CROSSRAIL LINE 1 ECOLOGY TECHNICAL...

Prepared by Carter Ecological Limited 2005. Edmunds House, 40 The Green, South Bar,

Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9AE. Telephone 01295 672970 Facsimile 01295 672975

www.carterecological.co.uk

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ECOLOGY TECHNICAL REPORT

Volume 4; Part 1 Phase 2 Surveys, Botany

FINAL REPORT

17th February 2005

ECOLOGY TECHNICAL REPORT, VOL. 4, PART 1 PHASE 2 SURVEYS - BOTANY

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CARTER ECOLOGICAL LIMITED

Crossing the Capital, Connecting the UK

Crossrail Line 1 Ecology Technical Report Volume 4 Part 1 Document No. 1E0319-GE0E00-00008

Cross London Rail Links Limited 1, Butler Place LONDON SW1H 0PT Tel: 020 7941 7600 Fax: 020 7941 7703 www.crossrail.co.uk


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This report has been prepared by Carter Ecological Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.

DOCUMENT APPROVAL

- 17/02/05 RNC HE SH Final Report

Rev Date Prepared Review Approved Description


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Ecology Technical Report

Volume 1 Main Report

Volume 2 Background Data Search

Part 1 Background Data

Designations and Species Records Maps

Volume 3 Initial Surveys

Part 1 Results

Maps

Volume 4 Phase 2 Surveys

Part 1 Botany

Part 2 Invertebrates

Part 3 Animals

Maps

Volume 5 Bird Surveys

Part 1 Results

Part 2 Data Tables

Maps

Volume 6 Aquatic Ecology

Volume 7 Confidential Badger Report


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CONTENTS:

1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 1

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ........................................................................................... 2 1.2 STRUCTURE OF TECHNICAL REPORT .......................................................................... 2

2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION................................................................................ 4

2.1 COVERAGE ................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 BACKGROUND TO VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION ...................................................... 4

3 METHODS ....................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 SPECIES LISTS ............................................................................................................ 7 3.3 NVC SURVEYS........................................................................................................... 7 3.4 VEGETATION TYPES ................................................................................................... 9 3.5 SPECIES OF NOTE ..................................................................................................... 20

4 W25 - MAIDENHEAD STATION YARDS................................................................. 23

4.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 23 4.2 VEGETATION ............................................................................................................ 23 4.3 SPECIES OF NOTE ..................................................................................................... 24 4.4 TABLES .................................................................................................................... 25

5 W19 - STOKE POGES LANE BRIDGE ..................................................................... 29


6 W14 - IVER STATION ................................................................................................. 35


7 W13 – FRAY’S COAL YARD, WEST DRAYTON.................................................... 40


8 W11 TO W9 – HAYES TO SOUTHALL LINESIDES .............................................. 47



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9 W6 - WEST EALING STATION ................................................................................. 60


10 W4 - ACTON FREIGHT YARD.............................................................................. 63


11 W3 – OLD OAK COMMON DEPOT...................................................................... 71


12 C1 - WESTBOURNE PARK LINESIDES .............................................................. 82


13 C3 - HYDE PARK ..................................................................................................... 88


14 C4 - HANOVER SQUARE ....................................................................................... 93


15 C7 - FINSBURY CIRCUS......................................................................................... 96


16 C8 – PEDLEY STREET LINESIDES ..................................................................... 99

16.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 99 16.2 VEGETATION ............................................................................................................ 99 16.3 SPECIES OF NOTE ................................................................................................... 100 16.4 TABLES .................................................................................................................. 101

17 C9 - STEPNEY GREEN AND STEPPING STONES FARM.............................. 104


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17.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 104 17.2 VEGETATION .......................................................................................................... 104 17.3 SPECIES OF NOTE ................................................................................................... 104 17.4 TABLES .................................................................................................................. 105

18 11 – WEST INDIA DOCKS.................................................................................... 110


19 C12 - MILE END PARK......................................................................................... 117


20 C13 – PUDDING MILL LANE .............................................................................. 121


21 NE4 – ALDERSBROOK DEPOT .......................................................................... 126


22 NE6 TO NE7 - GOODMAYES TO CHADWELL HEATH LINESIDES.......... 130


23 NE7 - CHADWELL HEATH SIDINGS ................................................................ 140


24 NE8 - ROMFORD – WHALEBONE LANE AND WESTLANDS PLAYING FIELDS.................................................................................................................................. 147


25 NE8 TO NE9 - ROMFORD DEPOT AND LINESIDES..................................... 154


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26 NE9 - ROMFORD GAS WORKS .......................................................................... 159


27 NE11 - GIDEA PARK STABLING SIDINGS ...................................................... 167


28 NE17 - SHENFIELD STATION............................................................................. 175


29 SE1 – THE LIMMO PENINSULA ........................................................................ 181


30 SE2 TO SE3 – CUSTOM HOUSE STATION TO CONNAUGHT TUNNEL LINESIDES ........................................................................................................................... 188


31 SE3 TO SE4 – CONNAUGHT TUNNEL TO NORTH WOOLWICH STATION LINESIDES ........................................................................................................................... 193


32 SE4 - PIER ROAD, NORTH WOOLWICH ......................................................... 199


33 SE5 - WARREN LANE........................................................................................... 209


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34 SE6 TO SE8 - PLUMSTEAD TO ABBEY WOOD LINESIDES........................ 214


35 R1 – PITSEA SIDINGS........................................................................................... 222


36 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 229


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Report

This document is Volume 4, Part 1 in a series forming the Ecology Technical Report prepared in connection with the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Crossrail Project. The complete Ecology Technical Report is a source document for the Environmental Statement accompanying a Hybrid Bill submission to Parliament. This document describes the plant species and vegetation types that occur in the more substantial areas of vegetated habitat that would be affected by the Crossrail scheme. It thus addresses the following. • Floristics – the species that occur and the composition of the flora in sites,

districts, and across the area of the scheme. • Phytosociology – the vegetation types that occur in sites, and across the scheme. In so doing it gives an overview of the range of plant species and vegetation types that would be affected, and it is accordingly intended not only to supplement information available for the assessment of impacts at individual locations, but also – and more importantly – to develop understanding of the floristic and phytosociological contexts surrounding the scheme. The objective in this section is to give an account of plant species and vegetation types in areas that can in some sense be perceived as complete habitat units. It describes each as a whole, rather than splitting them down into ecologically arbitrary and incomplete units on the basis of worksite boundaries or other delimiters arising out of the Crossrail scheme. They are however based on Crossrail worksites, and do not wantonly extend into expanses of habitat outside the boundaries of the scheme.

1.2 Structure of Technical Report

This document is structured as follows. • Section 1 provides introductory text. • Section 2 provides background information on vegetation classification. • Section 3 outlines the survey methods, gives a synopsis of railway vegetation

types, and gives an overview of species of note encountered during the surveys.


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• Sections 4 to 36 present the results for each route window surveyed, including for

each site the following: o a general description of the site; o a discussion of the vegetation types present (mostly with reference to the

National Vegetation Classification); o mention of any species of note found; and o tables of primary data including species-lists and tabulated

phytosociological data (NVC-style tables). • Section 37 provides the references.


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2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.1 Coverage

The units described in this section are more-or-less integral ecological areas spanning one or more Crossrail worksites or work areas (Section 1.1). Each is introduced under the route window in which it occurs, or if it spans more than one route window, then under the first route window in which it occurs working from west to east. The units may include land between Crossrail worksites where several lie close to one another (e.g. in the area here called ‘Hayes to Southall Linesides’ which comprises separate work areas scattered along more-or-less ecologically continuous railway linesides). Similarly they may include land outside Crossrail worksites but forming part of an obvious land parcel or habitat complex in which the worksite is located – in such cases it is necessary to consider the effect of a worksite upon the whole habitat complex. The units described in this section all contain appreciable areas of vegetated wildlife habitat. There may in addition be large built-up or hard-surfaced areas (even occupying up to 90% of the unit), but none are devoid of vegetated wildlife habitat. Some major non-vegetated Crossrail worksites or concentrations of worksites in built-up or hard-surfaced areas have accordingly been excluded from consideration, having been scoped out on the basis of Phase 1 survey information in Volume 3 of this report.

2.2 Background to Vegetation Classification

The standard for vegetation description in Britain is the National Vegetation Classification (Rodwell 1990, 1991, 1995, 2000, Rodwell et al. 2000), which partitions British vegetation into communities (roughly equivalent to the ‘associations’ of Continental phytosociology) and sub-communities on a nationwide basis. The NVC is adequate for most vegetation types occurring in traditional cultural landscapes in Britain, though occasionally it may not compass the detail of local variation. It is however acknowledged that a wide range of ruderal and semi-ruderal vegetation types are poorly covered by the NVC (Rodwell et al. 2000). Not only are substantial numbers of ruderal communities not described, but also whole alliances, orders and classes of ruderal vegetation that are commonly recognized in Continental schemes of phytosociology (see below). These are actually thought to occur in the UK, and they are therefore included in the NVC phytosociological conspectus (Rodwell et al. 2000). We therefore refer not only to NVC communities, but also to the syntaxa of traditional Continental phytosociology (these being vegetation classification units based on species groupings). They form a nested hierarchy, and their names – derived from those of their typical species - have modified endings indicating their level in the hierarchy. The highest (all-embracing) groupings called ‘classes’ take the ending


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‘~etea’; the next called ‘orders’ take the ending ‘~alia’; the next called ‘alliances’ take the ending ‘~ion’; the next called ‘associations’ take the ending ‘~etum’ (these are equivalent to NVC communities); and the final and lowest take the ending ‘~etosum’. These syntaxon names are conventionally followed by an authority citation (not to be confused with literature references among which they are not included). In EIAs relating to rural areas the gaps in NVC coverage of ruderal vegetation types are of little consequence. For a scheme such as Crossrail they are however more serious. The NVC covers the more natural types of woodland, scrub, rough grassland and wetland vegetation encountered on and around the London railways; but it almost completely fails to cover ornamental woodlands and scrub, species-rich semi-ruderal grasslands on railway ballast substrates, and a wide range of urban ruderal vegetation types, especially those occurring on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates. This state-of-affairs results in a lack of well-defined benchmarks for describing the many ruderal and semi-ruderal vegetation types of the Crossrail survey areas. Only nettlebed vegetation in the Galio-Alliarion alliance, and rough grasslands in the Arrhenatherion elatioris and Lolio-Plantaginion alliances are well-covered in the NVC. The largest gaps in the NVC are among late successional ruderal communities. Here many new NVC communities are proposed by Rodwell et al. (2000), but they suggest that sampling of ruderal vegetation may lead to the recognition of still more, including many described from Continental Europe. New NVC communities already proposed in Rodwell et al. (2000) but not as yet validated include the following: • In the Convolvulion sepium alliance (communities of tall herbaceous nitrophiles

around eutrophic lakes and ditches), 3 new communities (at present none in the NVC).

• In the Aegopodion podagrariae alliance (communities of sunny and semi-shaded

margins and clearings of woody vegetation), 2 new communities (at present none). • In the Galio-Alliarion alliance (thermophilous, semi-natural communities of

nitrophilous perennials of sunny forest-meadow ecotones), 1 new community (at present 2).

• In the Arction lappae alliance (mesophytic communities of moister soils in cooler

climates), 2 new communities (at present none). • In the Onopordion acanthii alliance (xero-mesophilous weed communities of

prickly biennials on nutrient-rich soils), 1 new community for definite (at present none), and probably several.


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• In the Dauco-Melilotion alliance (mesophilous weed communities of biennials and perennials on moderately nutrient-rich soils), 1 new community for definite (at present none), and probably several.

On this basis there is an acknowledged need for a further 13 NVC communities to compass variation in British late-successional ruderal vegetation, and probably for several more. As there are likely to be several sub-communities in each, this implies around 40 to 60 new UK syntaxa, many of which are likely to occur in the Crossrail area, especially in the Arction, Onopordion and Dauco-Melilotion alliances in the class Artemisietea vulgaris, characteristic of open well-drained wastelands, which are especially pertinent to the railway. Less pertinent but not irrelevant are communities belonging to alliances in the class Galio-Urticetea, characteristic of nutrient-rich semi-shaded or moist soils. Descriptions of these vegetation types as they are expressed in the UK are hard to find, though some are briefly described in Rodwell et al. (2000). Turning to pioneer ruderal communities, arable-weed vegetation is well covered in the NVC, which describes 17 communities in the class Stellarietea medii, and a further three or four grassy arable-weed communities in the class Polygono arenastri-Poetea annuae. But the ample NVC treatment of arable-weed communities does not help with pioneer urban ruderal communities that also belong to the Stellarietea. These often have affinities with the NVC arable-weed communities, but seldom match them closely. Most are best placed in the Sisymbrion officinalis alliance (weed communities of compost and dung heaps, disturbed tracksides and recreation areas), not currently represented in the NVC. At least one new NVC Sisymbrion community is proposed, and the discussion in Rodwell et al. (2000) suggests that several NVC communities will eventually be described. Other phytosociological literature was therefore used in describing vegetation types not covered by the NVC. This included the following. • A brief independent phytosociological scheme for UK urban ruderal vegetation in

Sheperd (1998). This provides a practical scheme, which is for the time-being among the best available, though it was developed in northern England, and almost certainly does not fully compass variation in London ruderal vegetation.

• Accounts of Dutch ruderal vegetation – not vastly different from British ruderal

vegetation - in Schaminée et al. (1998), which is the Dutch equivalent of the NVC. They include authoritative treatment of Continental European views and phytosociological practice on ruderal vegetation.


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3 METHODS

3.1 General

Botanical surveys were carried out between April and September 2004. They involved species listing and the description of vegetation using the methods of the National Vegetation Classification. Surveys were mostly on operational railway land, where work was carried out by PTS-trained and Sentinel-card carrying ecologists in accordance with a risk-assessed Schedule of Work under the supervision of a Controller of Site Safety (CoSS), who had authority to determine where the ecologists could safely go. It cannot be assumed that they were free to go anywhere; some places may still have been surveyed from a distance, e.g. areas beyond limited-clearance bridges.

3.2 Species Lists

Species lists were compiled either for whole survey areas, or else for readily recognisable compartments within them. Compartments mostly have some degree of vegetational homogeneity, but they were not chosen primarily on this basis. Rather, their boundaries were chosen to follow unambiguous linear features such as the outer boundary of the survey area, tracks, ditches and tree-lines. Subjective estimates of the relative abundance of species were added to the plant species lists using a modified DAFOR scale. The DAFOR scale is used to rank species according to their relative abundance within a specified area of vegetation. The following abbreviations are used – D – dominant, A – abundant, F – frequent, O – occasional, R – rare. In this report, the prefixes L – locally and V – very are also used. These estimates of abundance have no relevance to the status of the species within the wider landscape.

3.3 NVC Surveys

The methodology of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) was used to describe the vegetation types present (Rodwell 1991, 1992, 1995, 2000; Rodwell et al. 2000). NVC types were largely identified on the basis of observation and experience. Quadrat sampling was not generally carried out where vegetation could trivially be assigned to appropriate NVC types by inspection alone. However, quadrat data were collected in some locations for the following reasons: • to provide data supporting the interpretation of the main NVC types in the survey

area; and


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• to assist in identification of the more unusual or debatable NVC types. In practice this meant that most quadrat sampling was focussed on the distinctive ruderal communities of railway ballast substrates, which are not covered by the NVC. The data were collected from homogeneous stands of vegetation, which were subjectively selected to represent key vegetation types or difficult vegetation types. At each location, cover of the species present was recorded in five 2m-square or 4m-square quadrats using the Domin scale1. NVC types were identified by means of the NVC accounts (Rodwell 1991, 1992, 1995, 2000, Rodwell et al. 2000) and by means of computer-matching using the program MATCH (Malloch 1999). The program MATCH computes coefficients of similarity between quadrat data and standard tables of species-abundance data that define the NVC communities in Rodwell (1991, 1992, 1995, 2000). These ‘matching coefficients’ indicate possible NVC diagnoses (i.e. assignations to NVC communities) for the quadrat data, but they do not provide a firm or ‘correct’ identification. MATCH provides the 10 best matches, which then need to be carefully considered in relation to the NVC accounts in Rodwell (1991, 1992, 1995, 2000) to arrive at the best diagnosis; the highest coefficients produced by MATCH by no means always correspond to this. In practice many of the vegetation types sampled in Crossrail surveys cannot in fact be assigned to any NVC type at all, and MATCH has essentially been used to demonstrate that none of the possible NVC diagnoses are acceptable. Though the magnitude of a ‘matching coefficient’ has no absolute meaning, it is generally the case that coefficients below about 50 indicate poor matches with standard NVC types, and coefficients below about 40 indicate very poor or unacceptable matches. Almost all the matches for railway ballast vegetation are in this band.

3.3.1 Evaluation and Nomenclature

Significant species were defined as follows: • species protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; • species protected by European directives; • red data book species (Wigginton 1999); • species targeted in UK Biodiversity Action Plans; • species listed as scarce or notable in literature issued by conservation

organisations or learned societies e.g. vascular plant species listed in Stewart et al. (1994); and

• species that are notable in the local context according to published information in local Floras (Bowen 1968, Burton 1983, Druce 1897, 1926, Gibson 1862,

1 The Domin-scale represents estimates of cover by numbers as follows: 10 – 91-100%, 9 – 76-90%, 8 – 51-75%, 7 – 34-50%, 6 – 26-33%, 5 – 11-25%, 4 – 4-10%, 3 - <4% many individuals, 2 - <10% several individuals, 1 - <4% - few individuals.


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Hanbury & Marshall 1898, Jermyn 1974, Kent 1975, 2000, Kent & Lousley 1975, Philp 1982, Trimen & Dyer 1869).

Plant nomenclature (English and scientific names) follows Stace (1997).

3.4 Vegetation Types

3.4.1 Synopsis of Railway Vegetation Types in the London Area

Introduction

This scheme is used to identify vegetation types in the main route window accounts in Volume 1 of this report. We here present an ad hoc scheme for classifying the main vegetation types that are regularly encountered on and around railway linesides and other railway lands in the London area. It is a scheme of our own devising, presented originally here. It has been adopted because there is no simple scheme appropriate for the purpose that has any widespread currency. Existing habitat and vegetation classification schemes are generally designed to deal with the landscape at large: they do not focus on railway vegetation. They therefore use broad vegetation classes that fail to discriminate between railway vegetation types that can in fact be distinguished with ease in the field. These schemes place all railway vegetation in just a few broad categories, as is indeed the case in the Phase 1 Habitat Surveys described in Volume 3 of this report. Other schemes that might in principle be sufficiently discriminating have incomplete coverage of railway vegetation types. In particular the following may be noted. • Phase 1 Habitat Survey categories are very broad, and would distinguish no more

than about a dozen vegetation types on railways in the London area. • The railway vegetation classification produced by Sargent (1984) covers the whole

of the UK including upland areas. It places London railway vegetation in a very few of its categories, distinguishing them only from other regional types. It was also produced not long after the end of the era of steam, and it does not take account of the replacement of fire-dependent vegetation types by rough grassland, tall-herb vegetation, scrub and incipient secondary woodland – a process in progress in 1984 but at that time far from complete.

• The National Vegetation Classification distinguishes vegetation types at the level

of discrimination appropriate to this section, but a great many urban ruderal vegetation types and ornamental tree and shrub-plantings are not covered


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(Rodwell et al. 2000). In addition, it may be possible to recognize distinct vegetation types on the railway that cannot be recognized in the countryside at large because intermediate types occur too commonly there (but not on the railway). In such cases the NVC would be perfectly correct in subsuming the distinct railway vegetation types within a single NVC type, because in the countryside at large they have no individual validity; but it does not follow that there is no point in distinguishing them in a study focussing on railway vegetation.

The vegetation types in this scheme are accordingly identified with NVC communities and sub-communities where they are clearly identical, and additional vegetation types not in the NVC are added. The vegetation types in this scheme do not however have the phytosociological standing of NVC communities. They are just recognizable types defined by their physiognomy and broad species composition; they are not syntaxa defined precisely in terms of their species composition in the way that NVC communities and the phytosociological associations of Continental authors are. It is not necessary to sample vegetation to identify the types set out in this scheme. Secondary and Plantation Woodlands

SPW1 Typical Lineside Woodland. Trackside secondary woodland dominated by mature or semi-mature Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) in more-or-less closed canopy. Canopy cover generally exceeds 50% in the denser places, but it often occurs in thin strips. Shrub layers, if present, are generally dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) or Sambucus nigra (Elder), while Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) is sometimes abundant in an underscrub layer. In the field-layer, Hedera helix (Ivy) often carpets the ground to the exclusion of all else, especially under closed canopies on the steeper embankments; it is often abundant as a climber in the shrub and canopy layers as well. Field-layers are otherwise species-poor, containing only a scatter of shade-tolerant herbs typical of eutrophic soils, especially Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Arum maculatum (Lords-and-Ladies), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle), though in most sites only a few of these are present. The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear, though phytosociologically it could perhaps be assigned to the basal community of Acer pseudoplatanus in the Fagetalia sylvaticae. SPW2 Mixed Lineside Woodland. Trackside secondary woodland, similar to SPW1, but containing a significant proportion of trees other than Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore). Of these Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) is generally the most common after Sycamore, but others include Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak), Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) and Ulmus procera (English Elm). On suburban linesides in the London area Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) is peculiarly characteristic of this woodland type, showing up from its distinctive outline in winter. The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear, though


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there may be affinities with W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community. SPW3 Station Exotic Woodland. Station secondary and plantation woodland, as SPW1 or SPW2 but with a significant component of exotic trees and shrubs, mostly but not exclusively ornamental in character, e.g. Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum), Populus alba (White Poplar), Tilia ×europaea (Lime). The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear. SPW4 Station Evergreen Woodland. Station secondary and plantation woodland, as SPW3 but with a significant component of evergreen species, including conifers in the canopy layer, and more especially ornamental evergreens in the shrub layer. The commonest evergreen shrubs are Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel), Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel), Ilex aquifolium (Holly) and Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet), but many other species may be present, e.g. Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle), Aucuba japonica (Spotted-laurel), Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn). The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear. SPW5 Lineside Poplar Woodland. Lineside secondary and plantation woodland dominated by poplars, among which Populus ×canescens (Grey Poplar) is especially characteristic in the outer suburban areas, while Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) and Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy-Poplar) also form this woodland type in some places. A sparse shrub-layer generally consists of Sambucus nigra (Elder) with small amounts of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) and evergreens such as Ilex aquifolium (Holly) and Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry-laurel). Field-layers generally consist of Hedera helix (Ivy) with small amounts of broad-leaved herbs typical of shady eutrophic places, e.g. Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear. SPW6 Ballast Birch Woodland. Secondary woodland strongly dominated by Betula pendula (Silver Birch) on railway ballast in disused sidings, usually with species-poor field-layers dominated by Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and scattered ruderals such as Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy). Though the NVC contains several types of birch woodland, they are mostly either upland types or else extremely calcifugous south-eastern types; this railway-ballast woodland cannot very well be assigned to any of them. It is probably best regarded as a highly impoverished variant of W10d Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland, Holcus lanatus sub-community, but it is very different from the lineside oak woodland described under the heading of W10d below, and therefore treated separately here. W10d Native Lineside Woodland. Trackside secondary woodland dominated by mature or semi-mature Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) and Betula pendula (Silver


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Birch), generally having a more natural appearance than SPW1 or SPW2. Corylus avellana (Hazel) is often abundant in the shrub layer. Undershrub layers are often strongly dominated by Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), but Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) may be abundant, and neutral or slightly acidic grassland communities dominated by Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) may be present in canopy gaps. This woodland is referable to the NVC type W10d Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland, Holcus lanatus sub-community. W6b Willow Woodland. Wet woodland dominated in the canopy by Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) sometimes in association with Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Alnus glutinosa (Alder) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). The shrub-layer usually consists of Sambucus nigra (Elder), while species-poor field-layers tend to be dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle), sometimes with wetland plants such as Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort) or Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris) in the wettest sites. This woodland is unequivocally referable to the NVC type W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. Semi-natural Scrubs

SCR1 Typical Lineside Scrub. General trackside scrub dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), often mixed with other species including Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn), Sambucus nigra (Elder), Rosa canina (Dog-rose), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow). Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) may be dominant in canopy gaps, but herbaceous vegetation is often very sparse in the denser scrub, with field layers either lacking or dominated by Hedera helix (Ivy), especially on the steeper embankments. Some is simply referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community, but much of what is envisaged here is either incipient W21a consisting of young shrubs in open canopy mixed with the remnants of rough grassland and tall-herb vegetation, or else close to W21a on the transition to other scrub types described below (especially SCR1b and SCR4). • SCR1a Lineside Blackthorn Scrub. As SCR1, but dominated by Prunus spinosa

(Blackthorn), generally with very dense cover and sparse field layers. Some is simply referable to the NVC type W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community, but much of what is envisaged here is either incipient W22a consisting of young shrubs in open canopy mixed with the remnants of rough grassland and tall-herb vegetation, or else close to W22a on the transition to other scrub types described below (especially SCR1 and SCR4).

• SCR1b Lineside Elder Scrub. As SCR1, but dominated by Elder, generally with

rather open cover, and field-layers dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) together with scramblers, mainly Galium aparine (Cleavers) and a ground carpet


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of the mosses Brachythecium rutabulum or Eurynchium praelongum. It is likely to be a distinct sub-community of the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000).

• SCR1c Lineside Hazel Scrub. As SCR1, but dominated by Corylus avellana

(Hazel). Generally more natural in appearance than the preceding types, and often with woodland herbs in the field layer. The NVC affinities of this scrub are unclear, but it may be an impoverished form of W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland or W10 Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland.

SCR2 Brownfield Scrub. A relatively species-rich railway-ballast and brown-field form of scrub featuring Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) at high levels of abundance in association with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) and small saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). In some sites Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) is a characteristic though never abundant constituent. Scramblers such as Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) and Lathyrus latifolius (Everlasting Sweet-pea) may be locally prominent. It is likely to be another distinct sub-community of the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). • SCR2a Buddleia Scrub. Scrub consisting mainly of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-

bush) on railway ballast or other semi-hard surfaces, often with species-rich ruderal vegetation in canopy gaps. It is likely to be another distinct sub-community of the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000).

SCR3 Mature Brownfield Scrub. Scrub similar to SCR2 in which a wider range of tree-saplings extensively overtop the shrubs so that it approaches the character of incipient secondary woodland. It commonly contains Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) and Robinia pseudacacia (False Acacia). The NVC affinities of this scrub are unclear, but it is likely to be transitional between the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000) and some form of secondary woodland. SCR4 Bramble Scrub. Dense patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), perhaps with occasional immature bushes of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) or Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and very sparse tall herbs, mainly Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). On the railway it is sometimes clearly referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community but often appears to


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be transitional between W24a and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. W21c Calcicolous Lineside Scrub. This is lightly dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) in association with Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and calcicolous shrubs and woody climbers such as Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy), Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) and Ligustrum vulgare (Wild Privet). It is referable to the NVC type W21c Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Brachypodium sylvaticum sub-community (not the still more calcicolous W21d Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Viburnum lantana sub-community). Ornamental and Planted Scrubs

OSC1 Station Scrub. Station scrub with a significant component of ornamental shrubs; it is the scrub counterpart of SPW3 and SPW4 above. In addition to the evergreen shrubs listed under SPW4, the following are common: Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape), Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry), Syringa vulgaris (Lilac). Scrubs of different planting dates can often be recognized owing to planting fashions, and these are mostly older plantings – Edwardian plantings with evergreens such as Aucuba japonica (Spotted-laurel), Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher’s-broom) and Taxus baccata (Yew) around green-belt stations, and 1950s or 1960s plantings with Forsythia ×intermedia (Forsythia), Coggyria cotinus (Smoke-tree), Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom) and Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) around large depots. It has no affinities with any NVC vegetation type. OSC2 Ornamental Shrub Plantings. Purely ornamental shrub plantings on the more urban stations, perhaps with occasional individuals of invasive species, especially Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush). Common species include Ceanothus species (Ceanothus), variegated cultivars of Cornus sericea (Red-osier Dogwood), Cotoneaster species (Cotoneasters), Berberis species (Barberries), Hebe species (Hedge Veronicas), Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) and Wiegela florida (Weigelia). It has no affinities with any NVC vegetation type. • OSC2a Modern Shrub Plantings. Purely ornamental low-growing shrub plantings

around car-parks and buildings, usually containing some of Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange), Cotoneaster conspicuus (Tibetan Cotoneaster), Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ (a St John’s-wort), Lonicera pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle), Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (a dwarf Cherry Laurel), Prunus laurocerasus ‘Zabeliana’ (a dwarf Cherry Laurel) and Symphoricarpos ×chenaultii ‘Hancock’ (a dwarf Hybrid Coralberry). It has no affinities with any NVC vegetation type.

OSC3 Quasi-native Shrub Plantings. Plantings of supposedly native shrubs and tree-saplings representing attempts at wildlife habitat creation. They usually include some of Acer campestre (Field Maple), Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood), Corylus avellana


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(Hazel), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Euonymus europaeus (Spindle), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak), Prunus avium (Wild Cherry), Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose). They often contain a disproportionate abundance of colourful and berry-bearing species (though there are reasonable arguments for this in urban areas). Often they are assemblages inappropriate to the locality, especially selections weighted towards calcicolous shrubs in places far from the chalk. In recent years they have been criticized for the common practice of sourcing from non-British material, especially among Rosa species (Roses) and Viburnum species (Guelder Roses and Wayfaring Trees). A fiasco has recently come to light: it turns out that the Asiatic Cornus australis (a Dogwood) has been widely supplied as a look-alike for the native Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood), and is now established in many - perhaps most - of these plantings. Tall Herb Vegetation

THE1 Rosebay Stands. Tall herb stands strongly dominated by Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb). This is an impoverished form of the NVC type OV27 Epilobium angustifolium community, scarcely referable to any one sub-community. • THE1a Clonal Garden-escape Stands. Tall herb stands strongly dominated by

clonal garden escapes or aliens such as Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder) or Solidago gigantea (Early Goldenrod). These are like Chamerion in forming clonal patches with a large standing biomass of dead stems. This type has no affinities with any NVC vegetation type.

OV27b Ruderal Rosebay Vegetation. Tall-herb ruderal vegetation consisting of Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) in association with tall semi-ruderal herbs, especially Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle), often with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and coarse grasses, especially Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community. OV27c Mature Rosebay Vegetation. Tall-herb ruderal vegetation consisting of Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) in association with ferns such as Dryopteris dilatata (Broad Buckler-fern) and with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) at relatively high levels of abundance. It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV27c Epilobium angustifolium community, Rubus fruticosus agg.-Dryopteris dilatata sub-community. OV24a Typical Nettlebed. Eutrophic tall-herb vegetation strongly dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) in association with Galium aparine (Cleavers) and a


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ground carpet of the moss Brachythecium rutabulum. Other tall semi-ruderal herbs sometimes occur in small quantity, especially Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community. OV24b Brambly Nettlebed. Eutrophic tall-herb vegetation dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) in association with tall semi-ruderal herbs including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) and Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), together with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) at relatively high levels of abundance. It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. OV25b Thistly Nettlebed. Tall-herb ruderal vegetation dominated by Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) with a rather wide range of tall semi-ruderal herbs including Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow), Rumex crispus (Curled Dock), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) and Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle), sometimes with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community. OV26e Wet Nettlebed. Tall-herb ruderal vegetation of dominated by Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) in association with Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). It occurs on wetter soils, and is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV26e Epilobium hirsutum community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community. Grassland

MG1b Tall-herb Rough Grassland. Species-poor rough grassland dominated by coarse grasses, especially Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) or Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) together with Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent). Tall ruderal herbs, e.g. Cirsium species (Thistles), Rumex species (Docks), may be abundant, but smaller grassland forbs are generally present only in small quantity. It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. MG1a Typical Rough Grassland. Moderately species-rich grassland dominated by coarse grasses, especially Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot), together with large grassland forbs, e.g. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed), Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy), and tall ruderal or semi-ruderal herbs, e.g. Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley),


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Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. OV23a Amenity-turf. Species-poor grassland dominated by Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass), often with small amounts of Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and common forbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion). It includes amenity-turf and run-down weedy swards derived from amenity-turf. It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV23a Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, typical sub-community. OV23b Typical Eutrophic Grassland. Weedy eutrophic grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) with common forbs as in OV23a and larger semi-ruderal species such as Crepis vesicaria (Narrow-leaved Hawks’-beard), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) and Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) saplings. It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV23b Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Crepis vesicaria-Rumex obtusifolius sub-community. OV23c Trampled Eutrophic Grassland. Weedy eutrophic grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) with forbs tolerant of trampling, especially Plantago major (Greater Plantain), Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) and Trifolium repens (White Clover). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV23c Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Plantago major-Trifolium repens sub-community. OV23d Ruderal Eutrophic Grassland. Weedy eutrophic grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) with additional grasses including Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), a wider range of forbs than other OV23 sub-communities, including legumes such as Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) and Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch), and tall semi-ruderal herbs such as Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) and Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort). It is unequivocally referable to the NVC type OV23d Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community. Ruderal Vegetation

RUD1 Thistle-bed Vegetation. Established ruderal vegetation on formerly disturbed sites, normally comprising a wide-range of annual, biennial and perennial weeds, and sometimes with incipient scrub invasion. Several successional stages are commonly represented as mosaics within a site, and this leads to very high overall species-richness. But the species present are mostly ubiquitous and impermanent with a high


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proportion of aliens, and the nature conservation value of the vegetation is not usually high (except where urban conservation criteria apply). Phytosociologically this is Onopordietalia acanthii vegetation, too species-rich for OV25b and transitional from this to Dauco-Melilotion vegetation. RUD2 Eutrophic Ruderal Vegetation. Ruderal vegetation having affinities with arable-weed communities consisting mainly of ephemerals on recently disturbed or cultivated ground. A range of NVC types are included here, especially OV8 to 12 in the Polygono-Chenopodion polyspermi. RUD3 Yellow-crucifer Ruderal Vegetation. Pioneer ruderal vegetation on the more recently disturbed parts of urban roughlands, e.g. soil and rubble tips, referable to the Sisymbrion alliance, always dominated by yellow crucifers, in London especially Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) and also Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket), together with ephemerals such as Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) and Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury), and winter-annuals or short-lived perennials such as Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) and Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce). BAL1 Open Ballast Vegetation. Very sparse ruderal vegetation on railway ballast or semi-hard surfaces, usually with less than 35% cover, and consisting of annual grasses, especially Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with a scatter of such broad-leaved herbs as Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) and small saplings of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush). It is probably equivalent to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), though it may only correspond to the most open form of his community. BAL2 Species-rich Ballast Vegetation. Species-rich open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast, with levels of cover from 35% up to about 90% and a preponderance of broad-leaved herbs. It includes the characteristic species of BAL1. Its additional components are generally the following: • ephemerals such as Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Catapodium rigidum

(Fern-grass), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) and Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell);

• yellow crucifers such as Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) and Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard);

• legumes such as Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Melilotus albus (White Melilot), Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) and Trifolium pratense (Red Clover);


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• composites such as Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Ox-tongue) and Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion);

• other broad-leaved biennial or perennial herbs including Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose), Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) and Rumex crispus (Curled Dock);

• perennial grasses at low levels of abundance, especially Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass); and

• scattered Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and saplings of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush).

