SNH Commissioned Report: NVC site survey Bankhead Moss
Transcript of SNH Commissioned Report: NVC site survey Bankhead Moss
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
NVC SITE SURVEY
BANKHEAD MOSS
Report No. FOOLJ03
For further information on this report please contact:
lan Bray Scottish Natural Heritage 46 Crossgate CUPAR Fife KY155HS
This report should be quoted as:
Central Environmental Surveys (2000) Natural Resource Management Consultancy National Vegetation Classification Survey of Selected Sites of Special Scientific Interest - Bankhead Moss. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. FOOLJ03.
This report or any part of it should not be reproduceEl without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage which will not be unreasonably withheld. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2000.
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Central Environmental Surveys
Natural Resource Management Consultancy
NVC SITE SURVEY
BANKHEAD MOSS
Ecological Surveys, Environmental Assessments, Natural Resource Management Planning, Ecological Monitoring, GIS, Biological computing and databases. Principal: Alan Booth MSc., M.I.E.E.M , Woodlca Perth Road, Dunblane, Perthshire FKI5 OEE TellFax: 01786 824440
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NVC SITE SURVEY
I BANKHEAD MOSS
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SUMMARY
A survey was made of Bankhead Moss, North-east Fife, Fife during August 2000. A total of
26 quad rats were recorded encompassing 6 communities or sub-communities of the
National Vegetation Classification (NVC). The communities are compared to the published
tables appearing in Rodwell (1991 a, 1991 b, 1992, 1995, 2000) and variations described.
The site contains a rare example of raised mire with associated birch woodland and
marginallagg fen.
KEYWORDS
National Vegetation Classification, Raised mire, Bog woodland, Lagg fen.
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I I I CONTENTS
I SUMMARY
I KEYWORDS
I 1. INTRODUCTION 1
I 1.1 Study aims and objectives 1
I 2. SITE SUMMARY 1
I 3. METHODOLOGY 3
I 4. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS 4
I 5. REFERENCES 7
I APPENDIX 1:T ARGET NOTES 8
I APPENDIX 2: QUADRAT DATA 9
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I
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study aims and objectives
This survey was carried out by Central Environmental Surveys during August 2000 on
behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage. The aim of the project is to provide detailed vegetation
survey information for selected SSSI sites within Fife using the National Vegetation
Classification (NVC).
The objectives of the survey are as follows:
• To provide base-line information on the location, extent and floristics of the existing
vegetation within the sites.
• To produce an annotated vegetation map using the NVC to identify and map the
communities to sub-community level where possible. This is supported by quadrat data,
community descriptions and target notes.
Nomenclature for vascular plants follows Stace (1991), bryophytes follows Smith (1978),
liverworts follows Smith (1990) and for lichens Dobson (1979).
2. SITE SUMMARY
Bankhead Moss is a rare, but small raised bog close to Peat Inn, Fife. The central area of
the mire supports dry and wet raised mire vegetation whose NVC unit is not immediately
obvious. The wettest hollows contain Sphagnum rich vegetation (M18a) with lint holes
containing bog pool communities (M2b). The majority of the mire however supports drier
mire vegetation that has characteristics of the M19a Cal/una - Eriophorum community but
is most likely to be a dry form of the M18 Erica - Sphagnum mire, conceivably the
Empetrum - Cladonia M18b sUb-community. Certain even drier sections correspond to the
dry Cal/una - Vaccinium heath (H12a). Birch woodland (W4a) surrounds the mire and birch
scrub is widespread over the mire surface. A marginallagg fen borders the site to the north
supporting Juncus dominated vegetation (M23b) that grades to Filipendula (M27c) fen to
the east. Unfortunately, a section of the moss could not be surveyed due to access
problems.
Further areas outwith the SSSI but within the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve were briefly
surveyed but without quantitative data. This includes extensive areas of the Juncus -
Galium rush-pasture (M23b), rank Deschampsia grassland (MG9b) and Arrhenatherum
grassland (MG1).
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3. METHODOLOGY
The National Vegetation Classification scheme provides a system for the classification and
mapping of British vegetation according to phytosociological grouping, using standard field
methods, data analysis and classification techniques. The methodology is based on a strict
sampling system from homogenous stands of vegetation, with emphasis on taxonomic as
well as edaphic and climatic parameters. The methodology used here is based on that
described by Rodwell (1991, et al).
