Fairwood flush

Much of Fairwood Common is vegetated by flora that characteristic of acid soils, however, occasional flushes can be found that support species more typically associated with mild base enrichment. Sometimes the differences in vegetation are subtle, when the base state can be better detected by changes in the dominant bryophytes. Rigid Bog-moss Sphagnum teres (above), is a good indicator of such base-enrichment and was found to be frequent throughout a 1500m2 area on a flushed bank. Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata was closely associated with S. teres in these areas along with some nice quality vascular plants that included Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre, Petty Whin Genista anglica (bottom photo), Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata, Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis and Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos (below), with the latter two species in good quantity.

Invertebrate interest was limited but did include the weevil Hypera rumicis.