This vegetation has affinities with the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957), but has no NVC equivalent. Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) is especially characteristic, often with more than 50% cover in a ground-layer below the main field-layer. BAL3 Closed Ballast Vegetation. Species-rich ruderal vegetation with a preponderance of broad-leaved herbs, similar in general character to BAL2, but more or less closed. Perennial species such as Aster × salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) are often very prominent, often with large scramblers such as Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) or Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) and tall garden-escapes such as Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod). It has affinities with the Dauco-Melilotion communities of Continental authors (Rodwell et al. 2000). BAL4 Grassy Ballast Vegetation. Species-rich ruderal vegetation similar to BAL2 with creeping or fine-leaved grass cover at levels approaching or exceeding 50%, and higher cover of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). Dominant grass species include Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass); coarse grasses such as Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) are mostly non-vigorous and scattered, and if they increase in abundance then the vegetation quickly tends towards MG1a (see above). • BAL4a Rosebay Ballast Vegetation. As BAL3 with Chamerion angustifolium

(Rosebay Willowherb), increased incidence of tall ruderals, especially Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), and scramblers such as Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) and Lathyrus latifolius (Everlasting Sweet-pea).


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Habitat Complexes

BLG1 Brambly Lineside Grassland Complexes. Mixtures of MG1b, OV24b and W24a in mosaic and transition occupy the greater part of the linesides in the London area. LSC1 Lineside Scrub Complexes. Mixtures of SCR1and W24a - sometimes also with elements of SCR1a, SCR1b and SCR2 – all in mosaic and transition are common on linesides in the London area, and in turn form mosaics and transitions with BLG1 Brambly Lineside Grassland Complexes. CPA1 Car-park Fringe Complexes. Mixed ruderal vegetation fringing car parks, goods yards and other parts of the station cartilage in strips up to about 5m wide, but often much less. It often comprises elements of any or all of the non-woodland types described above in promiscuous mosaics and transitions that defy precise description.

3.5 Species of Note

3.5.1 Designated Species

No plant species having statutory protection were recorded in the Crossrail surveys2. No species having bona fide designation for their national rarity or scarcity were recorded in the Crossrail surveys. Four species that are included on the Nationally Scarce list on the basis of information in Stewart et al. (1994) were recorded, but all four are species that occur widely as alien ruderals over large parts of the UK, and achieve Nationally Scarce status only on the basis of their occurrence as native species in special habitats in restricted parts of the UK. In the Crossrail area they are with little or no doubt behaving as casuals. They are the following. • Lepidium latifolium (Dittander) is treated by Stewart et al. (1994) as Nationally

Scarce in its capacity as a native species recorded from 43 ten-kilometre grid-squares in East Anglia and a few coastal areas elsewhere. However, it occurs very widely across lowland Britain as a ruderal of waste ground. In recent years it has spread dramatically as a halophyte on road verges, and it now fringes many miles of the M25 motorway to the west and north of London. It is treated as an archaeophyte in Preston et al. (2002), who show post-1987 records for 50 ten-kilometre grid-squares where it is regarded as native (mostly in East Anglia), and for a further 113 where it is regarded as an alien. Acton is outside the area where it is regarded as a native, and there is no question of it being native.

2 Other than Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell) which is protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 against commercial exploitation only.


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• Sedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop) is treated by Stewart et al. (1994) as

Nationally Scarce species in its capacity as a native species recorded from 87 ten-kilometre grid-squares in south-western England and Wales. However, it occurs very widely across lowland Britain as a ruderal or garden-escape of well-drained waste ground, and it is commonly found on railways. Preston et al. (2002) show post-1987 records for 78 ten-kilometre grid-squares where it is regarded as native (all in south-western England and Wales), and for a further 260 where it is regarded as an alien. Acton and Goodmayes are outside the area where it is regarded as native, and there is no question of it being native.

• Verbascum lychnitis (White Mullein) is treated by Stewart et al. (1994) as

Nationally Scarce in its capacity as a native species recorded from 29 ten-kilometre grid-squares mostly in south-eastern England (mostly in Surrey). However, it occurs very widely across lowland Britain as a ruderal of waste ground, and it is commonly found on railways. Preston et al. (2002) show post-1987 records for 24 ten-kilometre grid-squares where it is regarded as native (all in south-western England and Wales), and for a further 40 where it is regarded as an alien. Acton is on the edge of the area where it is native, but within the site it grows as a ruderal on disturbed railway ballast, and it is probably a casual.

• Verbascum virgatum (Twiggy Mullein) is treated by Stewart et al. (1994) as

Nationally Scarce in its capacity as a probable native species recorded from 22 ten-kilometre grid-squares in Devon and Cornwall. However, it occurs very widely across lowland Britain as a ruderal of waste ground, and it is probably under-recorded on railways of which it is rather characteristic. It is accordingly treated simply as a neophyte in Preston et al. (2002), who show post-1987 records for 160 ten-kilometre grid-squares of which 11 are just south or west of London. Acton is outside the area where it is regarded as a native, and there is no question of it being native.

3.5.2 Other Species

No native species that are locally rare were recorded in the Crossrail surveys. The ruderal sites affected by the Crossrail scheme harbour many non-native plants and garden-escapes that may be locally uncommon, but species of this type are not generally regarded as having significant nature conservation importance even when well-established. Casual occurrences of plants on ruderal sites have none at all. The survey area does however contain several groups of plants that are characteristic of particular habitats, and which add substantially to the core biodiversity of sites, and to the overall value of certain classes of site across the area of the Crossrail scheme, e.g. sites with railway ballast substrates. They include the following.


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• Spring-ephemerals characteristic of free-draining nutrient-poor substrates on railway ballast and brownfield sites. Examples include Aphanes arvensis (Parsley-piert), Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill), Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel), Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil), Valerianella locusta (Common Cornsalad) and Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell). Most are however common plants and it is the species-rich assemblages that are distinctive.

• Other species characteristic of free-draining nutrient-poor substrates on railway

ballast substrates. They are mostly uncommon in London off the railway, but frequent or even constant features of railway ballast sites, though they may also be encountered on other free-draining nutrient-poor substrates in brownfield sites. Examples are Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury), Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane), Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax), Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) and Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel). Nationally Verbascum virgatum (Twiggy Mullein) is in this category though it was only recorded from one Crossrail site (Section 3.5.1).

• Plants characteristic of canal-sides and dock walls in London (though common as

water-margin plants elsewhere). Examples are Lycopus europaeus (Gipsywort), Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort), Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) and Scutellaria galericulata (Skullcap).

• Plants characteristic of walls, encountered on blue-brick bridges and other railway

masonry. Most are ferns including Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort), Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern), Phyllitis scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue) and Polypodium vulgare (Polypody). Flowering plants include Cymbalaria muralis ssp. muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax), Mycelis muralis (Wall Lettuce) and Pseudofumaria lutea (Yellow Corydalis).


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4 W25 - MAIDENHEAD STATION YARDS

4.1 General Description

The proposed work areas centre on car-parks, light industrial compounds, e.g. pallet-makers yards, and linesides around Maidenhead Station. The linesides are wooded on a branch-line to the north of the station, while disused sidings adjacent to the main line have scattered scrub and species-rich ruderal vegetation. The various yards and car-parks have fragmentary examples of a range of scrub, tall-herb, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation types mostly around their edges.

4.2 Vegetation

4.2.1 Woodland and Scrub

Woodland on the branch line to the north of the station is dominated in the open canopy by Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) with a field-layer dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). Phytosociologically, it is probably has loose affinities with the NVC type W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community. At the edge of this and other woodland areas, and around car-parks, thorn scrub featuring Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) is fragmentarily referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community or else – where it is mixed with Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) – to the proposed NVC community Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000), and - as in most places - this forms mosaic and transition with bramble underscrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. Scrub strongly dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) on disused sidings on the northern side of the railway is clearly referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Tall-herb Vegetation, Rough Grassland and Ruderal Vegetation

Tall-herb ruderal vegetation and semi-ruderal rough grassland is scattered in fragmentary patches around car-park edges and linesides. It is variously referable to the NVC types OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community, OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community, OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community and MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community.


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More extensive on disused sidings on the northern side of the railway is open ruderal vegetation consisting of annual grasses including Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with common broad-leaved herbs such as Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). This is probably referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), and where it achieves cover greater than 50% grades it forms mosaics and transitions with the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) or even the Dauco-Melilotion communities of Continental authors.

4.3 Species of Note

No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded.


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4.4 Tables

Table 4.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from the Maidenhead Station area. Column 1 - scrub and wood-edge on the northern side of the Chep Pallet Makers yard; column 2 - scrub and ruderal vegetation between the lineside and the Chep Pallet Makers yard; column 3 – lineside scrub and ruderal vegetation west of the station; column 4 - lineside woodland on branch line; column 5 - disused platform on the southern side of the station.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) - r - - - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r r r f vr Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) - vr - - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a la r lf vr Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) la a o la - Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - - vr - Cotoneaster species (a Cotoneaster) vr vr - vr - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) la lf - f - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) la r r a vr Hedera helix (Ivy) a la vr a la Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr vr - - - Malus domestica (Apple) - vr - - - Pinus species (a Pine) sapling - r - - - Pyracantha species (a Firethorn) - vr - - vr Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) r r - - - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - r - lf - Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) - - - vr - Rosa arvensis (Field-rose) - vr - - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) - vr - r - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a lf r a r Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - vr vr - - Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) lf - - - lf Ulmus glabra (Wych Elm) lf - - - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r f - - o Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) - vr - - - Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) vr lf - - - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - lf - - - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) lf - - - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o o r r - Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - - vr - - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) lf o r la vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r r r vr vr Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) lf - vr - - Bellis perennis (Daisy) - r - - - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) lf - - - - Campanula persicifolia (Peach-leaved Bellflower) - lf - - -


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Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - vr - - Carduus crispus (Welted Thistle) - vr - - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - r o - a Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) - r - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - r vr - - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - vr vr - vr Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) lf vr - vr - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - - vr - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r r - vr vr Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - - - vr vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - - - - vr Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r vr r vr vr Crespis species (a Hawk’s-beard) - r - - - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - o - vr - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) vr a - - - Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) - - - vr - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) lf lf - - lf Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - vr - vr vr Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - - - vr - Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) vr vr - - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) lf lf - - - Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) - o - - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr f vr - r Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry) la - - - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) lf - vr lf - Galium mollugo (Hedge-bedstraw) - - - vr - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) lf o r r - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) r vr - o vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) - - vr vr - Hieracium species (a Hawkweed) - vr - - - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - - vr - - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - - r - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) vr f vr - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - f vr vr - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - - vr - vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) - - r - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr vr - vr vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - vr - - - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr r vr - - Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) - - r - - Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) - r r la - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o a f o lf Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r o lf - - Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - lf - - - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) vr a r lf - Melilotus albus (White Melilot) - vr - - - Melilotus cf. officinalis (Common Melilot) - - vr - - Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) - r - - - Ononis repens (Common Restharrow) - lf - - - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - - vr - lf


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Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip) - vr - - - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr vr - - - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr o r - - Pilosella officinarum (Mouse-ear Hawkweed) - r - - - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o f r vr - Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r vr - - - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) - r r - - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - vr lf - - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) lf - lf lf - Primula vulgaris (Primrose) - - - vr - Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) lf - - - - Rumex cf. crispus (Curled Dock) - - vr - - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - - - - Rumex sanguineus (Wood Dock) - vr - - - Sedum species (a Stonecrop) - la - lf - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr - - - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r vr o r r Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) - - vr vr - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) - - vr - - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r - - - - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - vr - - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - vr vr - vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) lf vr - - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) r f o r vr Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - - - vr - Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) - o vr vr - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - r - - - Trifolium repens (White Clover) - - vr - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) la vr lf lf - Verbascum cf. thapsus (Great Mullein) - - vr - - Veronica chamaedrys (Germander Speedwell) - - - r - Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) - r - - - Viola cf. riviniana (Common Dog-violet) - - - vr - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) - la la la a


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Table 4.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in ruderal vegetation at Maidenhead. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Daucus carota 5 4 3 5 4 V 3-5 Clematis vitalba 4 5 1 4 4 V 1-5 Hypericum perforatum 2 2 1 3 2 V 1-3 Hypochaeris radicata 3 2 3 1 3 V 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 3 3 1 1 1 V 1-3 Cerastium fontanum 1 1 2 1 1 V 1-2 Festuca rubra 3 3 - 4 6 IV 3-6 Medicago lupulina 4 2 6 1 - IV 1-6 Plantago lanceolata 3 3 - 3 3 IV 3 Arrhenatherum elatius - 7 - 4 3 III 3-7 Linaria vulgaris 3 4 3 - - III 3-4 Anisantha sterilis 3 1 1 - - III 1-3 Erigeron acer - - 2 1 2 III 1-2 Lolium perenne 2 1 - - - III 1-2 Artemisia vulgaris 3 4 - - - II 3-4 Rubus fruticosus agg. 4 - 1 - - II 1-4 Leucanthemum vulgare - - - 3 3 II 3 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia 1 2 - - - II 1-2 Geranium robertianum 2 - - - 1 II 1-2 Oenothera glazioviana - - - 2 1 II 1-2 Campanula persicifolia - - 5 - - I 5 Achillea millefolium - - - 4 - I 4 Fraxinus excelsior - 4 - - - I 4 Dactylis glomerata - 3 - - - I 3 Quercus robur - - 2 - - I 2 Sedum album - - 2 - - I 2 Solidago canadensis - - - - 2 I 2 Cirsium arvense 1 - - - - I 1 Hedera helix 1 - - - - I 1 Linaria repens - 1 - - - I 1 Ononis repens - - 1 - - I 1 Pastinaca sativa - - 1 - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 38.6, OV23d 37.6, MG1a 34.3, OV23c 33.8, OV23a 33.4, MC11 undifferentiated 30.8


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5 W19 - STOKE POGES LANE BRIDGE


The site at Stoke Poges Lane Bridge lies on the northern side of the railway adjacent to light industrial and residential areas. The yards and car-parks have fragmentary examples of a range of scrub, tall-herb, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation types mostly around their edges, while a parcel of woodland lies adjacent to one side of the largest yard. The railway lineside features scrub, tall-herb vegetation, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation. There is also a park with amenity-turf and trees.

5.2 Vegetation


Work areas have species-rich ruderal vegetation that is probably best referred to Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) in the more closed stands, and to Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) in the more open stands. Woodland near the railway on the northern side is dominated in the canopy by Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) and Salix fragilis (Crack Willow). It is probably intermediate between the NVC types W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community and W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community. On the railway lineside, scrub dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) is loosely referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community, while mixed scrub with Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) is probably referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). These form mosaic and transition with bramble underscrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. Elsewhere on the lineside tall-herb vegetation referable to the NVC type OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community forms mosaic and transition with rough grassland referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community.


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5.3 Species of Note



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5.4 Tables

Table 5.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded north of the railway in the Stoke Poges area. Column 1 – woodland edge and yards; and column 2 - lineside vegetation.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) vr r Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) o - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) a - Hedera helix (Ivy) a - Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) r - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) r - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) a vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a vr Salix fragilis var. fragilis (Crack Willow) la - Sambucus nigra (Elder) o - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) vr lf Aethusa cynapium (Fool’s Parsley) vr - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) lf r Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) r vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) lf lf Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr - Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - vr Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) vr lf Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) - o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) vr lf Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) r - Bellis perennis (Daisy) vr - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) lf - Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress) - lf Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - vr Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) - r Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) vr vr Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) lf o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr vr Conium maculatum (Hemlock) vr - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) vr r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) lf - Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) vr - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - vr Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) vr - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - lf Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) vr a Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) - vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) lf -


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Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr vr Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr vr Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) - lf Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr - Galium aparine (Cleavers) lf - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - r Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr o Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) vr - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) lf - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) lf - Humulus lupulus (Hop) vr - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) vr o Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr f Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) vr a Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) vr r Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr vr Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) r - Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) vr vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) lf r Melilotus albus (White Melilot) - la Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) lf vr Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr - Papaver dubium (Long-headed poppy) vr - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) vr - Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr - Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) vr - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr - Phleum pratense (Timothy) vr - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) - r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r vr Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) r lf Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) vr - Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) - vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) - vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) vr r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr r Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) vr - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r - Solanum tuberosum (Potato) - vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r r Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) vr vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) - r Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - vr


CROSSRAIL 33


Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) vr vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) vr - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - vr Triticum aestivum (Wheat) vr - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - vr Typha latifolia (Bulrush) la - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) la lf Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) lf a


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Table 5.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in ruderal vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates at Stoke Poges. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 8 9 9 8 9 V 8-9 Daucus carota 3 4 5 6 5 V 3-6 Hypochaeris radicata 3 2 4 3 3 V 2-4 Linaria vulgaris 4 2 4 2 4 V 2-4 Artemisia vulgaris 1 2 2 1 1 V 1-2 Aster cf. ×salignus 1 - 1 - 4 III 1-4 Anisantha sterilis 3 - 3 - - II 3 Geranium rotundifolium - - 3 - 2 II 2-3 Hypericum perforatum - - 3 2 - II 2-3 Holcus lanatus - - 2 2 - II 2 Lactuca serriola 1 1 - - - II 1 Senecio vulgaris 1 - 1 - - II 1 Cirsium arvense - - - 4 - I 4 Plantago lanceolata - 4 - - - I 4 Lolium perenne - - - - 2 I 2 Medicago lupulina 2 - - - - I 2 Cerastium fontanum 1 - - - - I 1 Chaenorhinum minus - - 1 - - I 1 Convolvulus arvensis - 1 - - - I 1 Senecio squalidus - 1 - - - I 1 Sonchus oleraceus 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV22a 27.7, MC11a 26.7, OV23 undifferentiated 26.6, OV19d 25.7


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6 W14 - IVER STATION


Proposed work areas at Iver Station mainly affect large areas of open green-space to the north of the station, though one lies to the south-east. Vegetation types involved include incipient secondary woodland and scrub, various types of tall-herb vegetation, rough grassland, agricultural grassland and amenity-turf, and ruderal vegetation types. To the north of the station, land west of Thorney Lane is mostly grassland open to the public, though there are also extensive areas of scrub and tall-herb vegetation. East of Thorney Lane early successional grassland adjacent to the M25 motorway has been planted with young trees. South-east of the station horse-grazed pastures are affected. Directly south of the station lie residential areas, but open land extends well to the north-west.

6.2 Vegetation

The area includes little woodland as such, though north-west of the station Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) scrub with Salix alba ssp. alba (White Willow) overtopping may be referable to the transition between the NVC types W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community and W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. Extensive areas of scrub are mostly referable to the NVC type W21a, but it may form mosaics and transitions with W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community and the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). All of these form mosaic and transition with extensive Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC types W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. Large areas of tall-herb ruderal vegetation north of the station are mostly rather mixed and probably best referred to the NVC types OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community. Vegetation more strongly dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) occurs in several places close to Thorney Lane, and is referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community.


CROSSRAIL 36


Mostly rather weedy grassland north of the station and west of Thorney Lane probably represents mosaics and transitions of MG6a Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland, typical sub-community, OV23d Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community and MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. in the wetter areas there are pockets of MG13 Agrostis stolonifera-Alopecurus geniculatus grassland. Along roadsides other Lolio-Plantaginion swards are referable to the NVC types OV23a Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, typical sub-community, OV23b Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Crepis vesicaria-Rumex obtusifolius sub-community and OV23c Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Plantago major-Trifolium repens sub-community. On the railway rough grassland is mostly referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, but locally it grades into species-rich forms having loose affinities with MG1d Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Pastinaca sativa sub-community or Dauco-Melilotion communities. Early successional grassland east of Thorney Lane is dominated by Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and very hard to place, but is probably best regarded as incipient MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. On railway ballast species-rich ruderal vegetation is mostly referable to the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957), though sparser forms are referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983).

6.3 Species of Note



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6.4 Tables

Table 6.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from fields north of Iver Station. Column 1 – mixed ruderal vegetation and scrub on a bank; column 2 - rough grassland and scrub; column 3 - willow and thorn scrub; column 4 - rush pasture; column 5 - damp poached ground; column 6 – thorn and bramble scrub; column 7 - species-poor horse-grazed pasture; column 8 - weedy horse-grazed pasture; column 9 - ruderal vegetation on soil mounds; and column 10 - a boundary hedge.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o r - - - f - - - - Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - - - - - o - - - - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - - - - - r - - - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) - - - - - o - - - - Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) - - - - - - - - la - Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) - - - - - r - - - - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - f a o - la - - - a Hedera helix (Ivy) - - o - - - - - - - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) - - - - - r - - - - Malus domestica (Apple) - - - - - r - - - - Prunus species (a Flowering Cherry) - - - - - r - - - - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) - - o - - f - - - - Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) - - - - - vr - - - - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - - r - - - - - - - Ribes nigrum (Black Currant) - - - - - f - - - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) - o o r - - o - - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) la la o r - la - - f a Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) - - - - - r - - - - Salix alba (White Willow) - - a - - - - - - - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - - o - - - - - - - Salix cinerea (Grey Willow) - - f - o - - - - - Salix viminalis (Osier) - - r - - - - - - - Sambucus nigra (Elder) o - r - - o - - - o Ulmus procera (English Elm) - - o - - - - - - -

b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - lf - - - r o r r - Aethusa cynapium (Fool’s Parsley) - - - - - - - r r - Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) - r - - - - r - - - Agrostis canina (Velvet Bent) - - - - - f o - a - Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) - f - - - - - - - - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - - - la la o lf f lf - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) r - - - - - - - r - Alopecurus geniculatus (Marsh Foxtail) - - - - la - - - - - Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) - - - - - - - r - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) - - - - - - - o o - Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - - - - - - - - - o Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - - - - - r o r - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) r - - - - - o - - - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) f a r f - - f r a o Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) - r - - r - - r o lf


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Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - o - f r - o - - - Atriplex patula (Common Orache) - - - - r - - r - - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - - - - - - - - - r Bromus hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - - - - - - - r - - Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed) o r - - - - - r o - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - - - - - - r - - Carex acutiformis (Lesser Pond-sedge) - la - - - - - - - - Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) - - - - la - - - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - - - - - - r r - - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o - - - - o - - - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - - - - - - o r - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r o - f o - f f f r Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - r - - r - r r r - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - - - - - - - - r - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - - - - - - r - - - Coronopus squamatus (Swine-cress) - - - - - - - r r - Crepis vesicaria (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - r - - - - r - - - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o o f o - r f f f - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) r o - o - r o r - - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - - - - - - - - r o Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel) r r - - - - r - r - Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) - - r - - - - - - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o o - f lf - la f o o Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - - r - - - - - - - Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) - - r - - - - - - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r - o - - - - - - - Epilobium cf. tetragonum (a Willowherb) - - - - r - o f - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) - - - - - - - - r - Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) - r - - - o - r la lf Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - f - - - - - - - - Fumaria officinalis (Common Fumitory) - - - - - - - r - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) a - - - - a - - a f Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) - - - - - - o - o - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) - - - - - - - r r - Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) - r la - - - o - lf - Gnaphalium uliginosum (Marsh Cudweed) - - - - a - o o - - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o r - o - - - - o - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - - - - - - - - o - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - - a o - - o - - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - o - - - o o - - - Juncus bufonius (Toad Rush) - - - - r - - - - - Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) - - o f o - r - - - Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) - o - - - r - r r r Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) - - - - - - - o - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - - - - - - r r - Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) - r - - r - - - r - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) a - - - - - - - - - Lepidium latifolium (Dittander) - - - - - - - r o - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) - - - - - - - - r - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - - - - - - la a - - Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - r - - - - - - - - Malva moschata (Musk Mallow) - r - - - - - - - - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - - - - - - - r r r


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Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) - - - - - - - o - - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - o - - - - o r - - Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) - o - - - - - - a - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) - - - - - - - - la - Odontites verna (Red Bartsia) - - - - - - r - - - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - - - - - - - r - - Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) r - - - - - - - - - Persicaria amphibian (Amphibious Bistort) - - - - - - - - r - Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) - - - - - - r - - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - - - - r - - o o - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) - f - - r - o r o - Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - - r - - - - r - - Plantago major ssp. intermedia (Greater Plantain) - - - - la - - - - - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) - - - - - - - f - - Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) - r - - - - r - - - Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - - - - - - - o - - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - - - - - - - r r - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o la - - - - - r o - Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - - - o r - o f - - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - r - - - - - f o - Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) - - - r o - - - - - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - - - - - - r r r - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - - - - - - o o o - Senecio aquaticus (Marsh Ragwort) - - - r - - - - - - Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) - r - - - - - r - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - r - - - r - o o - Silene dioica (Red Campion) - - - - - r - - - - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - r - - - - - - - - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - - - - - - - r - o Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r - - - - - - - - - Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade) - - - - - - - r - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) la o - - - - - - - - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - - - - - - - - r - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) - - - - - - r r r - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - - - - o - - - r - Stellaria graminea (Lesser Stitchwort) - - - - - - - r r - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) - - - - - - - r - - Symphytum species (a Comfrey) - - - - - - - - r - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) - - - - - - - o - - Torilis japonica (Upright Hedge-parsley) - - - - - - o - - - Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil) - - - - - - r - - - Trifolium hybridum (Aslike Clover) - - - o o - - - - - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - r - - - - o - - - Trifolium repens (White Clover) - - - r o - o r - - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - - - - o - r r r - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) r r - - - - - - - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) la r o o - f - f a a Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) - - - - - - vr - - - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - - - - - - - o - - Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) - - - - r - - o - - Vicia tetrasperma (Smooth Tare) - - - r - - r - - - Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) - r - - - - - - - -


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7 W13 – FRAY’S COAL YARD, WEST DRAYTON


The core of this area lying to the west of the River Fray is bounded on all sides by railways, and consists of a vast non-vegetated concrete platform surrounded by a fringe of vegetated habitat on the railway linesides and on banks between the levelled platform and the railways. Where the fringe of vegetated habitat is at grade it is mostly on cindery material typical of railway lands, while on banks there are more fertile soils, and locally these are – judging from the vegetation – rather wet, perhaps owing to seepage around the platform. The vegetated fringe variously contains scrub, tall-herb vegetation, rough grassland and open ruderal vegetation. The corridor of the River Fray is wooded, and to the east the access road passes through fragmentary and mixed habitats again comprising scrub, tall-herb ruderal vegetation, rough grassland and open ruderal vegetation. Here the area is bounded by Tavistock Road to the north and the railway to the south.

7.2 Vegetation


Woodland on low-lying ground by the Fray’s River is dominated by Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) with smaller amounts of Alnus glutinosa (Alder) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and an under-storey consisting mainly of Sambucus nigra (Elder). A species-poor field-layer mostly consists of Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) with scattered Impatiens glandulifera (Indian Balsam) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). It is clearly referable to the NVC type W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. The fringes of this woodland have more Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Prunus avium (Wild Cherry), and there is accordingly a transition from W6b to the NVC type W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community, but there are no extensive or good examples of this type. In the north-western part of the area, dense scrub consists of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Sambucus nigra (Elder) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) with saplings of Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Populus tremula (Aspen). It is referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community. Elsewhere there is commonly mixed scrub consisting mainly of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) with tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers in gaps, especially Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Chamerion


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angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) and Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel). At the extreme – in places where Buddleja and Sambucus nigra (Elder) are abundant - this is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000), but most of the scrub is probably transitional between this and W21a, or else transitional between this and W6b woodland. This scrub also forms mosaics and transitions with locally extensive Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community.

7.2.2 Tall-herb Vegetation and Rough Grassland

Banks in the western part of the area are clothed with tall-herb vegetation dominated by Phragmites australis (Common Reed) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) in association with tall herbs and scramblers typical of damp places, including Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica), Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed), Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort). There is a small amount of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) throughout, and there are occasional saplings of Salix viminalis (Osier) and Sambucus nigra (Elder). This vegetation is intermediate in character between the NVC type S26d Phragmites australis-Urtica dioica tall-herb fen, Epilobium hirsutum sub-community and the more ruderal types OV26c Epilobium angustifolium community, Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris sub-community and OV26e Epilobium hirsutum community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community. In slightly drier places there are larger amounts of Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), giving tall-herb ruderal vegetation intermediate in character between the NVC types S26 and OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community. Elsewhere fragmentary tall-herb ruderal vegetation – mostly in mosaic and transition with open scrub and bramble underscrub – is variously dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) and Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) and referable to the NVC types OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community (and transitions between them), or where Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) is a significant component to OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community. Rough grassland is of rather limited extent, but where it does occur it is characterised by tall semi-ruderal herbs and is accordingly referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community in mosaic and transition with the tall-herb and scrub vegetation types described above.


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7.2.3 Ruderal Vegetation

Open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast is widespread along the southern edge of the area. It includes the annual grasses Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) and a range of broad-leaved herbs including Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion). It is probably referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) but may locally tend towards the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). It tends to grade into low-growing grassy ruderal vegetation strongly dominated by Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) in association with a wide range of rosette plants and moderately tall broad-leaved herbs, including Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard), Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) and Oenothera ×fallax (Intermediate Evening-primrose). The phytosociological identity of this vegetation is entirely unclear.

7.3 Species of Note

No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Among more common species, the distinctive species of railway ballast substrates are very scarce in this area, though Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) was noted in small quantity.


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7.4 Tables

Table 7.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Frays Coal Yard, West Drayton. Column 1 – central area hard-surfaced area (Target Notes 1 to 2); column 2 – outer swathe in the western part of the site (Target Notes 3 to 7); column 3 – entry roads and woodland by the River Fray in the eastern part of the site (Target Notes 8 to 12). a) Tree and shrub species Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) - - vr Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r r r Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) vr - vr Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) vr - - Alnus glutinosa (Alder) - - r Berberis thunbergii (Thunberg’s Barberry) vr - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a o o Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr - r Cornus australis (a Dogwood) - r - Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - r Cotoneaster ×watereri (Waterer’s Cotoneaster) vr - - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr - r Forsythia×intermedia (Forsythia) vr - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr r f Hedera helix (Ivy) vr - a Juglans regia (Walnut) vr - - Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) vr - - Philadelphus ×virginalis (Hairy Mock-orange) vr - - Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) vr - - Populus tremula (Aspen) - la - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) - - o Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) - - vr Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr vr - Rhus typhina (Stag’s-horn Sumach) r - - Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) - - r Rosa canina (Dog-rose) o o - Rosa cultivars (Rose) vr - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) o a a Salix alba ssp. alba (White Willow) vr - - Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) vr r - Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) vr - a Salix viminalis (Osier) - r - Sambucus nigra (Elder) vr f f Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o vr r Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) o o r Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) vr - - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) - - r Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) - vr - Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica) - r - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f - f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - - vr


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Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine) vr - - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr vr vr Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serp. (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) r - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) vr vr r Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) o - f Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) f o f Arum maculatum (Lords-and-Ladies) - - vr Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) vr - vr Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) vr - r Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr vr vr Bellis perennis (Daisy) - vr - Bergenia crassifolia (Elephant-ears) vr - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) vr - vr Bryonia dioica (White Bryony) - - vr Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed) - la la Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) vr - la Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) vr - - Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) - r - Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) vr - - Cerastium diffusum (Sea Mouse-ear) vr - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr r - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) r o - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr r - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o f o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr vr vr Conium maculatum (Hemlock) vr vr - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r - r Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) f o o Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r o - Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) - vr - Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard) - o - Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) vr - - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr - - Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) o vr r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) r vr - Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) r o r Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o - o Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - vr - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr r vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) r o - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) vr r r Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) vr vr vr Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) r vr - Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) - - vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) o vr a Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) vr - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) vr vr - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) r vr - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr r - Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) vr vr la Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke) vr - - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) - - o


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Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - r o Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - r - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - r o Humulus lupulus (Hop) - - o Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) f f r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) o r vr Impatiens glandulifera (Indian Balsam) - - r Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) vr - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) f - r Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr - vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr r - Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - - vr Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling) vr vr - Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) vr - - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) vr - - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr - - Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) vr - - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) vr - r Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) vr - - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) vr f r Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) vr - vr Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) - vr - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr - - Myosotis arvensis (Field Forget-me-not) - r - Oenothera ×fallax (Intermediate Evening-primrose) vr f - Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) - - vr Oxalis cf. articulata (Pink-sorrel) vr - - Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort) vr f o Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr vr vr Phragmites australis (Common Reed) vr la - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr r r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr - - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) f r f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o r - Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) vr vr - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) f r - Poa humilis (Spreading Meadow-grass) vr - - Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) vr - - Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - r - Polygonum arenastrum (Equal-leaved Knotgrass) f vr - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o a r Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) r vr - Pulicaria dysenterica (Common Fleabane) vr r - Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - vr - Reseda luteola (Weld) vr r - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr vr vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - - Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) - r vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr vr - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o - o Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) vr vr - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr - -


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Silene ×hampeana (Hybrid Red-campion) - vr - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - vr - Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) vr - - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - - vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) - - o Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) vr - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) r - - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - vr - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr o - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r - o Stachys sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort) - - vr Symphytum officinale (Common Comfrey) - vr - Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) vr - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o r o Trifolium repens (White Clover) - vr - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) o vr - Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) vr - - Typha latifolia (Bulrush) vr - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr o a Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) vr vr - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) vr - la


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8 W11 TO W9 – HAYES TO SOUTHALL LINESIDES


The areas grouped together and described under this heading comprise railway linesides between the Airport Junction area in the west and Southall Station in the east. The linesides here are unexceptional in their general character. They are mostly between 4 m and 10 m wide, at grade west of Hayes Station and in the vicinity of Southall Station, and on steep embankments in the vicinity of the Yeading Brook to the east of Hayes Station. They are on neutral soils often incorporating railway ballast, and they are clothed with the common vegetation types of suburban railways in the London area – scrub, semi-ruderal tall-herb vegetation, and rough grassland. Adjacent areas are mostly built up with light industrial premises west of Dawley Road, and residential areas elsewhere, though to the west of Southall Depot there are extensive open but largely non-vegetated areas including car-parks (to the north) and factory demolition sites (to the south). The principal areas of more natural habitat adjoining are associated with the valleys of the Yeading Brook and the Grand Union Canal crossing more-or-less at right angles.

