Walmore Common

Walmore Common (grid reference SO740162 & grid reference SO745150) is a 57.78-hectare (142.8-acre) nature reserve on the flood-plain of the River Severn, west of the city of Gloucester in England and north of the village of Chaxhill. It was notified as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1966.[2][3] The site is listed in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review' as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).[4]

Walmore Common
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Walmore Common
Location within Gloucestershire
Area of SearchGloucestershire
Grid referenceSO740162 & SO745150
Coordinates51.833476°N 2.370743°W / 51.833476; -2.370743
InterestBiological
Area57.78 hectare
Notification1966
Natural England website
Designations
Official nameWalmore Common
Designated5 December 1991
Reference no.538[1]

The common is recognised as a wetland area of international importance and is designated as a Ramsar site.[5][6] The common is recognised as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Directive on the conservation of Wild Birds.[7][8]

Location and habitat

The site is in the Severn Vale and is subject to annual winter flooding. It is low-lying and comprises two sections. It overlies the only cited significant area of peat in Gloucestershire. It is a wetland site of local botanical and ornithological importance. The habitats are unimproved and improved neutral grassland, marshy grassland and open water ditches/rhynes.[2]

Flora

The eastern part of the designated area is dominated by wavy hair grass, marsh foxtail and creeping bent. The improved grassland is dominated by perennial rye grass, creeping bent and Timothy. The northern section is mostly marshy and comprises rush and sedge species. The marshes also support bog pimpernel and ragged robin. The ditches are significant as they are examples of a disappearing habitat. A wide range of wetland plants flourish with a large population of flote grass and several pondweeds. There are rarities including tubular water dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa).[2]

Winter feeding

Its significance is as a winter feeding and roosting area for wildfowl. This includes Bewick's swans, wigeon, gadwall and shoveller.[2]

References
  1. "Walmore Common". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. Natural England SSSI information on citation, map and unit detail
  3. Forest of Dean District Local Plan Review, adopted November 2005, Appendix D 'Nature Conservation Site Designations Within the Forest of Dean District', Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  4. Forest of Dean District Local Plan Review, adopted November 2005, Appendix D 'Nature Conservation Site Designations Within the Forest of Dean District', Key Wildlife Sites
  5. Information on Walmore Common Ramsar site designation
  6. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Listing of Ramsars
  7. Information on Severn Estuary Special Protection Area designation
  8. Joint Nature Conservation Committee Listing of Special Protection Areas

SSSI Source
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