 Oct 2002 | Unfavourable no change | I was unable to carry out a full condition assessment because of the lateness of the survey but the unit was clearly in need of grazing with a deep layer of thatch covering most of the grassland. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1014653 | 139.02 | 06 Feb 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Deer management effort increased by Estate to enable better regeneration potential. Will require close monitoring to ensure successful outcome. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1014654 | 53.73 | 06 Feb 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Deer management effort increased by Estate to enable better regeneration potential. Will require close monitoring to ensure successful outcome. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1014655 | 25.09 | 06 Feb 2009 | Unfavourable recovering |
| Region |
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District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1008070 | 3.54 | 23 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Extent: No loss since assessment in 2002; contraction in areas of good CG3 grassland since notification - considered 'recoverable reduction'. Grass:herb ratio: Fail (31%, below 40% lower threshold) Positive indicators: Pass, but loss of species since 2002 assessment (2002 baseline: 6 x F, 1 x O, 3 x R, currently 4 x F, 2 x O, 4 x R). Bromopsis frequent: Pass Cover of Brachypodium: Pass Cover of shrubs/trees: Pass (<1%, young hawthorn) Negative indicators: Pass Sward structure: Ave sward height: Pass (15cm) - Litter: Pass - Bare ground: Pass - Rabbit grazing/disturbance: Pass Grassland very patchy with patches of long grass and sparser herbs interspersed with more species-rich areas. If yellow-rattle and black knapweed were included in % ratio Grass:Herbs, this attribute would pass, but they are not positive indicators for CG3 so their presence cannot be included in the assessment. Site has apparently declined since 2002 assessment in terms of species-richness of the CG3 areas, but management is in place to address this, hence the site is recovering. Management regime in place and site now thought to be meeting objectives, hence recovering. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1007901 | 4.27 | 16 Jul 2009 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1007902 | 8.03 | 16 Jul 2009 | Favourable | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1007903 | 13.80 | 16 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1007905 | 8.42 | 01 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable no change | The condition of this unit has improved recently and it now passes on all attributes except negative indicator species. Ragwort and thistle are frequent and seeding from sources at the top and bottom of the down. Weed control via topping and/or herbicide needed. Sward has a tussocky structure, some areas slightly undergrazed but other parts shorter and species-rich. Cattle have only recently gone back on site. Possible change to winter sheep/late summer beef cattle has been discussed, this would help to improve the site further. HLS still being discussed. | Inappropriate weed control, Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007998 | 25.31 | 13 May 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | See comments on file. Overall the wood is in a good state and provided the current management is maintained then it should remain in favourable condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007999 | 10.04 | 13 May 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | See comments on file. Overall the wood is in a good state and provided the current management is maintained then it should remain in favourable condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1008000 | 14.94 | 13 May 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | See comments on file. Overall the wood is in a good state and provided the current management is maintained then it should remain in favourable condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1007986 | 2.55 | 08 Jun 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | Visited with Clare Pinches, national grassland ecologist. Impressed by the species richness of both meadows with 12 indicator species present. Lower Meade is wetter in nature and thus supports more open areas - also has tussocks of Molinia. Problem though in both meadows in the hemlock water dropwort and the lack of grazing. The hemlock is not a species that will 'fail' the site but the reluctance of graziers with this species present could do so in the future. EN will finding suitable graziers on behalf of the owner who will graze with hemlock present. The condition though has improved since the last assessment and as such on balance an 'unfavourable Improving' assessment is most appropriate. The management prognosis is unknown as this is dependent on grazing. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1007987 | 3.71 | 29 Apr 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | The Lawns now regularly grazed by cattle with rush cutting and ditch work carried out this year. It does require a full CA within the next two years but where it failed previously mechanisms are now in place to ensure its recovery. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1027249 | 3.52 | 25 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable declining | This unit has suffered recently from a lack of management and grazing. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1027241 | 1.43 | 25 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable declining | M23 and MG5 ungrazed and accordingly becoming species poor and rank | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1027242 | 0.39 | 25 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable declining | Ungrazed for more than a year, becoming species poor and rank with a loss of species-rich grassland/ mire. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1027243 | 0.73 | 25 Jul 2008 | Unfavourable declining | Ungrazed for more than a year, becoming species poor and rank with a loss of species-rich grassland/ mire. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 5 | 1027244 | 1.51 | 04 Sep 2008 | Favourable | A brief visit to confirm site integrity - will need a CSM visit in 2009 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 6 | 1027245 | 0.98 | 02 Dec 2009 | Favourable | The condition of the unit was considered to be favourable, although positive indicator species were at a low frequency given the time of year of survey. Due to go into HLS shortly. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 7 | 1027246 | 0.97 | 15 Jan 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | Site managed as part of a Management Agreement with English Nature/ Natural England - requires full CSM reassessment in 2007. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 8 | 1027247 | 0.96 | 25 Jul 2008 | Favourable | Brief assessment made. Site had not been cut for hay so many species still present - good patches of indicator species. An apparent improvement on the survey of 2001, partly due to a change in the mowing/ cutting regime. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 9 | 1027248 | 0.93 | 13 Jan 2008 | Favourable | Willow scrub managed by Wiltshire conservation volunteers. Requires grazing once again in the summer. Full assessment not carried out due to time of year but grassland structure looking ok. |
| Region |
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District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1008009 | 7.55 | 27 Aug 2009 | Favourable | This part of the water meadow is not presently functioning and therefore the condition assessment fails on integrity of water meadow structures to enable flooding of the fields. To be part of an HLS SP. Also fails assessment due to less than 25% herb cover. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 2 | 1008010 | 13.28 | 27 Aug 2009 | Favourable | Structures in state of disrepair and threaten ability to manage the meadows traditionally. Needs to be addressed by a SP in HLS. Mosaic of areas of more species rich wet grassland, in particular along the river, along furrows and towards the north of the unit. One area where creeping thistles an issue. Area of MG8 fails as only 3 indicator species (frequent) present and indicators of waterlogging at around 10% cover. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 3 | 1008012 | 1.12 | 27 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Area not assessed by CSM as mostly site fabric, however invasive species frequent in areas to south and north of unit -orange balsam and japenese knotweed. Central area of site planted with cricket bat willow and has understorey of rank vegetation. Desirable to return this area to either grazed fen or wet woodland in the long-term. Nice area of woodland to north lacks regeneration. | Forestry and woodland management, Invasive freshwater species |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Bogs - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 4 | 1018329 | 1.55 | 17 Oct 2003 | Unfavourable declining | Main area of potential fen/swamp vegetation appeared very dry and largely consisted of willowherb and nettle. This may be as result of very dry year, but note that previous assessment also stated appeared dry. 1996 survey found Desmoulin occasionally distributed through site. Two searches made for the snail. Area one was very dry (1 on scale), mostly willowherb & nettle with some glyceria and phragmites. No snails found. Area 2 was vegetation on offtake channel from carrier. Vegetaion mostly glyceria with wetness 3-4. 