Lower Bostraze and Leswidden
Site details
Location of Lower Bostraze and Leswidden SAC/SCI/cSAC
Note:
When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.
Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site
Not applicable
Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site
Not applicable.
Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site
| 1390 Western rustwort Marsupella profunda * Priority feature |
| This site comprises two closely adjacent locations selected for western rustwort Marsupella profunda. The colony at Lower Bostraze is in the southern half of a disused china-clay quarry where extraction ended around 1991. There are many exposed clay surfaces with little or no colonisation by bryophytes and vascular plants. Filamentous green algae are however widespread on the clay. Most vascular plants present are only immature individuals, with heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea the most common species. Lower Bostraze supports the largest population of western rustwort, with an estimated 4,000 cm2 cover, while Leswidden supports an estimated 200 cm2. Leswidden is also a former china-clay quarry, where working ceased before 1965. Banks of clay spoil have been exposed more recently during work to clear and flatten the area to the south now used as a coal merchant’s yard. As at Lower Bostraze, the clay surfaces are colonised by filamentous green algae and, very sparsely, by calcifuge vascular plants such as heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea. |
Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection
Not applicable.
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