8.2 Vegetation

8.2.1 General

The linesides mostly support complexes of rough grassland, tall-herb vegetation, bramble underscrub and scrub in mosaic and transition. Open ruderal vegetation is frequent towards track edges and on sidings, and grades into the lineside grassland. In a few places, mostly around Southall Sidings, more species-rich ruderal vegetation also occurs on railway ballast. Other vegetation types include secondary woodland, mostly on steep embankments near the Yeading Brook, and ornamental shrubbery around stations. Fragmentary ruderal vegetation and examples of Lolio-Plantaginion grassland types are scattered in small quantity wherever hard-surfaced areas and trackways occur.


Steep railway embankments near the Yeading Brook have open secondary woodland dominated in the canopy by Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) and Salix cf. fragilis (Crack Willow) with a shrub-layer of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sambucus nigra (Elder). The field-layer is mostly dominated by Galium aparine (Cleavers) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). It is loosely referable to the NVC type W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer


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campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community or to transitions from this to W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. Within railway fences woodland is otherwise scarce, though there are fragmentary patches of incipient Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) woodland in a few places, e.g. the western end of Southall Sidings. On land adjacent to work-sites woodland is almost as scarce being virtually confined to incipient plantation woodland dominated by Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) near Hayes Station, and confused mixtures of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch) and ornamental trees on land north of the railway corridor near Southall Station. These plantation woodlands largely defy NVC description. Scrub dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) and referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community is widespread, though it mostly occurs in mosaic and transition with other vegetation types. In a few places, suckering Ulmus procera (English Elm) gives it a distinctive character, but it is still to be regarded as W21a. It commonly contains Rosa canina (Dog-rose), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Sambucus nigra (Elder), and saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Prunus avium (Wild Cherry), and the different proportions result in subtle variation from one place to another. Where Sambucus nigra (Elder) and Salix caprea (Goat Willow) become dominant, often though not always in association with Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), the scrub is however referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000), and this commonly occurs in mosaic and transition with W21a, especially around stations and sidings where the scrub tends to be more ruderal in character. Stands strongly dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) are also referable to the proposed NVC type, but probably warrant treatment as a distinct sub-community. They are prominent on railway ballast substrates at the western end of Southall Sidings. All of these scrub types forms mosaics and transitions with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) dominated scrubs referable to the NVC types W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community where tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers are prominent, and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. Ornamental shrubbery is of very limited occurrence, being more-or-less confined to areas adjacent to the railway near Southall Station, Dawley Road (where there is quasi-native scrub) and light industrial estates west of Dawley Road.

8.2.3 Tall-herb Vegetation and Grassland

Tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers are abundant, but they mostly occur as elements in bramble underscrub and rough grassland, or in vegetation types that are transitional between these types and tall-herb vegetation types. Tall-herb vegetation as such is of remarkably limited occurrence. There are small areas of Urtica dioica


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(Common Nettle) dominated by vegetation referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community, and one or two stands of Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000), mostly west of Dawley Road. Rough grassland with tall semi-ruderal herbs is abundant, and referable either to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community or to transitions from MG1b to nettlebed communities including OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community. Where brambles are involved there are transitions from MG1b to OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community.


Open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast at Southall Sidings (cover 10% to 50%) comprises the annual grass Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) and spring-ephemerals including Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort), Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) and Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), though larger semi-ruderal herbs are scattered throughout, especially Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). It is loosely referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983). It grades into more species-rich ruderal vegetation on less disturbed railway ballast, where a wide range of semi-ruderal herbs are scattered at moderate levels of cover, especially Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster × salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion). This latter vegetation type is represented in Table 8.4.2. It is probably loosely referable to the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). Very locally this in turn grades into nearly closed species-rich ruderal vegetation on railway ballast, where taller species as Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) become prominent. This is represented in Table 8.4.3, and is probably transitional between the Erigeronto-Lactucetum and the Dauco-Melilotion vegetation types of Continental authors. Other ruderal vegetation types occur in very fragmentary patches, and are therefore not readily referable to NVC types.


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8.3 Species of Note

No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Among more common species, the distinctive species of railway ballast substrates are very scarce in this area, though Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) and Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) were noted in small quantity. Ephemerals are abundant at Southall Depot including Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not) and Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage).


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8.4 Tables

Table 8.4.1. Plant species recorded from tracksides in the Hayes and Southall area on 14,4,2004 and 15,4,2004. Column 1 – west of Dawley Road, north side; column 2 – east of Dawley Road, south side; column 3 – east of Hayes Station; column 4 – Southall Depot; column 5 – west of Southall Station, north side. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r o r o o Berberis cf. vulgaris cultivar (Barberry) - - - vr - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - - r r - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) o o f a a Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) - - r r - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) f f o vr o Euonymus cf. europaeus cultivar (Spindle) - - - vr - Forsythia ×intermedia (Forsythia) - vr - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) - - r vr vr Hedera helix (Ivy) a - - vr - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) - - - - vr Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum) vr - - - - Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) - r - vr - Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) - - - vr - Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) vr - - - - Malus domestica (Apple) vr - r o - Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper) - vr - vr - Philadelphus coronarius (Mock-orange) - vr - - - Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) vr - - - - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) vr - - - r Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) - f - - - Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) r - - - - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) - - vr - - Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) - - vr vr - Pyrus communis (Pear) vr - - - - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr - - vr vr Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) - vr - - - Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) - vr - - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) o o r vr - Rosa cultivar (Rose) - vr - - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a a a a a Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) vr - - vr - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) vr vr o o o Salix cf. fragilis (Crack Willow) - - r - - Salix ×sepulcralis (Weeping Willow) - vr - - - Sambucus nigra (Elder) r o o vr - Sorbus cf. aria (Common Whitebeam) - - vr - - Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) - - - vr - Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) - vr - vr - Ulmus procera (English Elm) vr r - - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) lf - lf f - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - - - r r


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Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) vr r - vr - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o - o a - Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) r - - e - Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - - - vr - Aphanes arvensis (Parsley-piert) - - - vr - Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) r o o o r Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serp. (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) - - - o - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr - - e - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - - - r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a a a a a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o - o f o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) r f - a - Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) - - - vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr - - vr - Barbarea vulgaris (Winter-cress) - - - vr - Brassica nigra (Black Mustard) - vr vr - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - - - vr - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) r - - r - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - - - vr Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) o o f a r Carex cf. riparia (Greater Pond-sedge) - - vr - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - - - r - Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) vr - - - - Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) - - la vr - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r vr vr r vr Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) r o r a vr Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) - - - vr - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) la o la f la Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine) - - - vr - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - - vr vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r - r o o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr r - r vr Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - - - vr - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r - - o - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - - - vr r Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr - - - - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - r vr r vr Cymbalaria muralis ssp. muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) - - - - r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) r - - r r Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) o - - f - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - - - o vr Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) - - - r - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) vr o - vr r Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) r - - o r Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - - - vr vr Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) - - - r - Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) - - - o - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r vr - vr r Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) - - - vr - Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) o - - f - Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp-agrimony) - - - vr - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) - - - vr - Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian Vine) vr - - - -


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Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) r - - la r Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - vr vr r - Fumaria muralis (Common Ramping-fumitory) - vr - - - Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) - - - vr - Galium aparine (Cleavers) a a a a o Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr - - r - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) r - - f - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r r - o - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr vr - vr - Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed) - - - vr - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o r a a f Hieracium species (Hawkweed) - - - r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o r r f o Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) vr - - o - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - - - vr - Hyacinthoides ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) - r - r - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r - r f - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r vr - r - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr - - vr vr Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) r - - vr vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr - - o vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) r r vr r r Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) r r r - - Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - - r vr - Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling) - - - vr - Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) - - - vr - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - - vr - - Lepidium campestre (Field Pepperwort) f - - - - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) o f vr lf o Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) - - - vr - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r r r r r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r - vr f - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr - - - - Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) - - - vr - Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) - - - vr - Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) vr - - - - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r - - a - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) vr - - vr - Myosotis arvensis (Field Forget-me-not) - - - vr - Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not) - - - vr - Narcissus cultivars (Daffodil) - vr - - - Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) - - vr - - Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) vr - - - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr r - o r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) r - - a - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o - o a - Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o - vr f vr Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) vr - vr vr - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) la - - f - Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) vr - - o - Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - - - vr - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - - - vr - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) r - r o -


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Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - - - vr - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - - r - - Reseda luteola (Weld) - - - vr vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr - r r - Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr - - - r Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - vr r - Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr - - vr - Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) r - - vr - Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) - - vr la - Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop) - - - vr - Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) - - - vr - Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) - - vr - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r - vr o vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) f a f a f Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r o r o - Silene dioica (Red Campion) - r - vr - Silene vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (Bladder Campion) - - - vr - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) r vr - r - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) - - - vr - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) - - - vr vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - - - r - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - - - vr - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr - - vr - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - vr - vr - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) o r vr r - Symphytum cf. officinale (Common Comfrey) - - - vr - Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) r - - - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) f - o o f Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - - - vr - Trifolium cf. dubium (Lesser Trefoil) la - - r - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) vr - - vr - Trifolium repens (White Clover) r - - vr - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - - - r - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - - vr vr - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) o la la o o Verbascum cf. thapsus (Great Mullein) vr - vr vr vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr vr vr - vr Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) r r r r vr Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr vr r r - Vicia hirsuta (Hairy Tare) vr - vr - - Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) r - la o - Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) - vr - - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) la o r a - c) Mosses Brachythecium albicans - vr - a - Brachythecium rutabulum vr vr a r r Bryum pendulum - - - r - Eurynchium cf. confertum - - - vr - Calliergonella cuspidata - vr - - - Ceratodon purpureus vr la vr a vr Tortula muralis vr vr vr r vr


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Table 8.4.2. Vascular plant species recorded from scrub and ruderal vegetation on either side of a track in a compound at Southall Depot. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) r Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) f Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) r Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) r Aphanes arvensis (Parsley-piert) vr Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) o Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) r Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) r Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) r Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) f Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) o Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) f Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) f Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) la Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) a Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) f Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) f Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) o Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) o Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) vr Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) vr Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) a Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp-agrimony) vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) o Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r


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Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) f Hieracium species (Hwkweed) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) f Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) f Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) r Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) r Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) o Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus albus (White Melilot) vr Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) f Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) a Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) a Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) a Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) f Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) f Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) vr Reseda luteola (Weld) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) o Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr Symphytum ×uplandicum (Russian Comfrey) r Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) f Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) r Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) f Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) vr Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) vr Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a


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Table 8.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast substrates in a compound at Southall Depot. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Medicago lupulina 7 4 7 6 7 V 4-7 Vulpia myuros 5 5 4 6 7 V 4-7 Plantago lanceolata 5 4 4 3 4 V 3-5 Artemisia vulgaris 3 4 4 3 3 V 3-4 Anisantha sterilis 4 4 3 4 2 V 2-4 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 - 2 2 1 IV 1-2 Poa angustifolia - - 1 3 2 III 1-3 Aster ×salignus 1 - 2 2 - III 1-2 Buddleja davidii (g) 2 1 - 2 - III 1-2 Catapodium rigidum - 3 - 1 - II 1-3 Conyza canadensis 1 - - 1 - II 1 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - - - 1 1 II 1 Hypochaeris radicata - - 1 - 1 II 1 Rubus fruticosus agg. (g) - 1 - 1 - II 1 Solidago canadensis - - - - 2 I 2 Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia - - 1 - - I 1 Cerastium glomeratum - - - - 1 I 1 Dactylis glomerata - 1 - - - I 1 Epilobium tetragonum - - - 1 - I 1 Hypericum perforatum - - - - 1 I 1 Linaria vulgaris 1 - - - - I 1 Lolium perenne 1 - - - - I 1 Picris echioides - - - - 1 I 1 Picris hieracioides - 1 - - - I 1 Plantago major - - 1 - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 38.0, OV23c 37.0, OV23b 34.0, OV23a 33.4, OV22b 25.4


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Table 8.4.4. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in ruderal vegetation on railway ballast substrates in a compound at Southall Depot. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Medicago lupulina 8 8 5 3 6 V 3-8 Picris hieracioides 7 5 5 3 1 V 1-7 Plantago lanceolata 3 4 3 6 3 V 3-6 Vulpia myuros 2 3 5 2 4 V 2-5 Arrhenatherum elatius 2 3 3 4 3 V 2-4 Artemisia vulgaris 1 3 1 1 1 V 1-3 Daucus carota ssp. carota - 1 3 3 4 IV 1-4 Hirschfeldia incana 2 - 1 4 2 IV 1-4 Holcus lanatus 1 - 1 1 1 IV 1 Melilotus officinalis 1 - 5 2 - III 1-5 Rubus fruticosus agg. (g) - 4 - 4 4 III 4 Aster ×salignus - - 1 1 4 III 1-4 Linaria vulgaris 1 - - 1 4 III 1-4 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - 1 1 - 1 III 1 Hypericum perforatum - - - 7 4 II 4-7 Trifolium campestre 1 4 - - - II 1-4 Anisantha sterilis - 2 - - 1 II 1-2 Calystegia silvatica 1 - - 2 - II 1-2 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - - - 1 2 II 1-2 Hypochaeris radicata 1 - - - 1 II 1 Sonchus asper - 1 - 1 - II 1 Brachythecium rutabulum - - - 4 - I 4 Achillea millefolium - 3 - - - I 3 Catapodium rigidum - - 3 - - I 3 Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia - - 1 - - I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - - - 1 I 1 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - - - - 1 I 1 Geranium rotundifolium - - 1 - - I 1 Heracleum sphondylium - - - 1 - I 1 Lactuca virosa - - - - 1 I 1 Linaria purpurea 1 - - - - I 1 Melilotus albus 1 - - - - I 1 Poa angustifolia - - - 1 - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - - - 1 - I 1 Solidago canadensis - - - - 1 I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23d 36.9, OV23c 32.5, MG1a 29.9, MG1b 25.5


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Table 8.4.5. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in rough grassland on banks at the edge of Southall Depot. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Arrhenatherum elatius 8 7 7 8 8 V 7-8 Rubus fruticosus agg. 6 8 8 7 5 V 5-8 Achillea millefolium 4 4 3 3 4 V 3-4 Plantago lanceolata 3 3 3 3 4 V 3-4 Medicago lupulina 3 3 3 4 - IV 3-4 Artemisia vulgaris 4 3 - 4 - III 3-4 Poa angustifolia - - 3 - 4 II 3-4 Hypericum perforatum - - 2 1 - II 1-2 Chamerion angustifolium - - - - 4 I 4 Anisantha sterilis - 3 - - - I 3 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus 3 - - - - I 3 Buddleja davidii (g) - - - - 1 I 1 Cirsium arvense - - 1 - - I 1 Cirsium vulgare - 1 - - - I 1 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - 1 - - - I 1 Holcus lanatus - - - 1 - I 1 Linaria vulgaris - - 1 - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - 1 - - - I 1 Silene vulgaris ssp. vulgaris - - - 1 - I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - - - 1 - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 43.0, OV23d 41.2, MG1a 36.5, MG1b 35.3, OV23c 33.0


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9 W6 - WEST EALING STATION


The proposed work areas affect disused infrastructure (mainly platforms) at West Ealing Station, and accordingly affect only sparse scrub and ruderal vegetation. The surrounding area is heavily built-up, and most open space is non-vegetated, e.g. car-parks.

9.2 Vegetation

There are small amounts of SCR2a Buddleia Scrub and fragmentary stands of Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000). There are also small amounts of ornamental shrubbery. Ruderal vegetation is mostly BAL1 Open Ballast Vegetation grading into BAL2 Species-rich Ballast Vegetation in few places.

9.3 Species of Note



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9.4 Tables

Table 9.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from a disused platform and track-bed at West Ealing Station.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f Cotoneaster species (a Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr ×Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr Hedera helix (Ivy) lf Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr Platanus ×hispanica (London Plane) vr Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) lf Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) vr Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) lf Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) lf Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) la Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) la Bromus hordeaceus (Soft-brome) r Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) lf Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) r Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) f Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) r Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) vr Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) vr Epilobium species (a Willowherb) r Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) r Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) vr Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) vr Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) lf Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r


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Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) la Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) lf Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) r Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) o Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) lf Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) la Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s-ear) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) o Trifolium repens (White Clover) la Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) la


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10 W4 - ACTON FREIGHT YARD


The greater part of the Acton Freight Yard area consists of hard-surfaced yards, or else of operational railway sidings and track. Vegetation is more-or-less confined to the following areas: • banks supporting woodland, scrub, tall-herb vegetation and grassland along the

western half of the northern boundary; • little-used operational railway sidings supporting sparse ruderal vegetation; and • miscellaneous niches in the hard-surfaced areas supporting scattered individuals of

ruderal plants and fragmentary patches of ruderal vegetation. Adjacent areas are mostly built-up, but a sports ground with amenity-turf abuts the eastern half of the northern boundary, and allotments abut the central part. Just to the west of Acton Freight Yard there are relatively extensive complexes of railway lineside habitat supporting scrub, grassland and ruderal vegetation.

10.2 Vegetation


Embankments in the north-western part of the site have mature eutrophic secondary or plantation woodland dominated in the canopy by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) in association with Populus × canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) over a shrub-layer of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Hedera helix (Ivy), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel), Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) saplings and Sambucus nigra (Elder). The field-layer is strongly dominated by Hedera helix (Ivy) with small amounts of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). The NVC affinities of this woodland are unclear; there is the loosest of affinities with W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community but it is probably best referred to the basal community of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) in the Fagetalia sylvaticae. Extensive areas of scrub along the western half of the northern boundary were not accessed for safety reasons, but they grade into quasi-native scrub containing Acer campestre (Field Maple), Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood), Corylus avellana (Hazel) and Rosa canina (Dog-rose) planted on top of a steep-sided bund. There are also extensive areas of dense Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub mostly referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. In the eastern half of the area there are


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fragmentary examples of open Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Locally these grade into W24a. In the eastern part of the area there are small plantings of ornamental shrubbery.

10.2.2 Tall-herb vegetation and Grassland

Tall-herb vegetation as such is scarce in this area, though nettlebed vegetation dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) in association with Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) and referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community probably occurs among scrub along the northern boundary. There may also be very fragmentary patches of mixed tall-herb ruderal vegetation referable to the NVC type OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community, especially among Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub in the eastern half. Rough grassland is also rather restricted in occurrence being largely confined to banks and bunds in the western half of the northern edge, where fragmentary patches of rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) in association with tall semi-ruderal herbs are doubtless referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. More common in this area is planted grassland dominated by the grass Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) in association with a wide range of forbs deriving from a wild-flower seed-mixture including Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed), Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Onobrychis viciifolia (Sainfoin), Ononis repens (Common Restharrow) and Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain). This is hard to assign to any NVC type though it has loose affinities with MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community and with MG6a Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland, typical sub-community.


Bunds in the western half of the northern edge locally support ruderal vegetation typical of fertile soils. It contains Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) and Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) in association with Aster × salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury), Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) and Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot). It is probably transitional between some NVC type such as OV13d Stellaria media-Capsella bursa-pastoris community, Urtica dioica-Galium aparine sub-community and the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). This association in turn is scattered around the northern edges of the site.


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On railway ballast species-rich ruderal vegetation consists of Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort), Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue). This too is probably loosely referable to the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957), or to transitions between this and the Dauco-Melilotion vegetation of Continental authors. Other scattered ruderal vegetation on railway ballast may be referable to the NVC type OV19a Poa annua-Matricaria perforata community, Senecio squalidus-Epilobium angustifolium sub-community or to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983).

10.3 Species of Note

No species having statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded. Four species that are included on the Nationally Scarce list were recorded, but all four are cases of species that occur widely as alien ruderals over large parts of the UK, and achieve Nationally Scarce status only on the basis of their occurrence as native species in special habitats in restricted parts of the UK (Section 3.5.1) as alien ruderals as follows: Lepidium latifolium (Dittander), Sedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop), Verbascum lychnitis (White Mullein) and Verbascum virgatum (Twiggy Mullein). Among more common species, the distinctive species of railway ballast substrates are very scarce in this area, though Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) was noted in small quantity.


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10.4 Tables

Table 10.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Acton Freight Yard on 25,7,2004. Column 1 – fragmentary ruderal vegetation on road and rail-sides in the eastern part of the depot; column 2 – ruderal vegetation in the western part of the Redlands yard; column 3 – woodland, scrub, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation east of Noel Road; column 4 – woodland, scrub, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation west of Noel Road. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) - - lf - Acer negundo (Ashleaf Maple) vr - - - Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) vr - - - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r o a o Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - - vr vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - o r f Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) o o a o Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) - - vr - Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) - vr r - Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) - - vr - Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) - - vr - Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - lf - Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) - - - vr Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) - - - vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - - a - Cytisus scoparius (Broom) - - vr - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) o o - vr Hedera helix (Ivy) - - la la Ilex aquifolium (Holly) - vr r - Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum) - - vr - Lonicera ×italica (Garden Honeysuckle) vr - - - Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) - - vr vr Malus domestica (Apple) - vr vr r Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) - vr r - Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) - - vr - Populus× canescens (Grey Poplar) - - r - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) - r r - Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) vr - vr - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) - - - vr Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) vr - - vr Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) vr - vr o Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) - - r o Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - - r o Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) - - - vr Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) - - vr - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) - - vr o Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) vr a a a Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) - - - vr Rubus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Bramble) - - - vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - - vr - Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) - r vr -


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Sambucus nigra (Elder) - - f - Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr - - - Taxus baccata (Yew) - - vr - Ulmus procera (English Elm) vr - - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - - r a Aethusa cynapium (Fool’s Parsley) - - r - Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) - - - vr Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - - r - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) - - r - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f a f o Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - - lf vr Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - vr vr - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - - vr - Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serp. (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) - - vr - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) r o f a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o - f - Asparagus officinalis ssp. officinalis (Garden Asparagus) - - vr - Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) f a o a Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) - - a o Avena fatua (Wild-oat) - - r - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - - r vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - vr - vr Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - - o vr Campanula cf. persicifolia (Peach-leaved Bellflower) - vr - - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - - vr Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) vr - - - Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) - vr - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - la vr - Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) - - lf r Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) - o - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r - - - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - f r - Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) - - r - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) vr r r o Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - r r Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) vr r f o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr r r vr Conium maculatum (Hemlock) - - vr - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) vr - - vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r o o r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - - vr - Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) - - vr - Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr vr - - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr o vr vr Cymbalaria muralis ssp. muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) - - vr - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr - r o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) o f f o Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) - - - r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - vr - - Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) - - vr - Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) vr - - -


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Echium vulgare (Viper’s-bugloss) - - r - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - - r - Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - - r - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - r r vr Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) - o o - Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) - o r r Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) - - r r Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) - - r - Fallopia convolvulus (Black-bindweed) - - r - Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) - - r vr Festuca ovina (Sheep’s-fescue) - - - vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - - la - Galium aparine (Cleavers) o o la lf Geranium pusillum (Small-flowered Crane’s-bill) vr - - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) o f o r Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr - - r Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) - - - vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr r o o Hieracium species (Hawkweed) vr - - o Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) f - a r Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r o r r Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) r vr - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) vr r vr o Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr r vr o Juncus bufonius (Toad Rush) - - vr - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) r - f r Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) - - vr r Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - r vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - - r - Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) - - vr - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - f lf - Lepidium latifolium (Dittander) - - o - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) r - a - Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) - - o o Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r a f - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r r r r Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - - - vr Lupinus ×regalis (Russell Lupin) - - - vr Malva moschata (Musk-mallow) - - r - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - - vr - Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) - - - vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r a a a Melilotus albus (White Melilot) vr vr r - Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) - - r - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) r r f f Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) - - - vr Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) - - r - Muscari armeniacum (Garden Grape-hyacinth) vr - - - Onobrychis viciifolia (Sainfoin) - - lf - Ononis repens (Common Restharrow) - - lf - Papaver dubium ssp. dubium (Long-headed Poppy) - - - r Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - - r vr Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) - - - vr


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Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) - - o vr Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - - vr - Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary-grass) vr - - - Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) - - vr - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr - o r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) o a a vr Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) vr f a o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr - o o Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) - - - la Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) vr - o r Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) vr - - - Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - - r - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - - o o Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) - - - r Puccinellia distans (Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass) - - vr - Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - - r - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - - r - Reseda luteola (Weld) - - vr - Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel) - - - vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - - o o Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - - o - Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) - - vr - Sedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop) - - - vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr - vr vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o r o r Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) o - o r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) - - vr - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - - r - Silene vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (Bladder Campion) - - vr - Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) - - vr - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - - - r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) - - o - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - r - vr Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) r - - - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) r - r vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - - vr vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) - - r - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o o f o Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) vr - - - Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil) - a - - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - - vr o Trifolium repens (White Clover) - - vr vr Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - - a - Triticum aestivum (Bread Wheat) - - vr vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) r o f - Typha latifolia (Bulrush) - - vr - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr - la lf Verbascum lychnitis (White Mullein) - - vr - Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) - - r - Verbascum virgatum (Twiggy Mullein) - - vr - Verbena officinalis (Vervain) - - - r Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) - - r - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - - - vr


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Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) - - vr - Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) - - - vr Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) f a a o


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11 W3 – OLD OAK COMMON DEPOT


The area comprises extensive non-vegetated operational railway sidings, buildings and hard-surfaced areas at Old Oak Common depot, together with vegetated areas around the western and northern edges. Owing to the size of the depot these are not of negligible extent, even though they represent a relatively small proportion of the area. Along the western edge, the depot lies below the level of Old Oak Common Lane, and there are accordingly extensive banks supporting secondary and plantation woodland, scrub, tall-herb vegetation and rough grassland. Other areas of bramble underscrub, tall-herb vegetation and rough grassland are more-or-less confined to the vicinity of roadways in the north-western corner. In addition sparse ruderal vegetation is widespread on the less intensively used sidings and areas where rails have been lifted (though mostly in the northern and western parts).

11.2 Vegetation


Banks on the western edge locally support secondary woodland dominated in the canopy by Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) with a partly natural and partly planted shrub-layer containing Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Malus domestica (Apple) and Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus). Similar but less mature incipient secondary woodland dominated by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) saplings is scattered in small quantity. In both types a relatively sparse field-layer contains plants typical of shady eutrophic places including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) and Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed). These woodlands have loose affinities with the NVC type W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community. Between the northern edge of the area and the Grand Union Canal there is a wooded area dominated in the canopy by Betula pendula (Silver Birch) with other species in very small quantity including Populus cf. × canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) and Salix caprea (Goat Willow). In the field-layer there is a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). Otherwise the field-layer is grassy wit Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog), and a range of broad-leaved herbs variously typical of shady places or nutrient-poor soils including Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Hieracium species (Hawkweed), Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear), Rumex acetosella (Sheep’s Sorrel), Silene dioica (Red Campion) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). This woodland developed on


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railway ballast substrates formerly within railway fences, but now outside and open to the public as part of the adjacent canal-side wildlife habitat complex. Though the NVC recognizes several types of birch woodland, they are mostly either upland types or else extremely calcifugous south-eastern types; this railway-ballast woodland cannot very well be assigned to any of them. It is probably best regarded as a highly impoverished variant of W10d Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland, Holcus lanatus sub-community. Scrub is of rather limited occurrence, though mixed scrub is scattered on banks along the western edge. It mostly consists of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Malus domestica (Apple), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Ulex europaeus (Gorse) with saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) and is probably very loosely referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). There are however extensive areas of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC types W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community in the north-western part of the site. These are often in mosaic and transition with rough grassland and tall-herb ruderal vegetation types. Around the main buildings in the northern part of the area there are stands of old ornamental shrubbery consisting of Forsythia × intermedia (Forsythia) and Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) with small amounts of Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) and saplings of Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). These are plantings of a kind that was common perhaps forty years ago, and are readily distinguished from modern plantings.

11.2.2 Tall-herb Vegetation and Rough Grassland

Tall semi-ruderal herbs are abundant in complexes of bramble underscrub and rough grassland around the northern and western edges, but only here and there do they form tall-herb vegetation as such. In a few places stands of Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) with Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Galium aparine (Cleavers) may be patchily referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community, while in transitions from W24 bramble underscrub to rough grassland similar vegetation containing Rubus is referable to the NVC type OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community. In the same location more thistly stands are referable to the NVC type OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community. There are also stands of Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) having affinities with the NVC type OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community in mosaic and transition with all of the types described above.


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In the north-western corner, vegetation dominated by Aster × salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) and Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) in a wet depression. is very loosely referable to the NVC type OV26 Epilobium hirsutum community, and on surrounding slopes tall stands of Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) and Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) are loosely referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000). Rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and other coarse grasses such as Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) and Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) is widespread around the western and northern edges. It mostly contains tall semi-ruderal herbs at high levels of abundance, and is accordingly referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. It grades into the various tall-herb vegetation and bramble underscrub vegetation types described above.


Open ruderal vegetation is widespread on infrequently used sidings and nearby railway ballast or cinder substrates. Moss cover is high at an average of about 60% (in spring), and consists of both pleurocarps such as Brachythecium albicans and small acrocarps such as Ceratodon purpureus. There is a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) throughout, accounting for about 20% cover. The annual grass Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) is usually (though not always) abundant, but grasses are not otherwise a major component of cover though Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) are scattered throughout. Among broad-leaved herbs typical of Dauco-Melilotion vegetation, Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) is especially abundant, and other species occurring at high to moderate levels of abundance include Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Melilotus cf. officinalis (Ribbed Melilot), Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) and Taraxacum cf. piceatum (a Dandelion). Spring ephemerals are also abundant, especially Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill), Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel), Trifolium cf. dubium (Lesser Trefoil) and Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell). This vegetation may be referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983). Grassier ruderal vegetation on railway ballast, is mostly dominated by the annual grass Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) in association with broad-leaved herbs characteristic of Dauco-Melilotion vegetation including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), young plants of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild


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Carrot), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Melilotus cf. officinalis (Ribbed Melilot), Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) and Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot). It is probably referable to the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). Though in most sites this grades into putative Dauco-Melilotion vegetation – slightly better established and species-rich assemblages – it appears to do so to only a limited extent here. Transitions around roadways in the northern and western parts of the site are probably from the Erigeronto-Lactucetum to weedy Lolio-Plantaginion vegetation types such as OV23d Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community.


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Ephemerals are abundant at Old Oak Common Depot, including Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill), Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel), Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil), Valerianella locusta (Common Cornsalad) and Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell).


