Greenfield Burn hydro scheme - bryophyte survey Greenfield Burn Hydro-scheme · 2017-12-14 · Greenfield Burn hydro scheme - bryophyte survey 1 Greenfield Burn Hydro-scheme Assessment

Greenfield Burn hydro scheme - bryophyte survey

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Greenfield Burn Hydro-scheme

Assessment of impact on the bryophyte interest

SummaryA bryophyte survey of the site was carried out by 3-4th August, 2016), andthe following points are taken from the full report below.

The site as surveyed has some 120 bryophyte species ( 48 liverworts, 72 mosses, listed inAnnex 2), an average total for a large site in this area and one which reflects the past andpresent management of the site. Most of these are common species in this area onwatercourses where the habitats include sheltered rocks and crags and some tree cover. There are three nationally scarce species, Lophozia longidens and Anastrophyllumhellerianum on trees and Nardia geoscyphus on flushed rocks; none of these is particularlyassociated with watercourses. There are just 13 oceanic species recorded, all listed in Table3, which is a lower total than might have been expected for such a watercourse in this area. There are two oceanic ravine indicator species on the site, (see Table 3 with scores); thisgives a site score of 2. The site is assessed as having a low sensitivity for the bryophyteinterest.. The significance of the medium amount of change due to the scheme on thissensitivity on the site, using the criteria set out in the matrix in Table 2 above, is classedas minor.

1. Introduction1.1. This report consists of a summary, a description of the assessment methods, a reporton the bryophyte communities and species on the site and their significance, followed by anassessment of the impact of the scheme on this bryophyte interest with particular referenceto SNH Commission Report 449b. Annex 1 has all the target notes with grid references andAnnex 2 has full species list for the site as surveyed. In this report, nomenclature for thebryophytes follows Hill et al, 2008 (A checklist and census catalogue of British and Irishbryophytes, British Bryological Society). The definition of ‘oceanic species’ follows Hill & Preston ( Hill MO & Preston CD, 1998. The geographical relationships of British and Irishbryophytes. Journal of Bryology, 20: 127-226). Definitions of nationally rare and scarcespecies are taken from lists published by the Biological Records Centre.

1.2. The proposal is for a hydro scheme on the Greenfield Burn with possible intake sites atc. NN1834. 9874 ( Intake 2.1) and at NN1896. 9955 ( Intake 2.2). The proposed pipeline routesfrom both intakes run down the north- west side of the burn, to possible powerhouse sites atc. NH1845. 000 (PH2-1), c. NH1995. 0047 by the lower bridge ( PH2-2a) and at NH2008. 0101near the outflow to the loch (PH2- 2).

1.3. The Greenfield Burn is a large spate burn flowing down a moderately steep valley, withsmall waterfalls and cascades up the length of the surveyed section. The watercoursealternates open sections with low angled banks and boulders with more incised sections withbedrock cascades. The bedrock over the whole of the surveyed site is psammite which isboth acidic and unproductive for plants but there are some intrusions which are a little moreproductive. Broadleaf tree cover along the burn is limited to a narrow band which is ratheropen particularly in the upper part of the site, the plantation woodland is close to the burnalthough large swathes of this have been clear- felled in the past few years. Away from theburn large parts of the site are production forestry with areas of mature conifers, re-stocksites and clear- fell areas but with some areas of natural regeneration of broadleaves andScots pine. There are also large areas of wet heath and mire, rank Molinia caerulea


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grassland and areas of bracken.

1.4 The site does not fall within an area designated for conservation.

2. Assessment methods2.1. A standard Phase 1 walkover method was used to assess the bryophyte populationsalong the section of the burn that will have reduced flow ie. from the outflow into the mainriver to the intake sites. Target notes were made along the burn and the banks on eitherside, describing the general bryophyte communities present and any species of interest.

