Lewis Saunders Ecology was commissioned to undertake a National Vegetation Classification survey of a Candidate Local Wildlife Site in the Charnwood Forest District of Leicestershire. The area is known for its world famous and complex geology, which includes some of the worlds earliest pre-Cambrian fossils.
The survey was based around a small outcrop of an intrusive igneous rock known as diorite, resembling a pink granite. The outcrop supported an area of acid grassland, rare in the county, closest to U1 common bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris)- sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina)-sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella) grassland. The lower slopes were dominated by neutral grassland closest to MG5 crested dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus)–black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) grassland.
A total of 17 quality grassland indicator species belonging to acid/neutral grassland were found during the survey, which significantly exceeded the previous survey of the site including betony (Betonica sylvestris) and devil’s-bit scabious (Succisia pratensis).
It is intended the survey will aid the conservation of the site by highlighting its interest and promoting better management including scrub removal.