NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 (BIODIVERSITY – LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES IN
POSITIVE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT) WORKS ON HYNDBURN
BOROUGH COUNCIL OWNED SITES 2009/10.
SITE:
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood, Hyndburn. SD 733 331.
BHS REFERENCE AND SIZE:
73SW14 and approx 0.7 hectare.
QUALIFYING SITE SELECTION GUIDELINE(S):
Fungi (Fu1 and Fu2).
SUMMARY:
Is the site boundary unchanged?
Is the site integrity intact?
Does the site still meet the BHS guideline?
Is the site in positive conservation management?
Are restoration works required?
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
UK BAP HABITAT/SPECIES: Bluebell and Hedge Accentor (Dunnock).
LANCASHIRE BAP HABITAT/SPECIES: Broadleaved and mixed woodland.
BACKGROUND:
In 2004 Dr Irene Ridge, from Billington, Lancashire, was contracted by the Lancashire
Wildlife Trust to survey Round Wood in Memorial Park as part of an ecological
assessment commissioned by the Friends of Memorial Park. Dr Ridge surveyed the wood
on 13/07/04, 02/09/04 and 18/10/04 and recorded six notable species: five Nationally
Scarce species: Clitocybe obsolete (no English name), Crepidotus luteolus (Yellowing
Oyster), the bonnet Mycena pearsoniana and Mycena mirata together with Psathyrella
narcotica (no English name). In addition Scleroderma verrucosum (the Scaly Earthball),
a rare species in Lancashire, was recorded.
In supporting nationally and regionally notable species of fungi, the site meets the
guidelines for site selection as a Biological Heritage Site (BHS - the Local Wildlife Sites
System for Lancashire). The results were presented to the annual review of the BHS
panel and the site was accepted as a BHS for its fungi in January 2006.
SITE OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGEMENT:
Memorial Park, including Round Wood, is owned and managed by Hyndburn Borough
Council. Responsibility for management lies with the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces
Manager, Craig Horabin. There is also a Friends of Memorial Park group.
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL
OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
PAST MANAGEMENT FOR NATURE CONSERVATION:
The Wildlife Trust is not aware of any specific management having been carried out but
dead wood has been left on site.
RESULTS OF 2009 ASSESSMENT:
In August 2009 Lancashire Wildlife Trust commissioned Dr Irene Ridge to resurvey the
fungi in Memorial Park Wood. Dr Ridge surveyed the woodland on the 6th September
and 10th October 2009 and recorded a total of 30 species, including three notable species,
see table overleaf.
Of the 30 species recorded in 2009, 15 (i.e. 50%) were not recorded in 2004 hence the
fungal species list for the woodland has been increased to 54.
Of the nine notable species of fungi recorded on the site in 2004 and/or 2009 the majority
occur to the west of the spring that flows through the woodland but the Yellowing Oyster
and Scaly Earthball were found in the eastern circle of woodland in 2004, which also
supports good quantities of dead wood and leaf litter.
The site was visited by John Lamb of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, with Dr Irene Ridge,
on the 25th November 2009 following which these notes were produced. During the site
visit a specimen of Scaly Earthball was found to the west of the spring.
DISCUSSION:
In 2009 Dr Ridge recorded three notable species of fungi; one Nationally Scarce species,
Psathyrella noli-tangere (no English name) and two locally uncommon species,
Tricholoma sciodes (no English name) and Scleroderma verrucosum (the Scaly
Earthball).
Of the six notable species recorded in 2004, only one, Scleroderma verrucosum (the
Scaly Earthball) was recorded again in 2009.
Dr Ridge recorded 39 species of fungi in 2004 but the reduced number of 30 recorded in
2009 probably reflects different environmental conditions, especially the very dry
September, rather than any decline in the state of the woodland. The fungal list for the
site has been increased by 15 to 54 because of the 2009 survey.
As was the case in 2004, the majority of the species recorded in 2009 are associated with
dead wood. This resource is locally abundant and remains an important factor in
maintaining the fungal interest of the woodland.
2
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL
OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
The 2009 survey identified six new mycorrhizal species, indicating that the woodland is
in a reasonably healthy state. Nearly all of the mycorrhizal species are associated with
mature Quercus sp. (oak) and (especially) Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and these trees are,
therefore, especially important as regards the conservation status of the wood.
In conclusion, Dr Ridge states that, overall, the wood appears to be in a reasonably
healthy state as regards fungal interest.