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11.4 Tables

Table 11.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Old Oak Common Depot a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o Berberis cf. thunbergii (Thunberg’s Barberry) vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) la Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’ (Shrub Ragwort) vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) r Cornus australis (a Dogwood) vr Cotoneaster cf. lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) o Fatsia japonica (Fatsia) vr Forsythia ×intermedia (Forsythia) vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) r Hedera helix cultivar (Ivy) vr Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) vr Malus domestica (Apple) r Philadelphus cf. ×virginalis (Hairy Mock-orange) vr

Populus cf. ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) vr Populus cf. nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) vr Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) r Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) vr Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) vr Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) r Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r Rosa cultivars (Rose) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a Rubus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Bramble) vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) r Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) o Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr Taxus baccata (Yew) vr Ulex europaeus (Gorse) r Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) r b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) vr Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) vr Allium cf. vineale (Wild Onion) vr Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) r Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) la Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) f Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr


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Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia verlotiorum (Chinese Mugwort) vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) f Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) a Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) r Bellis perennis (Daisy) vr Brassica cf. napus ssp. oleifera (Oil-seed Rape) vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) r Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) vr Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) o Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress) r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) a Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) vr Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) f Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear) a Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) o Claytonia perfoliata (Springbeauty) r Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) [1] vr Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) [1] f Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) o Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) f Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o Epilobium cf. ciliatum (American Willowherb) [2] f Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) a Erysimum cheiri (Wallflower) vr Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) r Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) r Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) o Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) o Galium aparine (Cleavers) la Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) r Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) [3] f Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) [3] o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) f Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) f Hieracium species (Hawkweed) r Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr Hyacinthoides ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) r


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Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) f Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) o Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) r Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) r Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) o Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) o Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) r Lepidium cf. ruderale (Narrow-leaved Pepperwort) vr Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) la Leucanthemum ×superbum (Shasta Daisy) vr Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) f Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) f Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus cf. officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) [4] f Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) r Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not) r Narcissus cultivar (Daffodil) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) o Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) a Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) vr Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) a Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) r Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) r Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) r Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) la Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) vr Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine) vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) vr Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) vr Rumex acetosella (Sheep’s Sorrel) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) f Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) r Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) r Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) o Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) o Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) a Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) o Silene cf. dioica (Red Campion) vr Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) vr Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr


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Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r Taraxacum cf. piceatum (Dandelion) [5] a Tragopogon cf. porrifolius (Salsify) r Trifolium cf. dubium (Lesser Trefoil) [7] la Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) r Trifolium repens (White Clover) r Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) o Typha latifolia (Bulrush) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) o Valerianella locusta (Common Cornsalad) r Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) o Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) o Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) f Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) [8] a c) Mosses Brachythecium albicans la Brachythecium rutabulum a Bryum pendulum o Ceratodon purpureus a Funaria hygrometrica o Tortula muralis f

Notes. 1. Most Conyza in the site is C. sumatrensis, but C. canadensis is probably present in small quantity. Rosettes are not determinable in April. 2. Small Epilobium species are probably mostly E. ciliatum, but E. obscurum and E. tetragonum are likely to be present, and other species could be. Rosettes are not determinable in April. 3. Rosettes of Geranium species are probably mostly G. molle, but G. pusillum and G. rotundifolium could be present. Rosettes are not determinable in April. 4. Vegetative plants of Melilotus have been recorded as M. officinalis, but M. altissima and M. alba are just as likely and all three could be present. 5. The Taraxacum micro-species have not been examined in detail. Much appears to be T. piceatum but many other taxa could be present. 6. Large rosettes of Tragopogon have been recorded as T. porrifolius but T. pratense is just as likely.


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7. Seedlings of small Trifolium species have been recorded as T. dubium but other small clovers are possible, especially T. arvense. 8. Carpets of Vulpia seedlings are probably mostly V. myuros but V. bromoides may also be present.


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Table 11.4.2. NVC table for five 1-metre square quadrats in open ruderal vegetation rich in spring ephemerals on railway ballast. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 5 4 7 5 6 V 4-7 Cerastium semidecandrum 4 4 4 4 4 V 4 Aster ×salignus 4 1 2 1 4 V 1-4 Anisantha sterilis 2 2 3 2 2 V 2-3 Medicago lupulina - 2 2 4 4 IV 2-4 Plantago lanceolata 4 4 3 2 - IV 2-4 Buddleja davidii (g) - 1 1 4 2 IV 1-4 Conyza sumatrensis - 3 1 4 1 IV 1-4 Erophila verna 4 4 2 - 3 IV 1-4 Myosotis ramosissima 1 1 - 1 4 IV 1-4 Picris hieracioides 4 - 1 1 1 IV 1-4 Taraxacum cf. piceatum 1 1 4 - 1 IV 1-4 Cerastium glomeratum 1 - 3 2 1 IV 1-3 Saxifraga tridactylites - 1 1 3 1 IV 1-3 Veronica arvensis 3 - 1 1 1 IV 1-3 Trifolium cf. dubium 3 - - 4 4 III 3-4 Daucus carota ssp. carota 1 - 2 4 - III 1-4 Arabidopsis thaliana - - 3 3 1 III 1-3 Artemisia vulgaris 3 - 1 - - II 1-3 Vicia sativa 3 - 1 - - II 1-3 Hypochaeris radicata - - - 1 2 II 1-2 Picris echioides 2 1 - - - II 1-2 Geranium molle 1 - 1 - - II 1 Hypericum perforatum 1 - - 1 - II 1 Linaria vulgaris 1 - - - 1 II 1 Senecio vulgaris - 1 - 1 - II 1 Cirsium arvense - 1 - - - I 1 Funaria hygrometrica - - - - 1 1 1 Reseda lutea 1 - - - - I 1 Trifolium pratense - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 25.3, OV2 23.3, OV23c 23.1, OV23b 23.0


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Table 11.4.3. NVC table for five 1-metre square quadrats in open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Brachythecium albicans 8 8 3 1 10 V 1-10 Medicago lupulina 5 5 2 6 3 V 2-6 Picris hieracioides 1 2 5 4 3 V 1-5 Taraxacum cf. piceatum 4 5 3 2 1 V 1-5 Lolium perenne 2 1 3 3 2 V 1-3 Aster ×salignus 2 3 - 3 6 IV 2-6 Daucus carota ssp. carota 2 1 2 4 - IV 1-4 Hypericum perforatum 4 1 - 1 1 IV 1-4 Linaria vulgaris 4 3 1 4 - IV 1-4 Rubus fruticosus agg. (g) 4 4 4 1 - IV 1-4 Erophila verna 1 - 3 3 1 IV 1-3 Vicia sativa 1 1 1 - 1 IV 1 Cerastium glomeratum 4 - - 3 3 III 3-4 Hypochaeris radicata 2 2 - 2 - III 2 Vulpia myuros 4 - - - 7 II 4-7 Trifolium dubium 4 2 - - - II 2-4 Melilotus officinalis - - 4 1 - II 1-4 Arrhenatherum elatius 2 - - - 1 II 1-2 Senecio jacobaea - 1 - - 1 II 1 Hieracium species - 5 - - - I 5 Agrostis stolonifera - - - 4 - I 4 Ceratodon purpureus - - - 4 - I 4 Cardamine hirsuta - - - - 1 I 1 Cerastium fontanum - - - - 1 I 1 Chamerion angustifolium - 1 - - - I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - - - 1 I 1 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia 1 - - - - I 1 Dactylis glomerata - - - 1 - I 1 Geranium dissectum - - - - 1 I 1 Leucanthemum vulgare - - 1 - - I 1 Poa pratensis - - - - 1 I 1 Rubus laciniatus 1 - - - - I 1 Saxifraga tridactylites - - - 1 - I 1 Valerianella locusta - - - - 1 I 1 Veronica arvensis - - - - 1 I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 35.6, OV23c 30.6, OV23 d 30.1, SD7e 26.1


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12 C1 - WESTBOURNE PARK LINESIDES


Here the railway runs through a highly built-up area with the Westway Flyover just to the north. Wildlife habitat is virtually confined to the railway linesides and to the Grand Union Canal running more-or-less parallel at a distance to the north. On the linesides vegetation is sparse except on a single disused track.

12.2 Vegetation


There are no substantial areas of woodland or scrub, but in the inner-city context fragmentary groups or lines of trees casting sufficient shade to modify the field-layer around them may be considered under this heading. Even these are confined to a group of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) trees near Westbourne Park Studios, and a line of Alnus glutinosa (Alder) trees, probably planted, along the Grand Union Canal. Along the railway fragmentary and mostly open patches of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) are loosely referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000), and similarly fragmentary patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub, perhaps of barely sufficient extent to be referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community in a few places.


Rough grassland referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community is of very limited extent along the railway. More common is open ruderal vegetation consisting of scattered Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with common inner-city broad-leaved herbs such as Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). This is probably referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and may where it locally achieves cover greater than 50% tend towards the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957).


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Among more common species, the distinctive species


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of railway ballast substrates are very scarce in this area, though Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) and Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) were noted in small quantity.


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12.4 Tables

Table 12.4.1. Species recorded from Westbourne Park to Paddington. Column 1 - dense scrub beneath the Westway Fly-over near Westbourne Park Bus Depot; column 2 – open ballast vegetation next to the railway; column 3- disused platform near Westbourne Park Bus Depot; column 4 - scrub north of Westbourne Park Studios; column 5- bus-park south of Westbourne Park Studios; column 6 - woodland on a bank east of Westbourne Park Studios; column 7 - taxi car-park north of the railway at the eastern end; column 8 - edges of a fenced compound at the eastern end; and column 9 - car-park at south of the railway nearPaddington Station.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r vr - o - a vr la Vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) - o vr r o o r - R Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) - - - - - - - - vr Cotoneaster species (a Cotoneaster) - - - vr - - - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr vr - vr - vr - - vr Malus domestica (Apple) vr - - - - - - - - Prunus cf. serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr - - vr - vr vr - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) la lf r la vr la lf - la Salix cinerea (Grey Willow) - - - vr - - - - - Sambucus nigra (Elder) r - - - - - vr - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - r - - - - - - vr Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) - - vr - - - - - - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - lf la lf la - - lf - Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) - vr - - - - - - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) - a o lf a lf f f la Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) - lf - - - - - - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - - - - - lf - - - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) lf r - lf - r - r r Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) - vr - - - - - - - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r o vr r - lf o o r Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - la vr r r r lf lf r Atriplex patula (Common Orache) - - - - lf - - - - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - - - - - lf - - - Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome) - - - - - - - - vr Brassica napus (Rape) - vr - - - - - - - Bromus hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - la - vr - - - - - Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress) - vr - - - - - - - Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) - vr - - - - - - vr Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - - - r - lf - - - Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) - - - vr - - - - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - r - - - - - - - Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) - vr - - - - - - - Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) - vr - - - - - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - r - - - - - vr -


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Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - vr - - - - - - - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) - vr - - - - - - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - vr - - r - - - - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) f vr - o vr - r - vr Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - vr - - - - - - - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - vr o - o - - vr vr Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - vr f - o - r o a Coronopus squamatus (Swine-cress) - - - - - - r - - Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) - - - lf - - - - - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) - vr - - - - - - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) la lf - - - - - - - Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - r r - r - - - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - vr lf r lf - - - vr Epilobium species (a Willowherb) - - - - - - - vr vr Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) - lf - - - - - - - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) - - vr - - - - - - Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) - vr - - - - - - - Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) - vr - - - - - - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) - lf - - - r lf lf lf Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) - - - - vr - - - - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) - r - - - - - - vr Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - o - - vr - r - r Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - r - - - - - - - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - lf o - - lf - lf vr Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - lf - - vr - - - - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - r r r r - - - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - o - - - - - - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - o - - - - - - vr Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) - - - vr - - - - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - vr o r r lf vr - vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - r - - vr vr - - - Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) - vr - - - - - - vr Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) - r - - - - - - - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) - r - - - - - - r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - r vr - vr - - r - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - vr - - - lf r r - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - o - - - - - - - Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) - la - - - - - - - Melilotus indicus (Small Melilot) - - - vr - - - - - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) - - - - - - - r - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) - - - - vr - vr - vr Mycelis muralis (Wall Lettuce) - - - - - - - - vr Myosotis arvensis (Field Forget-me-not) - - - - - - - - lf Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) - - - - - vr - - - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - - r - - - - - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - vr - vr - - - o - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) - o r vr - - o f - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) - o - - - - - r - Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - r r - r - - - vr Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) - - - vr - - - - -


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Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) - vr f - r - o f vr Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - vr - - - - vr - - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - vr lf - r - - - - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) - - - - - - - lf - Pulicaria dysenterica (Common Fleabane) - vr - - - - - - - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - - - vr - - vr - - Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) - - la la - - - - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr - - - - - - vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o r - vr o r r r o Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) - r - - - - - - - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) - vr vr - vr - r o vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - vr - - - - - - - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) la - r - - lf - - - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr - - vr vr - - - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - vr - - - - - - - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - vr - - - - - - - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) - - - r - - - - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - vr r - r r vr - r Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) lf lf a lf a - la la la Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) - o f vr o - o o f Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - - - - - - - - Vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) - r - - - - - vr vr Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - vr - - - - - vr - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - vr - lf - - - - - Typha latifolia (Bulrush) - - vr - - - - - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) - vr - vr - f - - lf Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) - - - - - - - - lf Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) - r - - - - - - - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - - - - - - vr - - Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) - vr - - - - - - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) - a - - lf - lf lf la


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Table 12.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast at Westbourne Park. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 7 8 5 7 5 V 5-8 Anisantha sterilis 4 5 1 5 7 V 1-7 Bromus hordeaceus 4 3 5 4 4 V 3-5 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 2 4 4 1 2 V 1-4 Aster ×salignus 4 3 3 1 - IV 1-4 Epilobium ciliatum 3 1 1 1 - IV 1-3 Hypochaeris radicata 1 2 2 1 - IV 1-2 Solidago canadensis - 1 2 1 1 IV 1-2 Artemisia vulgaris 1 4 2 - - III 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 2 - 4 - 1 III 1-4 Sonchus oleraceus 1 - 1 - 4 III 1-4 Melilotus altissimus - - - 4 1 II 1-4 Medicago lupulina 2 - 1 - - II 1-2 Cerastium glomeratum - - - 3 - I 3 Rubus fruticosus agg. 3 - - - - I 3 Arrhenatherum elatius - 2 - - - I 2 Epilobium hirsutum - 2 - - - I 2 Holcus lanatus 2 - - - - I 2 Hypericum perforatum - 2 - - - I 2 Centaurium erythraea - 1 - - - I 1 Linaria vulgaris - - - - 1 I 1 Plantago major 1 - - - - I 1 Senecio squalidus - 1 - - - I 1 Sonchus arvensis - - 1 - - I 1 Tripleurospermum inodorum - - 1 - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 35.7, OV22c 34.8, OV23c 34.5, OV23a 33.8


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13 C3 - HYDE PARK


Hyde Park is a large public park in the built-up context of central London.

13.2 Vegetation

The affected part of Hyde Park contains amenity-turf, ornamental shrubbery, and mostly exotic trees. Some amenity-turf in nearby areas is allowed to grow tall during summer, presumably to enhance its wildlife value, and though much is species-poor, it locally contains common grassland forbs including Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) and Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup). Ruderals are scattered in amenity-turf , e.g. Plantago major (Greater Plantain), and in flower beds, e.g. Stellaria media (Common Chickweed). Where sandy paths have been laid there are annuals typical of free-draining soils, e.g. Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Erodium cicutarium (Common Stork’s-bill) and Geranium pusillum (Small-flowered Crane’s-bill) – perhaps introduced with the sand. There is extensive ornamental shrubbery around Victoria Lodge, and on the shaded northern side this supports a few shade-tolerant woodland herbs, e.g. Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert), Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) and ground carpets of mosses including Atrichum undulatum, Plagiomnium undulatum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus.


No wild species of note occur.


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13.4 Tables

Table 13.4.1. Plant species recorded from Hyde Park. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) vr Acer negundo (Ashleaf Maple) vr Aesculus cf. indica (Indian Horse-chestnut) r Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) r Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) vr Alnus cordata (Italian Alder) r Alnus incana (Grey Alder) r Arbutus unedo (Strawberry-tree) r Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ (Spotted-laurel) lf Berberis cf. darwinii (Darwin’s Barberry) vr Betula cf. jacquemontii (Jacquemont’s Birch) vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) vr Bupleurum cf. fruticosum (Shrubby Hare’s-ear) vr Buxus sempervirens (Box) lf Camellia species (Camellia) vr Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut) r Ceanothus species (California Lilac) vr Ceratostigma cf. willmottianum (Shrubby Plumbago) vr Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) r Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange) vr Cornus cf. australis (a Dogwood) vr Corylus maxima (Filbert) vr Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster × watereri (Waterer’s Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) lf Escallonia species (Escallonia) vr Euonymus cf. europaeus ‘Red Cascade’ (Spindle) vr Fagus sylvatica (Beech) vr Forsythia cf. × intermedia (Forsythia) vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) o Hebe cf. ‘Mrs Winder’ (a Hebe) vr Hebe cf. ×franciscana (Hedge Veronica) vr Hedera helix (Ivy) la Hypericum cf. ×inodorum (Tall Tutsan) vr Hypericum calycinum (Rose-of-Sharon) r Ilex × altaclerensis cf. ‘Hodginsii’ (Highclere Holly) la Ilex aquifolium (Holly) o Ilex aquifolium cf. ‘Argentea Marginata’(Holly) r Kerria japonica (Kerria) r Laurus nobilis (Bay) vr Ligustrum cf. lucidum (Chinese Privet) vr Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) o Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) vr Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) r Mahonia cf. japonica (an Oregon-grape) r Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) vr


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Olearia macrodonta (New Zealand Holly) vr Osmanthus cf. ×burkwoodii (an Osmanthus) r Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) ? vr Philadelphus cf. × virginalis (Hairy Mock-orange) o Phlomis cf. fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage) Photinia cf. ×fraseri (a Photinia) vr Pinus species (Pine) vr Pittosporum cf. tenuifolium ‘Garnettii’ (Kohuhu) vr Pittosporum tenuifolium cf. ‘Purpureum’ (Kohuhu) vr Platanus × hispanica (London Plane) a

Populus × canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) vr Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii (Purple-leaved Cherry-plum) vr Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) la Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (a Cherry Laurel) vr Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel) vr Prunus cf. serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) la Pyracantha cf. coccinea (Firethorn) vr Quercus cerris (Turkey Oak) lf Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) r Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr Quercus rubra (Red Oak) a Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) vr Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr Rosa cf. rugosa cultivars (Japanese Rose) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) vr Rubus cf. parviflorus (Thimbleberry) vr Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) vr Sarcococca cf. humilis (Sweet Box) vr Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr Spiraea cf. ×vanhouttei (Van Houtte’s Spiraea) vr Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr Taxus baccata (Yew) la Tilia ×europaea (Lime) o

Viburnum ×bodnatense (a Viburnum) vr Viburnum rhytidiophyllum (Wrinkled Viburnum) vr Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) la Wiegela cf. praecox ‘Variegata’ (a Weigelia) vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) f Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) vr Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) vr Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) vr Bellis perennis (Daisy) f Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) o Coronopus squamatus (Swine-cress) vr Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) vr


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Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) vr Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) r Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) vr Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr Erodium cicutarium (Common Stork’s-bill) vr Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr Geranium pusillum (Small-flowered Crane’s-bill) o Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) vr Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) a Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) vr Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) o Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr Polygonum arenastrum (Equal-leaved Knotgrass) vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) vr Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) r Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) r Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) f Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) r Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr Stellaria cf. pallida (Lesser Chickweed) ? r Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) r Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) r Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle) vr Urtica urens (Small Nettle) vr c) Mosses and liverworts Atrichum undulatum vr Brachythecium rutabulum r Brachythecium albicans r Bryum argenteum r Eurhynchium praelongum la


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Grimmia pulvinata vr Marchantia polymorpha vr Orthotrichum cf diaphanum r Plagiomnium undulatum la Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus vr Tortula muralis f


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14 C4 - HANOVER SQUARE


Hanover Square is a public square set in the highly built-up context of central London.

14.2 Vegetation

Hanover Square contains amenity-turf, ornamental shrubbery, and mostly exotic trees. Wild plants are restricted to the most occasional weeds of amenity-turf, e.g. Plantago major (Greater Plantain), and flower beds, e.g. Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) – but there are very few of either.




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14.4 Tables

Table 14.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Hanover Square Gardens. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer cf. palmatum (Japanese Maple) vr Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) r Aesculus carnea (Red Horse-chestnut) vr Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) r Aucuba japonica cf. ‘Variegata’ (Spotted-laurel) r Berberis cf. gagnepainii (Gagnepain’s Barberry) r Buxus sempervirens (Box) vr Camellia species (Camellias) vr Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange) r Coggyria cotinus (Smoke-tree) vr Corylus avellana (Hazel) vr Corylus cf. maxima ‘Purpurea’ (Filbert) r Eleagnus ×ebbingei (Hybrid Oleaster) o Euonymus fortunei (a Spindle) vr Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle) vr Fatsia japonica (Fatsia) vr Ficus carica (Fig) vr Forsythia ×intermedia (Forsythia) r Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr Hibiscus syriacus cf. ‘Blue Bird’ (a Hibiscus) vr Ilex ×altaclerensis (Highclere Holly) a Ilex aquifolium cultivars (Holly) r Juniperus species (Junipers) vr Lonicera fragrantissima (a Honeysuckle) vr Mahonia cf. japonica (an Oregon-grape) vr Malus cultivars (Flowering Crab-apples) vr Philadelphus ×virginalis (Hairy Mock-orange) r Photinia cf. ×fraseri (a Photinia) vr Platanus ×hispanica (London Plane) a Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (a dwarf Cherry Laurel) r Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) r Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) vr Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) vr Rosa cultivars (Roses) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) vr Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) r Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) r Viburnum cf. bodnatense (a Viburnum) vr Viburnum cf. lantanoides (a Viburnum) f Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) f Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) f Wiegela florida cf. ‘Variegata’ (Weigelia) vr b) Herbaceous species Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) f Chlorophytum species (Chlorophytums) r


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Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) vr Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Impateins cultivars (‘Busy-Lizzies’) r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) a Pelargonium cultivars (Pelargoniums) r Petunia cultivars (Petunias) r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr


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15 C7 - FINSBURY CIRCUS


Finsbury Circus is a public square set in the highly built-up context of central London.

15.2 Vegetation

Finsbury Circus contains amenity-turf, ornamental shrubbery, and mostly exotic trees. Wild plants are restricted to the most occasional weeds of amenity-turf, e.g. Plantago major (Greater Plantain), and flower beds, e.g. Stellaria media (Common Chickweed).




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15.4 Tables

Table 15.4.1. Ornamental trees and shrubs recorded from Finsbury Circus. Abelia cf. grandiflora (an Abelia) Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) Aralia species Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ (Spotted-laurel) Azara microphylla (an Azara) Berberis thunbergii (Thunberg’s Barberry) Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (Edging Box) Camellia species (Camellia) Cephalotaxus fortunei (a Cow-tail Pine) Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree) Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) Choisya ‘Aztec Pearl’ (a Mexican Orange hybrid) Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange) Cornus alba cf. ‘Elegantissima’ (a Red-osier Dogwood) Cornus sericea (Red-osier Dogwood) Cotoneaster cf. integrifolius (Entire-leaved Cotoneaster) Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster× watereri (Waterer’s Cotoneaster) Cotoneaster ‘Rothschildeanus’ (a Cotoneaster) Crataegus cf. monogyna (Hawthorn) Cytisus species (a Broom cultivar) Eleagnus cf. ×ebbingei (Hybrid Broad-leaved Oleaster) Eleagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ (an Oleaster) Euonymus fortunei ‘Canadale Gold’ (a Euonymus) Euonymus fortunei cf. ‘Silver Queen’ (a Euonymus) Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle) Euonymus japonicus cf. ‘President Gauthier’ (Evergreen Spindle) Fatsia japonica (Fatsia) Ficus carica (Fig) Garrya elliptica (Garrya) Hebe ×franciscana ‘Variegata’ (a Hedge Veronica) Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’ (a Hebe) Hebe cf. rakaiensis (a Hebe) Hedera helix (Ivy) Hibiscus cf. syriacus ‘Blue Bird’ (a Hibiscus) Hydrangea macrophylla (Hydrangea) Hydrangea quercifolia (a Hydrangea) Hypericum cf. ‘Hidcote’ (a St John’s-wort) Hypericum cf. ×moserianum (a St John’s-wort) Ilex cf. ×altaclerensis cf. ‘Golden King’ (Highclere Holly) Ilex aquifolium cf. ‘Argentea Marginata’ (Holly) Juniperus species (Juniper) Lavandula cf. angustifolia (Lavender) Liquidamber species (a Sweet Gum) Lonicera fragrantissima (a Honeysuckle) Lonicera nitida (Wilson’s Honeysuckle) Lonicera cf. periclymenum cultivar (Honeysuckle) Lonicera. pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle) Magnolia cf. ×soulangeana (a Magnolia) Magnolia cf. stellata (a Magnolia) Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) Mahonia cf. japonica (a Mahonia)


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Mahonia cf. ×media ‘Charity’ (a Mahonia) Olearia cf. haastii (a Daisy-bush) Olearia macrodonta ( a Daisy-bush) Osmanthus heterophyllus (an Osmanthus) Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegata’ (an Osmanthus) Myrtus luma ‘Glanleam Gold’ (an Orange-bark Myrtle) Pachysandra terminalis ‘Variegata’ (a Pachysandra) Parottia persica (Persian Ironwood) Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Spire’ (Perovskia) Philadelphus ×virginalis cf. ‘Virginal’ (Hairy Mock-orange) Photina cf. ×fraseri ‘Red Robin’ (a Photina) Pittosporum tenuifolium cf. ‘Silver Queen’ (a Pittosporum) Pittosporum tobira (a Pittosporum)

Platanus × hispanica (London Plane) Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (a Cherry Laurel) Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel) Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) Quercus species (Oak) Rhus typhina (Stag’s-horn Sumach) Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) Rosa cultivars (Roses) Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Rubus cf. ‘Benenden’ (a Bramble) Sarcocca confusa (a Sarcococca) Sarcococca cf. orientalis (a Sarcococca) Skimmia cf. japonica (a Skimmia) Spiraea cf. ×cinerea ‘Grefsheim’ (a Bridewort) Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) Taxus baccata (Yew) Tilia ×europaea (Lime) Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) Viburnum cf. ×burkwoodii (a Viburnum) Viburnum davidii (a Viburnum) Viburnum cf. ×farreri (a Viburnum) Viburnum rhytidiophyllum (Wrinkled Viburnum) Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus) Vinca major ‘Variegata’ (Greater Periwinkle) Wisteria cf. sinensis (a Wisteria)


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16 C8 – PEDLEY STREET LINESIDES


The Pedley Street Linesides are set in the built-up context of the inner city. There are however extensive areas of disused railway land at Bishopsgate Goods Yard to the east, and extensive areas of amenity-turf and park trees north and south of the railway.

16.2 Vegetation


There are no woodlands. Along the railway fragmentary and mostly open patches of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) are loosely referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000), and similarly fragmentary patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub, perhaps of barely sufficient extent to be referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community in a few places.

16.2.2 Tall-herb Vegetation and Ruderal Vegetation

Thistly tall-herb ruderal vegetation is fragmentary along the railway, and barely referable to the NVC type OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community, being instead transitional from this to open ruderal vegetation types. There are however a few patches of Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000). Rough grassland referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community is of very limited extent. More common is open ruderal vegetation consisting of Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with common broad-leaved herbs such as Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). This is probably referable to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), and where it achieves cover greater than 50% grades it forms mosaics and transitions with the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) or even the Dauco-Melilotion communities of Continental authors.


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16.4 Tables

Table 16.4.1. Species recorded from the Pedley Street Linesides. Column 1 - recently disturbed south-facing slopes; column 2 - the remainder of the area.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) - vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) r o Malus domestica (Apple) - vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) o la Sambucus nigra (Elder) - vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r lf Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - la Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f a Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) r la Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) a f Atriplex patula (Common Orache) a - Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) f - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) la - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) lf - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) a vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r r Conium maculatum (Hemlock) lf - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) o r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) vr - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - la Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - lf Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r r Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - r Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) vr - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a lf Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) lf lf Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - o Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) - f Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r lf Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) o - Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) - r Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) vr r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r o Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) f r Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) lf - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) r -


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Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr - Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) vr - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) a - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - o Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r lf Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr r Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) - vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) r - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - r Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) - vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) r o Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) r o Trifolium repens (White Clover) r r Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r r Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) lf - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) lf a


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Table 16.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in open ruderal vegetation on railway ballast at Pedley Street Linesides. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Anisantha sterilis 8 4 8 7 9 V 4-9 Picris hieracioides 3 5 2 3 3 V 2-5 Plantago lanceolata 3 3 3 2 1 V 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 3 3 3 1 1 V 1-3 Vulpia myuros 4 4 3 3 - IV 3-4 Arrhenatherum elatius - 7 3 7 - III 3-7 Agrostis stolonifera 5 3 - - 5 III 3-5 Holcus lanatus 3 - 4 - 3 III 3-4 Rubus fruticosus agg. - 5 5 - - II 5 Linaria vulgaris - 1 - 4 - II 1-4 Achillea millefolium 2 3 - - - II 2-3 Medicago lupulina 2 - - - 3 II 2-3 Cirsium arvense - 1 1 - - II 1 Festuca rubra 8 - - - - I 8 Dactylis glomerata - - 4 - - I 4 Elytrigia repens 4 - - - - I 4 Trifolium repens - - - - 3 I 3 Geranium rotundifolium - - 2 - - I 2 Lolium perenne - - 2 - - I 2 Senecio squalidus - - - - 2 I 2 Cirsium vulgare 1 - - - - I 1 Sonchus oleraceus - - 1 - - I 1 Trifolium pratense - 4 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23c 51.4, OV23a 45.7, MG1a 42.7, MG7e 41.3, MG1b 41.0


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17 C9 - STEPNEY GREEN AND STEPPING STONES FARM


The proposed work area is located in an area of mostly cultivated inner-city green-space, comprising an extensive area of amenity-turf and ornamental shrubbery in the public park at Stepney Green, and trees, shrubbery, tall-herb vegetation, grassland and ruderal vegetation at Stepping Stones Farm. Surrounding areas are heavily built-up.

17.2 Vegetation

Stepney Green contains only amenity-turf and ornamental shrubbery, with fragmentary ruderal assemblages along some fence-lines. Stepping Stones farm contains intensively grazed pastures dominated by Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) with a range of coarse grasses, common grassland forbs and ruderals all at rather low levels of abundance. Phytosociologically, these are clearly Lolio-Plantaginion swards of some kind. Computer matching of quadrat data in Tables 1.36.2 and 1.36.3 suggests that they are best regarded as intermediate in character between some form of weedy grassland such as OV21 Poa annua-Plantago major community or OV23 Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community – the typical weedy grassland types of trampled footpaths and recreation ground edges –and MG7 Lolium perenne leys and related grasslands – agriculturally improved grasslands. This sits well with their character and likely history – they are grasslands of recent origin with an urban weedy component. Rough grassland at the edges of the pasture is referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community in mosaic and transition with nettlebed vegetation referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community and fragmentary scrub best referred to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Various ruderal assemblages are also present; they are mostly fragmentary, but probably have affinities with the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957).




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17.4 Tables

Table 17.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Stepping Stone Farm. Column 1 - improved grassland; column 2 - boundaries along Stepney Green, Garden Road and Stepney Way; column 3 - a bark-mulched paddock and surrounding paths; and column 4 - flower-bed along King John Street and adjacent areas.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) - o vr vr Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - r - - Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) - vr vr vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - - - vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) - r - - Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - - vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - o vr r Ficus carica (Fig) - vr - - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) - vr - - Platanus ×hispanica (London Plane) - r vr r Populus cf. ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) - r - vr Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) - la - vr Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - vr - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) - r vr vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) - vr vr vr Tilia ×europaea (Lime) - - - vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r f o vr Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - f lf - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) - r - - Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) - - vr vr Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) r - r - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) - - - - Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - vr vr vr Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine) - - - r Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - - vr vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) - r a r Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) - - vr - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) - r o r Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - - - lf Avena sativa (Oat) - - - vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - o - o Brassica nigra (Black Mustard) - vr - - Bromus hordeaceus (Soft-brome) vr - - - Calendula species (an Ornamental Marigold) - - - r Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - r - lf Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r o r r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) - r - - Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) - - r - Carduus crispus (Welted Thistle) - o - vr Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) - - - vr Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr - r r


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Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) vr - la vr Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr r r vr Conium maculatum (Hemlock) - r - - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - - r - Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) r - r - Coronopus squamatus (Swine-cress) - - - r Crocosmia cf. ×crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) - - - vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - vr - - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - o - - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - r - - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) r - o - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - o - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - - a lf Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - - - vr Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) - vr - vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) lf - - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr - lf vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) - f vr r Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) - o vr vr Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) - - - o Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) - - r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) r o vr r Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - o r vr Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - - r r Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebells) - - - vr Hyacinthoides cf. ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) - o - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - - r - Kniphofia uvaria (Red-hot-poker) - - - r Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - - - vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) - vr r vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) - vr - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - - vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - - - lf Lavatera cf. thuringiaca (Garden Tree-mallow) - - - r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) a a a r Lonicera species (a Honeysuckle) - - - lf Lunaria annua (Honesty) - - - r Malva neglecta (Dwarf Mallow) - - vr - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - o vr - Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) r - r vr Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) - - - lf Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) - f vr vr Narcissus cultivars (Daffodils) - o - - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - - vr - Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) - - - r Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) - vr - - Phleum pratense (Timothy) o - o - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) r r vr vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr o r - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) - o f r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o - lf - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) o - r o Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) - - - vr


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Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) r lf o vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) lf - lf r Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) r o la lf Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) vr - - - Ranunculus acris (Meadow Buttercup) - - vr - Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine) - r - - Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - r lf r Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr - r - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - r - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr vr - - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) - o - - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) - - - r Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - - vr - Sisymbrium altissimum (Tall Rocket) - - - vr Solanum tuberosum (Potato) - - - la Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) - r - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr - - - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr f lf o Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) o a o vr Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - - lf vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) r - lf vr Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r r - vr Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) - - - lf Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr o la r Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) - f - - Vicia species (a Vetch) vr - - vr Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) - - - lf


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Table 17.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in grazed turf at Stepping Stones Farm. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Lolium perenne 8 8 8 8 8 V 8 Phleum pratense 3 4 3 3 2 V 2-4 Plantago major 2 2 2 1 1 V 1-2 Poa annua 3 2 1 - 1 IV 1-3 Trifolium repens 3 4 2 - - III 2-4 Poa trivialis - 1 3 - 3 III 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 1 - 1 1 - III 1 Capsella bursa-pastoris 1 1 - - - II 1 Chenopodium album - - 1 1 - II 1 Dactylis glomerata 1 1 - - - II 1 Picris echioides - 1 - 1 - II 1 Tripleurospermum inodorum 1 - - - 1 II 1 Urtica dioica - - 1 1 - II 1 Achillea millefolium - 2 - - - I 2 Anagallis arvensis 1 - - - - I 1 Bromus hordeaceus - - - 1 - I 1 Cirsium arvense - - 1 - - I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - - 1 - I 1 Polygonum aviculare - - - - 1 I 1 Rumex crispus 1 - - - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea 1 - - - - I 1 Stellaria media - - 1 - - I 1 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis - - 1 - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV21 undifferentiated 57.6, MG7a 56.7, OV10 undifferentiated 55.3, OV23c 52.8, OV21b 52.6, OV19b 51.6


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Table 17.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in grazed turf at Stepping Stones Farm. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Lolium perenne 8 8 7 8 6 V 6-8 Phleum pratense 6 5 4 3 3 V 3-6 Poa annua 3 2 6 4 4 V 2-4 Plantago major 1 1 1 1 3 V 1-3 Tripleurospermum inodorum 1 1 3 1 1 V 1-3 Hirschfeldia incana 2 1 2 1 1 V 1-2 Medicago arabica 1 1 2 1 2 V 1-2 Polygonum aviculare 1 2 1 1 2 V 1-2 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 1 1 1 1 1 V 1 Capsella bursa-pastoris 1 3 3 1 - IV 1-3 Picris echioides 1 2 1 1 - IV 1-2 Coronopus didymus 1 1 - 1 1 IV 1 Dactylis glomerata 3 - 1 - 1 III 1-3 Anagallis arvensis - - 1 1 1 III 1 Potentilla reptans 1 - 3 - - II 1-3 Achillea millefolium 2 2 - - - II 2 Cirsium arvense 1 - - - 1 II 1 Senecio jacobaea - - 1 1 - II 1 Trifolium repens - 1 1 - - II 1 Fallopia japonica - - - - 1 I 1 Festuca rubra 1 - - - - I 1 Picris hieracioides - 1 - - - I 1 Prunella vulgaris - - - - 1 I 1 Sonchus oleraceus - - - - 1 I 1 Urtica dioica - - - 1 - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23c 44.6, OV21 undifferentiated 44.6, OV18b 43.9, OV21c 42.3, OV19b 41.1


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18 11 – WEST INDIA DOCKS


The docks are located in a highly built-up area, and most non-built land is either hard-surfaced or else in occupation as active demolition or building sites. One area of vegetated wasteland to the south of Blackwell Dock was however recorded. Wild plants are otherwise confined to the brickwork of the dock walls, and to beds of ornamental shrubbery where they occur as weeds. Dock walls were inspected from a Port Authority boat, which for safety reasons could not always be allowed to approach close to the wall. In public places they were also inspected from above, but many plants are well out of reach. Close inspection of all the plants on the dock walls was not therefore possible.