8 adults and 3 juv snails were found, but these did not appear to have much life. Area to north of site which is most shaded also had best vegetaion, which may be indication of affect of dry summer. River banks had recenlty been cut very low. Possibility of improving this through discussion with estate manager. Also need to check ESA and what managment has taken place ie scrapes/depressions were scheduled to be cut. | Undergrazing |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007988 | 5.08 | 12 Oct 2005 | Favourable | 1. Area: pass; 2. Processes/structure: pass; 3. Regeneration: pass; 4. Composition: pass; 5. Quality indicators: pass. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1007989 | 2.63 | 12 Oct 2005 | Favourable | 1. Area: pass; 2. Processes/structure: pass; 3. Regeneration: pass; 4. Composition: pass; 5. Quality indicators: pass. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 3 | 1007990 | 3.06 | 12 Oct 2005 | Unfavourable declining | 1. Area: pass; 2. Processes/structure: fail due to canopy cover exceeding 80% threshold and lack of trees in youngest age class; 3. Regeneration: fail due to lack of coppice regrowth and natural regeneration; 4. Composition: pass; 5: Quality indicators: fail due to lack of Bath asparagus. | Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 5 | 1007992 | 1.37 | 12 Oct 2005 | Favourable | 1. Area: pass; 2. Processes/structure: pass; 3. Regeneration: borderline pass; 4. Composition: pass; 5. Quality indicators: pass. The combination of successful coppicing and tree tubing of natural regeneration over he past 4-5 years has resulted in good structural variety to this part of the SSSI. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 7 | 1007994 | 3.18 | 14 Sep 2009 | Favourable | Unit assessment of 2005 re-assessed under Draft Conservation Objectives 2009. Area/Extent: No loss of area - PASS Process/structure: canopy often exceeding 80% cover but not above 90% threshold. Open space present due to natural tree falls. 2-3 age classes of commonest trees - PASS Regeneration: abundant seedlings - would provide "recruitment" age class where there are open spaces. Deer damage evident but low-moderate - not preventing regeneration - PASS Composition: No exotics - PASS Quality indicators: Bath asparagus present on roadside banks, some deer damage - PASS but need to look at management to sustain ensure Bath asparagus populations are sustained. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 8 | 1007996 | 6.78 | 27 Sep 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | EWGS in place to address management needs | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 9 | 1007997 | 1.49 | 12 Oct 2005 | Unfavourable declining | 1. Area: pass; 2. Processes/structure: fail due to dense canopy cover (usually >80%), lack of open space, shrub layer coverage frequently lower than threshold limit of 20%, and often less than 3 age classes to commonest trees; 3. Regeneration: fail due to lack of young saplings (little evidence of seedlings "getting away" to sapling and young tree stage) and evidence of deer browsing damage; 4. Composition: pass; 5. Quality indicators: fail due to lack of Bath asparagus where former population existed. 2009 re-asessment under final draft conservation objectives: Unit fails under "Composition" attribute - expected to be >5% non-natives (turkey oak, some sycamore) and "Regeneration" - lack of saplings to young trees and presence of Turkey Oak preventing oak regeneration. Deer pressure is likely to be preventing regeneration. "Quality Indicators" - lack of Bath asparagus where former colony existed. In addition, canopy very dense, lack of understorey, and often only 2 age classes - borderline for "Process/Structure" | Forestry and woodland management |
| Region |
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District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1007830 | 12.29 | 03 Jul 2009 | Favourable | CG3 and CG2 GRASSLAND Extent: No loss of extent recorded as compared with the NVC maps. Sward composition was in good condition within the 40-90% threshold range and (between 50 -95% herb cover). Very diverse sward with good spread of positive indicator species with 6 frequent CG3 species (Cirsium acaule, Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Primula veris, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Sanguisorba minor, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria) and 11 CG2 species (Cirsium acaule, Succisa pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Primula veris, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Sanguisorba minor, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp.) and 3 occasional ( Scabiosa columbaria, Asperula cynanchia, Leucanthemum vulgare) in the sward. Round headed rampion (Phyteuma obiculare) was found in good numbers. Sward height was within the threshold range of 2-10cm on average. Negative indicator species: Scrub cover was overall not an issue and the levels of scrub were below the target threshold of 5%. Young ash has established in the longer sward areas adjacent to the woodland and quarry (north east section) – need to monitor and control as necessary. Patches of thistle and nettles noted on parts of the semi-improved / improved grassland encroaching adjacent areas but overall not an issues within the CG3/CG2 community. Passed attributes for litter, bare ground. Rabbit grazing and disturbance – below 0.05 ha. Vascular plants: Juniper and locally distinctive species recorded present in 2008 and 2009: Round headed rampion, Musk orchid, bastard toadflax, fly orchid and marsh helleborine. WWT monitor. Butterflies: Target species present: Marsh Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy present WWT and WBRC records 2008. Overall Assessment: Favourable |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1014544 | 45.68 | 02 Jul 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | MG4 community favourable, fritillary population unfavourable, as total population in monitored plots is still just below threshold level. Population is on an increasing trend however and is likely to be favourable next year. There is an ongoing threat to favourable condition in that the grazing regime is unsatisfactory, for over five years grazing has been by an insufficient number of horses only and there seems no prospect of changing this as things stand. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007953 | 12.75 | 16 Jun 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | A very herb rich sward with 12 frequent species and 7 rare throughout. Average of 70% herbs in the quadrats. The site failed its assessment in 1999 due to lack of scrub control and lots of bare ground due to cattle making tracks. There is still an issue regarding the scrub and bare ground is slightly above acceptable limits. However, the management principles are in place under a new ESA agreement to limit these problems. Scrub clearance is also due to take place shortly. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008050 | 0.26 | 14 Dec 2005 | Favourable | Following facelift work in 2005, the the interest features are now exposed and site now in favourable condition |
| Region |
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Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Swindon | Earth heritage | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1007914 | 1.84 | 26 Nov 2008 | Favourable | Visited with Dave Evans (NE specialist : Geology) and Tim Kaye (Swindon BC site Ranger). Although recorded as favourable ongoing management to clear vegetation from the main areas of exposure are required. In certain areas vegetation clearance is going to be difficult. |
| Region |
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Main habitat |
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Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007895 | 14.55 | 07 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Assessment of 26 September 2007 still holds in terms of all the attributes, but site fails on lack of open space (<5% of woodland area, but 5-10% required). Site also fails on quality indicators, in terms of the reduction in rare plants lily of the valley and angular Solomon's seal (not notification features, but important component of the quality indicators attribute). Woodland management under HLS is addressing these issues, hence the site is recovering. |
| Region |