The site visit by the Wildlife Trust on the 25th November 2009 determined that the habitat
(broadleaved woodland) and primary features of importance for fungi (mature Beech and
oak trees, abundant dead wood, undisturbed soil and leaf litter layer) are intact and that
the boundary of the site is unchanged.
Its condition in terms of the BHS-qualifying features (i.e. fungi) is maintained, even
though the same species of notable fungi were not recorded in both 2004 and 2009, as
major differences in species between years is to be expected as many fungi do not
produce fruiting bodies (mushrooms and toadstools) every year.
Due to the relatively small size of the site and its importance for fungi, the informal paths
through the site should not be surfaced with hardcore. If improvements to sections of the
path are considered necessary then narrow sections of boardwalk may be acceptable.
MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE AND ADVICE:
Introductory paragraph: Positive conservation management should be sufficient to
maintain and enhance the feature(s) for which the site qualifies as a BHS. This should
include maintenance of the extent and integrity of the site, a condition assessment of the
site feature(s) and actions identified in order to maintain or move the feature(s) into or
towards a favourable conservation status. If the site feature(s) has/have been damaged, or
the boundary/extent changed, then remedial works should also be identified to restore the
site and its feature(s).
1.
According to Dr Ridge maintaining the Quercus (oak) and Fagus sylvatica
(Beech) trees is vital to sustain the fungal interest of the woodland and any new
planting should be of Quercus (oak) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech).
2.
Preventing the spread of Sycamore and Rhododendron would, in Dr Ridge’s
opinion, improve the site.
3.
Himalayan Balsam wasn’t recorded in 2004 but was found in one area by Dr.
Ridge in 2009. Japanese Knotweed, however, was recorded in 2004 and both
these species should be eradicated from such a small and sensitive site.
4.
Due to the relatively small size of the site and its importance for fungi, the
3
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL
OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
informal paths through the site should not be surfaced with hardcore. If
improvements to sections of the path are considered necessary then narrow
sections of boardwalk may be acceptable.
Whilst Round Wood was found to be not very rich in terms of bryophyte diversity with
25 mosses and three liverworts recorded in 2004, the woodland was of interest for
epiphytic species of Orthotrichum. The elderberry bushes scattered throughout much of
the woodland are of particular importance, coupled with the effect of the tree canopy in
maintaining suitable levels of humidity.
In the 2004 bryophyte survey report it was said that management shouldn’t open up the
canopy too much and should avoid “tidying up” the site. The 2004 surveys highlighted
the importance of nettle and bramble patches as well as dead wood, including twigs, and
tree seeds on the ground.
NEED FOR RESTORATION WORKS:
As the site boundary, integrity and condition have not changed or been compromised,
there is no need for restoration works.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Wildlife Trust recommends that the following actions be incorporated into the
Management Plan for Memorial Park, insofar as the plan affects Round Wood, and
implemented within the timetables suggested below, i.e:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Leave Quercus (oak) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) trees and elderberry
(Sambucus nigra) bushes to grow into maturity and over-maturity (i.e. let
them die naturally of old age) unless health and safety specifically dictates
otherwise and can be justified. Timetable: ongoing.
All dead wood, whether large or small, standing or fallen, wet or dry and in
sunny or shaded conditions should be left in situ. The removal of dead wood
for firewood or other reasons should not be allowed or permitted. Timetable:
ongoing.
Natural regeneration of Quercus (oak) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) may need
to be protected against damage by deer, Grey Squirrel, rabbits etc. Planting
Beech is not necessary as there is abundant regeneration but if oak doesn’t
regenerate then planting may be necessary. Timetable: ongoing.
The spread of Sycamore and Rhododendron should be prevented by
controlling the natural regeneration of both species (uprooting any seedings
and/or saplings) and cutting back Rhododendron bushes as necessary.
Rhododendron should not be burnt on site and cut material would be better
4
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL
OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
5.
6.
7.
removed from the woodland altogether. Timetable: November 2009-March
2010.
Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed should be eradicated from the site.
If these invasive plants are spreading into the woodland from adjacent land
then control should also extend into the adjacent land, wherever possible,
otherwise balsam control within the woodland may need to be carried out
every year. Timetable: July-September 2010 and ongoing as necessary.
The informal paths through the site should NOT be surfaced with hardcore.
The fungal survey is repeated in the future. Timetable: 2014-15.
The above actions are considered to be positive conservation management in order to
maintain and enhance the populations of fungal species, i.e. the site feature for which the
site qualifies as a BHS. The above actions are also consistent with positive conservation
management of the predominant Lancashire BAP habitat of broadleaved woodland.