18.2 Vegetation

Wasteland supports Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. This forms mosaics and transitions with rough grassland referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, which in turn forms mosaics and transitions with closed species-rich ruderal vegetation on various semi-hard and free-draining nutrient-poor substrates. This mostly has affinities with the Dauco-Melilotion communities of Continental authors, but where it becomes more open along tracks and concrete-bases it grades into the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). Here these communities differ slightly from typical railway ballast assemblages in the abundance of tall legumes, especially Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne), yellow crucifers, especially Bunias orientalis (Warty Cabbage), Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) and Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), and hemi-parasites, especially Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia), together with a grassy under-storey dominated by Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent). Though the abundance of Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) suggests affinities with the Erigeronto-Lactucetum and Dauco-Melilotion vegetation types, especially on the driest substrates, nevertheless the abundance of yellow crucifers also suggests affinities with Sisymbrion communities (Rodwell et al. 2000), and there are probably transitions from the Erigeronto-Lactucetum and Dauco-Melilotion communities to these Sisymbrion communities on the slightly deeper soils.


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Dock walls support a scatter of ferns and broad-leaved herbs some of which are characteristic of water-margins, e.g. Lycopus europaeus (Gipsywort), Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort) and Scutellaria galericulata (Skullcap), but these are too scattered to form anything that can be described as vegetation.


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. The dock walls support an assemblage typical of London canal edges including Lycopus europaeus (Gipsywort), Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort), Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) and Scutellaria galericulata (Skullcap) together with ferns including Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort), Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) and Polypodium cf. interjectum (Intermediate Polypody).


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18.4 Tables

Table 18.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from dockside areas on 8,7,2004. Column 1 – Poplar Basin (species marked with asterisks were confined to the dock wall); column 2 – Blackwall Dock; column 3 – South Dock (all species on the dock wall). a) Tree saplings, shrubs and woody climbers *Salix caprea (Goat Willow) *r - - Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) *vr vr - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) *r vr - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) r a *r Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) - vr - Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) *vr - - Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) - vr - Cotoneaster cf. microphyllus (Small-leaved Cotoneaster) - vr - Cotoneaster cf. simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) - vr - Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) vr - - Prunus cf. avium (Wild Cherry) - vr - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) *vr a - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - vr - Sambucus nigra (Elder) vr - - Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) *vr - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - r - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - a - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) r a - Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr - - Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) vr r - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - vr - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) - r - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) - f - Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) - - *r Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) r vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - o - Brassica napus ssp. oleifera (Oil-seed Rape) *vr - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - r - Bunias orientalis (Warty Cabbage) - lf - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r - - Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) *vr - - Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) - la - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - vr - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - o - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - o - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) *r vr - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) - o - Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) *vr r - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - vr - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r o - Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard) *vr - -


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Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - o - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - r - Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) - o - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) vr o - Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) vr - *r Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - o - Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) *r r - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) *vr vr - Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) vr vr - Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) *vr vr - Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) - vr - Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) *vr - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr vr - Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) - r - Galinsoga parviflora (Gallant-soldier) vr - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) - a - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) - vr - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - vr - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - lf - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) *vr f - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - f - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - o - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - vr - Impatiens capensis (Orange Balsam) *vr - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) *r r - Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) - vr - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r r - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - o - Lycopus europaeus (Gipsywort) r *vr - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr r - Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) - vr - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - a - Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne) - a - Medicago sativa ssp. varia (Sand Lucerne) - f - Melilotus albus (White Melilot) vr a - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) - o - Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia) - la - Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort) *vr *vr - Oxalis corniculata (Procumbent Yellow-sorrel) vr - - Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) *vr - *r Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - r - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) - a - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) *vr f - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r r *r Poa compressa (Flattened Meadow-grass) *vr - - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) *r - - Polypodium cf. interjectum (Intermediate Polypody) - vr - Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) vr vr - Reseda luteola (Weld) - vr - Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) - *vr - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - vr - Rumex hydrolapathum (Water Dock) - *vr - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - vr -


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Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr - - Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) r - - Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) - r - Scutellaria galericulata (Skullcap) vr - - Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop) *vr - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r o - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) *vr - - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - r - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) - - *r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) - vr - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) *vr - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r vr - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) *vr vr *r Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) *r r - Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - r - Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) - o - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - la - Trifolium repens (White Clover) - o - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) *vr lf - Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) - o - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) *r a -


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Table 18.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in bramble-dominated vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Rubus fruticosus agg. 8 8 5 7 3 V 3-8 Medicago sativa ssp. sativa 2 4 4 2 7 V 2-7 Anisantha sterilis 1 1 5 1 5 V 1-5 Galium aparine 3 3 3 4 3 V 3-4 Agrostis stolonifera 6 - 4 6 2 IV 2-6 Cirsium arvense 2 4 2 2 - IV 2-4 Picris hieracioides 2 - 1 1 1 IV 1-2 Hirschfeldia incana - - 2 4 2 III 2-4 Holcus lanatus 2 - 4 2 - III 2-4 Artemisia vulgaris 1 - - 4 2 III 1-4 Elytrigia repens - 5 - - - I 5 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - - 4 - - I 4 Plantago lanceolata - - 3 - - I 3 Arrhenatherum elatius - - - - 1 I 1 Urtica dioica 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV24a 37.8, OV25 undifferentiated 33.8, MG1b 30.5, S26b 30.0


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Table 18.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Agrostis stolonifera 8 4 4 4 4 V 4-8 Picris hieracioides 4 4 6 4 7 V 4-7 Vulpia myuros 3 6 5 6 5 V 3-6 Melilotus albus 4 2 4 4 5 V 2-5 Anisantha sterilis 3 5 4 1 3 V 1-5 Medicago lupulina 2 1 3 4 6 IV 1-6 Medicago sativa ssp. sativa 1 6 1 - 4 IV 1-6 Plantago lanceolata 2 3 - 4 3 IV 2-4 Buddleja davidii (g) - 1 4 1 4 IV 1-4 Artemisia vulgaris 2 4 - - 1 III 1-4 Trifolium pratense - - 1 4 4 III 1-4 Conyza sumatrensis - - 3 2 1 III 1-3 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia 1 1 1 - - III 1 Hirschfeldia incana 4 - - - 1 II 1-4 Melilotus officinalis - 1 - - 4 II 1-4 Lolium perenne 3 - - 3 - II 3 Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus 3 3 - - - II 3 Carex hirta - 1 - 3 - II 1-3 Cerastium fontanum 2 1 - - - II 1-2 Galega officinalis - - - 4 - I 4 Trifolium campestre - - 3 - - I 3 Cerastium glomeratum - 2 - - - I 2 Daucus carota ssp. carota 2 - - - - I 2 Achillea millefolium - 1 - - - I 1 Ballota nigra 1 - - - - I 1 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hord. 1 - - - - I 1 Holcus lanatus - - - - 1 I 1 Trifolium repens - - 1 - - I 1 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis - - 1 - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 35.0, OV23c 33.7, OV23b 31.7, OV23d 30.3, OV23a 29.3, OV19d 26.8


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19 C12 - MILE END PARK


The northern Mile End Park has been extensively remodelled and replanted in recent years. It now comprises new grassland, wild-flower seed-mixture plantings and shrubbery. To the west the Regents Canal has limited areas of rough grassland, tall-herb ruderal vegetation and water-margin vegetation.

19.2 Vegetation

The tree and shrub plantings have no clear affinities with any NVC type. The grasslands are mostly in some shape or form Lolio-Plantaginion grasslands, and they could mostly be regarded as atypical forms of NVC types such as OV23b Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Crepis vesicaria-Rumex obtusifolius sub-community and OV23d Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community, or in more open swards OV22a Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Senecio vulgaris sub-community. Along the canal there are also stands of MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community grading into fragmentary tall-herb ruderal vegetation types such as OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community.




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19.4 Tables

Table 19.4.1. Plant species recorded from Mile End Park. Column1 – immature plantation woodland on the northern side of the railway; column 2 – rough grassland in the south-eastern part; column 3 – rough grassland in the south-eastern quadrant formed by the canal and railway crossing; column 4 – rough grassland in the north-western part; column 5 –rough grassland and nettle-bed vegetation adjacent to the canal; and column 6 - amenity turf in the southern part.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) o - - - - - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o - - - - - Alnus species (An Alder) vr - - - - - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) r - - - - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) o - - - - - Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) r - - - - - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) o - - - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) f - - - - - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr - - - - - Pinus species (A Pine) vr - - - - - Prunus cf. avium (Wild Cherry) o - - - - - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) o - - - - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r - - - - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) f r - r - - Sambucus nigra (Elder) f - - - - - Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr - - - - - Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) o - - - - - Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) r - - - - - Ulmus cf. procera (English Elm) r - - - - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - o - a f o Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - f - f - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) - r r r - - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) r - - r r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) - r r r - - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o - r o o r Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - o - - r - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) f - - o - - Bellis perennis (Daisy) - r - o - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - r - r - - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) o - - r - - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - a o f o o Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) - o - - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - f - - - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - - r - - Chrysanthemum segetum (Corn Marigold) - o - - - - Cichorium intybus (Chicory) - o o - - - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r r r o - - Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r r o r r -


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Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - o o - - - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - o - - - - Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) - - - vr - - Crepis vesicaria (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - - - - - r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - r - - o - Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) - - vr - - - Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel) - - - - - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o r - o o - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - o r o - r Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) - - - vr - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) f - - r - - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) - f - f o o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) la - - r r - Hedera helix (Ivy) o - r - - - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) r - - - - - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r - - - - - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - - r - o o Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - - - r - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - r - - - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - r r o r - Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) r - - - - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - - r - - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - r - - - - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r a a a a a Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - r - r - - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) o o o f o o Melilotus alba (White Melilot) - - r r - - Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) - o - f - r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - f a f f f Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne) - - r r - - Papaver dubium ssp. dubium (Long-headed Poppy) - - - - - vr Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - o - r - - Phleum pratense (Timothy) - r - o - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - r o r - r Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) - r o r r - Plantago coronopus (Buck’s-horn Plantain) - r - - - vr Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) - f o f f o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - r - - o r Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) - o - r - - Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) - o r f r r Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) o - - - - - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) - r - - o - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - - - r - - Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) - r - - - - Reseda luteola (Weld) - - vr - r - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - r - o r - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - r - r - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) - r - r - r Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - o o f r r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r - - - - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) - o o r - - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) - - - - o - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) - f o o o o


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Torilis nodosa (Knotted Hedge-parsley) - o - - - - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - r o - - vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) - o o f - f Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - f o o o r Trisetum flavescens (Yellow Oat-grass) - vr - - - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) f r - o a - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - o - - o r Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) - - vr r - -


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20 C13 – PUDDING MILL LANE


The area comprises a large area of industrial yards, scrap and aggregate compounds and buildings with scattered areas of scrub, tall-herb ruderal vegetation, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation mainly along the railway in the south and east. It is bounded by the River Lea Navigation to the east, and by other streams, the Greenway (grassland and tall-herb vegetation on an embankment) to the west.

20.2 Vegetation

20.2.1 Scrub

Along the sides of the railway lines there are extensive areas of mixed scrub consisting of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) variously in association with Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Rosa canina (Dog-rose), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sambucus nigra (Elder). They are referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Stands where Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) is strongly dominant may represent a distinct sub-community of this proposed NVC type. These types of scrub grow in mosaic and transition with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community.

20.2.2 Other Vegetation Types

Large areas near the River Lea in the eastern part have species-poor stands of Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) with Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) and Galium aparine (Cleavers) referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community. In a few places such vegetation contains dense stands of the alien Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder). Rather more diverse stands with Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) around railway lines are referable to the NVC type OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community. Stands of the invasive alien Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) are referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000). In the northern part W24a scrub and various types of tall-herb vegetation form mosaic and transition with species-poor rough grassland dominated by the coarse grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) with common forbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) and Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil); this is referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community.


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Scattered ruderal vegetation on railway ballast mainly consists of larger grasses and ruderals such as Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue). It is barely referable to any NVC type, but has vague affinities with types such as OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community and with Sisymbrion vegetation types.


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. The uncommon alien Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder) appears to be common and long established in a small area of east London around the River Lea and Pudding Mill Stream in Stratford, and it occurs in the survey area.


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20.4 Tables

Table 20.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from the Pudding Mill Lane area. Column 1 – south-eastern triangle; column 2 – northern area. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr o Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f a Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) - vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr - Hedera helix (Ivy) - r Malus domestica (Apple) - vr Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) - vr Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) vr - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) f r Rosa cultivars (Roses) - vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a a Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) - vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) f a Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) - vr b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) vr o Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) r f Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) r - Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) r - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - vr Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a a Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) - vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o f Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - vr Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) - vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - r Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) a la Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o - Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine) - vr Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r r Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - vr Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) vr vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r f Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - vr Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) - r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) o r Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) r o Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr -


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Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - vr Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) - vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) r r Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) - r Fallopia convolvulus (Black-bindweed) - vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) r r Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) vr vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) r o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - o Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) r vr Hieracium species (Hawkweeds) vr - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) r f Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - vr Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - vr Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr f Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - vr Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r o Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - vr Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) - vr Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr vr Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) - vr Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) - vr Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort) - r Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) o f Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - vr Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) - vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o o Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) - r Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) r vr Reseda luteola (Weld) - vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr vr Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder) la - Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) vr - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) - f Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr - Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) vr - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) - vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) o r Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) - vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr o Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) vr o Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr -


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Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) la r Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) vr - Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) r o


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21 NE4 – ALDERSBROOK DEPOT


The area comprises an operational railway depot with scattered ruderal vegetation on the less-used tracks, and complexes of scrub, tall-herb vegetation, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation around the edges. The River Roding runs along the eastern side of the area.

21.2 Vegetation

Scrub mostly consists of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) and is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Rough grassland and tall-herb vegetation is mostly dominated by the grasses Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) in association with common grassland forbs including Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion), and tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers including Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy), Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow), Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). It is referable to the NVC types MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community and MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community in mosaic and transition. Locally it grades into tall-herb ruderal vegetation referable to the NVC types such as OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community. On railway ballast there is open ruderal vegetation at up to 50% cover, containing the grasses Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and a wide range of forbs and ruderals including Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) and Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil). It has loose affinities with several phytosociological units including the


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Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) and the NVC type MG1d Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Pastinaca sativa sub-community. Sparser forms with Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance have affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community.


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded.


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21.4 Tables

Table 21.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Aldersbrook Depot. Columns 1, 2 and 3 – rough grassland; columns 4, 5 and 6 – open ballast vegetation; and column 7 – scattered tall-herb vegetation and scrub. Additional species recorded in other parts of Aldersbrook Depot are included in the species list.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr - r - - r - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) - - - r - o f Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr - - - - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) - - - - - - r Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) o o f f - - r Sambucus nigra (Elder) vr - - - - r o b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o f o o r o - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - - - - - vr - Anchusa arvensis (Bugloss) r - - - - - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o f o o - o o Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - - r - - - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) f - o - - r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a a a o - o o Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r - r - r r o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) - - - - - o r Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - r - - - - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - r - - - o - Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed) o - - - - - - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r - - - - - - Carex cf. spicata (Spiked Sedge) vr - - - - - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - - - - o r - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - r - - vr o - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r r o f - - o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - - - - r r r Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) - o o - - o o Conium maculatum (Hemlock) r - - - - - r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - - - - - - vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. tarax. (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) r - r - r o r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - r - o - - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o o f - - - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - - - - - - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r vr r - r r - Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) - - - - - - r Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) - - - - - - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) o o o - - r o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - - - - - - r Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) - vr - - - r o Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o r o - - r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - - - - - - - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - r - f o r o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - - - - - - o Humulus lupulus (Hop) - - - - - - -


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Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - vr - o r - - Impatiens glandulifera (Indian Balsam) - - - - - - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) r - - - - - r Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) r - - - - - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - - - - - - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) - - - - - - vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) - r o f o f - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - f - - - r - Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - vr - - - o - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r o r - - - o Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) - - - - vr - - Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) - - - - - r - Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Water-dropwort) - - - - - - - Papaver dubium (Long-headed poppy) - vr - - - - - Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) - - vr - - - - Phleum pratense (Timothy) - vr - - - - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) - - - - - vr r Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o f o f f f o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - - - - - r - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r o - - - o o Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - o - - r r - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) r - - - - r - Polygonum persicaria (Redshank) - - - - - vr - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o f - - - r r Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - r - - - - - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - - - - - r r Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr o r - - - r Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) - - - - - - o Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) - - vr - - - - Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) - - - - o - - Senecio inaequidens (a Ragwort) - - - - - r - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r - r - - r r Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) r - r - - - - Sisymbrium altissimum (Tall Rocket) - - - - - - o Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) - - - - - - o Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) o - - - - - - Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed) - - - - - - - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) - - - - - - o Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) - - - - - - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) r r r r r r r Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) r r r - - - - Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) r r - o a f r Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - r - - - o - Trifolium repens (White Clover) - r - - r o o Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r vr - - - - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) o - o - - - o Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) - - - - o - vr Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - - - - - - r Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) r - r - r - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) vr - r a d a r


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22 NE6 TO NE7 - GOODMAYES TO CHADWELL HEATH LINESIDES


The survey area centres on disused track and sidings on the southern side of the railway between a point to the west of Goodmayes Station and a point east of Chadwell Heath Station. This supports a complete range of railway ballast vegetation types including open ruderal vegetation, species-rich ruderal vegetation dominated by broad-leaved herbs, grassy ruderal vegetation, rough grassland, scrub and incipient secondary woodland. Typically there is a gradation from scrub or incipient secondary woodland at the boundary, through bramble underscrub and rough grassland, to species-rich ruderal vegetation and finally open ruderal vegetation close to the operational track. Adjacent areas are mostly residential, with gardens backing onto the railway. Between Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath there is also a large area of amenity-turf.

22.2 Vegetation

22.2.1 Woodland, Scrub and Rough Grassland

Secondary woodland dominated by Betula pendula (Silver Birch) occurs to the west of Goodmayes Station. It has few other woody species, and a grassy field-layer is dominated by the grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with scattered ruderals such as Aster ×salignus and Hieracium species (Hawkweeds). The NVC status of such woodland is unclear; there are vague affinities with W10d Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland, Holcus lanatus sub-community but this is hardly appropriate. Scrub is well-developed throughout the survey area, mostly towards the railway boundary. It is mostly species-rich mixed scrub consisting of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), locally Cytisus scoparius (Broom), Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) with tree saplings at high levels of abundance, especially Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Prunus avium (Wild Cherry); in many places these are growing through the bushes to give the character of incipient secondary woodland. Garden-escapes are frequent and varied constituents, e.g. Cotoneaster salicifolius (Willow-leaved Cotoneaster), Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle), Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn). This scrub is hard to assign to any NVC type being intermediate in character between the proposed NVC community Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000) and incipient W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland or other non-NVC secondary woodland type. This scrub grows in mosaic and transition with W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium


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vulgare sub-community. This in turn grows in mosaic and transition with species-rich rough grassland loosely referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community but distinguished by the high incidence of a suite of mostly showy semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers (many of the them naturalised species originally of garden origin) including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod).

22.2.2 Species-rich Ruderal Vegetation

The railway ballast substrates support extensive species-rich ruderal vegetation. Towards Chadwell Heath Station this is locally dominated by the low-growing grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) in association with common grassland forbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear). Species occurring at lower levels of abundance include ephemeral grasses and ruderals such as Aira caryophyllea (Silver Hair-grass), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue), and taller perennial ruderals such as Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue). The program MATCH gives low matching coefficients with OV23 Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, but this is clearly not a Lolio-Plantaginion grassland. Both its NVC and general phytosociological affinities are unclear. Elsewhere less grassy vegetation tends to be dominated by broad-leaved herbs including common grassland forbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Trifolium pratense (Red Clover), and taller perennial ruderals such as Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). The annual grass Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) is generally abundant, and since Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) occurs in small quantity there are affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), though this vegetation is probably not as open as that association, and is probably transitional from the Vulpia association to Dauco-Melilotion vegetation. More open ruderal vegetation towards the operational track is however probably directly referable to Vulpia association.


No species having statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded. One species included on the Nationally Scarce list was recorded – Sedum


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forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop). But it is an example of a species that occurs commonly as an alien ruderal over large parts of the UK, and achieves Nationally Scarce status only on the basis of its occurrence as a native species in special habitats in restricted parts of the UK (Section 3.5.1).


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22.4 Tables

Table 22.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded on disused sidings in the area of Goodmayes Station and Chadwell Heath Station. Column 1 – west of Goodmayes Station; column 2 – Goodmayes Station to foot-bridge; column 3 – foot-bridge to Chadwell Heath Station. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) - vr - Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) - - vr Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) a f f Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) vr - - Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) - vr - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) o la f Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f f f Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) - vr - Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) - vr - Cornus australis (a Dogwood) - vr vr Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - vr Cotoneaster integrifolius (Small-leaved Cotoneaster) vr vr - Cotoneaster horizontalis (Wall Cotoneaster) - - vr Cotoneaster cf. ‘Hybridus Pendulus’ (Weeping Cotoneaster) vr - - Cotoneaster salicifolius (Willow-leaved Cotoneaster) vr vr vr Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) r vr vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - vr vr Cytisus scoparius (Broom) - vr la Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle) - - vr Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian Vine) - - vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) o a vr Hedera colchica (Persian Ivy) vr - - Hedera helix (Ivy) la f - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr vr - Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) - - vr Lonicera ×italica (Garden Honeysuckle) r - - Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) vr r - Lonicera pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle) - - vr Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) vr - - Malus domestica (Apple) r o r Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) o o - Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) - vr vr Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) - - vr Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ (a dwarf Cherry Laurel) - - vr Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) - - r Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) vr r vr Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) - - vr Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) r vr r Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r o o Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a a a Rubus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Bramble) - - vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) r vr r Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) - vr r Sambucus nigra (Elder) r r r


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Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) r vr vr Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) - vr vr Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) - - vr Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr - - Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose) - vr - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r f a Aethusa cynapium (Fool’s Parsley) vr - - Agrostis gigantea (Black Bent) vr - vr Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) vr la a Aira caryophyllea (Silver Hair-grass) - f - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) vr a a Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) - vr - Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal-grass) - - f Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - vr vr Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) - - r Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - vr - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) f a a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r o f Asparagus officinalis ssp. officinalis (Garden Asparagus) - - vr Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) - - vr Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) f a a Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) vr - - Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - vr - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) r vr vr Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - vr Carex cf. divulsa ssp. leersii (Grey Sedge) - - r Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) vr - - Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) - vr - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr f o Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - o f Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) - o - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr - - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) vr vr vr Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) - vr vr Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) vr - - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) - vr vr Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) - vr - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) - vr vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o o o Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) - vr - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - - vr Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) o vr - Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) - - vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) vr vr vr Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) o - - Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) vr - - Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) - - vr Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr vr - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) [1] - vr Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) - r - Galium aparine (Cleavers) o r vr


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Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr vr - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r r - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - r - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) o - vr Hieracium species (Hawkweeds) f o - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) - vr vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) - - r Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) f o f Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) f - f Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) a f f Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) vr - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr r vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) - vr - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - vr - Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - f r Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) - r - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) f f f Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) vr - - Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - - vr Lotus glaber (Narrow-leaved Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - vr - Lupinus ×regalis (Russell Lupin) - o - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r r - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) vr r - Mycelis muralis (Wall Lettuce) - - vr Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia) - - r Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr - - Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort) - vr - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr - - Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) - r - Phylittis scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue) - vr vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f a f Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) f f - Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) f a - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) r - - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) vr r - Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) vr vr vr Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) vr vr vr Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) - vr - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - vr vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - - Sedum forsterianum (Rock Stonecrop) la - - Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) lf - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) o o vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o o vr Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr vr vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) - - vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) vr - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) vr o r Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - - vr Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr vr vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr vr - Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) vr - -


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Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o f vr Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr - - Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) - o - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) vr - vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) vr - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) r - vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) - vr - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - vr - Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) o - vr Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a a a Notes: [1] Fine-leaved plants are probably the hybrid Festuca rubra ×Vulpia myuros.


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Table 22.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal grassland on railway ballast between Goodmayes Station and Chadwell Heath Station. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Plantago lanceolata 6 5 4 4 3 V 3-6 Vulpia myuros 1 3 5 5 4 V 1-5 Achillea millefolium 3 4 3 1 4 V 1-4 Linaria vulgaris 4 3 1 3 2 V 1-4 Picris hieracioides 2 2 1 1 3 V 1-3 Poa angustifolia 5 5 5 3 - IV 3-5 Anisantha sterilis 4 4 2 - 5 IV 2-5 Aster ×salignus 1 - 4 1 3 IV 1-4 Hypericum perforatum 3 1 - 4 4 IV 1-4 Arrhenatherum elatius 2 3 3 - 3 IV 2-3 Hypochaeris radicata 1 - 1 3 1 IV 1-3 Lathyrus latifolius 2 1 4 - - III 1-4 Hieracium species - 2 2 3 - III 2-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - 2 1 - 3 III 1-3 Artemisia vulgaris - 2 - 1 2 III 1-2 Trifolium campestre - 3 - 4 - II 3-4 Aira caryophyllea - - - 1 4 II 1-4 Agrostis stolonifera - - - 4 - I 4 Cerastium fontanum - - - - 3 I 3 Potentilla reptans - 2 - - - I 2 Reseda lutea - - 1 - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - - - - 1 I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 31.8, OV23d 31.6, OV23a 28.9, OV23c 27.9, MG1a 27.5, OV24b 25.0


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Table 22.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on railway ballast between Goodmayes Station and Chadwell Heath Station. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Picris hieracioides 6 6 5 6 7 V 5-7 Aster ×salignus 3 4 5 4 1 V 1-5

Vulpia myuros 4 - 3 5 1 IV 1-5 Holcus lanatus 2 - 1 3 4 IV 1-4 Anisantha sterilis 3 3 3 - 2 IV 2-3 Achillea millefolium - 3 4 - 1 III 1-4 Cerastium fontanum 4 - 1 1 - III 1-4 Arrhenatherum elatius - 1 2 2 - III 1-2 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 1 - 1 - III 1 Linaria vulgaris - - 4 1 - II 1-4 Plantago lanceolata - 2 - - 3 II 2-3 Trifolium pratense 2 2 - - - II 2 Senecio squalidus 2 - - - 1 II 1-2 Artemisia vulgaris 1 - - - 1 II 1 Senecio jacobaea - - 1 1 - II 1 Agrostis stolonifera - - 6 - - I 6 Medicago lupulina 5 - - - - I 5 Aira caryophyllea - - - 4 - I 4 Lupinus ×regalis - 4 - - - I 4 Rubus fruticosus agg. (g) - 4 - - - I 4 Betula pendula (g) - - - 4 - I 4 Poa angustifolia - 4 - - - I 4 Buddleja davidii (g) - - - - 4 I 4 Cerastium glomeratum 3 - - - - I 3 Hypochaeris radicata - - 3 - - I 3 Chamerion angustifolium - - - - 2 I 2 Hypericum perforatum 2 - - - - I 2 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - - 1 - - I 1 Dactylis glomerata - - - - 1 I 1 Epilobium tetragonum 1 - - - - I 1 Galium aparine - 1 - - - I 1 Hieracium species - - - 1 - I 1 Trifolium campestre 1 - - - - I 1 Veronica arvensis - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 45.9, OV23d 41.0, OV23c 40.8, OV23a 36.5, MG1a 33.1


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Table 22.4.4. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in rough grassland on railway ballast between Goodmayes Station and Chadwell Heath Station. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Agrostis stolonifera 7 7 8 5 7 V 5-7 Achillea millefolium 4 6 4 4 4 V 4-6 Cerastium glomeratum 3 2 3 2 1 V 1-3 Poa angustifolia 5 1 5 7 - IV 1-7 Plantago lanceolata 5 4 5 4 - IV 4-5 Aster ×salignus - 1 - 3 4 III 1-4 Hieracium species - - 4 1 2 III 1-4 Aira caryophyllea - - 3 3 3 III 3 Arrhenatherum elatius 1 - - 1 3 III 1-3 Picris hieracioides 1 3 - - 1 III 1-3 Vulpia myuros - 3 3 - - II 3 Anthoxanthum odoratum - - - 3 2 II 2-3 Hypericum perforatum 1 - - 1 - II 1 Hypochaeris radicata 1 - - - 1 II 1 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus - - - 3 - I 3 Arabidopsis thaliana - - 1 - - I 1 Brachythecium rutabulum - - - - 1 I 1 Holcus lanatus - - - - 1 I 1 Linaria vulgaris - - - 1 - I 1 Medicago lupulina - 1 - - - I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 35.6, OV23c 32.1, OV23d 30.9, MG1a 28.7, MG1d 26.7.


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23 NE7 - CHADWELL HEATH SIDINGS


This area lies south of the railway and east of Chadwell Heath Station, and centres on yards that were formerly railway land. On the northern side, adjacent to the operational railway there remain disused tracks with ruderal vegetation and scattered scrub (this is where the disused tracks described in Section 22 begin). These are mostly just outside of the proposed work area. A roadway runs alongside them, and the southern side of the road is bordered by a high earth bund (to about 5 m), supporting rough grassland, eutrophic tall-herb ruderal vegetation and bramble underscrub. Beyond this there are non-vegetated yards in light industrial and commercial use. Well to the south the yards are bounded by very similar bunds.

23.2 Vegetation

There are small amounts of dense Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub with occasional Salix caprea (Goat Willow), saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and underscrub of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). It is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Incipient scrub on disused railway sidings at the eastern end contains the same species, but is unusual in having Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) at high levels of abundance, as well as other garden-escapes or naturalised aliens such as Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) and Cotoneaster salicifolius (Willow-leaved Cotoneaster). Some of the Buddleja scrub also contains saplings of Betula pendula (Silver Birch) and may eventually develop towards secondary woodland, but at present it does not warrant assignation to any other NVC type than that stated above. In several places there are dense patches of Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. On relatively eutrophic earth bunds it grows in mosaic and transition with mostly species-poor rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) in association with Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) and a range of tall semi-ruderal herbs including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish), Ballota nigra (Black Horehound), Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). This is referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. Adjacent to the proposed work area, railway ballast substrates on disused sidings support extremely species-rich ruderal vegetation dominated by broad-leaved herbs at


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about 60% cover with a scatter of the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass), and also a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). Among the more frequent species are Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch). The annual grasses Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) are also a characteristic component. This vegetation is probably transitional between the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), and Dauco-Melilotion vegetation. More open ruderal vegetation towards the operational track is however probably directly referable to Vulpia association. Other ruderal assemblages around tracks and road-edges are more fragmentary and random, but variously have affinities with the type described above and with other ruderal communities such as OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community.


No species having statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded.