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District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 1 | 1014838 | 39.76 | 04 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | This management unit was under arable cultivation in the mid-1940s and subsequently managed as pasture. Surveys were carried out in 1988 and 2005. There is now a gradation of relatively species-poor MG5b/MG6c on the less sloping/more disturbed areas to a species-rich CG2c in the steeper slopes. Reversion to a calcicolous grassland has been slow but is making progress to a recognisable calcicolous grassland under a suitable grazing regime. This has been facilitated by an unploughed area within the unit and unimproved grassland on neighbouring Castle Down. Further detail can be found in 'Grassland monitoring at Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve', Wilson and Reed, under contract to English Nature, 2006. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 2 | 1014839 | 15.19 | 03 Aug 2009 | Favourable | This unit was visited in June and July, six weeks apart, 20 quadrats each time, in an attempt to set a representative baseline for future monitoring - on this high quality chalk grassland. The steep bank has the high quality CG2 grassland, more or less according to the mid 80s NVC map, whilst the rest of the unit has MG5b. On the CG2, there was good consistency between the visits, with 13 positive indicator species frequent, 1 occasional and 2 rare in June, and 11 species frequent, 2, occasional and 5 rare in July. So, an average of 17 out of the 22 positive indicators present on this unit. Herb % ranged from 60-85, averaging 65. The bank was quite tightly grazed at the beginning of June due to a very dry spring but looked more flowery by mid-July. 25 cows and followers grazing, as per the management plan, plus 8? rams. There were no particular issues: some scrapes caused by cattle and a small area of rabbit buurrows and nettles, on a scale that is probably beneficial for invertebrates etc. The rare vascular plant assemblage was assessed by the Wiltshire Botanical Society - Sharon Pilkington, Rosemary Duckett, 2007. This unit holds good populations of the five component species: Thesium humifusum present, Orchis ustulata present, Carex humilis present, Tephroseris integrifolius >15 plants, Gentianella anglica >180 plants. The Conservation Objectives will be amended to 'raise the bar' for future monitoring purposes. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 3 | 1014840 | 132.69 | 03 Aug 2009 | Favourable | This unit was visited in June and July, six weeks apart, 20 quadrats each time within a similar area in this large unit, in an attempt to set a representative baseline for future monitoring - on this high quality chalk grassland. The unit is a large area of CG2 grassland, with one or two very small areas of CG3. There was good consistency between the visits, with 10 positive indicator species frequent, 4 occasional and 5 rare in June, and 12 species frequent, 2 occasional and 7 rare in July. So, an average of 19 out of the 23 positive indicators present on this unit. Herb % ranged from 35-90, averaging 67. The grassland was well grazed and not very flowery at the beginning of June due to a very dry spring but looked more flowery by mid-July - this didn't affect the number of positive indicators recorded. Overall, the level of grazing was excellent, with enough pressure to maintain short areas and keep any upright brome patches under control, whilst leaving enough tussocks for invertebrates. There were no particular issues: some anthills had been over-turned by the cattle. The rare vascular plant assemblage was assessed by the Wiltshire Botanical Society - Sharon Pilkington, Rosemary Duckett, in 2007. This unit holds good populations of four out of the five component species: no Gentianella anglica, Thesium humifusum present, Orchis ustulata integral, Carex humilis integral, Tephroseris integrifolius present. The Conservation Objectives will be amended to 'raise the bar' for future monitoring purposes. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1023606 | 3.12 | 14 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Extent: the extent of CG2 grassland community was same as previous NVC . No loss due to development etc. However scrub is increasing/ threatening the quality and area of the sward. Sward Composition: pass on grass/herb ratio within 40-90% and positive indicator species present: 7 frequent- bird’s foot trefoil, rough hawkbit, salad burnet, ladies bedstraw, fairy flax, burnet saxifrage, and 3 occasional: hoary plantain, small scabious, and cowslip. Bromus erectus was frequent component of the sward- but overall cover was less than 10% cover. Bare ground – no more than 5% recorded. Leaf Litter c.20% PASS. Rabbit Grazing- No more than 0.5 ha. PASS. In parts of the site e.g. by gates, top of bank, around badger/ rabbit burrows nettles and thistles were frequent/ locally dominant. On the main species rich banks thistles were rare, however ragwort was recorded as occasional within the stops. Although overall currently at low cover need to control to prevent further spread. Overall fails on cover of scrub. Estimated 50% cover comprises mature scrub and young hawthorn bushes and seedlings. Vascular Plant assemblage: Round headed rampion recorded. Other plants not recorded in unit 1 in past. Juniper lost in previous years, but elsewhere within the Pewsey SSSI still. Overall Assessment: Unfavourable declining due to cover of scrub and under grazing. | Inappropriate scrub control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 2 | 1023835 | 54.06 | 31 Jul 2009 | Favourable | Extent:No loss of extent recorded, compared with the NVC maps. Sward composition diverse, within the 40-90% threshold range(on average of 55 to 65% herb cover). Positive indicator species:11 frequent (Asperula cynanchica, Cirsium acaule, Lotus corniculatus, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Sanguisorba minor, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria) and 2 occasional ( Primula veris and Leucanthemum vulgare). Round headed rampion ( Phyteuma spicatum)found in good numbers on Cliffords Hill. Sward height was within the threshold range of 2-10cm, however parts of Tan Hill were tending to be undergrazed whilst other areas (particularly the section between Cannings Cross and Clifford's Hill) were overgrazed. Negative indicator species:Scrub levels were below 5%. Spear thistle was occasional but below 5% threshold. Rabbit grazing and disturbance – pass. Bare ground and litter attributes-pass. Vascular plants: Early gentian, and round headed rampion Phyteuma orbiculare recorded. Butterflies: Chalkhill blue recorded at Tanhill- 28 in 2007. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 3 | 1023837 | 78.59 | 16 Jul 2009 | Favourable | Extent:No loss or change in the extent. Sward Composition: The grass/herb ratio was within attribute target of 40-90%. Positive indicators target met:12 species frequent(Asperula cynanchica, Cirsium acaule,Lotus corniculatus,Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media,Sanguisorba minor, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Hippocrepis comosa, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria, Serratula tinctoria and Leucanthemum vulgare) and 1 occasional (Succisa pratensis). Negative indicator species: Brachypodium < 5% PASS. Scrub < 5%. PASS. Ragwort /thistle rare PASS. Sward structure: Average sward height was within range of 2-10 cm. PASS Leaf Litter < 25% PASS Bare Ground overall <10% PASS Rabbit Grazing- localised disturbance from rabbits noticeable but nothing above 20m x 20m or 0.5ha threshold. PASS Vascular plants: All expected species still present:Cerastium pumilum, Ceologlossum viride, Gentianella anglica,Orchis morio, Orchis ustulata, Phyteuma orbiculare (South facing slope), Platanthera bifolia, Tephroseris integrifolia subsp integrifolia, Thesium humifusium recorded in 2008 by Wilts Botanical Society. Pass. Butterflies: NNR records- 2008 data- The SSSI met the outstanding butterfly assemblage target -32 species recorded. Adonis blue and chalkhill blue present in 2008 and 2009. Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary not known from this unit. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 4 | 1015225 | 55.52 | 09 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | CG3 Extent: no loss or change in the extent. Sward Composition: The grass/herb ratio greater than 70% PASS ; positive indicators 12 species frequent (Bromopsis erecta, Asperula cynanchica,Cirsium acaule,Lotus corniculatus, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Hippocrepis comosa, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria.) & 3 occasional (Primula veris, Sanguisorba minor,Galium verum). Negative indicator species. Scrub < 5%. Existing scrub is large established hawthorn- no young growth indicating no undergrazing issues. PASS. Negative indicator species – ragwort was rare.PASS. Sward structure: Average sward height was within range of 2-10 cm. PASS Leaf Litter < 25% PASS Bare Ground - PASS. Rabbit Grazing- localised disturbance from rabbits noticeable but nothing above 20m x 20m or 0.5ha threshold. PASS. CG2 community Extent: no loss or change in the extent .Sward Composition: PASS. Positive indicators target :9 species frequent (Asperula cynanchica, Lotus corniculatus, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Sanguisorba minor, Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria) and3 occasional (Cirsium acaule, Anthyllis vulneraria,Thymus spp,). Scrub < 5%. PASS. Ragwort was occasional and just above 5% threshold. FAIL Ragwort control being undertaken. Sward structure: PASS Leaf Litter < 25% - PASS. Bare Ground overall <10% PASS. Rabbit Grazing- PASS. Vascular plants: Pass Butterflies:NNR 2008 data- The SSSI met the outstanding butterfly assemblage target met re number of breeding species- 32 recorded. Marsh Fritillary, Adonis blue, chalkhill blue present in 2008 and 2009. Duke of Burgundy have not been seen since 1988 1 adult in 2004. The site is being managed to provide diverse structure and scrub edge within the NNR Overall favourable – all species present with exception of Duke of Burgundy therefore- Unfavourable Recovering | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 5 | 1023611 | 23.50 | 29 Jun 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | CG3 no loss or change in extent; grass/herb ratio was within attribute target of 40-90%. 