Initially, the site was walked over to ascertain the total variation and scale of variation as
well as noting the relative proportions of different vegetation types. Homogenous stands of
vegetation were then mapped on to a base map at a scale of 1 :10,000 (sometimes
enlarged for smaller sites). Where vegetation was clearly recognisable e.g. bracken, this
was relatively straightforward. However, complex mosaics were often encountered where
vegetation units graded repeatedly and often inconspicuously into each other. These are
indicated on the NVC map as mosaics with the relative proportion of each community
noted. Mosaics often occurred at several hierarchical levels. Only the coarsest level of
discrimination was possible in this survey.
Representative quadrat data were collected from examples of all significant vegetation
units. Usually, five quadrats were taken, however where stands of vegetation were small or
species poor, fewer quadrats were deemed necessary to capture the floristic variation.
Linear strips of vegetation were usually sampled in their entirety otherwise samples are
based on a 2m x 2m quad rat extending to 10m x 10m in woodlands. hi some cases
however, quadrat size needed to be extended to pick up the full floristic variation (e.g. in
heavily grazed areas). All vascular plants and common bryophytes were identified within
each quadrat and their cover/abundance recorded using the Domin scale; Quadrat data
was entered into the MATCH programme to assist in the assignment of NVC units although
this was only used as a tool and not a substitute for the published NVC tables. Locations of
quad rats and target notes were recorded in the field using a Global Positioning System
(GPS) and are marked on the relevant map.
Stands of vegetation too small to map (less than 10m) were recorded in a target note with
full species list. It is important to remember when interpreting the NVC maps that fine-grain
features such as flushes and springs will usually not appear on the map.
NVC maps were digitised using the ArcView version 3.1 GIS package.
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4. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS
A total of 26 quad rats were recorded encompassing 6 communities or sub-communities of
the NVC. Quadrat data is given in Appendix 2.
The following section describes the botanical composition of the communities and how they
compare to the published tables.
• Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillo5um raised and blanket mire, Sphagnum
magellanicum - Andromeda pOlifolia sub-community (M18a)
This typical raised mire vegetation is restricted to the wettest hollows on top of the dome.
Unfortunately, these are limited in extent. Community constants here are Eriophorum
vaginatum, Sphagnum magel/anicum, Erica tetralix and Gal/una vulgaris. Sphagnum
papillosum, Betula pubescens (g) and Aulacomnium palustre are generally frequent.
Sphagnum recurvum and Empetrum nigrum nigrum can be locally frequent.
In comparison with the published tables, Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum
capillifolium are less frequent than expected. In contrast, Polytrichum commune and f"
Sphagnum recurvum are unexpectedly abundant. A number of typical species were not' , 0
encountered possibly a reflection of the relatively dry conditions. These include '
Odontoschisma sphagm: Narthecium ossifragum, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Andromeda
polifolia, Mylia anomala and Trichophorum cespitosum. )~ ".
• Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillo5um raised and blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum -" Cladonia sub-community (M18b)
The majority of the mire surface and rand supports much drier mire vegetation, which is
conspicuously succeeding to birch woodland. Certain areas verge on dry heath. Gal/una
vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum, Betula pubescens (s), Erica tetralix, Pleurozium schreberi
and Hypnum jutlandicum are constant. Sphagnum is noticeably less frequent with only
Sphagnum capilfifolium appearing with significant frequency. In contrast, hypnaceous
mosses such as Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozium schreberi increase in abundance.
NVC correlation suggests a form of the M19 Gal/una - Eriophorum mire, conceivably the
M19a Erica tetralix SUb-community. Rodwell states that the difference between this type of
vegetation and drier types of the Erica - Sphagnum mire is fine. However, given the
context of the mire, it is more likely to be a dry form of the M18 mire, most probably the
Empetrum - Gladonia M18b SUb-community. This form typically marks out drier areas
I within stands of the Sphagnum - Andromeda SUb-community. However, several
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irregularities occur when the test data is compared to the tables resulting in a less than
convincing match. Most problematic is the non-appearance of several strongly
characteristic species such as Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum papillosum,
Sphagnum tenel/um, Odontoschisma sphagni, Empetrum nigrum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus,
Cladonia arbuscula, Mylia anomala and Trichophorum cespitosum. As already stated,
certain sections resemble the dry H12a Cal/una - Vaccinium heath and this could be a
successional stage to birch woodland.
• Sphagnum cuspidatumlrecurvum bog-pool community, Sphagnum recurvum sub
community (M2b)
Lint holes cut for retting lint and colleCting Sphagnum for wound dressings now harbour
typical bog pool vegetation. Sphagnum recurvum is the most abundant species and is
joined by frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum and Drosera
rotundifolia. Vaccinium oxycoccos, which is typically found in this community, was not
recorded.
• Calluna vulgaris - Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Calluna vulgaris sub-community
(H12a)
As stated above, the driest areas of the mire resemble this dry heath community.