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23.4 Tables

Table 23.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Chadwell Heath sidings. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o Betula pendula (Silver Birch) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) vr Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) vr Cotoneaster horizontalis (Wall Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) la Cotoneaster salicifolius (Willow-leaved Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr Cytisus scoparius (Broom) vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr Hedera helix (Ivy) vr Hypericum cf. hircinum (Stinking Tutsan) vr Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum) vr Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) vr Malus domestica (Apple) vr Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii (Purple-leaved Cherry-plum) r Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) vr Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) r Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a Salix caprea (Goat Willow) o Sambucus nigra (Elder) o b)Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) f Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) la Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) r Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) o Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) a Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) o Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) r Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) lf Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) vr Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) vr Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) f Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) vr Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r


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Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) o Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) o Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) f Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) vr Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) o Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) r Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) r Fallopia convolvulus (Black-bindweed) r Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescue) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) r Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) r Galium aparine (Cleavers) f Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) o Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) vr Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) o Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o Hieracium species (Hawkweeds) r Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) o Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) o Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) a Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) o Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) vr Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) a Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alison) vr Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping-Jenny) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) o Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) vr Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia) r Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) f


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Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r Poa humilis (Spreading Meadow-grass) o Polygonum arenastrum (Equal-leaved Knotgrass) r Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) r Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) r Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) r Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) vr Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr Sison amomum (Stone Parsley) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) r Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) r Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) f Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) o Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) f


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Table 23.4.2. NVC table for 10 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on railway ballast at Chadwell Heath Sidings. Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Freq Cov Medicago lupulina 6 8 8 8 4 3 7 5 4 6 V 3-8 Aster ×salignus 1 1 2 3 7 4 4 7 4 2 V 1-7 Picris hieracioides 4 6 5 5 4 3 4 1 1 5 V 1-6 Arrhenatherum elatius 5 3 3 2 4 4 2 1 1 3 V 1-5 Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus 2 3 1 3 2 1 2 5 3 - V 1-5 Rubus fruticosus agg. 1 - 2 1 4 5 4 3 1 4 V 1-5 Hypericum perforatum 3 4 4 3 1 2 3 3 3 - V 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 3 3 5 4 1 - 4 4 5 - IV 1-5 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis 1 1 1 - 1 1 4 - 2 1 IV 1-4 Linaria vulgaris 1 1 3 2 1 1 - 1 1 - IV 1-3 Heracleum sphondylium 2 2 1 - - 2 - 1 1 1 IV 1-2 Poa angustifolia - - - 4 1 1 4 5 2 - III 1-5 Conyza sumatrensis 1 - 1 1 - - 3 - - 2 III 1-3 Artemisia vulgaris - - 3 1 - 1 2 - - 2 III 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia sp. - 1 1 3 - 1 - 1 - 2 III 1-3 Vulpia myuros - 1 3 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 III 1-3 Lathyrus latifolius - - - - - 4 - - 6 4 II 4-6 Brachythecium rutabulum 1 - - - - - - 4 3 - II 1-4 Holcus lanatus - - - - - 1 2 1 4 - II 1-4 Melilotus officinalis - - - 1 - - - 2 4 - II 1-4 Anisantha sterilis - - 2 - - - - - 2 2 II 2 Galium aparine 1 - 1 - - - - - - 1 II 1 Geranium robertianum - - - - 1 - - - 1 1 II 1 Clematis vitalba - - - - - 4 - - - - I 4 Dactylis glomerata - - - - - - - - 4 - I 4 Buddleja davidii (g) - - - - - 4 1 - - - I 1-4 Cirsium arvense 3 - - - - - - - - - I 3 Leucanthemum vulgare - - - - 3 - - - - - I 3 Sonchus oleraceus 2 - - - - - - - - - I 2 Tragopogon pratensis - - 1 - - - - - - 2 I 1-2 Acer pseudoplatanus (g) - - 1 - - - - - - - I 1 Anthriscus sylvestris 1 - - - - 1 - - - - I 1 Ballota nigra - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Brachthecium velutinum 1 - - - - - - - - - I 1 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hord. - - - - - - 1 - - - I 1 Catapodium rigidum - - - - 1 - 1 - - - I 1 Cerastium fontanum - - - - 1 - - - - 1 I 1 Ceratodon purpureus - - - - - 1 1 - - - I 1 Crepis vesicaria ssp. tarax. - - 1 - - - - - - - I 1 Geranium molle - - 1 - - 1 - - - - I 1 Geum urbanum - 1 - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Hieracium species - - - - 1 - - 1 - - I 1 Hirschfeldia incana - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Lactuca serriola - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1


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Lolium perenne - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Malva sylvestris - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Senecio jacobaea 1 - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Sison amomum - - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 36.5, OV23d 34.6, MG1a 33.5, OV24b 33.0, MG1b 32.6


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24 NE8 - ROMFORD – WHALEBONE LANE AND WESTLANDS PLAYING FIELDS


The area mainly contains expanses of amenity-turf in Westlands Playing Fields and in football training grounds to the west. It also contains the following elements: • rough grassland and scrub in Westlands Rough; • fragmentary willow woodland – a line of trees – and wetland vegetation in a ditch

between Westlands Playing Fields and Westlands Rough; • a hedge and rough grassland between Westlands Playing Fields and the football

training grounds; • rough grassland and mixed ornamental shrubbery and scrub along a footpath west

of the football training grounds; and • mixed rough grassland and scrub on the railway lineside.

24.2 Vegetation

Along the ditch between Westlands Playing Fields and Westlands Rough a line of Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) trees are fragmentarily referable to the NVC type W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. Scrub in Westlands Rough is variously dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) with Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) saplings, Sambucus nigra (Elder) and suckering Ulmus procera (English Elm) or else by Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) with Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) saplings and Sambucus nigra (Elder). It accordingly forms mosaics and transitions of the NVC types W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community and W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community. On the railway lineside at the south-eastern corner of Westlands Rough the high incidence of Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) overtopping saplings gives it the character of incipient secondary woodland. Similar types of scrub occur on the railway lineside forming the southern boundary of the whole area. Both in Westlands Rough and on the lineside they in turn grade into extensive Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub most of which is intermediate between W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community, though both sub-communities are probably represented in mosaic and transition. Towards gardens at the edges of Westlands Rough and along a track at Whalebone Lane (at the western extreme of the area) alien shrubs and woody climbers such as Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle), Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle), Malus domestica (Apple), Parthenocissis quinquefolia (Virgina-


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creeper) and Prunus cf. serrulata (Japanese Cherry) are insufficiently abundant to affect the character of the scrub significantly. Rough grassland in Westlands Rough, on the railway lineside, and along the hedge between Westlands Playing Fields and the football training grounds is mostly dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) with tall semi-ruderal herbs, and it is referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, which locally forms mosaic and transition with tall herb vegetation types including OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community where Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) is dominant and OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community where Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) is dominant. In Westlands Rough it also forms mosaic and transition with very slightly calcifugous grassland where Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) is co-dominant with Arrhenatherum in association with broad-leaved herbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Hieracium species (Hawkweeds) and Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort). Its slight calcifugous character is insufficient to justify assigning it to any NVC type other than MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. Along the ditch between Westlands Playing Fields and Westlands Rough vegetation with the tall-herb Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and the scrambler Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed) is fragmentarily referable to the NVC type OV26d Epilobium hirsutum community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. The disposition of scrub, tall-herb vegetation and rough grassland along the railway lineside is indicated in relation to fence-posts on the boundary in Table 24.4.2.


No species having statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded.


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24.4 Tables

Table 24.4.1. Plant species recorded at Westlands Playing Fields and Westlands Rough (column 1) and Whalebone Lane (column 2). Species marked with asterisks are confined to the ditch between Westlands Playing Fields and Westlands Rough. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) vr - Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) vr - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) r o Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) r - Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr la Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) a o Cytisus scoparius (Broom) r - Euonymus japonicus (Evergreen Spindle) - vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) r r Hedera helix (Ivy) a a Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr vr Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) - vr Malus domestica (Apple) r vr Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper) vr - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) r vr Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) - vr Prunus cf. serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) a - Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) vr - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) f - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) o - Rosa cultivars (Rose) - vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a f Rubus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Bramble) vr - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) o - Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) vr - *Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) lf - Sambucus nigra (Elder) f o Ulmus procera (English Elm) la - b) Field and ground layer species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) la - Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) la - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) o - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) o - Allium triquetrum (Three-cornered Garlic) vr - Allium cf. vineale (Wild Onion) - vr Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) o - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) r o Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) f o *Apium nodiflorum (Fool’s Water-cress) la - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) r - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a r


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Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) vr - Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) o o Bryonia dioica (White Bryony) r - *Callitriche stagnalis (Common Water-starwort) vr - *Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed) lf - Calystegia cf. silvatica (Large Bindweed) r vr Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) vr r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) r - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) vr - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) a - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o - Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) f - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r - Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard) vr - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr - Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) a - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - f Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) vr - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) f a *Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r - Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) vr - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) vr - Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge) vr - Fallopia convolvulus (Black-bindweed) vr - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) r - Fumaria officinalis ssp. officinalis (Common Fumitory) vr vr Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) - vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) f a Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) o - Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) vr - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) r - Glechoma hederacea (Ground-ivy) r - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o - Hieracium species (Hawkweed) r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) r - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) lf - Humulus lupulus (Hop) vr la Hyacinthoides ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) o r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r - *Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris) vr - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) r vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) o r Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) r vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr vr Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) vr - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) r - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) f - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) la r


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Lysimachia punctata (Dotted Loosestrife) vr - Malva cf. sylvestris (Common Mallow) r r Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) r - Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) vr - Melissa officinalis (Balm) vr - Narcissus cultivars (Daffodil) r vr Oxalis cf. articulata (Pink-sorrel) - vr Papaver cf. rhoeas (Common Poppy) - vr Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) vr - *Persicaria hydropiper (Water-pepper) r - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr - Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary-grass) ? vr - Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) vr - Phylittis scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue) vr - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) vr - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) vr r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) la - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r - Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) lf r Polygonum arenastrum (Equal-leaved Knotgrass) r - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr vr Primula cf. veris (Cowslip) vr - Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) vr - Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine) vr vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) r - Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel) r - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) r - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) r vr Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) r - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) o - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) vr r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr vr Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr vr Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) vr - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) o r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) vr - Solanum tuberosum (Potato) vr - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) vr - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr vr Stellaria holostea (Greater Stitchwort) r - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) r o Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) - vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) la o Thlaspi arvense (Field Penny-cress) vr - Trifolium repens (White Clover) la - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) vr - Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) vr - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) f r Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) vr o Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr vr


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Veronica serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Speedwell) vr - Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) r - c) Mosses Brachythecium rutabulum r r Eurhynchium praelongum r r


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Table 24.4.2. Vegetation types on the railway lineside adjacent to Westlands Playing Fields. Posts Vegetation a) From ditch to westward 0-12 Quercus robur canopy (3 tree) and Rubus fruticosus agg. field-layer with MG1 rough

grassland in gaps. 12-15 Dense Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub. 15-24 OV24b tall-herb vegetation dominated by Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium,

Rubus fruticosus agg. and Urtica dioica. 24-28 Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub with Quercus robur saplings (2 trees). 28-47 Dense Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub, scattered bushes of Sambucus nigra. 47-52 Mixed scrub, rough grassland and tall-herb vegetation dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius,

Chamerion angustifolium and Rubus fruticosus agg. with scattered saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur and bushes of Sambucus nigra

52-57 MG1 rough grassland with scattered Chamerion angustifolium and Rubus fruticosus agg. 57-65 W22 Prunus spinosa scrub with Rubus fruticosus agg. in gaps. 65-73 W21 Crataegus monogyna scrub with some Sambucus nigra and saplings of Acer

pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur, MG1 rough grassland and Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub in gaps.

73-78 MG1 rough grassland and OV27 tall-herb vegetation dominated by Chamerion angustifolium in mosaic and transition, scattered Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub.

78-92 W22 Crataegus monogyna scrub with some Sambucus nigra in mosaic and transition with dense Rubus fruticosus agg. underscrub.

92-104 Dense Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub in mosaic and transition with tall-herb vegetation dominated by Chamerion angustifolium and Urtica dioica, scattered bushes of Prunus spinosa and Sambucus nigra.

104-110 Quercus robur canopy over dense Crataegus monogyna scrub. b) From ditch eastward 0-6 Quercus robur canopy (3 tree) and Rubus fruticosus agg. field-layer with MG1 rough

grassland in gaps. 6-28 Dense Rubus fruticosus agg., scattered Cirsium arvense and Urtica dioica. 28 on W22 Crataegus monogyna scrub with some Sambucus nigra, very locally Betula pendula or

Prunus avium, field-layer Hedera helix.


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25 NE8 TO NE9 - ROMFORD DEPOT AND LINESIDES


The area comprises land on the southern side of the railway including the following elements: • operational railway sidings and depot facilities, sparsely vegetated in areas of low

use; • ruderal vegetation on disused sidings and linesides with railway ballast substrates

at grade; • cleared rough grassland and scrub treated with herbicide on long-disused sidings; • rough grassland, tall-herb vegetation, scrub and incipient secondary woodland on

banks around the existing depot and former sidings, and on roughland off the railway at the eastern end of the area.

Surrounding areas include amenity-turf in a public park at the western end, operational and disused gas-works in the central parts, and light industrial premises, commercial units and hospital grounds to the east. North of the railway is a residential area.

25.2 Vegetation

Scrub is largely confined to banks around the southern margin of the disused sidings and roughland at the eastern end of the area. It mostly consists of Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) with saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). Accordingly to the dominance of Crataegus and Sambucus it is variously referable to the NVC types W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community and the proposed type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000) in mosaic and transition. These in turn form mosaic and transition with W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. Scattered trees on the bank between disused sidings and the disused part of the gas-works to the south are hardly to be regarded as a woodland vegetation type. Species-poor rough grassland on banks along the southern boundary is mostly dominated by the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) with scattered tall semi-ruderal herbs including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed), Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress), Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). It is referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. Locally it forms mosaic and transition with Urtica-dominated vegetation referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine


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community, typical sub-community, especially on roughland at the western end of the area, where other tall-herb vegetation types such as OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community and OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community are also represented. Cleared vegetation on disused sidings is mostly rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), tall-herb vegetation dominated by Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb), and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) underscrub, all of it heavily cut over and treated with herbicides. It was probably referable to the NVC types MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community in mosaic and transition. Surviving broad-leaved herbs include Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish), Artemisia verlotiorum (Chinese Mugwort), Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) and Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort). Species-rich grassy ruderal vegetation at about 80% overall cover on railway ballast in semi-operational areas is dominated by the grass Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent), while broad-leaved herbs include Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil), Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) and Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein). Ephemeral ruderals typical of nutrient-poor free-draining substrates are also abundant, including Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue). In its most open forms it is referable to the NVC type Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and grades through the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) to Dauco-Melilotion vegetation. Towards buildings more eutrophic ruderal vegetation with Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) and Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) is referable to the NVC type Sisymbrion alliance.




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25.4 Tables

Table 25.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from rail land between Romford Depot and Romford Station. Column 1 – depot area; column 2 – grassland and scrub in central land parcel; column 3 – area east of underpass. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o v r r lf Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - vr - - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) - vr vr - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) o r f o Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr o - la Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) - r - vr Hedera helix (Ivy) - la - - Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle) - vr - vr Malus domestica (Apple) - vr vr - Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper) - - - vr Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) - r - - Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) r - - - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) - a r o Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) - - vr - Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) - r vr - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - la - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr vr - r Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) f a - a Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - r vr - Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) - - vr - Sambucus nigra (Elder) r f vr - Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) - vr - - Tilia ×europaea (Lime) - - vr - Ulex europaeus (Gorse) - - - vr Ulmus procera (English Elm) vr - - - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o f f o Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) - la - - Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) - o - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a vr o f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) o a r f Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) - - vr - Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) a r f - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - - vr - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) f - - o Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a a a a Artemisia verlotiorum (Chinese Mugwort) - la - - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) f o - f Asparagus officinalis ssp. officinalis (Garden Asparagus) vr - - - Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) r - r - Atriplex patula (Common Orache) - vr - - Ballota nigra - - - r Brassica napus ssp. oleifera (Oil-seed Rape) vr vr - - Bryonia dioica (White Bryony) - vr - -


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Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed) r - - - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - r - - Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) vr - - - Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) vr vr - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr vr vr - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) a - a vr Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear) r vr vr - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o a vr r Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - - - vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o f o o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr vr vr r Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r v vr - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r - o - Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) - vr - - Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) f - f vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) f f f f Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) - - r r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) r r vr r Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - la vr f Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr r - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r - - - Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) vr - - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) f a r r Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) f - - - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) vr - - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) - r - - Fumaria officinalis ssp. officinalis (Common Fumitory) - vr - - Galium aparine (Cleavers) f a f f Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) o - - - Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) vr - - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) o vr vr - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) f - vr vr Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr vr - - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) f f r vr Hieracium species (Hawkweed) - lf r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o o - r Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o - o - Hyacinthoides ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) vr vr - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) o r o - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr lf o - Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) vr - - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr vr - r Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) vr vr r vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) r r r o Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) o r vr - Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - - vr - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) r la la o Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) a r o r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) vr - - - Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) vr - - - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r vr - r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) f - r r Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr - - -


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Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr - - - Papaver dubium ssp. dubium (Long-headed Poppy) vr vr - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr vr - - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f vr o r Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r lf f r Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr - vr - Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) vr f vr - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r r f - Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) f a f vr Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - - - r Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) f f - o Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) - - vr - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) o vr - - Rheum ×hybridum (Rhubarb) - vr - - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr vr vr r Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) - vr vr - Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) - - - vr Sagina apetala (Annual Pearlwort) - vr - - Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) - - vr - Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) vr a - - Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort) - - - vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r o o r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) f o f o Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r vr r vr Silene dioica (Red Campion) vr vr - - Silene ×hampeana (Hybrid Red-campion) - - - vr Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) r r - vr Silene vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (Bladder Campion) vr vr - - Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) o - - - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) - - vr - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr - - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) r vr - - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) r - - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r vr - vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) o vr - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) - f f r Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) r - vr vr Trifolium repens (White Clover) - - - vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) o o vr f Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) r - - vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) a - - - Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr - f - Veronica chamaedrys (Germander Speedwell) - - vr - Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) a - - - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - - - - Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) r - r - Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) f - r - Vulpia bromoides (Squirreltail Fescue) r - - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a - la r


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26 NE9 - ROMFORD GAS WORKS


The proposed work areas centre on extensive areas of disused hard or semi-hard standing adjacent to parts of the gas-works that remain operational. Most of this is sparsely vegetated with levels of cover between 10% and 35%. More closed ruderal vegetation, rough grassland and scrub is largely confined to the edges of the site, and especially to earth tips in the north-eastern corner. The area is bounded by the Romford Depot area and disused railway sidings to the north (Section 25), hospital grounds to the east, light industrial and residential areas to the west, and operational gas-works to the south.

26.2 Vegetation

The area contains no woodland as such, though in a few places non-native trees such as Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) and Tilia ×europaea (Lime) are planted in open canopy. Scrub around the edges is mostly dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) with saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore). It is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). In the vicinity of earth tips in the north-eastern corner it also contains Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), and here it is transitional to W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community though this community does not itself appear to be represented. The presence of garden-escapes and garden-survivals also affects the character of the scrub locally. Some stands in the north-western part are characterised by Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom) at high levels of abundance, and some on a house demolition site in the south-east have garden shrubs such as Syringa vulgaris (Lilac). Along the access road to the gas-works there is also modern ornamental shrubbery. Rough grassland is more-or-less confined to earth-tips in the north-eastern corner, though it occurs fragmentarily along roadsides in the southern part. Mostly it is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) in association with common grassland forbs such as Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain), Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) and Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch), and is referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. Towards the site-margins tall semi-ruderal herbs because more prominent, including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Lepidium


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draba (Hoary Cress) and Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock), and there are accordingly transitions to MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. Open ruderal vegetation on semi-hard standing or cracks in concrete aprons occupies the greater part of the site. It is in general species-rich, though vascular plant cover is low, varying between about 10% and 35%. Typically it consists of the grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) often with a scatter of Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and locally with the annual grasses Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance. A wide range of common forbs and ruderals occur, including among the more abundant Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). Spring ephemerals are also abundant including Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress), Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress), Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear), Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) and Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell). Acrocarpous mosses such as Bryum species, Ceratodon purpureus, Funaria hygrometrica and Tortula muralis are abundant and locally achieve levels of cover up to about 70%. Aside from spring ephemerals and mosses, there are additional species typical of free-draining nutrient-poor substrates such as Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) and Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop). This vegetation mostly has affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), though locally it tends towards the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). In operational compounds even sparser ruderal vegetation consists of Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort), Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) among other ruderals at very low levels of cover (less than 5%). This vegetation probably has loose affinities with the NVC type OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community.




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26.4 Tables

Table 26.4.1. Plant species recorded from Romford Gas-works. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) vr Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o Betula pendula (Silver Birch) o Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a Cotoneaster bullatus (Hollyberry Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster cf. horizontalis (Wall Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) r Ficus carica (Fig) vr Forsythia ×intermedia (Forsythia) vr Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr Lycium barbarum (Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant) vr Malus domestica (Apple) vr Populus cf. ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) r

Populus× canescens (Grey Poplar) vr Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) vr Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) o Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr Quercus ilex (Evergreen Oak) vr Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) r Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) vr Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) la Salix caprea (Goat Willow) o Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) r Sambucus nigra (Elder) o Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) r Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom) la Syringa vulgaris (Lilac) vr Tilia ×europaea (Lime) vr Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose) vr b) Field and ground layer species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) f Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) f Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) r Allium vineale (Wild Onion) vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) r Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) o Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) a


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Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) r Aubretia deltoidea (Aubretia) vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) o Calystegia cf. silvatica (Large Bindweed) r Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) f Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) r Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) r Cerastium cf. diffusum (Sea Mouse-ear) a Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) o Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) f Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) o Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) o Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) o Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) r Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) vr Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) o Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) r Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) r Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) vr Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) r Erophila verna (Common Whitlowgrass) r Erysimum cheiri (Wallflower) vr Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) vr Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) o Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) o Galium aparine (Cleavers) a Geranium cf. molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) vr Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) r Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) f Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) vr Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o Hyacinthoides cf. ×variabilis (Hybrid Bluebell) r Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) vr Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) r Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) r Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) r Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) r


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Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) f Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus albus (White Melilot) vr Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) vr Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr Papaver cf. rhoeas (Common Poppy) r Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) o Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) f Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) vr Poa humilis (Spreading Meadow-grass) r Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) r Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) f Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) vr Reseda luteola (Weld) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) r Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) r Sedum acre (Biting Stonecrop) a Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) vr Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) vr Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) r Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) o Trifolium repens (White Clover) vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) r Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) r Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-leaved Speedwell) f Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr Veronica serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Speedwell) vr Vicia faba (Broad Bean) vr Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) a


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Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a c) Mosses Barbula cf unguiculata a Brachythecium albicans r Brachythecium rutabulum f Bryum argenteum a Bryum cf capillare a Ceratodon purpureus a Funaria hygrometrica f Schistidium apocarpum a Tortula muralis f Tortula ruralis o


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Table 26.4.2. NVC table for 10 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on semi-hard substrates at Romford Gas Works. Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 4 4 5 7 7 7 4 4 3 4 V 3-7 Medicago lupulina 2 7 1 3 1 2 - 5 4 1 V 1-7 Ceratodon purpureus 6 6 6 6 6 6 - 6 6 6 V 6 Picris hieracioides 5 4 3 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 V 1-5 Achillea millefolium 4 4 1 3 4 3 2 1 3 - V 1-4 Artemisia vulgaris 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 - 2 V 1-3 Plantago lanceolata 1 3 - 2 - 5 - 4 3 3 IV 1-5 Catapodium rigidum - 1 3 - 3 3 3 1 - 3 IV 1-3 Tortula muralis 1 3 4 2 2 1 - - - - III 1-4 Agrostis stolonifera - - - 1 2 - 1 - 1 2 III 1-2 Conyza sumatrensis - 2 1 1 - - 1 1 - 1 III 1-2 Poa angustifolia 1 4 - - - - 5 - - 3 II 1-5 Linaria vulgaris 3 - 4 3 - - - - - - II 3-4 Sedum acre - - - - 2 - 1 3 - 4 II 1-4 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia 1 - - - 3 - 3 - - - II 1-3 Lolium perenne - - - 2 - 1 - 1 3 - II 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 2 1 - - 3 - - - - II 1-3 Cerastium glomeratum 1 1 1 - - - - - - - II 1 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - - - 1 - - 1 - - - II 1 Festuca rubra 1 - 1 - - - - 1 - - II 1 Holcus lanatus - 1 - - - - 1 1 1 - II 1 Aster ×salignus - - - - - - 4 - - - I 4 Chamerion angustifolium - - - - 4 - - - - - I 4 Melilotus officinalis - - - - - - - - - 2 I 2 Anisantha sterilis - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Arrhenatherum elatius - - - - - - - - 1 1 I 1 Brachythecium albicans 1 - - - - - - - - - I 1 Cerastium fontanum 1 - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Daucus carota ssp. carota - - - - - - - 1 - 1 I 1 Epilobium tetragonum - - - - - - 1 - - - I 1 Erigeron acer 1 - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Hirschfeldia incana - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Hypochaeris radicata - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Leontodon autumnalis - 1 - - - - - - - - I 1 Rubus fruticosus agg. - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Schistidium apocarpum - - - - - - 1 - - - I 1 Trifolium repens 1 - - - - - - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 41.7, OV23d 38.0, OV23c 38.0, MG1a 31.5, OV23a 31.1, SD8a 30.6


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Table 26.4.3. NVC table for 5two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on free-draining soil at Romford Gas Works. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Medicago lupulina 4 7 9 7 3 V 3-9 Plantago lanceolata 5 2 2 5 6 V 2-6 Achillea millefolium 4 4 4 5 5 V 4-5 Arrhenatherum elatius 4 2 2 1 1 V 1-4 Picris hieracioides 1 4 4 3 4 V 1-4 Ceratodon purpureus 6 - 4 6 6 IV 4-6 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - 3 1 3 3 IV 1-3 Agrostis stolonifera 4 - - 2 2 III 2-4 Anisantha sterilis - - 1 4 3 III 1-4 Vulpia myuros 3 - - 1 1 III 1-3 Lolium perenne - 1 - 1 2 III 1-2 Brachythecium rutabulum - 6 5 - - II 5-6 Poa angustifolia - 4 3 - - II 3-4 Sedum acre 3 - - - 1 II 1-3 Festuca rubra 5 5 - - - II 5 Catapodium rigidum - - - 3 3 II 3 Artemisia vulgaris 1 - 1 - - II 1 Holcus lanatus 1 - 1 - - II 1 Leontodon autumnalis - - 1 - 1 II 1 Melilotus albus - - - 4 - I 4 Sedum rupestre - - - - 4 I 4 Linaria vulgaris - 3 - - - I 3 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - 1 - - - I 1 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - 1 - - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - - - 1 - I 1 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 45.8, OV23d 45.4, OV23c 41.9, MG1a 38.2


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27 NE11 - GIDEA PARK STABLING SIDINGS


The proposed work area centres on operational stabling sidings and the northern lineside east of Gidea Park Station. The lineside mainly supports plantation woodland, scrub, tall-herb vegetation and rough grassland, while sparse ruderal vegetation occurs on the less-used operational tracks. A parcel of land adjacent to the lineside supports tall-herb ruderal vegetation and bramble underscrub. Adjacent areas are primarily residential.

27.2 Vegetation

Towards the centre of the area the northern lineside has a substantial triangle of secondary and plantation woodland dominated in the canopy by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Populus× canescens (Grey Poplar). A sparse shrub-layer consists of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) and Sambucus nigra (Elder), while a species-poor field-layer consists of Hedera helix (Ivy) with a scatter of broad-leaved herbs typical of eutrophic shady places including Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). The NVC affinities of such woodland are very unclear. To the west a narrower lineside strip of secondary woodland dominated in the canopy by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) has loose affinities with the NVC type W8d Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland, Hedera helix sub-community. Throughout the area the northern lineside has extensive scrub, mostly dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) in association with Prunus domestica (Wild Plum), Rosa canina (Dog-rose) and Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble). Very densely shaded field-layers mostly consist of Hedera helix (Ivy) alone. This scrub is fairly clearly referable to the NVC type W21a Crataegus monogyna-Hedera helix scrub, Hedera helix-Urtica dioica sub-community. Where Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) is actually dominant it does however have the characteristics of W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community, though whether this would be a correct NVC diagnosis is open to debate. Again the scrub is locally more species-rich with a few calcicolous shrubs such as Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood), but their incidence does not reach levels sufficient to justify assigning the scrub to another W21 sub-community. Everywhere this type of scrub forms mosaic and transition with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. Tall semi-ruderal herbs, scramblers and coarse grasses are


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locally prominent, including Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). Locally therefore W24a forms mosaic and transition with tall-herb vegetation types such as OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community though these are not of great extent – scrub dominates. A land-parcel north of the railway appears to have been cleared of some form of vegetation (perhaps an overgrown garden) and now contains dense Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) in mosaic and transition with tall-herb ruderal vegetation dominated by Chenopodium album (Fat-hen), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) and Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle). Its NVC affinities are unclear, but phytosociologically it is probably transitional from some form of Sisymbrion vegetation to OV24b. In a few places, mainly towards the east, the scrub is punctuated by small areas of rough grassland. Some of this is relatively species-rich, being dominated by the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) in association with a wide range of mostly larger forbs including Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony), Pimpinella saxifraga (Burnet-saxifrage), Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) and Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort). This is referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community. Locally rough grassland stands have a higher incidence of tall semi-ruderal herbs such as Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley), Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) and Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) and there are accordingly transitions to MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. Railway ballast substrates on less-used tracks adjacent to the lineside support species-rich ruderal vegetation dominated by broad-leaved herbs at about 35% cover with a scatter of the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass). Among the more frequent species are Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort), Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) and Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet). This vegetation is has loose affinities with several phytosociological units including the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983), the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957), and the NVC type OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community. More open ruderal vegetation towards the operational track is however probably directly referable to either OV22c or the Vulpia association.


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No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded. Among more common species this area has several that are especially characteristic of species-rich ruderal vegetation on railway ballast substrates including Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane), Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax), Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) and Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel).


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27.4 Tables

Table 27.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from Gidea Park Sidings. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) vr Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) a Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven) vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) vr Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress) vr Cornus australis (a Dogwood) vr Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) r Cotoneaster horizontalis (Wall Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster lacteus (Late Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster microphyllus (Small-leaved Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) f Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) f Hedera cf. colchica (Persian Ivy) vr Hedera helix (Ivy) a Hypericum cf. hircinum (Stinking Tutsan) vr Ilex aquifolium (Holly) r Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum) vr Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) vr Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) o Malus domestica (Apple) o Parthenocissis quinquefolia (Virgina-creeper) vr Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) vr

Populus× canescens (Grey Poplar) la Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) r Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) la Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) vr Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) r Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) r Rhus typhina (Stag’s-horn Sumach) vr Ribes rubrum (Red Currant) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) f Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) vr Taxus baccata (Yew) vr Ulmus procera (English Elm) r b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) f Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) o Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) vr


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Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) vr Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) r Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) o Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) o Arabidopsis thaliana (Thale Cress) vr Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort) o Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o Asparagus officinalis ssp. officinalis (Garden Asparagus) vr Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) o Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) r Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) f Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) vr Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) la Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) r Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) r Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) r Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) f Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) f Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) r Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) o Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) vr Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) f Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) vr Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp-agrimony) vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) a Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) o Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) r Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o Hieracium species (Hawkweed) r Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) vr Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) vr Kniphofia cf. uvaria (Red-hot Poker) vr Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argentatum (Yellow Archangel) vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) r Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr


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Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) vr Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling) o Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) o Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) o Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) r Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) r Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) f Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) vr Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) r Lunaria annua (Honesty) vr Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) vr Lysimachia punctata (Dotted Loosestrife) vr Malva moschata (Musk-mallow) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) vr Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr Oxalis stricta (Upright Yellow-sorrel) vr Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) vr Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) r Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) o Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) r Pimpinella saxifraga (Burnet-saxifrage) r Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) r Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) o Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) vr Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) f Ranunculus acris (Meadow Buttercup) vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) vr Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) r Rumex acetosella (Sheep’s Sorrel) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) r Sagina procumbens (Procumbent Pearlwort) vr Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) vr Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) lf Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) r Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) o Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) o Stachys sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort) vr Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) a


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Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) vr Torilis japonica (Upright Hedge-parsley) vr Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) r Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) r Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) r Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) a Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) vr Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) o Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) r Vicia sepium (Bush Vetch) vr Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle) r Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) vr Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) r Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) lf


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Table 27.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in sparse ruderal vegetation on railway ballast. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Frq. Cov. Linaria vulgaris 3 3 5 3 2 V 2-5 Arrhenatherum elatius 4 4 4 1 1 V 1-4 Conyza sumatrensis 1 1 3 3 2 V 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia sp. 2 5 5 5 - IV 2-5 Senecio squalidus 1 - 1 3 1 IV 1-3 Buddleja davidii 4 - - 1 4 III 1-4 Viola riviniana 5 1 - - - II 1-5 Cirsium arvense - 1 - - 4 II 1-4 Picris echioides - 2 - 3 - II 2-3 Lactuca serriola - - - 1 3 II 1-3 Leontodon autumnalis - 2 1 - - II 1-2 Cerastium fontanum - - - 7 - I 7 Linaria repens - - - - 4 I 4 Rubus fruticosus agg. - - - 4 - I 4 Arenaria serpyllifolia ssp. serp. - - - 3 - I 3 Linaria purpurea - - - 3 - I 3 Plantago lanceolata - - - 3 - I 3 Poa angustifolia 3 - - - - I 3 Anisantha sterilis - - - - 2 I 2 Holcus lanatus - - - - 2 I 2 Agrimonia eupatoria - - - 1 - I 1 Artemisia vulgaris - - - - 1 I 1 Aster ×salignus - 1 - - - I 1 Chamerion angustifolium - - - 1 - I 1 Lotus corniculatus 1 - - - - I 1 Potentilla reptans - 1 - - - I 1 Solidago canadensis 1 - - - - I 1 Sonchus asper - - - - 1 I 1 Tragopogon pratensis 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: MG1b 32.6, OV23 undifferentiated 31.5, MG1a 31.0, OV23b 30.8, OV22a 30.1, SD7c 29.7


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28 NE17 - SHENFIELD STATION


Proposed work areas include the following main elements: • operational railway track, some of which is sparsely vegetated in areas of low use; • car parks and yards with fringing shrubbery and ruderal vegetation; • mostly wooded linesides on the northern side of the railway – a large area west of

the station and a small area (for access) to the east; and • rough grassland and scrub on linesides between diverging tracks east of the

station. Similar habitats are present on the southern side of the railway where they are not directly affected. Surrounding areas are residential, though there are extensive broad-leaved semi-natural woodlands within 0.5 km both to the east and west.

