Native species of flora on Magog Down |
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| On the South side of Little
Trees Hill native species such as Rockrose and Small Scabious are spreading
across Colin’s Bank which was cleared in 2004 and into the sheep paddocks.
Harebell was recorded for the first time in 2006 on Colin’s Bank. The
Clustered Bellflower and Horseshoe Vetch, an important food source for larvae
of the Chalkhill Blue butterfly, both species characteristic of chalk grassland
are now well established in the sheep paddocks. These were grown from seed
sourced from Fleam Dyke. On the Northwest slope of Little Trees Hill two important chalk grassland species have been confirmed as native (rather than cultivated), Pasque Flower and Grape Hyacinth (rare locally). Following damage from rabbit grazing the latter is being bulked up and will be returned to the site. Another delight is the appearance of Perennial Flax near Youth Wood. We think this arrived by seed carried by birds from the SSSI on the Golf Course. The rare Lesser Meadow Rue on Jane’s Piece has flourished with new colonies appearing near the steps. LE - January 2008 |
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| © 2008
The Magog Trust Updated : 28 January 2008 |