13 positive indicators frequent (Bromopsis erecta, Sanguisorba minor, Galium verum , Cirsium acaule, Lotus corniculatus, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago media, Thymus spp., Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp., Succisa pratensis and Scabiosa columbaria.) and 2 occasional (Asperula cynanchica , Campanula glomerata). Scrub 8%. ragwort was occasional. Average sward height, Leaf Litter, Bare Ground PASS. CG2 -no loss or change in extent. grass/herb ratio PASS. 13 species frequent (Asperula cynanchica, Cirsium acaule, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago media, Sanguisorba minor, Helianthemum nummularium, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp, Primula veris, Serratula tinctoria, Thymus spp, Succisa pratensis and Scabiosa columbaria) and 3 occasional (Polygala spp., Pilosella officinarum, Campanula glomerata). Frequency of negative indicator species. Scrub and ragwort > 5% cover- FAIL. Scrub and Ragwort control is being undertaken therefore overall assessment is unfavourable- recovering. Vascular plants: Previously recorded species still present: Ceologlossum viride, (Orchis morio, Orchis ustulata, Phyteuma orbiculare , Platanthera bifolia , Tephroseris integrifolia subsp integrifolia, Thesium humifusium recorded in 2008. Butterflies: NNR 2008 data- The SSSI met the outstanding butterfly assemblage target. Marsh Fritillary, Adonis blue, chalkhill blue present in 2008 and 2009.Duke of Burgundy not seen since 1988-1 adult in 2004. The site is being managed to provide diverse structure and scrub edge within the NNR to provide suitable habitat . All species present with exception of Duke of Burgundy therefore- Unfavourable Recovering | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 6 | 1024989 | 49.27 | 26 Jul 2006 | Favourable | Overall assessed as favourable but would benefit from either cattle or mixed grazing. Grazing with 230 ewes plus lambs has produced large areas of very short sward (2-3 cm) whilst a large area did not appear to be being grazed by sheep and was dominated by Bromopsis erecta. Across the unit Asperula cynanchica, Cirsium acaule, Linum catharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Sanguisorba minor, Pilosella officinarum and Thymus spp. were frequent in the sward. In the areas not grazed Scabiosa columbaria, Succisa pratensis, Hippcrepis comosa, Leucanthemum vulgare and Helianthemum nummularium were rare in the sward, but absent in the tightly grazed areas. Average herb ratio was 56%, although some areas were 70-80% and 20% in the more rank ungrazed areas. The area of Bromopsis erecta was close to the 10% target limit and will need monitoring and would benefit from using cattle to graze the site. Marbled white, Dark Green Fritilary, chalkhill blue noted on visit. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 7 | 1015226 | 10.25 | 09 Dec 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | 90% canopy. Some areas dominated by same age ash and would benefit from thinning. Minimum intervention areas looked excellent with good numbers of fallen and standing deadwood. Programme of coppicing underway, which needs to be maintained. The Recovering assessment is based on the HLS agreement which will continue to support the coppicing and other woodland work identified in the updated management plan. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 8 | 1023838 | 14.67 | 09 Aug 2007 | Unfavourable recovering | The site continues to improve. The sward contained a good frequency of positive indicator species - 6 frequent (Leontodon spp., Thymus spp., Lotus corniculatus, Helianthemum nummularium, Galium verum, Sanguisorba minor) and 6 occasional (Plantago media, Pilosella officinarum, Scabiosia columbaria, Cirsium acaule, Linum catharticum, Asperula cyanchica). Average herb ratio is 53% sward height 7cm. Some spear thistle but overall rare in sward. Levels of scrub only concern,scattered scrub throughout is fine but gorse is spreading and would benefit some some limited scrub clearance | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Stephanie Payne | 9 | 1015229 | 12.55 | 27 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | CG3 community Extent: There was no loss or change in the extent of the recorded NVC community. Sward Composition: The grassland was in good condition with good frequency of positive indicator species and grass/herb ratio within the attribute target of 40-90%. 11 positive indicators species frequent (Bromopsis erecta, Cirsium acaule, Lotus corniculatus, Pilosella officinarum, Sanguisorba minor, Thymus spp, Helianthemum nummularium, Hippocrepis comosa, Linum catharticum, Leontodon spp. and Scabiosa columbaria) and 5 occasional (Plantago media, Galium verum, Leucanthemum vulgare, Asperula cynanchica, and Campanula glomerata.). Frequency of negative indicator species. Scrub 10-15% cover estimated - FAIL, however scrub management to be carried out under CSS agreement. Negative indicator species – ragwort was rare and below 5% threshold. PASS. Sward structure: Average sward height was within range of 2-15 cm. Variable across the site. Note: the grassland on lower slopes at the western end of the site was less well grazed, longer and less diverse. PASS Leaf Litter < 25% PASS Bare Ground overall <5% PASS. Vascular plants: The following target features are known to be present within this unit and were assessed as present/ favourable: Juniper and round headed rampion. Note scrub/ trees management is required to reduce shading adajacent juniper bushes. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007869 | 53.61 | 14 Sep 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Extent: PASS Structure/Natural process: Open space & transitions borderline/unfavourable Regeneration potential: low-moderate deer damage but saplings common at edges of open areas, seedlings abundant, coppice getting away - PASS Tree & shrub composition: conifers >5% of canopy - FAIL Quality indicators: PASS (scope to improve ride flora) Birds: >25% decrease in bird index - FAIL Invertebrates: no record of notified butterfly species - FAIL | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 2 | 1007867 | 12.06 | 20 Dec 2005 | Unfavourable declining | 1. Area attribute: Pass; 2. Process/structure: Fail (canopy very dense, young cohorts of canopy trees lacking, and sparse understorey); 3. Regeneration: Fail (little regen. of canopy trees, regen. of ash and hazel badly affected by deer/squirrel damage); 4. Composition: Fail (deer causing damage to >10% young trees/seedlings/saplings of several key species, possibly leaving the understorey uncharacteristically thorny); 5. Quality indicators: Pass (only woodland aspects considered; woodland breeding birds and moths/butterflies not assessed). | Deer grazing/browsing, Forestry and woodland management |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 3 | 1007871 | 1.23 | 14 Dec 2009 | Favourable | Area attribute: Pass (small area of the woodland of this unit has been cut off from main wood for a long time, and is pasture with large, intact oaks, and a thin strip of woodland) Processes/structure: Pass. No rides in this part of the wood. Very little open space in wood, but removal of oaks to create open space would not be appropriate in this part of the wood and on the scale of this unit. Open space is being provided elsewhere in the wood. Age classes of commonest trees adequate. Ditto canopy cover and cover of understorey. Reasonable amount of fallen and standing dead wood. Regeneration: Pass (mature/old growth part of Picket and Clanger, with dense canopy of mature oaks, so less opportunity for regeneration. Seedlings and saplings evident. Some deer grazing (light) but dense canopy thought to be more of a constraint on regen. than deer. Composition: Pass (no conifer patches in this unit, no sycamore or other non-natives seen; no rapid die-back of trees. Quality indicators: Pass. Ground flora referable to W10 as far as can be seen given the time of year. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Earth heritage | Stephanie Payne | 1 | 1028096 | 4.56 | 10 Feb 2003 | Favourable | Site in favourable condition for sarsen stone (geomorphological) interest. Licjhen survey confirmed Piggledene still has a rich and diverse lichen flora. During current survey 59 species found. Of those listed by Jack Laundon in his survey which established the importance of Piggledene, only one Pertusia coccodes could not be refound. The nationally rare species Buellia saxorum appeared to be frequent being recorded on no less than eighteen of the stones studied. It was not possible to give the same attention to the mosses but Hedwigia stellata a species rare in wiltshire was found on stone 20, where three tufts were found. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Alisa Swanson | 1 | 1007777 | 15.25 | 01 Jul 2008 | Favourable | Assessed as favourable even though frequencies of positive indicator species for 3 different NVC communities fell slightly short of required threshold. Recorded 3 species frequent, 2 occasional and 16 rare. Herb ratio was 55% (excluding the stops within the wet MG11 ditch). Confident that if the minimum of 10 stops in each NVC communities was taken we would have avoided so many 'rare' species. There were some minor concerns which currently do not fail the site but need to be aware of: 1) encroachment of scrub particularly ash and gorse (grazing density may need to be higher or for a longer period). 2) clusters of creeping thistle / ragwort around the ford (the ground probably being overpoached as access to drinking water). 