28.2 Vegetation

28.2.1 London Side of Station, Northern Lineside

The lineside is densely wooded away from the track, while towards the track it locally opens into small areas of scrub and rough grassland. Along the outer (northern) edge of the lineside is lined by large trees of Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar), and there are also just a few of Tilia ×europaea (Lime). Beneath them bushes of Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) form a sparse shrub-layer. Trees and shrubs forming the remainder of the woodland and scrub – mostly occurring in small quantity - include Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Salix cf. × sericans (Broad-leaved Osier. The field-layer is generally very sparse, consisting of mainly of Hedera helix (Ivy), though shade-tolerant herbs such as Arum maculatum (Lords-and-Ladies) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) are scattered. The NVC affinities of this partly planted and partly secondary woodland are very hard to define, though there may be the loosest of affinities with W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland. Where woodland and scrub give way to lower growing vegetation towards the track there are stands of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) mixed with tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers, especially Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed), Galium aparine (Cleavers) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) and more locally Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb). This vegetation consists of the NVC communities W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community and OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine


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community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community in complex mosaics and transitions. Further towards the track again, the vegetation becomes increasingly herbaceous, and contains an increased range of tall semi-ruderal herbs including Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) together with ruderal grasses such as Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome). Here the vegetation is locally referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, but again it forms complex mosaics and transitions with the more scrubby communities W24a and OV24b. Railway ballast at the track edge supports very sparse ruderal vegetation consisting of mainly of the following species at collective levels of cover below 10%: Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent), Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Hieracium species, Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax), Plantago major (Greater Plantain), Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel), Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) and Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard).

28.2.2 Chelmsford Side of Station, Sidings and Between-track Linesides

The northern lineside could not be accessed directly, but supports secondary woodland dominated in the canopy by mixtures of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) and Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) with Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub in canopy gaps. Other linesides between diverging tracks support rough grassland and tall-herb vegetation mostly dominated by the coarse grass Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and the tall semi-ruderal herbs and scramblers Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb), Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail), Galium aparine (Cleavers) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle). Other broad-leaved herbs include Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) and Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed). Saplings of trees and shrubs are frequent, especially Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) and Salix caprea (Goat Willow). In places Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) rises to prominence. The vegetation accordingly contains complex mosaics and transitions of the NVC types MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community, OV27b Epilobium angustifolium community, Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense sub-community and W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. Railway ballast on operational sidings locally supports species-rich ruderal vegetation at levels of cover up to about 50%. Among the more characteristic and abundant species are Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed), Conyza


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canadensis (Canadian Fleabane), Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog), Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort), Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel), Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue). It forms mosaics and transitions of vegetation types not described in the National Vegetation Classification, probably referable to the Vulpia community of Sheperd (1998) and types having affinities with Dauco-Melilotion types described by Continental authors, e.g. Schaminée et al. (1998).


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Among more common species, the distinctive species of railway ballast substrates are present only in small quantity, including Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) and Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel).


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28.4 Tables

Table 28.4.1. Plant species recorded from Shenfield. Column 1 – northern lineside west of station; column 2 – northern tracks and linesides east of station. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) la - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) o r Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - vr Berberis darwinii (Darwin’s Barberry) vr - Betula pendula (Silver Birch) o r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) o o Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) - vr Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) - lf Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) - vr Corylus avellana (Hazel) r - Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) vr - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) r - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) o o Hedera helix (Ivy) f - Ilex aquifolium (Holly) vr - Juglans regia (Walnut) vr vr Malus domestica (Apple) - vr Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) la - Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) r - Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) r - Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) r - Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) o - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) o - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a la Salix ×reichardtii (Hybrid Grey-willow) o -

Salix ×sericans (Broad-leaved Osier) r - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) f o Sambucus nigra (Elder) r - Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr - Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) vr - Tilia ×europaea (Lime) vr - Ulmus procera (English Elm) - r Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose) vr - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r o Agrimonia eupatoria (Agrimony) - r Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) r - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) r - Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica) vr - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) r f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) o lf Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) f la Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) vr o Arum maculatum (Lords-and-Ladies) vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - r


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Calystegia sepium ssp. sepium (Hedge Bindweed) r la Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - o Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) - r Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) vr - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) a o Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r f Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r o Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - o Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawk’s-beard) - r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) r o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) vr r Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) - vr Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) - vr Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr - Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) vr - Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) vr - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) f - Galium aparine (Cleavers) a - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) o - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) o r Hieracium species r r Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) - r Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr r Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - vr Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) - vr Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) - vr Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) - vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr - Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) o - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o f Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr - Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - vr Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort) - lf Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr o Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) vr - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) f - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - r Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr vr Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr - Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) - vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) vr o Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) r r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r vr Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - vr Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) vr r Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) vr r


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Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr r Symphytum ×uplandicum (Russian Comfrey) vr - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o o Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) o o Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) a - Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) r - Viola arvensis (Field Pansy) - vr Viola riviniana (Common Dog-violet) - vr Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) - r


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29 SE1 – THE LIMMO PENINSULA


The area comprises open land bounded by the tidal River Lea to the west, the dual-carriageway Lower Lea Crossing to the south, and the Docklands Light Railway and to the west. It was formerly part of the no longer extant Thames Wharf and Limmo Peninsula site, designated until the early 1990s as a Site of Metropolitan Importance (SMI) by the then London Ecology Unit. The original SMI was fragmented and in large part lost to various transport construction projects in the 1990s (the Lower Lea Crossing, Jubilee Line Extension and Docklands Light Railway). There is no public access to the site, though parts close to the Lower Lea Crossing were laid down as a wildlife park following earlier construction schemes. These are now closed off, but retain their quasi-natural scrub and woodland plantings, paths and park furniture. The greater part of the site is currently in use for DLR construction, and large parts were de-vegetated by soil tipping during the Crossrail survey period, when two visits were made. This process appears to be ongoing. The site contains mostly long-established rough semi-ruderal grassland and scrub. There are also substantial areas of open semi-ruderal grassland on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates, and small areas of ephemeral ruderal vegetation in recently disturbed areas. Close to the Lower Lea Crossing there are extensive quasi-natural tree and shrub plantings consisting mainly of native British species.

29.2 Vegetation

The area contains no semi-natural woodland, but towards the Lower Lea Crossing there are extensive belts of incipient plantation woodland, mostly dominated in the canopy by Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Populus tremula (Aspen) and Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia). They have no affinities with any NVC type. They are locally flanked by scrub plantings that are between native and ornamental in character, with Cornus australis (a Dogwood), Cornus sericea (Red-osier Dogwood), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Salix species (Willows) and Ulex europaeus (Gorse). Over the rest of the area there is a scatter of scrub, locally dense, dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) in association with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) and referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). So too are stands dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) alone. This grades into Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community.


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Large parts of the area towards the River Lea remain covered by rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) with tall semi-ruderal herbs including Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket), Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) and Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock). It is referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. Locally there are patches of the tall herb Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) referable to the proposed NVC type Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000). On railway ballast substrates, mainly in the north and east, there are species-rich ruderal vegetation types, mostly dominated by the grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) with common forbs and ruderals including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue). They are probably referable to the NVC type Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) in more closed swards, and to the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) in more open swards.




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29.4 Tables

Table 29.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from the Limmo site. Species marked with a single asterisk are planted ornamental trees and shrubs; species marked with two are halophytes on inter-tidal mud. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr *Alnus cordata (Italian Alder) vr *Betula pendula (Silver Birch) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a Colutea arborescens (Bladder-senna) vr *Cornus australis (a Dogwood) la *Corylus avellana (Hazel) r Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr *Cytisus scoparius (Broom) vr Ficus carica (Fig) vr *Fraxinus americana (White Ash) vr *Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) a *Hedera helix (Ivy) cultivars a *Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea-buckthorn) lf *Ilex aquifolium (Holly) r Laburnum anagyroides (Laburnum) vr *Lonicera pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle) vr Malus domestica (Apple) vr *Populus ×canescens (Grey Poplar) a *Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) r *Populus tremula (Aspen) lf *Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) r Pyracantha coccinea (Firethorn) vr *Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) r *Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) la Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr *Rosa pimpinellifolia cf. ‘Grandiflora’ (Burnet Rose) r Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a *Salix alba ssp. alba (White Willow) vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) r *Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) r *Salix viminalis (Osier) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) f *Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom) vr *Ulex europaeus (Gorse) r *Viburnum lantana (Wayfaring-tree) vr b) Field and ground layer species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) vr Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) vr Agrostis gigantea (Black Bent) r Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) a Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel) vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) f Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) vr


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Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) r Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) r Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) f Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) vr **Aster tripolium (Sea Aster) la Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) o Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr **Bolboschoenus maritimus (Sea Club-rush) vr Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome) vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) o Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) a Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) vr Carex pendula (Pendulous Sedge) vr Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) lf Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian) vr Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) r Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) o Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r Chenopodium polyspermum (Many-seeded Goosefoot) vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) f Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r Conium maculatum (Hemlock) vr Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) o Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) lf Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) f Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) o Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) f Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) f Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescue) lf Festuca gigantea (Giant Fescue) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) a Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) r Galium aparine (Cleavers) la Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) vr Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed) o Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr Hieracium species (Hawkweed) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) f Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) vr Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) o


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Lathyrus pratensis (Meadow Vetchling) r Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) a Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) lf Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne) vr Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) o Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) r Persicaria amphibia (Amphibious Bistort) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) f Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) a Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) r Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) r Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) o Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) r Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) f Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) r Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) o Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) r Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) r Symphytum ×uplandicum (Russian Comfrey) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) r Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) r Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) vr Trisetum flavescens (Yellow Oat-grass) vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) o Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr Verbena officinalis (Vervain) vr Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) a Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) la


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Table 29.4.2. NVC table for 10 two-metre square quadrats in rough grassland at the Limmo site. Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Freq. Cov. Arrhenatherum elatius 8 8 7 8 9 4 9 9 8 9 V 4-9 Rubus fruticosus agg. 2 4 4 4 7 4 5 5 6 5 V 2-7 Agrostis stolonifera 3 4 7 4 4 1 3 1 5 3 V 1-7 Plantago lanceolata 3 1 4 2 4 1 1 3 3 2 V 1-4 Festuca rubra 4 1 - - 3 8 1 - 1 4 IV 1-8 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis 2 1 1 4 - 2 1 - 4 1 IV 1-4 Dipsacus fullonum - 3 2 1 3 - 2 3 2 - IV 1-3 Epilobium tetragonum - 2 1 1 - - 1 1 1 3 IV 1-3 Hirschfeldia incana - 1 1 - - - 5 2 5 2 III 1-5 Dactylis glomerata 4 4 1 2 - - - - - 1 III 1-4 Lepidium draba 4 - - 4 1 1 - 3 - 1 III 1-4 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - 1 1 - 1 2 - 1 - - III 1-2 Brachythecium rutabulum - - - 4 - - 4 - 7 - II 4-7 Calystegia silvatica 2 - - - - 5 - 1 - - II 1-5 Holcus lanatus - 1 5 - - - 1 - - 3 II 1-5 Elytrigia repens - - 4 - 1 1 - - - - II 1-4 Poa trivialis 3 - 1 - - - 1 - - - II 1-3 Senecio jacobaea - - 1 - - - - 3 1 1 II 1-3 Lathyrus pratensis 4 - - - - - 2 - - - I 2-4 Buddleja davidii - - - - - - - - 1 4 I 1-4 Festuca arundinacea 4 - - - - - - - - - I 0-4 Bromus hordeaceus - - - - - - - - - 3 I 3 Chamerion angustifolium - - - - - - - - 2 - I 2 Agrostis gigantea 1 - - - - 1 - - - - I 1 Fallopia japonica - - - - 1 - - - - - I 1 Heracleum sphondylium 1 - - - - - - - - - I 1 Hypericum perforatum - - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Linaria vulgaris - 1 - - - - - - - - I 1 Lolium perenne - - 1 - - - - - - - I 1 Medicago lupulina - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Potentilla reptans - 1 - - - - - - - - I 1 Tussilago farfara - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Centranthus ruber - - - 1 - - - - - - I 0-1 Cirsium arvense - 1 - 1 - - - - - - I 0-1 Cirsium vulgare 1 - 1 - - - - - - - I 0-1 Daucus carota ssp. carota 1 - 1 - - - - - - - I 0-1 Heracleum mantegazzianum - - - - 1 - - 1 - - I 0-1 Rumex cristatus - - - 1 - - - 1 - - I 0-1 Matching coefficients: MG1a 52.1, MG1b 41.4, MG9b 39.7, MG1c 39.2, OV23d 37.2, W24 undifferentiated 36.8


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Table 29.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in open vegetation on nutrient-poor free-draining substrates. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Picris hieracioides 4 6 7 7 4 V 4-7 Agrostis stolonifera 5 3 4 4 4 V 3-5 Medicago lupulina 1 1 1 4 3 V 1-4 Vulpia myuros 4 3 3 1 3 V 1-4 Artemisia vulgaris 1 1 3 - 2 IV 1-3 Conyza sumatrensis - 1 2 - 4 III 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 4 1 - - 1 III 1-4 Catapodium rigidum 2 - 3 - - II 2-3 Buddleja davidii 2 - - - 1 II 1-2 Trifolium pratense 2 - 1 - - II 1-2 Hirschfeldia incana - - - 1 1 II 1 Daucus carota ssp. carota - 4 - - - I 4 Picris echioides 2 - - - - I 2 Dactylis glomerata 1 - - - - I 1 Festuca arundinacea - - - 1 - I 1 Holcus lanatus - - - 1 - I 1 Cerastium fontanum - - - 1 - I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia sp. - - - 1 - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23c 34.3, OV23d 29.8, OV19d 28.6


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30 SE2 TO SE3 – CUSTOM HOUSE STATION TO CONNAUGHT TUNNEL LINESIDES


The area comprises railway linesides in a relatively open inner city area, with narrow strips of ruderal vegetation and scrub on railway ballast at grade throughout. Adjacent areas include large car-parks associated with an exhibition centre and also light industrial or commercial premises to the south, while mostly residential areas lie to the north with parcels of amenity-turf, trees and ornamental shrubbery.

30.2 Vegetation

Linesides have scrub dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) sometimes in association with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) saplings. It is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). In a few places it grades into Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. On railway ballast linesides at grade there is open ruderal vegetation at about 50% cover, mostly dominated by the grasses Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and a wide range of forbs and ruderals including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion). It has loose affinities with several phytosociological units including the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) and the NVC type MG1d Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Pastinaca sativa sub-community. Sparser forms with Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance have affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community. Masonry at Connaught Tunnel has the fern Polypodium vulgare (Polypody) in fragmentary vegetation referable to the NVC type OV42 Cymbalaria muralis community.


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No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded. Among more common species a few are especially characteristic of species-rich ruderal vegetation on railway ballast substrates including Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) and Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel).


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30.4 Tables

Table 30.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded between Royal Victoria Station and Connaught Tunnel. Column 1 - lineside vegetation north of the railway between Royal Victoria Station and the west side of Custom House Station; column 2 - lineside vegetation north of the railway, between the western side of Custom House Station and Connaught Tunnel; column 3- grassland and species-poor scrub between tracks from the eastern side of Custom House station to Connaught Tunnel; and column 4 - grassland east of bus station. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers - - - - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) - r - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f la a - Cornus alba (White Dogwood) - - vr - Cotoneaster species (a Cotoneaster) - vr - - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - vr - - Hedera helix (Ivy) - la - - Malus domestica (Apple) vr - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) - r r vr Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry) vr - - - Prunus species (a Cherry) - - - vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a la la - Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) - - vr - Salix fragilis var. fragilis (Crack Willow) - - - lf Salix viminalis (Osier) - - - lf Sambucus nigra (Elder) r r r - b) Herbaceous species Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) - la - - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) - lf - lf Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) r f - f Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr - - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - vr vr vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a la f f Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o o o r Atriplex patula (Common Orache) - r - - Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) r vr vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr - - o Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) - la r r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) vr - - - Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) lf - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - r - - Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) - vr - - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) - lf - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr - - - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r r lf - Conium maculatum (Hemlock) r vr - vr Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) f - - la Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) r - - - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) o r r r Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr - - -


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Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr - - o Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) - - - f Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) - vr - vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) - la lf lf Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr r - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - vr - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r - - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr vr - a Galium aparine (Cleavers) vr lf a lf Galium mollugo (Hedge-bedstraw) - vr - - Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) - vr - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r - r - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - lf - - Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr - r - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a lf r la Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) r la - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - o - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr - - vr Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) - - - r Lemna minor (Common Duckweed) - r - - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) vr - - lf Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - - - lf Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) - lf - - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o f r - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - - - a Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) - r - o Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) - - - lf Melilotus albus (White Melilot) - - - lf Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) - - vr - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) - vr vr - Mercurialis perennis (Dog’s Mercury) vr - - - Oenothera cf. ×fallax (Intermediate Evening-primrose) - - vr - Oxalis articulata (Pink-sorrel) vr - - - Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip) r vr o vr Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - vr - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr o - o Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) r f o f Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) vr f - f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - vr - - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) vr vr - - Polypodium vulgare (Polypody) - vr - - Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) - - r la Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) - - r - Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) - - - lf Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr vr - - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - - vr vr Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) - vr - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr - - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o o - vr Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) vr - - - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) vr r - - Setaria pumila (Yellow Bristle-grass) vr - - - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr r r -


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Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - - vr - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r vr - - r Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr r - - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) o o - f Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr - - - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) - - - lf Trifolium repens (White Clover) - - - lf Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - vr - r Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) f lf o lf Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) - vr - - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) - vr - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) - la - -


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31 SE3 TO SE4 – CONNAUGHT TUNNEL TO NORTH WOOLWICH STATION LINESIDES


The area comprises railway linesides in a highly built-up inner city area, with narrow strips of ruderal vegetation and scrub on railway ballast at grade throughout. Masonry in the cutting at the Connaught Tunnel southern portal supports assemblages of wall-plants, mostly ferns. At the western end there are also some off-railway land-parcels supporting ruderal vegetation and scrub on disused railway tracks. Adjacent areas are mostly residential to the north (with rather frequent parcels of amenity-turf, trees and ornamental shrubbery), and light industrial to the south.

31.2 Vegetation

There is a tiny patch of secondary woodland dominated by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) with Sambucus nigra (Elder) in the shrub-layer and a eutrophic field-layer near Silvertown Station. Its NVC affinities are unclear. Otherwise woody vegetation is confined to scrub dominated by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) sometimes in association with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) saplings. It is referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). In a few places it grades into Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community. On railway ballast linesides at grade there is open ruderal vegetation at about 50% cover, mostly dominated by the grasses Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and a wide range of forbs and ruderals including Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket), Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert), Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). It has loose affinities with several phytosociological units including the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) and the NVC type OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community. Sparser forms with Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance have affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and OV22c. Walls and supporting arches in the cutting at Connaught Tunnel portal support fern communities containing Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) and


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Polypodium vulgare (Polypody) at high levels of abundance and also Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort), Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern), Phylittis scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue) and Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken). This vegetation is referable to the NVC type OV42 Cymbalaria muralis community. The ferns it contains are also typical of OV39 Asplenium trichomanes-A. ruta-muraria community but this is a community of the wetter west of Britain, and the ferns do occur in OV42. Other vegetation dominated by Mycelis muralis (Wall Lettuce), Pseudofumaria lutea (Yellow Corydalis) and Sedum cf. rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) is more clearly referable to OV42. Surrounding areas support extensive amenity-turf – locally transitional to rough grassland - and ornamental shrubbery.


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance were recorded. The fern Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort) is uncommon in inner London. So too is Petroselinum segetum (Corn Parsley) recorded from weedy amenity-turf south of the railway.


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31.4 Tables

Table 31.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded between the southern portal of the Connaught Tunnel and North Woolwich Station. Column 1 – portal to Silvertown Station; column 2 – Silvertown Station to North Woolwich Station; column 3 – roadside vegetation south of the railway. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) la r - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a a vr Cornus sericea (Red-osier Dogwood) - - vr Cotoneaster - vr - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) vr r - Lonicera pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle) - vr - Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) - vr - Malus domestica (Apple) - vr - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) - vr - Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) - vr - Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose) - vr - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) la a vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) - vr - Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) - vr - Sambucus nigra (Elder) o - vr Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) - vr - b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - r - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) f o f Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a a f Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) - vr - Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) - vr - Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) la a f Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) - vr - Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o o o Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort) vr - - Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) r - - Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) f f - Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) vr vr - Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) - vr o Brassica napus ssp. oleifera (Oil-seed Rape) vr r - Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - - a Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) - - r Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) - vr - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) o o o Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) vr - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) - vr - Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o o r Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr vr vr Consolida ajacis (Larkspur) - f - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - - f Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) - vr - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) f f vr


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Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr vr r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) - vr - Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) vr r - Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) - vr - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) vr f f Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) vr - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) vr - a Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) vr - - Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) - vr - Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) vr - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) - vr - Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) - vr - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) - vr - Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr r r Galinsoga parviflora (Gallant-soldier) - vr - Galium aparine (Cleavers) la f r Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - o vr Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr lf - Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) vr o - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) o a - Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o f - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr - - Humulus lupulus (Hop) la - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r r - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) r - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) - r vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr vr vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) r vr - Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) r r - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o f o Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) - vr r Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) - vr - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr vr r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) r - - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) - vr - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr vr - Mycelis muralis (Wall Lettuce) vr vr - Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) vr vr - Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip) f r - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) r r - Petroselinum segetum (Corn Parsley) - - vr Phragmites australis (Common Reed) o - - Phylittis scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue) vr - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) vr vr - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f f r Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) r f o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o r - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr - - Polypodium vulgare (Polypody) la - - Polypogon viridis (Water Bent) la - - Pseudofumaria lutea (Yellow Corydalis) vr - -


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Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - - r Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) r - - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) - - r Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop) vr - - Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - - vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) f f r Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r o - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - vr vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) vr - - Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) r vr - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) r o - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) - vr - Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) - r - Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) r - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) o o r Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr r - Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) o o - Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) vr - - Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - vr - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) - vr - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) - r - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) r r r Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) - r - Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) o o - Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) vr vr - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) la f -


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Table 31.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in railway ballast vegetation between Silvertown Station and North Woolwich Station. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Holcus lanatus 6 6 6 3 3 V 3-6 Arrhenatherum elatius 6 4 1 3 1 V 1-6 Rubus fruticosus agg. 4 2 4 3 3 V 2-4 Linaria vulgaris 3 1 4 3 4 V 1-4 Diplotaxis tenuifolia - 2 4 5 1 IV 1-5 Senecio squalidus - 2 3 4 3 IV 2-4 Picris hieracioides - 2 1 4 3 IV 1-4 Geranium rotundifolium - - 1 4 1 III 1-4 Geranium robertianum 3 - 1 3 - III 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia sp. - 1 - 1 1 III 1 Anisantha sterilis - - 2 - 3 II 2-3 Agrostis stolonifera - - 1 1 - II 1 Cerastium fontanum 1 - - - 1 II 1 Sisymbrium orientale - - - 1 1 II 1 Cirsium arvense - - - 4 - I 4 Plantago lanceolata - - - - 4 I 4 Aster ×salignus - - - 4 1 I 1-4 Buddleja davidii (g) 2 - - - - I 2 Conyza canadensis - - - - 2 I 2 Achillea millefolium - 1 - - - I 1 Conyza sumatrensis - - 1 - - I 1 Festuca rubra - - - - 1 I 1 Hypochaeris radicata - 1 - - - I 1 Verbascum thapsus 1 - - - - I 1 Veronica arvensis - 1 - - - I 1 Vulpia myuros - - - - 1 I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 33.1, OV23c 30.7, OV23d 30.1, MG1a 29.9, MG9b 29.9, OV24b 29.7


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32 SE4 - PIER ROAD, NORTH WOOLWICH


The site comprises mostly hard or semi-hard surfaced waste sites between the railway and Pier Road at North Woolwich. In the western part there are also extensive areas of soil and rubble mounds formed by tipping.

32.2 Vegetation

The northern edge of the area is fringed by scrub variously dominated by Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow), or else by Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) with very occasional saplings of Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar). Both are referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000) though they probably represent different sub-communities. Along the northern side, closed rough grassland swards lie adjacent to the scrub. They are dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and in the drier places they are referable to the NVC type MG1a Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Festuca rubra sub-community, though they are atypical in the abundance of leguminous forbs and garden-escapes. Damper swards are dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) with small amounts of Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) and mostly tall broad-leaved herbs including Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy), Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) and Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb). They have are probably MG1a, but also have loose affinities with the NVC type MG9b Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland, Arrhenatherum elatius sub-community. In the eastern part, spoil mounds have stands of tall-herb ruderal vegetation dominated by Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) and referable to the NVC type OV24a Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, typical sub-community. It grades into mixed ruderal vegetation variously containing yellow crucifers including Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) and Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket), together with annual or biennial ruderals such as Chenopodium album (Fat-hen), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) and Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury), perennials such as Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Ballota nigra (Black Horehound), Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) and Urtica dioica (Common Nettle), and grasses including Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) and


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Elytrigia repens (Common Couch). It has affinities with Sisymbrion communities and the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957). Large parts of the area contain very sparse but species-rich ruderal vegetation on semi-hard substrates. It consists of the annual grasses Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) and Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue), the perennial grass Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and a wide range of ruderals including Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Melilotus albus (White Melilot), Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) and Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed). It has affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes. This grades into marginally more closed species-rich ruderal vegetation types and species-rich rough grasslands.




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32.4 Tables

Table 32.4.1. Plant species recorded from the North Woolwich Portal site.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr Betula pendula (Silver Birch) vr Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) a Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) vr Cotoneaster cf. conspicuus (Tibetan Cotoneaster) vr Cotoneaster salicifolius (Willow-leaved Cotoneaster) vr Fuchsia cf. magellanica (Fuchsia) vr Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) vr Lonicera pileata (Box-leaved Honeysuckle) vr Populus cf. nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy Poplar) o Prunus cf. avium (Wild Cherry) r Prunus cerasifera var. pissardii (Purple-leaved Cherry-plum) vr Pyrus communis (Pear) vr Robinia pseudacacia (False-acacia) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) vr Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) f Salix alba ssp. alba (White Willow) vr Salix caprea (Goat Willow) la Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) o Salix cf. ×sericans (Broad-leaved Osier) r Sambucus nigra (Elder) r Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) vr

b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o Aegopodium podagraria (Ground-elder) vr Aethusa cynapium (Fool’s Parsley) vr Agrostis gigantea (Black Bent) vr Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) a Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) vr Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) a Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) a Aster lanceolatus (Narrow-leaved Michaelmas-daisy) vr Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) f Atriplex patula (Common Orache) r Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) a Avena fatua (Wild-oat) vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) lf Bellis perennis (Daisy) vr Brassica cf. napus ssp. oleifera (Oil-seed Rape) vr Bromus hordeaceus ssp hordeaceus (Soft-brome) o Bromus secalinus (Rye Brome) vr Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) a Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) f


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Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury) o Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) o Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) r Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) f Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r Conium maculatum (Hemlock) vr Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) a Cortaderia selloana (Pampas-grass) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) r Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) r Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) f Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) f Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) lf Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) o Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) f Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) o Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) r Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) r Galium aparine (Cleavers) f Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) vr Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) r Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) f Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) vr Juncus effusus (Soft-rush) vr Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) r Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) r Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) lf Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) r Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) o Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) f Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) o Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) vr Lotus pedunculatus (Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) o Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne) vr Melilotus albus (White Melilot) f Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) f Mentha spicata (Spear Mint) vr Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) f


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Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-primrose) r Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) r Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip) r Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) vr Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) r Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) f Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) f Plantago major (Greater Plantain) o Poa angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass) vr Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) o Poa compressa (Flattened Meadow-grass) vr Poa humilis (Spreading Meadow-grass) o Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) vr Polygonum arenastrum (Equal-leaved Knotgrass) vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) r Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) r Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) r Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) o Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) vr Reseda luteola (Weld) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) r Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) vr Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) vr Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) f Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) o Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) r Sisymbrium irio (London-rocket) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Solanum nigrum ssp. nigrum (Black Nightshade) o Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) o Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) f Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) r Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) o Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil) o Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) o Trifolium repens o Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) f Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) o Typha latifolia (Bulrush) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) lf Veronica arvensis (Wall Speedwell) vr Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) f Viola arvensis (Field Pansy) r Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) f


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Table 32.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in rough grassland at Pier Road. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Arrhenatherum elatius 9 8 7 8 8 V 7-9 Agrostis stolonifera 8 6 5 2 - IV 2-8 Medicago lupulina 2 2 3 2 - IV 2-3 Plantago lanceolata 1 1 2 2 - IV 1-2 Rubus fruticosus agg. 2 - 4 3 2 IV 2-4 Picris hieracioides 2 - 1 - 1 III 1-2 Cirsium arvense - 5 - 3 - II 3-5 Ballota nigra - - - 2 3 II 2-3 Calystegia sepium - - - 3 3 II 3 Vicia sativa 3 - 2 - - II 2-3 Artemisia vulgaris - - - 2 2 II 2 Ranunculus repens 2 2 - - - II 2 Aster species - - 1 1 - II 1 Hypericum perforatum - - - 1 1 II 1 Equisetum arvense - - 4 - - I 4 Dactylis glomerata 3 - - - - I 3 Tussilago farfara - 3 - - - I 3 Achillea millefolium - - 2 - - I 2 Holcus lanatus 2 - - - - I 2 Galium aparine - 2 - - - I 2 Lolium perenne 2 - - - - I 2 Buddleja davidii 1 - - - - I 1 Plantago major - 1 - - - I 1 Picris echioides - - 1 - - I 1 Rumex obtusifolius - - 1 - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - - 1 - - I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 1 - - - - I 1 Trifolium pratense - 1 - - - I 1 Trifolium repens 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: MG1a 41.0, MG1b 40.2, MG9b 36.4, MG11a 36.4, MG10a 33.6


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Table 32.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in sparse ruderal vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates at Pier Road. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 7 6 7 6 7 V 6-7 Agrostis stolonifera 4 6 5 3 2 V 2-6 Medicago lupulina 3 3 3 2 2 V 2-3 Plantago lanceolata 2 2 3 3 3 V 2-3 Lolium perenne - 4 1 3 3 IV 1-4 Picris echioides 2 2 3 - 1 IV 1-3 Picris hieracioides - 1 2 2 2 IV 1-2 Tripleurospermum inodorum - 1 1 1 1 IV 1 Ceratodon purpureus - 2 3 2 3 IV 2-3 Catapodium rigidum 3 - 2 1 - III 1-3 Plantago major 2 2 1 - - III 1-2 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 - 1 1 - III 1 Bromus hordeaceus 4 6 - - - II 4-6 Poa annua 2 1 - - - II 1-2 Cerastium fontanum 1 - 1 - - II 1 Crepis cf. vesicaria 1 1 - - - II 1 Arrhenatherum elatius - - - - 3 I 3 Anisantha sterilis - - - - 2 I 2 Festuca rubra - 2 - - - I 2 Holcus lanatus - - - - 2 I 2 Poa compressa - - - 2 - I 2 Artemisia vulgaris - - - - 1 I 1 Aster species - - 1 - - I 1 Melilotus alba - 1 - - - I 1 Rubus fruticosus agg. - - - 1 - I 1 Trifolium pratense - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 51.2, OV23c 49.7, OV23b 43.6, OV23a 41.5, OV23d 41.3, MG7e 39.9, MG11a 37.1, OV19d 37.0


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Table 32.4.4. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates at Pier Road. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Picris hieracioides 1 1 4 5 6 V 1-6 Melilotus albus 4 2 5 5 1 V 1-5 Agrostis stolonifera 6 6 - 4 4 IV 4-6 Ceratodon purpureus 6 5 3 - 2 IV 2-6 Medicago lupulina - 5 4 2 6 IV 2-6 Vulpia myuros - 2 4 4 5 IV 2-5 Picris echioides 4 5 - 4 1 IV 1-5 Catapodium rigidum - 2 1 3 1 IV 1-3 Plantago lanceolata 4 3 1 - - III 1-4 Tripleurospermum inodorum 3 1 - 2 - III 1-3 Conyza sumatrensis - - 1 1 1 III 1 Plantago major 3 3 - - - II 3 Trifolium pratense - 3 - 3 - II 3 Artemisia vulgaris - - 2 3 - II 2-3 Poa humilis 2 1 - - - II 1-2 Senecio squalidus - 1 2 - - II 1-2 Aster ×salignus - - 1 - 1 II 1 Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia - - 1 1 - II 1 Rubus fruticosus agg. (g) - - 1 1 - II 1 Achillea millefolium - - - - 4 I 4 Linaria vulgaris - - - 4 - I 4 Anisantha sterilis - 3 - - - I 3 Ranunculus repens - - - - 3 I 3 Epilobium tetragonum - - - - 2 I 2 Arrhenatherum elatius - - - 1 - I 1 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus - 1 - - - I 1 Buddleja davidii (g) - - - - 1 I 1 Chenopodium album - - 1 - - I 1 Cirsium arvense - - - - 1 I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - 1 - - I 1 Elytrigia repens - - 1 - - I 1 Hirschfeldia incana - - - 1 - I 1 Lolium perenne 1 - - - - I 1 Rumex crispus - - - - 1 I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - - - - 1 I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 41.2, OV23c 37.5, OV19d 34.4, OV23b 33.3


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Table 32.4.5. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in species-rich ruderal grassland at Pier Road. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Medicago lupulina 2 4 4 5 7 V 2-7 Arrhenatherum elatius 6 4 6 5 4 V 4-6 Trifolium pratense 4 6 1 1 1 V 1-6 Rubus fruticosus agg. 4 4 - 4 5 IV 4-5 Plantago lanceolata - 5 4 3 4 IV 3-5 Poa humilis 4 5 - 3 - III 3-5 Picris hieracioides - 1 - 5 1 III 1-5 Agrostis stolonifera 2 - 4 - 4 III 2-4 Anisantha sterilis - - 4 4 1 III 1-4 Artemisia vulgaris - - 1 4 1 III 1-4 Dactylis glomerata 1 1 4 - - III 1-4 Trifolium repens 4 - 4 - 1 III 1-4 Aster ×salignus 2 2 - 1 - III 1-2 Conyza sumatrensis - 1 2 - 1 III 1-2 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species - 1 - 2 1 III 1-2 Brachythecium rutabulum 5 3 - - - II 3-5 Picris echioides - - 4 3 - II 3-4 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus - 4 1 - - II 1-4 Lathyrus latifolius 4 1 - - - II 1-4 Lolium perenne - - - 3 1 II 1-3 Solidago canadensis 3 - - 1 - II 1-3 Cirsium arvense - - 1 - 1 II 1 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis 1 1 - - - II 1 Potentilla reptans 7 - - - - I 7 Equisetum arvense 5 - - - - I 5 Melilotus albus - - - - 5 I 5 Tussilago farfara - - 5 - - I 5 Agrostis gigantea - - 3 - - I 3 Holcus lanatus - - - - 3 I 3 Linaria vulgaris 2 - - - - I 2 Buddleja davidii - - - - 1 I 1 Cerastium fontanum 1 - - - - I 1 Festuca rubra - 1 - - - I 1 Galium aparine - - - - 1 I 1 Geranium molle - 1 - - - I 1 Melilotus officinalis 1 - - - - I 1 Ranunculus repens - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 49.5, OV23d 45.6, OV23c 45.1, MG1a 42.5


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Table 32.4.6. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats in wet rough grassland at Pier Road. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Agrostis stolonifera 8 7 9 4 8 V 4-9 Aster ×salignus 5 5 2 6 4 V 2-6

Arrhenatherum elatius 7 6 1 4 - IV 1-7 Epilobium hirsutum 2 1 5 - 4 IV 1-5 Cirsium arvense 3 - 1 2 4 IV 1-4 Rubus fruticosus agg. 2 4 1 4 - IV 1-4 Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis 3 - 3 3 2 IV 2-3 Picris echioides - 1 3 1 3 IV 1-3 Aster lanceolatus - 1 - 6 1 III 1-6 Ranunculus repens - - 4 4 4 III 4 Epilobium tetragonum - 1 1 - 1 III 1 Tussilago farfara - 5 - 2 - II 2-5 Medicago lupulina - 4 - 3 - II 3-4 Picris hieracioides - 1 4 - - II 1-4 Galium aparine - 1 3 - - II 1-3 Conyza sumatrensis - - - 1 2 II 1-2 Calystegia silvatica - - - 1 1 II 1 Juncus inflexus - 4 - - - I 4 Buddleja davidii (g) - 2 - - - I 2 Trifolium repens 2 - - - - I 2 Achillea millefolium - - - - 2 I 1 Deschampsia cespitosa 1 - - - - I 1 Epilobium parviflorum 1 - - - - I 1 Linaria vulgaris - - - - 1 I 1 Senecio erucifolius 1 - - - - I 1 Senecio jacobaea - - - - 1 I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV26d 31.3, OV19d 27.5, W24a 26.8, OV23 undifferentiated 26.8, OV26a 26.7, MG1b 26.6, OV25c 26.1, MG9b 25.7


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33 SE5 - WARREN LANE


The area comprises urban wasteland supporting scrub and ruderal vegetation. It is surrounded by light industry and commercial premises, with the Woolwich Arsenal site close by. Nearby the River Thames has inter-tidal mud habitats.