2.2 An assessment of the likely bryophyte interest along the proposed pipeline routes downto the powerhouse site was also made. Some sections of the pipeline routes within theexclosure were very difficult to access because of felled trees and windthrow and were notsurveyed.

2.3 The criteria used to assess the magnitude of the effects of the hydro scheme are basedon the scale of the impact on the site, the sensitivity of the bryophyte populations and theduration of the effect.

Table 1. Scale for magnitude of ecological impact

Magnitude of impact Definition

High Wholesale change to most of a site orspecies population.

Medium Substantial but partial change to a site orspecies population; or large change tosmall fraction of the site or species

Low Minor change to part of a site or speciespopulation, or loss of a very smallproportion of a site or population.

Negligible Minimal change on a very small scale.

2.4 The change in the pattern of discharge down the rivers will presumably continueindefinitely and so any impact on the bryophytes as a result of this change is likely to bepermanent giving a medium impact as defined in Table 1. The matrix for determining theimpact of the scheme on the bryophyte interest is given in Table 2.

2.5 The sensitivity of a bryophyte feature is broadly related to its ecological and conservationinterest, with bryophytes of international and national significance having high sensitivity andthose of more local significance having medium sensitivity. However, the local knowledge ofthe surveyor may lead to some variation in the use in these categories and this is explainedin the text where necessary. The bryophyte interest in woodlands and ravines in the oceanicwest of Scotland is normally assessed by reference to the number of oceanic species, aslisted by Hill & Preston ( 1998), as well as to the presence of nationally rare or scarcespecies. The best of these wooded ravines are of international importance as the bryophytecommunities they contain are rare in Europe and may contain some species which areglobally rare. This conservation interest can be assessed by the occurrence on the site of anumber of indicator species which are given a score according to rarity and threat level andthis score aggregated for the site (Averis et al, 2012). This list of indicator species also


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includes rare or scarce riparian species which may occur in sites away from the oceanicwest. The current threshold level for a nationally important site using this watercoursebryophyte assessment is a score of six. An evaluation of the bryophyte flora on this site isgiven in section 4 below.

Table 2. Matrix for determining the Significance of an Ecological Impact related toSensitivity of the Feature and Magnitude of Changelevel HomeSensitivity ofbryophyteinterest

Magnitude ofChange

High Medium Low Negligible

High Major Major Moderate Minor

Medium Major Moderate Minor Minor

Low Moderate Minor Minor Minor

Negligible Minor Minor Minor Minor

Shaded cells indicate a significant impact

3 Baseline conditions3.1. A detailed and localised account of the bryophyte populations that will be affected bythe proposed scheme is given in Annex 1 as target notes, and Annex 2 has a bryophytespecies list for the site.

3.2. Background to bryophytes in the Loch Garry area. The main bryological interest in this relatively poorly recorded area for bryophytes is theassemblage of oceanic species in the remnant areas of Atlantic broadleaf woodland and inthe ravines. Even small areas of woodland, small, rocky burns and north- facing crags withsome tree cover can have significant populations of oceanic species as a result of the veryoceanic climate and the strong populations in the larger woodlands close by.

3.3 Description of the bryophyte interest in the areas affected by the scheme. 3.3.1 On rocks in and by the watercourse there is usually a good cover of bryophytes in themain flow at normal water levels, particularly so in the inundation zone in the more shelteredspots. The riparian flora is fairly constant over the whole site with Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Marsupellaemarginata, Hyocomium armoricum, Pellia epiphylla, Mnium hornum, Blindia acuta, Plagiochila porelloides, Diplophyllum albicans, Rhizomnium punctatum and Scapaniaundulata and in the gravel Solenostoma hyalinum, Nardia scalaris and Blasia pusillaOceanic Lejeunea species are unaccountably rare on sheltered rock faces with just a fewpatches of Lejeunea patens and rarely small stands of the oceanic indicator speciesAphanolejeunea microscopica and one stand of Radula aquilegia.