3) waterlogging - there were occasional soft rush, hard rush and tufted hairgrass all indications of water logging. The overall cover was less than 10% excluding the areas which were MG11. The site is being grazed sufficiently. To improve herb ratio and address scrub encroachment would be worth getting stock as soon as it is firm underfoot for May/beginning of June and then removing them around end of June to allow the plants to flower in July/August (this would then avoid the period when water is lacking)? Could also consider putting the stock back on in the autumn (Sept - Nov) before it gets too wet providing there is water in the ditch.The autumn grazing will help reduce the grass biomass before the onset of winter and help encourage the early spring flowers. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007944 | 14.36 | 06 Jun 2007 | Favourable | Excellent quality grassland sward - 79%, 11 frequent and 4 occasional indiactors, sward height 4.4cm. Scrub levels low and very little negative indicators apart from northern end where excessive poaching has occurred in past with nettles and thistles. Site grazed with sheep at time of visit. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007945 | 8.36 | 11 Jul 2008 | Favourable | Excellent condition apart from the adundance of ragwort, reflecting its exceptional year throughout the country in 2008. Management is fine. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1014528 | 84.92 | 26 Sep 2003 | Favourable | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1025371 | 34.84 | 21 Feb 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Unit fenced and grazed in Autumn 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1025960 | 35.20 | 26 Sep 2003 | Favourable | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 4 | 1025985 | 11.19 | 26 Sep 2003 | Favourable | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 5 | 1025962 | 65.48 | 21 Feb 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Site continues to improve due to further work (3.2ha scrub clearance) undertaken under the Life Project in Autumn 2004/Winter 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 6 | 1025986 | 25.74 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable recovering | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 7 | 1025964 | 31.05 | 26 Sep 2003 | Favourable | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 8 | 1025965 | 24.57 | 25 Feb 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | 4.5ha of scrub cleared from sub compartment 8.01 under Life Project in 2004 | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 9 | 1025966 | 85.21 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable recovering | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 10 | 1025983 | 24.62 | 26 Sep 2003 | Favourable | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 11 | 1025968 | 72.19 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable recovering | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 12 | 1025969 | 76.18 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable recovering | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 14 | 1025971 | 56.25 | 25 Feb 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | 1ha of self-sown pine cleared from sub-compartment 14.04 in Jan 2005. Life Project Action. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 22 | 1025988 | 81.30 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable recovering | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 23 | 1025980 | 136.11 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | Military |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 24 | 1025981 | 90.57 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | Military |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 25 | 1025982 | 95.74 | 26 Sep 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Provisionally agreed with Dstl on 26 September 2003 based on increased knowledge of the site, ongoing management, historic records of stone curlew breeding areas and actions undertaken within the LIFE project. This assessment is subject to validation in the field, as agreed with Dstl, using Common Standards monitoring in 2004/ 2005. | Military |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1007916 | 1.35 | 21 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Grazing not sufficient to control areas (>50% of the site) dominated by rushes and large sedges. | Inappropriate weed control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 2 | 1007940 | 2.61 | 21 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Site ungrazed and totally unmanaged, probably for several years. Fails on sward composition as 3 species frequent but only two occasional and also indicators of waterlogging cover greater than 50% of the site. It is not possible to assess if the species composition in the remainder of the field is declining as there is no previous species assessment. However greater than 50% cover of the site is dominated by large sedges, rushes, meadowsweet and species such as greater birds foot trefoil, bedstraws, marsh marigold and jointed rushes are lost from the community. Only a third of the area that has been fenced off for Desmoulin's whorl snail habitat is vegetated by tall blocks of Glyceria maxima, Carex riparia, C. acutiformis, and Phragmites australis that the snail prefers. Much of the area is decoming invaded by willowherb. In addition the site is too dry (ground moisture level only 1-2). Grazing, preferably cattle needs to be reintroduced. | Inappropriate water levels, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 3 | 1007939 | 0.45 | 21 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable declining | Ungrazed - small area of wet grassland being lost to tall fen dominated by meadowsweet and large sedges. Northern part of site dominated by willowherb. Thick layer of thatch covers the whole site. Needs grazing. Area also too dry for Desmoulin's whorl snail - (ground moisture level only 1-2). | Inappropriate water levels, Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 4 | 1007924 | 0.25 | 24 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Unit previously assessed as wet woodland and scrub. However this is not a criteria feature for this SSSI. Therefore assessed as site fabric. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 6 | 1007919 | 3.33 | 27 Aug 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | After period where grazing pressure was nil or very low. Grazing now reintated and much work done to assist control water levels. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 7 | 1007942 | 1.13 | 12 Jul 2002 | Unfavourable declining | Although site not notified for this features, area is of interest and would benefit from minimal management. Needs some recoppicing to open up wetter areas. Thin strip to north has some exotics and high nettle growth. | Forestry and woodland management, Inappropriate weed control |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 8 | 1007920 | 2.01 | 26 Jul 2005 | Unfavourable declining | Inappropriate weed control | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 9 | 1007917 | 4.70 | 03 Aug 2004 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 10 | 1007943 | 0.58 | 24 Aug 2006 | Favourable | This unit previously assessed as wet woodland. However, this is not a criteria feature for this SSSI, therefore must be assessed as site fabric. However, area has value as wet woodland around side channel of River Bourne, grading to beech woodland on west slope and will be inc with conservation objectives. Also area around channel forms two on-line ponded areas which have had some scrub clerance in past. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 11 | 1028186 | 0.33 | 21 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Grazing on this site has been more consistant, and is by cattle but these were not on at time of visit. This unit has improved dramatically since the last condition assessment with 4 positive indicator species frequent and 3 occasional. Failed due to percentage cover of large sedges and rushes indicating waterlogging. Vegetation showed some sward structure diversity and some poaching. High water levels may however be a characteristic of this site and the level of both waterlogging species and poaching may be appropriate to the wet conditions characteristic of this site. Need to look at whether possible to adjust water levels. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 12 | 1028187 | 0.55 | 11 Feb 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | work to ditches & sluices complete to aid water management. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 1 | 1014796 | 30.82 | 11 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Some scrub regrowth on central area between combes, plus bramble on area previously cleared of scrub, but both due to be dealt with this winter. Early gentian numbers were reported as reasonable this year and Adonis blue numbers were good. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 2 | 1014802 | 17.04 | 11 Aug 2006 | Favourable | Good sward structure overall with 7 indicator species frequent and 4 occasional. Early gentian numbers reported as reasonable this year and Adonis blue numbers good. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 3 | 1014803 | 6.65 | 04 Aug 2005 | Favourable | Sward in north east part of unit is particularly species-rich. Ragwort consistently present along bottom and top of slopes but only occasional in areas with most herb interest. Cattle grazed at time of visit. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Margaret Feneley | 4 | 1014805 | 21.71 | 01 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable recovering |
| Region |
