Table of Contents
2 Description
The Calcicolous Molinia pasture-Cirsium dissectum (M24) community is found in warm conditions on moderately mesotrophic, dry, peaty soils associated with mires.
A considerable number of flowering herbs and sedges are able to maintain themselves under a frequent grazing regime, with some patched structural diversity. Sub-shrubs, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, and Ulex gallii make a slight appearance. The bryophyte cover is generally low and shade-tolerant, with inhibited development.
3 Current condition and status
Fen Meadow:
- Total Area: 0.4 ha.
- Frequency of constant and frequent species: within LACs.
- Species indicative of change: within LAC
- A set of sub-shrubs indicative of grazing activity.
Current Status:
Favourable Maintained, as of December 2001. This assertion is based upon the 2000/2001 survey.
4 Attributes selected as performance indicators
The Fen Meadow will be considered to be in favourable condition provided the following attributes are within LACs:
4.1 Extent
All Fen Meadow Calcicolous Molinia - dissectum (M24 b/c)
- Component plant communities are influenced by climate and soil conditions, but this is essentially a secondary vegetation type, derived from a variety of precursors and maintained by grazing. These are not static factors and area limits are thus set.
4.2 Quality/condition
- M24b Calcicolous Molinia pasture-Cirsium dissectum sub-community
- M24c Juncus acutiflorus-Erica Tetralix sub-community
- Grass sward height
- A set of sub-shrubs indicative of grazing activity
- A set of associated plants as indicators of change.
5 Attributes and Operational Limits
5.1 Objective statement
To maintain the Fen Meadow with its usual plants in favourable condition, WHERE:
5.2 Extent
All Fen Meadow
- Total area remains at the target level.
- Target level: 0.4 ha. of 323 ha
- Upper limit: None set
- Lower limit: target level.
- Monitor/surveillance:
- Extent of Fen Meadow
5.3 Condition
All existing NVC plant communities:
- Target: The following conditions are met in 95% by extent
- Lower limit: 70%
- Upper limit: none set.
5.4 M24b Calcicolous Molinia pasture-Cirsium dissectum sub-community
- Monitor: frequency of Calcicolous Molinia and Cirsium dissectum
- Upper and lower limits: As stated in NVC floristic tables
5.5 M24c Juncus acutiflorus-Erica Tetralix sub-community
- Monitor frequency of Juncus acutiflorus-Erica Tetralix
- Upper and lower limits: As stated in NVC floristic tables
Grass sward height: is maintained between limits
- Target: Maintain limits to grass height
- Upper limit: 60 cm.
- Lower limit: 20 cm
- Monitor: Sward height
A set of sub-shrubs indicative of grazing activity
- These sub-shrubs are kept in check by adequate grazing regime.
- Monitor:
- Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, and Ulex gallii
- Upper limit: cover = 10%
A set of associated plants as indicators of change:
- Monitor: frequency of:
- Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium palustre, Schoenus nigricans, Hypericum undulatum, viola dioica, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra,Carex panicea
6 Management Rationale and Projects
6.1 All factors, grazing and threats 1 to 9, Calcicolous Grassland
Those found the Management Rationale and Projects in the feature, Calcicolous Grassland, are relevant, and refer equally to Fen Meadow, with the following exceptions:
Grazing intensity
- Typical sward height tends to be taller in Fen meadow than in calcicolous grassland. The grazing regime here needs to be specifically monitored for effects upon sward height. Associated sub-shrubs Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, and Ulex gallii are kept in check by an adequate grazing regime.
Operational limits: (refer to Quality indicators)
Projects:
- Target grazing as necessary to maintain sward height and control sub-shrubs.
7 Management Options
Continuously:
- A3: Active management to maintain Fen Meadow
- E4: Open access. Request walkers stay on paths.