3.3.2. On the wet crags there is a moderately diverse flora with Anoectangium aestivum, Amphidium mougeotii, Pellia epiphylla, Fissidens taxifolius, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Riccardia multifida, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochila porelloides, Ctenidium molluscum varmolluscum, Frullania tamarisci, Lejeunea cavifolia, Dichodontium flavescens, Aneura pinguis, Leiocolea bantriensis, Philonotis fontana, Preissia quadrata, Fissidens osmundoides, Anomobryum julaceum and Jungermannia atrovirens and rarely Nardia geoscyphus, Cololejeunea calcarea, Leiocolea collaris and Plagiobryum zieri.. Drier rocks above the burn


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have Grimmia ramondii, Diplophyllum albicans, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Scapania compacta, Andreaea rupestris, Bartramia pomiformis, Polytrichastrum formosum, Racomitrium fasciculare, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Scapania gracilis and Lophoziaventricosa.

3.3.3. The bryophyte flora on the banks is often wet and can be sparse under caorse Moliniacaerulea. Species common on the banks under tree canopy are Thuidium tamariscinum, Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum majus, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum quinquefarium, Plagiothecium undulatum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and less frequently Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Loeskeobryumbrevirostre and Plagiochila asplenioides. On the wetter, more open banks Sphagnumpalustre is usually frequent with Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnumsubnitens, Breutelia chrysocoma and with Thuidium tamariscinum and Hylocomiumsplendens still common.

3.3.4. The epiphytic flora is rather limited; on birch and alder common species areIsothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Hypnum andoi, Frullania tamarisci, Scapaniagracilis, Dicranum scoparium and Dicranum fuscescens and most trees have little more thanthis. A few alders have some Frullania teneriffae, Zygodon conoideus and Lophozialongidens is probably quite frequent as is Douinia ovata and there is at least one stand of thetiny Anastrophyllum hellerianum, an uncommon species in this area. Sallows and hazel inthe lower part of the site have in addition Frullania dilatata, Radula complanata, Zygodonconoideus, Lejeunea patens and Metzgeria furcata.

3.3.5. Away from the burn and outside the woodland, the ground is a mix of Molinia caeruleagrassland and heather with some areas of bracken with prominent species Sphagnumpalustre, Sphagnum fallax, Aulacomnium palustre, Hylocomium splendens, Pleuroziumschreberi, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Sphagnum capillifolium and some mire areas withSphagnum capillifolium, Pleurozia purpurea, Sphagnum denticulatum, Sphagnumcuspidatum and Sphagnum papillosum. Much the same common pleurocarpous mossesoccur within the exclosure and the plantation woodland often with Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum palustre and Sphagnum fallax.

Table 3. Nationally scarce and oceanic species recorded from the site as surveyed

Nationally scarceAnastrophyllum hellerianumLophozia longidensNardia geoscyphus

Oceanic species (13 taxa) Aphanolejeunea microscopica ( 1) Breutelia chrysocomaDouinia ovataFrullania teneriffae

Hyocomium armoricumLejeunea patensPlagiochila spinulosaPleurozia purpureaRadula aquilegia (1) Saccogyna viticulosaScapania gracilisUlota phyllanthaZygodon conoideus

Figures in () are oceanic ravine indicator species scores

4. Evaluation of the bryophyte flora4.1. The site as surveyed has some 120 bryophyte species ( 48 liverworts, 72 mosses, listedin Annex 2), a reasonable total for a large site in this area but one which also reflects thepast and present management of the site. Most of these are common species in the area on


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watercourses where the habitats include sheltered rocks and some tree cover. There arethree nationally scarce species, Lophozia longidens and Anastrophyllum hellerianum ontrees and Nardia geoscyphus on flushed rocks; none of these is particularly associated withwatercourses. There are just 13 oceanic species recorded, all listed in Table 3, which is alower total than might have been expected for such a watercourse in this area. There aretwo oceanic ravine indicator species on the site, ( see Table 3 with scores); this gives a sitescore of 2.

