| Condition assessment comment: |
This visit was taken with a wetland specialist. Just a general observation was made of the MG5/CG5 interests, it was obvious that the lack of grazing has lead to a significant decline in diversity and low abundance of positive indciator species. Lack of grazing has also allowed the encroachment of scrub, the most serious being the large scrubs growing within the mire/springline. The more species-rich M22 is largely confined to the spring lines with 14 positive indicator species recorded (4 freq and 3 occ) meeting the main targets for favourable condition. It is dominated by hard rush especially in the grassland surrounding the springline but this is a typical species of Cotswold mires and is not regarded as an unfavourable attribute. Further surveys are required to investigate possible areas of rare alkaline M10 or M13 mire habitats.
This would be an ideal site for an HLS agreement to assist with restoration of grazing and scrub control. |