33.2 Vegetation

The area contains some Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) scrub referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Ruderal vegetation in the area is on the whole marginally more eutrophic than in many sites with free-draining nutrient-poor substrates encountered in the Crossrail scheme. It is mostly species-rich, and varies from open types with the annual grass Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance, to rather more closed types where taller ruderals dominate including Atriplex patula (Common Orache), Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed), Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) and Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue). The more open forms have loose affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983) and the NVC type OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community, while the more closed forms have loose affinities with the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) and various Sisymbrion vegetation types.




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33.4 Tables

Table 33.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from roughland north of Warren Lane.

a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) r Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) f Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) la b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) lf Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) o Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) vr Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) la Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) r Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) r Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) lf Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) r Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) o Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) lf Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) r Atriplex patula (Common Orache) la Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) lf Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) r Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) o Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) r Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) lf Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) vr Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) f Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) la Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) o Cucumis cf. melo (Melon) vr Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) r Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) lf Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel) vr Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) r Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) r Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) vr Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) vr Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) o Eschscholzia californica (Californian Poppy) vr Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) vr Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr Galium aparine (Cleavers) r Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) o Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) r Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) vr


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Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) o Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) r Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) o Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) o Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) r Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) o Lotus corniculatus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) lf Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) lf Malva neglecta (Dwarf Mallow) vr Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) f Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr Papaver dubium (Long-headed poppy) lf Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) o Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) o Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o Plantago major (Greater Plantain) vr Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) vr Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) la Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) vr Pseudofumaria lutea (Yellow Corydalis) vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) r Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) o Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) r Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort) vr Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) vr Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) r Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) r Trifolium arvense (Hare’s-foot Clover) vr Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) f Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) o Trifolium repens (White Clover) lf Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) lf Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a


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Table 33.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in ruderal vegetation at Warren Lane. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Atriplex patula 7 8 3 5 7 V 1-8 Conyza sumatrensis 3 4 3 4 2 V 2-4 Picris hieracioides 4 1 3 3 3 V 1-4 Cirsium arvense - 3 7 2 3 IV 2-7 Buddleja davidii 4 2 - 2 1 IV 1-4 Calystegia silvatica 1 3 4 2 - IV 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 2 1 1 - 2 IV 1-2 Atriplex prostrata - - 5 3 3 III 3-5 Elytrigia repens - - - 6 3 II 3-6 Medicago lupulina 3 - - - 2 II 2-3 Potentilla reptans 2 - - - 3 II 2-3 Arrhenatherum elatius - - 2 - 2 II 2 Tripleurospermum inodorum 4 - - - 1 II 1-4 Ballota nigra - - 1 - 1 II 1 Rumex crispus - - 1 - 1 II 1 Melilotus officinalis 6 - - - - I 6 Eschscholzia californica - - - 4 - I 4 Trifolium pratense 4 - - - - I 4 Holcus lanatus - - - 1 - I 2 Solanum dulcamara - 2 - - - I 2 Artemisia vulgaris - - - 1 - I 1 Chamerion angustifolium - - - - 1 I 1 Cirsium vulgare - - - - 1 I 1 Conyza canadensis 1 - - - - I 1 Dactylis glomerata - - - - 1 I 1 Dipsacus fullonum - - - - 1 I 1 Geranium robertianum - - - 1 - I 1 Linaria vulgaris 1 - - - - I 1 Papaver dubium 1 - - - - I 1 Plantago major - - - 1 - I 1 Polygonum aviculare - - - - 1 I 1 Senecio squalidus - - - 1 - I 1 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia - - - - 1 I 1 Urtica dioica - - - - 1 I 1 Viola arvensis - - - 1 - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV19 undifferentiated 38.3, OV19b 35.6, MG1b 34.4, OV23 undifferentiated 33.9, OV22b 33.3, OV19c 33.2, OV10 undifferentiated 32.4


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Table 33.4.3. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in ruderal vegetation on free-draining nutrient-poor substrates at Warren Lane. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 8 7 5 8 7 V 5-8 Picris hieracioides 5 4 8 6 3 V 3-8 Conyza canadensis 3 1 1 2 2 V 1-3 Buddleja davidii 2 7 3 - 4 IV 2-7 Medicago lupulina 3 1 - 9 - III 1-9 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia 1 - 1 1 - III 1 Agrostis stolonifera 4 - - - 1 II 1-4 Artemisia vulgaris - - 1 3 - II 1-3 Epilobium hirsutum - - 1 1 - II 1 Picris echioides 1 - - 1 - II 1 Sonchus oleraceus 1 - - - 1 II 1 Chamerion angustifolium - - 2 - - I 2 Conyza sumatrensis 2 - - - - I 2 Epilobium ciliatum - 2 - - - I 2 Melilotus officinalis - - - 2 - I 2 Senecio squalidus - - - - 2 I 2 Anisantha sterilis - - 1 - - I 1 Lapsana communis 1 - - - - I 1 Plantago lanceolata - - - 1 - I 1 Tripleurospermum inodorum - - - 1 - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23 undifferentiated 31.5, OV19 undifferentiated 30.8, OV19c 29.2, OV23c 28.9


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34 SE6 TO SE8 - PLUMSTEAD TO ABBEY WOOD LINESIDES


The area comprises railway sidings and adjacent land at Plumstead, and railway linesides between Plumstead and Abbey Wood again with sundry adjacent parcels of land.

34.2 Vegetation

Small areas of secondary woodland are dominated in the canopy by Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and Betula pendula (Silver Birch) and perhaps loosely referable to the NVC type W10 Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus woodland. Scrub is mostly referable to the NVC type W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community in mosaic and transition with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC types W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community and W24b Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Arrhenatherum elatius-Heracleum sphondylium sub-community. On the lineside tall-herb vegetation referable to the NVC type OV24b Urtica dioica-Galium aparine community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Rubus fruticosus sub-community, OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community and the proposed Reynoutria japonica community (Rodwell et al. 2000) forms mosaic and transition with rough grassland referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. On railway ballast linesides at grade there is open ruderal vegetation Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass), Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) with a scatter of Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) and a wide range of forbs and ruderals including Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Galium aparine (Cleavers), Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard), Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion). It has loose affinities with several phytosociological units including the Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957) and OV23d Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community, Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community. Sparser forms with Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) at high levels of abundance have affinities with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after


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Brandes (1983) and OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community.




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34.4 Tables

Table 34.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded between Plumstead Station and Abbeywood Station. Column 1 - compound north-west of Plumstead sidings; column 2 - embankment of the Southern Outfall Sewer; column 3 - lineside between Plumstead sidings and White Hart Road bridge; column 4 - lineside between White Hart Road bridge and Church Manor Way footbridge; column 5 - lineside between Church Manor Way footbridge and the west end of Abbeywood Station; column 6 - land east of Abbeywood station; column 7 - lineside between Abbeywood Station and a footbridge off Abbey Road; column 8 - land between houses north of Fendyke Road; and column 9 - park at Abbey Road and Fendyke Road. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) - vr - - r - r - - Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr vr vr vr o r la vr r Acer species (a Maple) - - - - - vr - - - Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) - - - - - vr - - - Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush) r vr a r r vr r - - Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) - - lf - - - - - - Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) vr - - - - - - - - Corylus avellana (Hazel) - - - - - r - - - Cotoneaster species (a Cotoneaster) - - vr - - - - - - Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) vr r - r - - - - - Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian Vine) - - - - la - - - - Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) - r - r r - lf vr r Hedera helix (Ivy) - lf - - la la la - - Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet) - - - - - vr - vr - Malus domestica (Apple) - - - - vr - - - - Populus species (a Poplar) - - - - - - - - vr Populus alba (White Poplar) lf - - - - - - - - Populus tremula (Aspen) lf vr - - - - - - - Populus nigra ‘Italica’ (Lombardy-poplar) - - - lf - - - - - Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) vr - - - la - - - la Prunus species (a Cherry) - - vr vr - - - - vr Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel) - - - - vr - - - - Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) - - - - la - la - lf Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) - - - - vr - - - - Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) - vr - - - - - - - Robinia pseudoacacia (False-acacia) vr - - - - - - - - Rosa canina (Dog-rose) - vr vr - - - - - la Rosa species (a Rose) - - - - - - - - - Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) r la la a la a la a - Salix alba (White Willow) - - - - vr - - - - Salix caprea (Goat Willow) r vr - r r - vr - - Salix fragilis var. fragilis (Crack Willow) vr - - - r vr vr o - Sambucus nigra (Elder) - r r r o r r - vr Symphoricarpos albus (Snowberry) - - - - - - - - la Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime) - - - - - - - - r b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) r o r vr r - - - -


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Agrostis capillaris (Common Bent) lf - - lf - - - - - Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) la - lf - - - - - lf Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) - - - - - - - f - Allium species (an Onion) - lf - - - - - - - Aira praecox (Early Hair-grass) - lf lf - - - - - - Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) r la a o o - r - vr Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) vr lf - - o - - vr vr Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr vr - - vr - - - - Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish) - o - - r - lf - vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) r a o la la la la vr vr Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) r lf r o o - r - - Asparagus officinalis ssp. officinalis (Garden Asparagus) - - - - vr - - - - Aster ×salignus (Common Michaelmas-daisy) o vr o - - - - - - Aster lanceolatus (Narrow-leaved Michaelmas-daisy) - lf lf - - - - - - Atriplex patula (Common Orache) - vr vr - - - - - vr Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) vr lf r lf lf o r - vr Bellis perennis (Daisy) vr - - - - - - - - Bromus hordeaceus (Soft-brome) - vr - - - - - - - Bryonia dioica (White Bryony) - - - - - - r - - Calendula species (an ornamental Marigold) - - vr - - - - - - Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) vr la - la la o lf a lf Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r vr - - - - - - r Cardamine flexuosa (Wavy Bitter-cress) r vr - - - - - - - Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) - la lf lf - - - - - Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) - lf vr - - - - - - Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) - vr - - - - - - - Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) - vr - - - - - - - Chaerophyllum temulentum (Rough Chervil) - la - - - - - - - Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) - la lf lf lf - - - - Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) vr - - - vr - - - vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) r lf r f o o r o - Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r vr - r - - - - - Conium maculatum (Hemlock) - lf - vr vr - - - - Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) - - - - vr - - - - Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) o vr - - - - - - - Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) f lf r vr - - vr - vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) vr a r r r - - - o Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) r lf r - - - - - - Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) - - vr vr - - - - - Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) r lf - r r - r - - Dipsacus fullonum (Teasel) vr vr - - - - - - - Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern) - vr - - - - - - - Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) r la lf - la - - - - Epilobium ciliatum (American Willowherb) - - r - - - - - - Epilobium species (Willowherb) r - - - - - vr - - Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) lf vr la la la lf la - - Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge) - vr vr - - - - - - Euphorbia peplus (Petty Spurge) vr vr - - - - - - - Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed) - la - la la - la - - Festuca cf. ovina (Sheep’s-fescue) - vr - - - - - - - Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) r f r r - - - - f Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) - vr - vr - - - - - Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) a - - - - - - - -


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Galium aparine (Cleavers) lf lf r o la r la la vr Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) - vr - - - - - - - Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) - - r - - - - - - Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill) - - vr - - - - - vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr r vr r - - - - - Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) lf la lf lf lf - - - vr Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) lf a lf - - - - - - Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) - vr - - - - - - r Humulus lupulus (Hop) - - - - la - - - - Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) - vr o - - - - - - Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s-ear) - vr o - r - - - - Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) vr vr - - - - - - - Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) - lf - - r - lf - - Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr - - - - - r - - Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) - - - - vr - - - - Lathyrus latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea) - vr - - lf - - - - Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) - r - - lf - - - - Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) - la lf - - - - - - Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) o lf lf r r - - - - Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) r lf r - - - - - a Lunaria annua (Honesty) - - - - vr - - - - Luzula species (a Wood-rush) vr - - - - - - - - Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) vr r - - vr - vr vr r Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) - - lf - - - - - - Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) - - - - - - - - vr Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) lf la la - - - - - - Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne) la - - - - - - - - Melilotus albus (White Melilot) a vr - - - - - - - Melilotus officinalis (Ribbed Melilot) o - - - - - - - - Mentha species (a Mint) - - lf - - - - - - Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) vr vr vr vr vr - - - vr Mercurialis perennis (Dog’s Mercury) - vr - - - - - - - Oenothera glazioviana (Large-flowered Evening-prim.) r - - - - - - - - Oxalis species (a Sorrel) - - vr - - - - - - Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) - vr - - - - - - - Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - - vr - vr - - - - Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) - vr - - - - - - - Phragmites australis (Common Reed) lf la - - la la la - lf Physalis alkekengi (Japanese-lantern) - - - - vr - - - - Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) r - - - r - - - - Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) f f o vr - - - - lf Plantago coronopus (Buck’s-horn Plantain) lf lf lf - - - - - - Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) o o r - - - - - vr Plantago major (Greater Plantain) - vr vr - - - - - - Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) r lf r - - - - - o Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) - f - - - - - - - Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) - vr vr - - - - - lf Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) - la la - lf - - - - Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken) - vr - la - - - - - Pulicaria dysenterica (Common Fleabane) vr - - - - - - - - Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette) - - vr vr vr - - - - Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) - vr - - vr - - - - Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) vr - - - - - - - -


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Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) - vr vr - - - - - - Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) r vr o r r r vr - - Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r - r vr vr - - - - Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) - vr - - - - - - - Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) - vr - r vr - - - - Solidago canadensis (Canadian Goldenrod) lf lf lf - - - - - - Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) vr vr vr - vr - vr vr vr Stachys sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort) - vr - - - - - - - Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) vr vr r - - - - - la Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (Common Dandelion) r vr r r vr - - - r Torilis japonica (Upright Hedge-parsley) - vr - - - - - - - Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) - - - vr vr - - - - Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) o lf vr - - - - - - Trifolium repens (White Clover) vr r - - - - - - - Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r - - - - - - - - Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) vr - - - - - - - - Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) vr la lf a la lf a a la Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) - vr lf - vr - - - - Vicia sativa (Common Vetch) - vr - - - - - - - Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) vr - - - - - - - - Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a lf a vr la - - - -


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Table 34.4.2. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in rough grassland on the Plumpstead to Abbey Wood Linesides. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Vulpia myuros 7 8 5 2 8 V 2-8 Melilotus albus 2 7 7 6 4 V 2-7 Picris hieracioides 2 1 7 4 1 V 1-7 Conyza sumatrensis - 5 5 4 3 IV 3-5 Agrostis stolonifera 7 - 3 - 2 III 2-7 Salix caprea 2 4 4 - - III 2-4 Holcus lanatus - 4 4 - 1 III 1-4 Trifolium pratense 4 - - 1 3 III 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 3 3 1 - - III 1-3 Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species 1 1 - 1 - III 1 Tripleurospermum inodorum - 1 1 1 - III 1 Conyza canadensis 3 - - - 3 II 3 Agrostis capillaris 4 - - - 2 II 2-4 Aster ×salignus 3 - - - 1 II 1-3 Buddleja davidii - - - 4 - I 4 Linaria vulgaris - - - 4 - I 4 Medicago sativa ssp. sativa 4 - - - - I 4 Artemisia vulgaris - - - 3 - I 3 Festuca rubra 3 - - - - I 3 Arrhenatherum elatius - - 2 - - I 2 Daucus carota - - - 2 - I 2 Lolium perenne - - 2 - - I 2 Senecio squalidus - - - 2 - I 2 Anisantha sterilis - - - 1 - I 1 Elytrigia repens - - - - 1 I 1 Hirschfeldia incana - - 1 - - I 1 Melilotus officinalis 1 - - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23c 37.1, OV23d 31.2, MG7d 31.1, MG7e 30.2


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Table 34.4.4. NVC table for 5 two-metre square quadrats recorded in rough grassland on the Plumpstead to Abbey Wood Linesides. Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Freq. Cov. Arrhenatherum elatius 8 7 7 4 7 V 4-8 Dactylis glomerata 5 1 4 3 6 V 1-6 Conium maculatum 4 4 - 2 - III 2-4 Potentilla reptans 9 8 - - - II 8-9 Elytrigia repens 1 - - 8 - II 1-8 Plantago lanceolata - - 4 - 4 II 4 Achillea millefolium 1 - - - 3 II 1-3 Senecio jacobaea - - 1 - 1 II 1 Vicia cracca 1 - - - 1 II 1 Anisantha sterilis - - - - 4 I 4 Festuca rubra 4 - - - - I 4 Calystegia silvatica 3 - - - - I 3 Holcus lanatus - - - - 3 I 3 Heracleum sphondylium - 2 - - - I 2 Picris hieracioides - - - - 2 I 2 Ballota nigra - - - - 1 I 1 Hirschfeldia incana - - 1 - - I 1 Hypericum perforatum 1 - - - - I 1 Medicago lupulina - 1 - - - I 1 Melilotus albus - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: MG1b 50.8, MG1a 47.8, SD9a 42.0, MG1c 37.3, OV23d 37.3, OV25b 36.0


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35 R1 – PITSEA SIDINGS


The work area centres on a yard on the northern side of the railway to the west of Pitsea Station. Much of the central part of the yard is bare, though some areas have sparse ruderal vegetation. A belt of scrub, tall-herb vegetation, rough grassland and ruderal vegetation surrounds the yard. A large expanse of rough grassland with some areas scrub and bramble underscrub lies outside the area to the north, while the embankments of the A13 lie to the west with rough grassland and incipient plantation woodland. Railway linesides with scrub, tall-herb vegetation and rough grassland lie to the south. To the south of the railway lies horse-grazed grazing-marsh with unimproved grassland, wetland vegetation in dykes and fleets, reedswamp in low-lying areas, and sea-wall habitat complexes including species-rich grassland and salt-marsh. Though apparently not designated in any way, this is an area of high nature conservation value.

35.2 Vegetation

The proposed work area is fringed by rough grassland and – more extensively - tall-herb ruderal vegetation variously referable to the NVC types MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community, OV25b Urtica dioica-Cirsium arvense community, Rumex obtusifolius-Artemisia vulgaris sub-community and various Sisymbrion and Onopordion types not covered by the NVC. Towards the centre this grades into species-rich semi-ruderal grassland that may perhaps derive from the application of a wild-flower seed-mixture. It is dominated by Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) and Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) with a wide range of forbs including Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot), Lotus glaber (Narrow-leaved Bird’s-foot-trefoil), Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Trifolium pratense (Red Clover). It has loose affinities with the NVC type OV23 Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community and with Dauco-Melilotion vegetation types. This grades into species-rich ruderal vegetation perhaps referable to Erigeronto canadensis-Lactucetum serriolae association of Oberdorfer (1957), and to very open ruderal communities having loose affinities with OV22c Poa annua-Taraxacum officinale community, Crepis vesicaria-Epilobium adenocaulon sub-community and with the Vulpia myuros-Reseda lutea association of Sheperd (1992) after Brandes (1983). Around the edges of the area, and on adjacent land there are only fragments of woodland. Small patches of Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) are technically referable to


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the NVC type W6b Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland, Salix fragilis sub-community. Incipient secondary woodland dominated by Populus ×canadensis (Hybrid Black-poplar) and Populus× canescens (Grey Poplar) appears to be developing from scrub consisting of Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn), Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Sambucus nigra (Elder) referable to the proposed NVC type Sambucus nigra-Urtica dioica scrub (Rodwell et al. 2000). Scrub more clearly dominated by Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) may be referable to the NVC type W22a Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus scrub, Hedera helix-Silene dioica sub-community. This forms mosaic and transition with Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) scrub referable to the NVC type W24a Rubus fruticosus-Holcus lanatus underscrub, Cirsium arvense-Cirsium vulgare sub-community both to the north and along railway linesides on the southern edge. A large area to the north is mainly occupied by rough grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) in association with mostly large ruderal herbs such as Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish), Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) and Euphorbia cf. ×pseudovirgata (Twiggy Spurge) referable to the NVC type MG1b Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Urtica dioica sub-community. It also occurs on the railway lineside, where ditches and wet areas have Phragmites australis (Common Reed) dominated vegetation perhaps referable to the NVC type S26b Phragmites australis-Urtica dioica tall-herb fen, Arrhenatherum elatius sub-community. Grazing-marsh to the south of the railway has not been investigated, but almost certainly has mesotrophic grassland referable to the proposed Hordeum secalinum sub-community of the existing NVC type MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland (Rodwell et al. 2000).


No species having statutory or non-statutory designation for their nature conservation importance have been recorded. Among more common species, the distinctive species of railway ballast substrates are scarce though Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) was noted in small quantity.


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35.4 Tables

Table 35.4.1. Vascular plant species recorded from the site. a) Trees, shrubs and woody climbers Acer campestre (Field Maple) vr Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) vr Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) vr Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) r Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian Vine) vr Hedera helix (Ivy) la Ligustrum vulgare (Wild Privet) vr Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon-grape) vr Malus domestica (Apple) vr Prunus domestica (Wild Plum) la Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) o Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) vr Rosa canina (Dog-rose) r Rubus caesius (Dewberry) f Rubus fruticosus agg. (Bramble) a Salix caprea (Goat Willow) r Salix cinerea cf. ssp. oleifolia (Rusty Willow) vr Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) la Salix ×reichardtii (Hybrid Grey-willow) vr Sambucus nigra (Elder) r Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) vr Sorbus intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) vr Ulmus procera (English Elm) r b) Herbaceous species Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) o Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent) a Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) lf Allium vineale (Wild Onion) vr Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) a Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) la Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) vr Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) vr Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oat-grass) la Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) f Aster tripolium (Sea Aster) vr Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache) o Ballota nigra (Black Horehound) f Barbarea vulgaris (Winter-cress) o Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome) vr Brassica nigra (Black Mustard) lf Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus (Soft-brome) o Calystegia silvatica (Large Bindweed) la Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shepherd’s-purse) r Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter-cress) o Carex hirta (Hairy Sedge) vr Catapodium rigidum (Fern-grass) f


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Centaurea nigra (Common Knapweed) r Cerastium diffusum (Sea Mouse-ear) vr Cerastium fontanum (Common Mouse-ear) vr Cerastium glomeratum (Sticky Mouse-ear) vr Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) r Chamerion angustifolium (Rosebay Willowherb) vr Chenopodium album (Fat-hen) r Cichorium intybus (Chicory) vr Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) o Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) r Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) r Conyza canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) o Conyza sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane) r Coronopus didymus (Lesser Swine-cress) vr Crepis vesicaria ssp. taraxacifolia (Beaked Hawk’s-beard) vr Cymbalaria muralis ssp. muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) vr Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dog’s-tail) vr Dactylis glomerata (Cock’s-foot) o Daucus carota ssp. carota (Wild Carrot) a Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket) r Dipsacus fullonum (Wild Teasel) o Elytrigia repens (Common Couch) o Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb) r Epilobium parviflorum (Hoary Willowherb) r Epilobium tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) r Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) r Euphorbia ×pseudovirgata (Twiggy Spurge) vr Fallopia convolvulus (Black-bindweed) vr Festuca arundinacea (Tall Fescue) vr Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) vr Galega officinalis (Goat’s-rue) f Galium aparine (Cleavers) a Geranium dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill) r Geranium molle (Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill) r Geranium robertianum (Herb-Robert) vr Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed) vr Hirschfeldia incana (Hoary Mustard) a Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) f Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley) vr Hypericum perforatum (Perforate St John’s-wort) o Inula conyza (Ploughman’s-spikenard) [1] vr Juncus bufonius (Toad Rush) vr Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) vr Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce) f Lamium album (White Dead-nettle) vr Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle) vr Lapsana communis (Nipplewort) vr Leontodon autumnalis (Autumn Hawkbit) r Lepidium campestre (Field Pepperwort) f Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress) lf Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) vr Linaria purpurea (Purple Toadflax) vr Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax) r


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Lolium perenne (Perennial Rye-grass) o Lotus corniculatus var. sativus (Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil) vr Lotus glaber (Narrow-leaved Bird’s-foot-trefoil) a Malva sylvestris (Common Mallow) o Matricaria discoidea (Pineappleweed) vr Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) r Medicago lupulina (Black Medick) a Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) o Odontites vernus ssp. serotinus (Red Bartsia) o Oxalis articulata (Pink-sorrel) ? [2] r Papaver dubium cf. ssp. dubium (Long-headed Poppy) vr Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) vr Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) vr Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary-grass) vr Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat’s-tail) r Phleum pratense (Timothy) vr Phragmites australis (Common Reed) vr Picris echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) a Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue) a Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) a Plantago major (Greater Plantain) f Poa annua (Annual Meadow-grass) o Poa pratensis (Smooth Meadow-grass) vr Poa trivialis (Rough Meadow-grass) o Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass) o Potentilla reptans (Creeping Cinquefoil) o Pulicaria dysenterica (Common Fleabane) r Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) vr Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) r Reseda luteola (Weld) o Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock) vr Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) o Rumex cristatus (Greek Dock) vr Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock) o Rumex sanguineus (Blood-veined Dock) r Sedum nicaeense (Pale Stonecrop) vr Senecio erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort) vr Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort) f Senecio jacobaea (Common Ragwort) r Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) o Senecio vulgaris (Groundsel) r Silene latifolia ssp. alba (White Campion) vr Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) vr Sison amomum (Stone Parsley) vr Sisymbrium officinale (Hedge Mustard) o Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) vr Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet) vr Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-thistle) vr Sonchus asper (Prickly Sow-thistle) f Sonchus oleraceus (Smooth Sow-thistle) o Stellaria media (Common Chickweed) r Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) vr Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia species (Dandelion) r


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Tragopogon pratensis (Goat’s-beard) vr Trifolium campestre (Hop Trefoil) r Trifolium hybridum (Alsike Clover) vr Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) o Trifolium repens (White Clover) f Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) r Triticum aestivum (Bread Wheat) vr Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) vr Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) lf Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein) r Veronica persica (Common Field-speedwell) lf Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) r Vicia sativa ssp. segetalis (Common Vetch) vr Vinca major (Greater Periwinkle) vr Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) a

Taxonomic Notes

1 A vegetative rosette of a hairy-leaved species, possibly Inula conyza but no dead remains could be found for confirmation. 2. Vegetative rosettes of one of the pink-flowered garden Oxalis species, probably O. articulata.


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Table 36.4.2. NVC table for 10 two-metre square quadrats in ruderal vegetation. Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Freq. Cov. Lotus glaber 5 5 4 6 6 5 4 4 1 5 V 1-6 Agrostis stolonifera 2 4 - 2 1 4 3 1 4 2 V 1-4 Medicago lupulina 4 4 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 4 V 1-4 Picris echioides 1 3 4 3 1 2 2 - 1 1 V 1-4 Vulpia myuros 2 4 4 3 1 2 4 4 3 4 V 1-4 Plantago lanceolata 2 - - 1 - 1 3 2 2 4 IV 1-4 Sonchus oleraceus - 1 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 IV 1 Catapodium rigidum 3 - 3 1 1 - - - 1 - III 1-3 Plantago major 1 1 1 - 1 1 - - 1 - III 1 Picris hieracioides - - - - 4 - 1 1 - - II 1-4 Senecio inaequidens - - - 4 4 1 - - 1 - II 1-4 Lolium perenne - - - - 1 - - 3 1 2 II 1-3 Hypericum perforatum - - - - - - 1 1 - 1 II 1 Elytrigia repens - - 3 - - - - - - 2 I 2-3 Rubus caesius - - - - - - 3 1 - - I 1-3 Achillea millefolium - - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Artemisia vulgaris - - - - - - - 1 - 1 I 1 Bromus hordeaceus ssp. ho. - - - - - - - - 1 - I 1 Conyza sumatrensis - - - - - - - 1 - - I 1 Dactylis glomerata - - 1 - - - - - - - I 1 Daucus carota ssp. carota - - - - - - 1 - - 1 I 1 Epilobium parviflorum - - - 1 - - 1 - - - I 1 Epilobium tetragonum - 1 - - - - - - - - I 1 Holcus lanatus - - - - - 1 - - - - I 1 Lactuca serriola - - 1 - - - - - - - I 1 Papaver dubium ssp. dub. 1 - - - - - - - - - I 1 Poa annua - - - - - 1 - - - - I 1 Poa pratensis - - - - - - - 1 1 - I 1 Reseda luteola - - - - - - 1 - - - I 1 Senecio squalidus - 1 - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Tanacetum parthenium - - - - - - - - - 1 I 1 Verbascum thapsus - - - 1 - - 1 - - - I 1 Matching coefficients: OV23c 39.2, OV19d 38.9, OV19c 35.0, OV23d 31.9


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36 REFERENCES

Bowen, H.J.M. (1968). Flora of Berkshire. The author, Oxford. Burton, R.M. (1983). Flora of the London Area. London Natural History Society, London. Druce, G.C. (1897). Flora of Berkshire. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Druce, G.C. (1926). Flora of Buckinghamshire. Buncle, Arbroath. Gibson, G.S. (1862). Flora of Essex. Pamplin, London. Hanbury, F.J. & Marshall, E.S. (1899). Flora of Kent. Hanbury. London. Jermyn, S.T. (1974). Flora of Essex. Essex Naturalist’s Trust Limited, Colchester. Kent, D.H. (1975). The Historical Flora of Middlesex. Ray Society, London. Kent, D.H. (2000). Flora of Middlesex: a Supplement to The Historical Flora of Middlesex. Ray Society, London. Kent, D.H. & Lousley, J.E. (1953). A hand list of the plants of the London Area. Supplement to London Naturalist, 32, 155. London Ecology Unit (1989). Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. London Ecology Unit. Malloch, A.J.C. (1999). Vespan III. A Computer Package to Handle and Analyse Multivariate and Species Data for WINDOWS NT and WINDOWS 95. University of Lancaster, Lancaster. Philp, E. (1982). Atlas of the Kent Flora. Kent Field Club. Rodwell, J.S. (1991). British Plant Communities 1: Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (1992). British Plant Communities 3: Grasslands and Montane Communities. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (1995). British Plant Communities 4: Aquatic Communities, Swamps and Tall-herb Fens. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Rodwell, J.S. (2000). British Plant Communities 5: Maritime Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.


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Rodwell, J.S., Dring, J.C., Averis, A.B.G., Proctor, M.C.F., Malloch, A.J.C., Schaminee, J.H.J. & Dargie, T.C.D. (2000). Review of Coverage of the National Vegetation Classification. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Schaminée, J.H.J., Weeda, E.J. & Westhoff, V. (1998). Die Vegetatie van Nederland. 4: Plantengemeenschappen van de Kust en van Binnenlandse Pioniermilieus. Opulus Press, Uppsala. Sheperd, P. (1998). The Plants of Nottingham – A City Flora. Wildtrack Publishing, Sheffield. Stace, C.A. (1997). A New Flora of the British Isles, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Stewart, A., Pearman, D.A. & Preston, C.D. (1994). Scarce Plants in Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Trimen, H. & Dyer, W.T.T. (1869). Flora of Middlesex. Hardwicke, London. Wigginton, M.J. (1999). British Red Data Books. 1: Vascular Plants. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

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