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Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Katie Lloyd | 1 | 1007894 | 10.35 | 14 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Extent: Pass Grass:Herb ratio: Pass (57%) Positive indicators: Fail (4 x F, 2 x O, 8 x R, as compared with 2002 baseline of 7 x F and 3 X O). Both Bromopsis and Brachypodium frequent: Pass Cover of shrubs/trees: Fail (often >5% cover on sward areas) Negative indicators: Pass Sward structure: Ave height: Pass (12 cm) - Litter: Pass - Bare ground: Pass - Rabbit grazing/disturbance: Pass. Site not meeting objectives due to scrub invasion and loss of species richness due to insufficient grazing recently. Site would be declining, but issues being addressed and rectified through management, hence site is recovering |
| Region |
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Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1007874 | 43.63 | 18 Jul 2006 | Favourable | The site was in favourable condition with good coppice regeneration and pond management and an extensive range of flora and fauna on site. |
| Region |
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Unit ID |
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Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 1 | 1007870 | 8.26 | 24 Jun 2005 | Favourable | Site in good condition, 62% herb cover, Lathyrus pratensis, Carex flacca, Rhinanthus minor, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, and Leucanthemum vulgare all frequent in sward | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 2 | 1007868 | 23.29 | 04 Sep 2009 | Favourable | K Kirby visited site to consider need for enforcing management given previous unfav condition. He advised site should be reassessed as 'borderline fav but potentially declining'. The limiting factor to improving fav condition are lack of light that may be addressed by natural processes eg storms | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 3 | 1007872 | 20.52 | 22 Jun 2005 | Favourable | The unit has now has been extensively grazed for more than two years and meets the criteria for favourable condition. The sward composition was good with on average 51% herb cover, with Centauea nigra and Lotus corniculatus occuring frequently and Lathyrus pratensis, Leontodon spp., Leucanthum vulgare, and Carex spp. all occasional. Sward height was generally within target range but the wet field (2641) needs to be grazed. The other concern is the creeping thistle at the bottom of field 3053 and spear thistle in Field 4549. This thistle issue was discussed with the owner and will be dealt with by using an appropriate contact herbicide. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | North Wiltshire | Neutral grassland - lowland | Isobel Whitwam | 4 | 1007873 | 0.78 | 22 Jun 2005 | Favourable | This unit just meets favourable condition criteria. The herb ratio on average was 41%. Bromopsis erecta and Brachypodium were both frequent in the sward. Lotus corniculatus Frequent, and Leonontodon, Pilosella, Plantago media and Linum catharticum all Occasional in sward. Average sward height was 16 cm and unit would benefit from increasing the grazing density including winter sheep grazing. although some scrub present, work is planned this season to reduce scrub cover. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 1 | 1025245 | 2.64 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Water quality (P targets) - unfav no change. Flow - unfav recovering Siltation - unfav no change Channel structure - fav Biological disturbance - unfav no change | Inappropriate water levels, Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 2 | 1027034 | 2.46 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - fav Managment - fav Disturbance - unfav no change | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 3 | 1025246 | 48.05 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - unfav recovering Management - fav Disturbance - unfav no change Access - fav | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 4 | 1025253 | 25.18 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Struture - unfav recovering Managment - fav Distrubance - unfav no change Access - fav | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 5 | 1025255 | 16.97 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - unfav recovering Managment - fav Disturbance - unfav no change Access - fav | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 6 | 1025257 | 20.18 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - unfav recovering Managment - unfav no change Distrubance - unfav no change Access - fav Long-term ongoing study into low flows effects on Wylye from Abstraction from Chitterne Brook. | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 7 | 1025259 | 18.88 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav recovering Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - Fav Managment - unfav no change Disturbance - unfav no change Access - fav Long-term ongoing study into low flows effects on Wylye from Abstraction from Chitterne Brook. | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 8 | 1025262 | 25.53 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (class & P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - fav Management - unfav no change Disturbance - unfav no change Access - fav RoC will take forward to Stage 2 abstractions from Fonthill Brook which may be affecting this unit. | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 9 | 1025265 | 38.23 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (class & P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - fav Management - unfav no change Disturbance - unfav no change Access - fav Salisbury abstractions taken forward under Stage 2 of RoC. | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 10 | 1025261 | 5.74 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav no change Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - unfav recovering Management - unfa recovering Disturbance - unfav no change Access - unfav no change for lamprey Long-term study ongoing into low flows on Bourne & Nine Mile River. | Invasive freshwater species, Other - specify in comments, Water abstraction, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 13 | 1025228 | 4.74 | 03 Aug 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Reintroduction of cattle grazing since 1993 has brought about positive change - species richness and structural diversity has increased and overall cover in scrub decreased. Unit is divided into two by the railway line. To north have open species rich swamp with northern-most part recently cleared and recovering. To south community changed from S28/S7 to moderately rich tall fen M22a/S7 (M22a just fails on species composition). | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 14 | 1025229 | 1.87 | 21 Feb 2003 | Favourable | Not good time to visit to find snail, but good to assess wetness. Site varied from some relatively dry areas where ground is higher than river to very wet areas near river and along side of drains, some of which are largely filled. Site had much phragmites, but also evidence of glyceria (resprouting), umbellifers and willowherb. Also marsh marigold and watercress around ditches. Was an area of willow towards west of site which farm manager, Mr Stokes was a little concerned about as it is very difficult to clear ie too wet most of time. However, it was a small area and not encroaching across the rest of the site. Ditches would benefit from sympathetic and small scale clearing to increase wetness across site. However, not an urgent issue. A brief search was made for Desmoulin near the edge of the river, but the side of a ditch. 10 adults were found with little effort, good considering time of year. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 15 | 1025230 | 4.14 | 29 Aug 2002 | Favourable | Extensive phragmites beds with some glyceria and iris. Interspersed with mown paths and ditches, inc old mill leat. Areas vary in wetness, but height and extent of vegetation should be favourable for the snail. Site is not grazed and there was no scrub encroachment. A visit in winter should show level of innundation. Do not want litter to build up and area to dry out. Brief search for the snail was not successful although a number of other small snail spp were present. Further and more intensive survey for the snail should take place once survey method has been agreed. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 16 | 1025231 | 1.39 | 11 Oct 2006 | Unfavourable recovering | Works have been completed to increase wetness of area and these will be reviewed under Water Level Management Plan. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 17 | 1016385 | 4.93 | 31 Aug 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Condition changed following positive works completed by MOD. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 18 | 1016386 | 3.47 | 19 Jul 2002 | Unfavourable recovering | Although this unit failed, due to not sufficient species occasional, it appears to be no worse tha before based on the 1994/95 survey which clearly shows the north western area as less species rich. I have included quadrats over the whole area. Continued managment should ensure that the species richness increases. Some of the area appeared too dry and the unit would benefit from maintenance of the drains. There were 3 areas of cut wood on the site near the river and evidence of the machine that had presumably been in to do the cutting. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 19 | 1027035 | 1.22 | 19 Jul 2002 | Unfavourable declining | Unit had clearly not been grazed for some time. Vegetation was head height and dominated by Filipendula. Discussed with owners who will try and confirm occupier and management. Only two other species apparant. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 20 | 1025232 | 1.50 | 31 Mar 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Previous entry for condition assessment incorrect - confused site with Unit 21. Site has inappropriate water levels. Proposal to excavate ditch in summer 2010 to bring water onto the site to provide the wet conditions and increase and maintain the habitat required for Desmoulin's whorl snail. Area of wet scrub/woodland is valuable habitat and is to be retained. Should be long-term aim to remove area of conifer plantation to north of site. | Drainage, Inappropriate ditch management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 21 | 1025233 | 2.04 | 17 Apr 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Works have been undertaken at the site to open up the margin along the river and an area of sedge/reed habitat is now establishing. It may be beneficial to locally lower the embankment formed by past river dredging activity to allow seasonal (winter and spring) flooding (and draining) of the site to occur at lower river flow levels than presently happens. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 22 | 1025234 | 1.49 | 06 Dec 2002 | Favourable | Visit not at ideal time. Site was very wet underfoot, not surprising for time of year. Most of the drains were holding water. Stands of glyceria apparant. A very brief check for Desmoulin at two locations resulted in finding one adult. A further visit towards the end of the summer should confirm if the site is wet enough. Site is in ESA scheme and has much potential for upgrading and could also be looked at under the WLMP. Island of Millhouse also included in cSAC was not visited as access had not been arranged, could see areas of swamp vegetaion to south. Scattered scrub bordered the site and some removal may be desirable although it was not encroaching into the cSAC/SSSI. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 23 | 1025238 | 1.79 | 10 Oct 2002 | Unfavourable declining | Site visited very late in year, but species composition did not appear high. Recommend revisit in summer. However, did appear to be high levels of glyceria etc in some areas, which suggests may be becoming wetter (but Desmoulin recorded in this area in 1996 survey). Therefore suggest monitor this seperately for Des and do not include in MG8 assessment. In addition, were some areas with high numbers of thistle which need control. Need to revisit ESA and address ditch maintenance for this area and that downstream (unit 24). | Inappropriate ditch management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 24 | 1025235 | 3.13 | 31 Mar 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | ||
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 25 | 1025236 | 1.97 | 12 Oct 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Site assessed under the WLMP programme and it was concluded that it was not possible to improve the management of water levels on the site. The river flow swings towards the bank along this site and it is therefore more appropriate to establish marginal habitat on the other bank. May be some opportunity to re-profile a section of the bank and develop an area of marginal sedges and glyceria. Survey of the snail not undertaken but lack of suitable habitat would indicate no change from last assessment. | Other - specify in comments |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 26 | 1027036 | 1.92 | 22 May 2002 | Unfavourable recovering | Site had been heavily grazed until 1994. Site recently fenced which should also help with management. Site failed only on insufficient number of species occasional. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 27 | 1016395 | 3.09 | 14 Oct 2002 | Unfavourable declining | Reedbed is generally in reasonable condition, but is drying out. Ditch clearance is planned by owner/occupier who have spoken to EA regarding land drainage consent. Hopefully consultants will write a plan for site which may be funded by owner. Southern end grades more to wet woodland/carr (willow and alder) with scrub banks along an old boardwalk, which may be due to spoil being placed there when boardwalk was laid or could be an old boundary. Some clearance was completed here last year. Plans are to retain this area as wet woodland with continued management to arrest succession and to try and improve reedbed area to north of site by ditch clearance to increase wetness (some scrub will be retained). A brief search was made for Desmoulin's in an area where wetness was 4 (on scale of 1-5 increasing wetness) and where dominant species was phragmites. About 20 adults were found with little effort. | Inappropriate ditch management |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 28 | 1025237 | 1.31 | 02 Feb 2003 | Favourable | Reed swamp bordering Hunt Stream (River Wylye tributary), arable and pasture. Mostly Phragmites, also Urtica, Cirsium etc. away from river. Moisture level: 3 (wet). Probably no management. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 29 | 1027049 | 0.53 | 14 Oct 2002 | Favourable | Small site, on edge of amenity area. Area was bordered by old willows to west and east and hawthorn, ash and sycamore to north east. Average height of fen/swamp vegetation around 60cm. Trees gave some shade, but was no evidence of new growth so should not be a problem. On 1-5 scale, site averaged 3 for wetness. Brief search for Desmoulin's at 2 locations resulted in 2 adults and 1 juv. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Fen, marsh and swamp - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 36 | 1028720 | 2.50 | 06 Sep 2004 | Unfavourable declining | Much of site appeared too dry to support much fen vegetation with nettle present in large areas. Area is extensively grazed. | Water abstraction |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Dianne Matthews | 37 | 1028721 | 6.62 | 16 Nov 2006 | Favourable | Min intervention wood, even aged with some deadwood. Some sycamore. Little regeneration. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 38 | 1028722 | 1.61 | 16 Nov 2006 | Favourable | Min intervention, even aged with good ground flora and freq fallen deadwood. Little regen. Some sycamore and grey poplar. Some human disturbance. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 39 | 1028723 | 7.84 | 29 Sep 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Site is now managed under a Higher Level Stewardship Agreement and accordingly the correct management in the agreement has been put into place to ensure favourable management. Will need validation within the next three years. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Dianne Matthews | 40 | 1028724 | 9.02 | 29 Sep 2008 | Unfavourable recovering | Part of site is now managed under a Higher Level Stewardship Agreement and accordingly the correct management in the agreement has been put into place to ensure favourable management. Will need validation within the next three years. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Sarah Grinsted | 1 | 1027072 | 18.84 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality (P) - unfav declining from P data. Need to monitor and new assessment may need to be entered (as set up as no change) Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - fav Management - fav Disturbance - fav Access - fav | Inappropriate water levels, Undergrazing, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Rivers and streams | Sarah Grinsted | 2 | 1027073 | 15.42 | 14 Mar 2003 | Unfavourable no change | Quality - fav, but may be declining due to P levels Flow - unfav recovering Silt - unfav no change Structure - fav Management - fav Disturbance fav Access - fav | Inappropriate water levels, Water pollution - agriculture/run off, Water pollution - discharge |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 1 | 1007841 | 68.63 | 03 Jun 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Unit 1 consists of two separate management units but essentially they are the same in terms of interest features. The grassland passed on all attributes with an excellent display of early gentian in places. There was no grazing at the time of the visit although they had recently been taken off the site - it will require further grazing in the summer though to retain the condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 2 | 1007843 | 28.41 | 25 Nov 2009 | Favourable | The site maybe suffering from slight undergrazing but this can be easily rectified with a change in timings for grazing. Predominantly sheep grazed but cattle should be strongly considered as well. No Early gentian seen or Adonis but conditions appear suitable. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Salisbury | Neutral grassland - lowland | Robert Lloyd | 3 | 1007847 | 23.54 | 25 Nov 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | A woodland noted for non-intervention and apart from the lack of recent young growth as a result of this policy, it is considered in a favourable condition. The area of grassland to the south has low numbers of indicator species but the grazing management appears suitable. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 1 | 1008049 | 5.61 | 22 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable no change | Lack of grazing or mechanical control is the reason why this unit remains unfavourable, with the sward averaging over 30cm. There is still a surprising abundance of wildflowers in several small areas of the unit, including round headed rampion. | Undergrazing |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 2 | 1008052 | 27.42 | 18 Mar 2005 | Unfavourable recovering | Site visit to inspect the completion of this winter's scrub management works and assess the state of the grassland sward at the end of the grazing season. The scrub management works have targetted removing young scrub growth that has encroached on the grassland in this unit in the last 20 years. A successful removal and thinning operation has been completed. The grassland sward condition after the second year of restoration grazing has now been opened open, with the thick thatch of rank tor grass and deep leaf litter removed over the majoritry of the unit. Tussocks of tor grass are still abundant in the sward. Now that an appropriate grazing regime to produce the desired grassland sward structure can be produced, the unit is assessed as in unfavourable improving condition. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Calcareous grassland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 3 | 1008053 | 21.90 | 22 Jul 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Recorded unfavourable recovering. The lower slopes of the unit do contain areas of closely grazed sward with a diverse ground flora. The banks remain very tussocky, however it is noted that due to the timing of the visit the sward had probably not been grazed for some time. In addition the presence of tuberour thistle requires a longer sward than usual. | |
| South West | Wiltshire | Kennet | Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland - lowland | David Collingbourne | 4 | 1008059 | 29.38 | 21 Mar 2006 | Unfavourable recovering | An English Nature WES agreement with the owners has contributed to the removal of scrub from the four glades in the winter of 2005/2006, and set up a maintenance regime of moving in late summer/autumn. |
| Region |
County |
District |
Main habitat |
Staff member responsible for unit |
Unit number |
Unit ID |
Unit area (ha) |
Latest assessment date |
Assessment description |
Condition assessment comment |
Reason for adverse condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 1 | 1024903 | 262.67 | 01 Apr 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Please see ‘Salisbury Plain SSSI Condition Assessment 2008’ report for detail. In summary, the condition status of the notified habitats and species in this unit was judged to be: Chalk grassland attribute: bare ground - Favourable Condition Chalk grassland attributes: litter, sward height, grass/herb ratio, positive indicator species, negative indicator species, indicators of local distinctiveness – condition status pending Chalk grassland attribute, negative indicator species: scrub – Unfavourable Recovering Tuberous thistle – Favourable Condition Vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Non-vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Hobby – Favourable Condition Stone-curlew – Favourable Condition Quail – Favourable Condition Hen harrier – Favourable Condition Breeding bird assemblage – Favourable Condition Fairy shrimp – Favourable Condition Adonis blue – Favourable Condition Duke of Burgundy – Favourable Condition Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus – Favourable Condition A cuckoo bee - Nomada armata – Favourable Condition A bumblebee - Bombus humilis – Favourable Condition Shrill carder bee - Bombus sylvarum – Unfavourable Declining Marsh fritillary – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F111 sand & chalk – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F112 open short sward – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: W2 Mineral Marsh and Open Water – Favourable Condition | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 2 | 1024904 | 301.83 | 24 Mar 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Please see ‘Salisbury Plain SSSI Condition Assessment 2008’ report for detail. In summary, the condition status of the notified habitats and species in this unit was judged to be: Chalk grassland attribute: bare ground - Favourable Condition Chalk grassland attributes: litter, sward height, grass/herb ratio, positive indicator species, negative indicator species, indicators of local distinctiveness – condition status pending Chalk grassland attribute, negative indicator species: scrub – Unfavourable Recovering Tuberous thistle – Favourable Condition Vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Non-vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Hobby – Favourable Condition Stone-curlew – Favourable Condition Quail – Favourable Condition Hen harrier – Favourable Condition Breeding bird assemblage – Favourable Condition Fairy shrimp – Favourable Condition Adonis blue – Favourable Condition Duke of Burgundy – Favourable Condition Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus – Favourable Condition A cuckoo bee - Nomada armata – Favourable Condition A bumblebee - Bombus humilis – Favourable Condition Shrill carder bee - Bombus sylvarum – Unfavourable Declining Marsh fritillary – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F111 sand & chalk – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F112 open short sward – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: W2 Mineral Marsh and Open Water – Favourable Condition | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 4 | 1024905 | 261.52 | 24 Mar 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Please see ‘Salisbury Plain SSSI Condition Assessment 2008’ report for detail. In summary, the condition status of the notified habitats and species in this unit was judged to be: Chalk grassland attribute: bare ground - Favourable Condition Chalk grassland attributes: litter, sward height, grass/herb ratio, positive indicator species, negative indicator species, indicators of local distinctiveness – condition status pending Chalk grassland attribute, negative indicator species: scrub – Unfavourable Recovering Vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Non-vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Hobby – Favourable Condition Stone-curlew – Favourable Condition Quail – Favourable Condition Hen harrier – Favourable Condition Breeding bird assemblage – Favourable Condition Fairy shrimp – Favourable Condition Adonis blue – Favourable Condition Duke of Burgundy – Favourable Condition Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus – Favourable Condition A cuckoo bee - Nomada armata – Favourable Condition A bumblebee - Bombus humilis – Favourable Condition Shrill carder bee - Bombus sylvarum – Unfavourable Declining Marsh fritillary – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F111 sand & chalk – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F112 open short sward – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: W2 Mineral Marsh and Open Water – Favourable Condition | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 5 | 1024906 | 6.49 | 24 Mar 2009 | Favourable | Please see ‘Salisbury Plain SSSI Condition Assessment 2008’ report for detail. In summary, the condition status of the notified habitats and species in this unit was judged to be: Chalk grassland attribute: bare ground - Favourable Condition Chalk grassland attributes: litter, sward height, grass/herb ratio, positive indicator species, negative indicator species, indicators of local distinctiveness – condition status pending Chalk grassland attribute, negative indicator species: scrub – Favourable Condition Vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Non-vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Hobby – Favourable Condition Stone-curlew – Favourable Condition Quail – Favourable Condition Hen harrier – Favourable Condition Breeding bird assemblage – Favourable Condition Fairy shrimp – Favourable Condition Adonis blue – Favourable Condition Duke of Burgundy – Favourable Condition Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus – Favourable Condition A cuckoo bee - Nomada armata – Favourable Condition A bumblebee - Bombus humilis – Favourable Condition Shrill carder bee - Bombus sylvarum – Unfavourable Declining Marsh fritillary – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F111 sand & chalk – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: F112 open short sward – Favourable Condition Habitat-associated invertebrate assemblage: W2 Mineral Marsh and Open Water – Favourable Condition | |
| South West | Wiltshire | West Wiltshire | Calcareous grassland - lowland | Sarah Grinsted | 7 | 1024907 | 180.78 | 24 Mar 2009 | Unfavourable recovering | Please see ‘Salisbury Plain SSSI Condition Assessment 2008’ report for detail. In summary, the condition status of the notified habitats and species in this unit was judged to be: Chalk grassland attribute: bare ground - Favourable Condition Chalk grassland attributes: litter, sward height, grass/herb ratio, positive indicator species, negative indicator species, indicators of local distinctiveness – condition status pending Chalk grassland attribute, negative indicator species: scrub – Unfavourable Recovering Tuberous thistle – Favourable Condition Vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Non-vascular plant assemblage – Favourable Condition Hobby – Favourable Condition Stone-curlew – Favourable Condition Quail – Favourable Condition Hen harrier – Favourable Condition Breeding bird assemblage – Favourable Condition Fairy shrimp – Favourable Condition Adonis blue – Favourable Condition Duke of Burgundy – Favourable Condition Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth - Hemaris tityus – Favourable Condition A cuckoo bee - Nomada |