Sphagnum spp., and Eriophorum spp., are generally absent. Cal/una vulgaris is
overwhelmingly dominant with a ground layer of hypnaceous mosses, typically Pleurozium
schreberi and Hypnum jutlandicum. These areas are particularly susceptible to birch
invasion and may be part of the succession to birch woodland.
• Juncus effususlacutiflorus - Galium palustre rush pasture,Juncus effusus sub
community (M23b)
The lagg fen to the north supports Juncus dominated vegetation with a distinct swampy
element. Juncus effusus, Equisetum fluviatile, Angelica sylvestris and Ranunculus repens
appear to be constant with frequent Epilobium ciliatum, Galium palustre and Rumex
acetosa. Equisetum fluviatile is unusually frequent for the community, giving it a swampy
feel and superficial resemblance to the S1 0 swamp. Species such as Carex rostra ta,
Epilobium ciliatum, Stachys palustris and Urtica dioica are not usually found in the unit.
Moving east, Juncus effusus is joined by Filipendula ulmaria as aco-dominant. The
vegetation appears to be grading to the Filipendula - Angelica mire (M27), possibly the
Juncus - Holcus sub-community (M27c). Species such as Geum rivale add diversity to the
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sward. This certainly seems to be the prevailing vegetation in the section of the site which
could not be surveyed due to access problems.
• Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland, Dryopteris dilatata - Rubus
fruticosus sub-community (W4a)
Relatively dry birch woodland surrounds the moss. Betula pubescens is almost the sole
woody component and is overwhelmingly dominant. Salix cinerea and Sorbus aucuparia
are the only other woody species recorded. The field layer is similarly dominated by
Dryopteris dilatata almost to the exclusion of other species. Bryophytes such as
Plagiothecium undulatum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Mnium hornum and Dicranum
scoparium are scattered under the ferns.
The absence of community constant Molinia caerulea and sub-community constant Rubus
fruticosus is problematic resulting in a less than convincing NVC match. Indeed, the
woodland has similarities to one of the acid oak-birch woodland such as the W16 Quercus
- Betula - Deschampsia woodland. '1::<""
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5. REFERENCES
Cooper, E & MacKintosh, J. 1996 NVC review of Scottish Grassland Surveys. Scottish
Natural Heritage Review No 65.
Corbet, G.B. et al. 1998. The Nature of Fife. Scottish Cultural Press.
Crofts, A & Jefferson, R.G (eds) 1999. The Lowland Grassland Management Handbook.
English Nature/The Wildlife Trusts.
Rodwell, J.S. 1991. British Plant Communities: Vol. 1: Woodlands and scrub. Cambridge
University Press.
Rodwell, J.S. 1991. British Plant Communities: Vol. 2: Mires and Heaths. Cambridge
University Press.
Rodwell, J.S. 1992. British Plant Communities: Vol. 3: Grasslands and Montane
communities. Cambridge University Press.
Rodwell, J.S. 1995. British Plant Communities: Vol. 4: Aquatic communities, swamps and
tall-herb fens. Cambridge University Press.
Rodwell, J.S. 2000. British Plant Communities: Vol. 5: Maritime communities and vegetation
of open habitats. Cambridge University Press.
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1x1km
N0441 0
N0441 0
Grid reference
44651019
44941023
APPENDIX 1:T ARGET NOTES
Target note
This area of the mire has undergone considerable
scrub control and is now dominated by ferns,
principally Dryopteris dilatata.
This section of the SSSI was not sUNeyed due to
access problems. However, the prevailing vegetation
type appears to be a form of the Filipendula - Angelica
mire (M27).
8
Date Surveyo
r
Aug-OO FM
Aug-OO FM
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APPENDIX 2: QUADRAT DATA
Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papillosum raised and blanket mire, Sphagnum
magellanicum - Andromeda polifolia sub-community (M18a)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Eriophorum vaginatum
Sphagnum magel/anicum
Erica tetralix
Gal/una vulgaris
Sphagnum papil/osum
Betula pubescens (g)
Aulacomnium palustre
Sphagnum recurvum
Polytrichum commune
Eriophorum angustifolium
Drosera rotundifolia
Empetrum nigrum nigrum
Pleurozium schreberi
Sphagnum capillifolium
M18a M18a M18a M18a M18a
10 11 12 13 15
N044811019 N044801017 N044781018 N044761019 N044741021
9
4
8
6
4
2
5
4
2
2
3
3
8
3
6
3
3
2
4
2
9
8
8
4
4
3
3
3
4
3
5
6
7
5
4
3
3
2
4
4
3
o
8
6
3
7
6
3
3
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v
I v v v I IV
IV
I IV
III
III I III
III
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Erica tetralix - Sphagnum papil/osum raised and blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum -
Cladonia sub-community (M18b)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Gal/una vulgaris
Eriophorum vaginatum
Betula pubescens (s)
Erica tetralix
Pleurozium schreberi
Hypnum jutlandicum
Sphagnum capillifolium
Gladonia uncia lis
Polytrichum formosum
Aulacomnium palustre
Dicranum scoparium
Gampylopus sp.
