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The aim of this protocol is to establish a baseline, and implement ongoing monitoring of MG5 meadows on SRWT reserves. Condition is assessed through structural attributes such as sward heights and bare ground, and frequency of positive and negative species. This method is not designed to compile a species list for the sites but will provide information on species richness and cover in order to assess the health of the meadows and if the sites are meeting requirements of agri-environment schemes.
Key attributes
Between May - June
- At least 2 positive indicators (see table 1a) occurring frequently (occurring in at least 40-60% of 50x50m grids).
- At least 2 positive indicators (see table 1a) occurring occasionally (occurring in at least 20-40% of 50x50m grids).
- Negative indicators (see table 1b) should not occur more than occasionally (occurring in <20-40% of 50x50m grids).
- Carr house meadows only: Maintain at least 50 individual flower spikes for Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa across the site.
- Bare ground should score ≤1 (rare) within each 50x50m grid square.
November
- Sward height should be between 5-10cm.
Table 1a. Positive indicators
- Ajuga reptans
- Alchemilla vulgaris agg.
- Centaurea nigra
- Conopodium majus
- Dactylorhiza praetermissa
- Dactylorhiza fuchsii
- Galium verum
- Lathyrus pratensis
- Lathyrus linifolius
- Leucanthemum vulgare
- Lotus corniculatus
- Lotus pedunculatus
- Lychnis flos-cuculi
- Oenathe crocata
- Potentilla erecta
- Rhinanthus minor
- Stachys officinalis
- Succisa pratensis
Table 1b. Negative indicators
- Cirsium arvense
- Cirsium vulgare
- Jacobaea vulgaris
- Rumex crispus
- Rumex obtusifolius
- Urtica dioica
Protocol description
This protocol is carried out by completing a series of ticklists and measurements on a walk-through assessment of the meadows.
Each field has been separated into 50x50m grid squares, with a survey sheet completed for each grid square.
Species indicators are assessed using a ticklist of positive and negative indicators. Likewise bare ground is assessed on whether it is present within each grid or not. Sward heights are taken from an average of five measurements taken at random in each grid square, using a metre ruler. Flower spike counts (Carr House Meadows) are undertaken for specific species within each grid square - these counts ignore non-flowering rosettes, so a square may have positive presence of a species, but score zero on the flower spike count.
Skill level
Surveyors should be able to identify the full list of positive and negative indicator species. Surveyors should have botanical skills consummate with a FISC Level 3.
Materials/equipment
- Map with marked grid squares
- GPS with grid squares loaded & spare batteries
- Weather writer and pen/pencil
- Tally counters (for counting flowering spikes)
- Survey sheets
- Instructions / criteria
- Marker flags for marking out squares - bamboo canes if meadow v tall
- Metre sticks for sward measurements in November
Timing
One visit should take place between June - July to gather species data. When scheduling this work, surveyors should ensure that they have liaised with the relevant nature reserve manager to check when the hay cut will take place, and survey before this date.
Sward height measurements should take place in November.