Orchard, The Lea, Cookham Dean

SU872860
Date of survey Hedgeside Northern half Southern half Entire site Species (common name) Species (latin name) Notes Species indicator of semi-improved grassland* Species indicator of improved grassland**
May-07 Undetermined Vetch spp. Vicia spp. Seen on earlier visit in May 2007
11.08.07 R R Autumn Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis x
11.08.07 R R Black Horehound Ballota nigra
11.08.07 R R Bladder campion Silene vulgaris Empty calyx only
11.08.07 R R Bracken Pteridium aquilinum Not significant currently.
11.08.07 R R Common mallow Malva sylvestris
11.08.07 R R Common mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum
11.08.07 R F F F Common nettle Urtica dioica x
11.08.07 O O O Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense In rides between trees. x
11.08.07 R O Dark Mullein Verbascum nigrum Flowers present on some plants. Several individual plants on hedgebank, especially at northern corner. Cutting of hedge could threaten flower spikes.
11.08.07 R O R Dock spp. Rumex spp. Not sorrel x
11.08.07 R R

Doves foot or small flowered

cranesbill

 Geranium cinereum/molle Not sure which species
11.08.07 R A A A Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Spreading.
11.08.07 R R Great plantain Plantago major
11.08.07 R R Green alkanet Pentaglottis sempervirens
11.08.07 O O O O Hedge parsley Torilis spp.
11.08.07 O R Hemlock or Fools Parsley Conium maculatum/aethusa cynapium Only leaves present so not confident with id.
11.08.07 R R Herb robert Geranium robertianum
11.08.07 F F Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Clumps under trees.
11.08.07 F F F Ivy Hedera helix ssp. Helix Spreading over and under some trees.
11.08.07 R R Lords and ladies Arum maculatum One individual only.
11.08.07 R R Old man's beard Clematis vitalba Densely covering tree.
11.08.07 R R Perforate St Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum
11.08.07 R O O O Ragwort Senecio spp. Several individuals but not significant currently
11.08.07 O R R Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata x
11.08.07 R R White bryony Bryonia dioica
11.08.07 R R White campion Silene latifolia
11.08.07 R F F F White clover Trifolium repens x
11.08.07 R R White dead nettle Lamium album
11.08.07 R R Woody nightshade Solanum dulcamara
11.08.07 R R Yarrow Achillea millefolium x
11.08.07 Undetermined Undetermined Undetermined Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus Only grass spp confidently identified - other species present.
Total 11.08.07 15 14 17 31
Comments from surveyor Sarah Wright
Rabbits present in northern half.
Hedge beside footpath is made up of varying fruit trees and incorporates a little steep bank at northern end.
At time of survey, hedge appeared to have most botanical interest in contrast to main orchard area.
Rides dominated by long grass although not tussocky - limits botanical interest.
Long grass probably beneficial for invertebrates.
Trees have potential interest for invertebrates. Features such as sap runs, dead branches etc may be attracting insects.
Trees covered with ivy/old man's beard - potential for bats and nesting birds?
Entire survey area was not accessible due to nettles and survey route tended to focus upon rides rather than areas under trees. However, survey was done under occassional trees where it appeared to have potential/be different.
Dogs using site.
Butterflies and bees seen during survey.
Beehives on site.
Concluding remarks: limited botanical interest but within the wider habitat context, it has value as an orchard habitat and as an area of minimal management.
Information for landowner/manager
Dark Mullein - adapt hedge/track management to avoid damage and encourage spread. Increase awareness of species dependent upon this plant.
Seek invertebrate survey.
Seek bat survey.
Prevent grass from becoming rank and swamping out the few interesting plants - rotational cutting to maintain some areas of short grass and remove cuttings to avoid dead material building up. Still retain long grass where beneficial for invertebrates.
Retain standing and fallen dead wood.
Seek favourable management of hedge alongside footpath - some trees should be kept as hedgerow trees.
Retain variety, e.g. keep some open, cut rides but also shady, overgrown areas.
To maintain its Its current value is as an area largely left to its own devices, avoid drastic or intensive management - it just needs a little management that considers the above points.
* Indicators based upon list of species informing national BAP grassland inventory/Environmental Stewardship habitat classification for 'good quality semi-improved grassland'.
** Indicators based upon list of species used to determine Phase 1 Improved grassland classification.