Sphagnum recurvum
Dryopteris dilatata
Gladonia polydactyla
M18b M18b M18b M18b M18b
7 8 9 14 16
N044791023 N044801023 N044821022 N044761020 N044711020
7
5
5
5
4
3
2
2
3
2
7
6
5
3
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
10
8
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
2
2
Sphagnum cuspidafumlrecurvum bog-pool community, Sphagnum recurvum sub
community (M2b)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Sphagnum recurvum
Eriophorum angustifolium
Drosera rotundifolia
Sphagnum cuspidatum
Erica tetralix
Eriophorum vaginatum
Sphagnum
magellanicum
Gal/una vulgaris
Sphagnum papil/osum
M2b M2b M2b
19 20 23
N044751021 N044761 021 N044751 020
10 5 5 V
5 4 6 V
3 2 2 V
6 4 IV
3 11
3 11
3 11
2 11
2 11
Cal/una vulgaris - Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Cal/una vulgaris sub-community (H12a)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Gal/una vulgaris
Pleurozium schreberi
Betula pubescens (s)
Hypnum jutlandicum
Dicranum scoparium
Gladonia uncialis
Sphagnum capil/ifolium
Erica tetralix
Eriophorum vaginatum
H12a H12a· H12a
24 25 26
N044771020 N044791020 N044771019
10
6
5
6
3
3
2
9
5
3
3
3
11
9
4
3
3
3
3
2
v v V
IV
IV
IV
IV
11
11
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Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre rush pasture, Juncus effusus sub
community (M23b)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Juncus effusus
Equisetum f/uviatile
Angelica sylvestris
Ranunculus repens
Epilobium ciliatum
Galium palustre
Rumex acetosa
Filipendula ulmaria
Stelfaria uliginosa
Deschampsia cespitosa
Carex rostrata
Geum rivale
Epilobium palustre
Lotus pedunculatus
Holcus lanatus
Urtica dioica
Stachys palustris
Lathyrus pratensis
Rumex obtusifolius
M23b M23b M23b M23b/M27 M23b/M27
12345
N044741030 N044761030 N044781029 N044811028 N044841028
9 9 8 8 9
6 7 7 4 6
4 3 4 2 4
3 2 2 3 3
3 4 2 4
3 2 3 3
3 3 3 2
3 6 6
3 3 2
2 2 3
4 3
4 3
3 3
3 3
2 3
2 3
2
2
2
12
V
V
V
V
IV
IV
IV
III
III
III
11 }
11
11 ii': _i
,. - 11 t·,~
11 ~ 'f :a
11 " . 11 :"4~.{~
I
Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland, Dryopteris dilatata - Rubus
fruticosus sub-community (W4a)
NVC code
Quadrat Number
Grid reference
Betula pubescens (c)
Sa/ix cinerea (5)
Sorbus aucuparia (5)
Dryopteris dilatata
Plagiothecium undulatum
Hypnum cupressiforme
Mnium hornum
Deschampsia flexuosa
Dicranum scoparium
Gal/una vulgaris
Eurhynchium praelongum
Polytrichum commune
Ghamerion angustifolium
W4a W4a W4a W4a W4a
6 17 18 21 22
N044791027 N044661025 N044611020 N044581018 N044591 021
10
3
2
10
3
2
2
2
2
10
10
3
3
2
2
3
13
10 10 10
2 2
2 2
9 7 8
3 3
3 3
3 3
3
3
3
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v I III
I III
V I IV
IV
I III
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Bankhead Moss SSSI: Habitat Codes
() nkhead
o 100 200
, 1 I
• ,1 I 1
o SSSI Boundary Bankheod Moss SSSI
A 1.1.1 WocxIand. broadleavad. seml-nannl Al .l .2 Broo6-Ieovad. plan101Ion A 1.2.1 Coniferous semi-naWral Al.2.2 Conlf1lrous plan18tion Al.3.1 Mb<adwoodland, Hmi_ A 1.3.2 Mb<ad woodIoo<I. pIenta1Jon
