 |  |  |
Site
Description
The best description of the site is neglected unimproved limestone grassland
which is severely overgrown with hawthorn / birch / hazel scrub and
blackthorn . The grassland glades still in existence are heavily grazed by
rabbits and densely populated with ragwort and other non desirable perennial
herbs such as creeping thistle. Other habitats on the site include
limestone pavement (protected under a Lancashire County Council Limestone
Pavement Order), an ancient semi-natural woodland and a small cliff /
escarpment. There are numerous ant hills (both active and inactive) on
the grassland and some interesting flora has been observed. The
grassland, especially on the upper glades is dominated by the nationally
scarce blue moor grass Sesleria albicans, intermixed with rock-rose,
salad burnet and early purple orchid amongst a host of other calcareous
grassland species. On the limestone pavement and the fringes of the
grassland there are numerous juniper bushes (of local importance) many in a
healthy condition, and with appropriate management they could easily spread
beyond their current range.
| | |