Actions 3, 4 and 5 are suitable activities for volunteers to carry out, e.g. by the Friends of
Memorial Park, Prospects, BTCV or other group, subject to adequate instruction,
supervision, health and safety and insurance.
In addition to the above actions it is also recommended that survey results are copied to
the Lancashire Local Records Centre and evidence of management works are provided to
the Natural Environment Service. The results and evidence can be forwarded via the
Wildlife Trust.
FOLLOW-ON ACTIONS:
N/A as of the 13th January 2010.
Report by:
John Lamb,
Senior Conservation Officer (Lancashire)
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside
Version 2, 13th January 2010
5
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
Species name
English name
Date
Recorded Medium
recorded 2004
Associated tree
ASCOMYCOTA
Bulgaria inquinans
Black Bulgar
10/10/09
No
Quercus (oak)
Cudoniella acicularis
Oak Pin
10/10/09
No
Hymenoscyphus fructigenus
Hymenoscyphus laetus
Nut Elfcup
-
06/09/09
10/10/09
No
No
Hypocrea rufa
-
06/09/09
No
Nectria cinnabaria
Coral Spot
06/09/09
No
Rhytisma acerinum
Tar Spot
10/10/09
No
Dead wood branch
Dead wood – stump
mossy
Beech cupule
Dead wood –
branch mossy
Dead wood –
deciduous moist
Dead wood –
branch moist
Litter- leaf
Xylaria carpophila
Beech
Candlesnuff
Candlesnuff
06/09/09
Yes
Beech cupule
Acer pseudoplatanus
(Sycamore)
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
10/10/09
Yes
Dead wood - log
Deciduous trees
Wood Ear
06/09/09
Yes
Sambucus nigra (Elder)
Red Crack
Bolete
Yellow
Buckshorn
Southern
Bracket
Sulphur Tuft
10/10/09
Yes
Dead wood standing
Soil - M
16/09/09
No
Dead wood
Deciduous trees
06/09/09
Yes
Quercus (oak)
06/09/09
Yes
Dead wood – stump
mossy
Dead wood - stump
Amethyst
Deceiver
Deceiver
10/10/09
No
Soil - M
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
06/09/09
No
Soil
Tilia (lime)
Xylaria hypoxylon
BASIDIOMYCOTA
Auricularia auricula-judae
Boletus chryenteron
Calocera cornea
Ganoderma australe
Hypholoma fasciculare var.
fasciculare
Laccaria amethystina
Laccaria laccata
6
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Deciduous trees
Deciduous trees
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Deciduous trees
Status
NATIONAL INDICATOR 197 WORKS ON HYNDBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL OWNED SITES 2009/10
Memorial Park Wood, Great Harwood
Species name
English name
Lactarius subdulcis
Mycena arcangeliana
Mild Milkcap
Angel’s Bonnet
Mycena galericulata
Common
Bonnet
Milking Bonnet
Bark Bonnet
Snapping
Bonnet
-
Associated tree
10/10/09
Recorded Medium
2004
No
Soil
Yes
Dead wood branch
Yes
Dead wood
10/10/09
10/10/09
06/09/09
Yes
Yes
Yes
Litter - leaf
Litter - twigs
Litter - leaf
10/10/09
No
10/10/09
No
10/10/09
Yes
Soil - M
10/10/09
Yes
10/10/09
Yes
Dead wood –branch Deciduous trees
moist
Soil
Quercus (oak)
Scleroderma verrucosum
Stereum hirsutum
Stinking
Brittlegill
Common
Brittlegill
Split Pore
Crust
Common
Earthball
Scaly Earthball
Hairy Crust
Dead wood – log
moist
Soil - M
Quercus (oak)
Deciduous trees
Quercus (oak ) and
Rhododendron
Deciduous trees
06/09/09
06/09/09
No
Yes
Tricholoma sciodes
-
06/09/09
No
Mycena galopus var. galopus
Mycena speirea
Mycena vitilis
Psathyrella noli-tangere
Russula foetens
Russula ochroleuca
Schizopora paradoxa
Scleroderma citrinum
Date
recorded
10/10/09
10/10/09
Soil
Dead wood branch
Soil
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Deciduous trees
7
Nationally Scarce,
rare in NW
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Quercus (oak)
Acer pseudoplatanus
(Sycamore)
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
M = a mycorrhizal species, i.e. associated with particular trees and forming a symbiotic relationship with the tree.
Species records and notes by Dr Irene Ridge (table produced by John Lamb).
Status
Locally uncommon
Fairly uncommon