/ 1 A2.1 Dense 8CNb '/ 1'.4.1 Roc:ently felled woodland. __ // 1'.4.2 Roc:entIy felled woodland. conIfen;
/ I 1'.4.3 Rocently felled woodland. mixed 1/ Bl.1 AcId groaelond. urimprovad
Bl.2 AcId g .... oIand. aemHmproved I1 0 B2.l Noutnol grooaland. unimproved
/ / B2.2 _ gro88loo<1. oeml-lmproved 1/ B3.1 Cal"""", ... grossIand, unlmpn>Vad
, I 83.2 Ca ........ grassland. oemI-improvad // B4lmprovad groaeIand
. . . . /~ !:Sl BS Marshy grassland /I ' 11' . 56 Poor """'I-Improved grassland
~3~?~~(~~1.f~~~~~f~/I~~~~~J~ Cl .1 ContInuous bracken // 0(\_ C3.1Tallrudoral
C3.2 Tan Horn. non rudanIl 01 .1 Dry _ heath. acid 01.2 Dry dwa~ _. basic
SS 02W"dwa~h_ 03 UchorVbryophyte heath
- D4 Mon1ona heo1I1Idwo~ heath r-- 05 Dry '-1hIacld grassland mosaic . OS wo;. hea1hlacld grassland mosaic
El.S.1 Sphagnum bog. blanket bog El.S.2 Sphagnum bog. roIaad bog El .7 Wo;. modIfIad bog El.8 Dry ModIfiad bog E2.1 Fluohl8jlring. acld/neutral E2.2 Fluahl8jlring. basic E3Fen E4 Baro peat Fl Swamp F2.2 MarginaV Inundation -Inundation 01 Standing wotar Hl .1 Coaotal-lnter\ldal Hl.3 CoaotaI-Inter\ldaI H2.6SaItmarah - continuous H6.4Dune.~
;f\ t:). H6.S Dune grassland 'i' H6.6 Dune heath
:3; --..>...:=---., '-;:::;:;:::;:::;:;::;:'>..1 H6.7 Duns scrub * ): .£' ' I_~-'_~_.' .'. ', ... I,: r I. ::~=~hMjcHff ~ He.4 Coastal Oroaeland
o -~~:~~~::":-::,;:-~~-~.,...,~====.4.~~~----t:: He.S Coastal Heethland
19~ . -~ '--'-' . Il'I - - - 11.2. 1 Scroe Acidlno1nol . The Moss 11.3 Lim_ne pevament
11.4.1 Rod< expos ...... acid/neutral
\IT~======~===3;E;==~~~t~g;~::>~·~'=\~I~I~,~, ~g~~====::::========d 11.4.2 Rockexposuro, basic /'.....:~Tf:..;:...::..~::.:~l t 11.5 Cave 12.1 Quarry
_" Quarry ( I '-' ~ (d;s)
./300 400
~--
'1
Meters
- -- - --
" .. ' ..
' ..
---..J== 12.2 Spoil 12.3 Mine
---'== 12.4 _tip Jl.1_ Jl.2 Amenity grassland
~ Jl.3 Ephemorollohort peronial ~ Jl.4lntroducad shrub :: A ' J3.4 Ephemeral/short perenlal I!!!!I J3.8 New Buildings ~ J4 Ba ... ground
JS Other habitat NANoAcceu ctick arrow dotted 11.2.2 H2.4 E3.1 Valley mll8 E3.2 Boaln mire E3.3 FIood-plaln mire
N
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Bankhead Moss SSSI: NVC Codes
~gc -...... __ ~]6m I
-....... ... "lI",<":lttle G r Id
) nkhead
.... ---' . '-'-
MG9b
- -
- -
\-t-" I
0w - Quarry (diS\l~t!l1)
Wester Radernie
--
rum
__ , Quarry ( ~ 1_ 1 J (dl:s.)
(~============~ hlare~~=4r---=-=-:::..:::-~ ~ ---
PO
, , I
"
100 o 100 200 300 400 500 Meters ~~~~~~~--~~
.. Braeside Terrace!F2~sJ
Peat Inn
, I ,
Cl Westfield of
Radernie
o SSSI Boundary Cl Bankhead Moss SSSI
N
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Bankhead Moss SSSI: Target Notes & Quadrats
:) nkhead
- -
-- -- -, Quarry
(~I_'.J (dls)
---. , , I
100 o 100 200 300 400 500 Meters Braeside Terra,c~~~~
Peat Inn
I I I
Cl
Wester Radernie
urn
Westfield of Radernie
Bankhead Moss Target Notes • Bankhead Moss Quadrats
Cl 5551 Boundary D Bankhead Moss SSSI
N