4.2. This site has a modest oceanic bryophyte flora and all of these species are relativelycommon in this rich area. There are two oceanic ravine indicator species on the site eachscoring one point, giving a site total of two and there are three nationally scarce species. The site is assessed as having a low sensitivity for the bryophyte interest.

5. Potential impacts of the scheme5.1 There are two main areas of impact of the scheme on the bryophytes. There will be thevarious effects of the reduced flow of water down the main watercourse and there will be thedirect impact of the construction of the intake, pipeline, powerhouse and access tracks. Theeffect of these changes will be different in each case.

5.2 In the burn, the ecology of the species in the inundation zone suggests that the reducedflow will lead to a long- term shift of some centimetres by the riparian species towards thenew base water level. It seems likely that there will be some increase in bryophyte cover asa result of a reduction in the frequency of scouring and a possible reduction in the mobility ofthe rocks in the river. This may affect the habitat of the small populations of the two oceanicravine indicator species Radula aquilegia and Aphanolejeunea microscopica, there is alsoconcern about the decrease in frequency and amount of mist/ spray required by thesespecies.

5.3. For the bulk of the species above the rocks in or near the water, the reduction in flow inthe burn will make very little difference as they are only, at most, partly dependant on thehumidity derived from the main burn. A number of the oceanic species in the ravine are notparticularly associated with watercourses and feature here because of the topography. Theslightly more diverse flora on the flushed sides of the burn and on the crags is moredependent on the run-off on the banks and the base- status of the rocks than simply on theflow regime in the river. The two nationally scarce epiphytes, Anastrophyllum hellerianumand Lophozia longidens are unlikely to be affected by the change in the flow regime.

5.4 The bryophytes around the intakes are all common species and will return very quicklyafter disturbance. The pipeline route runs through ground with very common bryophytecommunities and the same is true of the powerhouse sites.

5.5. The significance of the medium amount of change due to the scheme on the lowbryophyte sensitivity on the site, using the criteria set out in the matrix in Table 2 and theconsiderations above, is classed as minor.

6 Mitigation. 6.1 The larger spate flows will continue down the burn and so the changes to the hydrologywill be limited to that extent and this may be sufficient for a continuity of open habitat on theslabs and rock faces for oceanic species like Radula aquilegia and Aphanolejeuneamicroscopica and may provide sufficient spray and humidity in the more enclosed parts ofthe watercourse.


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6.2. The areas around the proposed intakes have a modest bryophyte flora on the rocks andbanks and no mitigation is required.

6.4. The disturbance along the pipeline corridor will affect only common species in a habitatthat is already much disturbed by forest operations.

7 Residual impacts7.1 The reduction in flow will have a residual impact in that the distribution of bryophytepopulations on rocks in and by the burn is likely to change, though it seems unlikely thatspecies composition or diversity will be much altered; the continuation of occasional spateswill moderate this process somewhat.

7.2 The construction of the powerhouse, pipeline and intakes should have only a very localresidual impact on the bryophyte interest. At least initially, it is likely that bryophyte diversityover the pipeline route will be increased by the disturbance.

8 References

Averis, A.B.G., Genney, D.R., Hodgetts, N.G., Rothero, G.P. & Bainbridge, I.P, 2012. Bryological assessment for hydroelectric schemes in the West Highlands – 2nd edition. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.449b.

Hill MO & Preston CD, 1998. The geographical relationships of British and Irish bryophytes. Journal of Bryology, 20: 127-226.

Hill MO, Blackstock TH, Long DG & Rothero GP. 2008. A Checklist and Census Catalogue ofBritish and Irish Bryophytes. British Bryological Society.


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Annex 1:- Greenfield Burn Hydro Scheme. Target notes

1) c.NH2010. 0101. Approximate position of tailrace site. The burn is braided here withareas of mobile stone and very limited bryophyte cover. On more stable stones there issome Racomitrium aciculare and at the sides Pellia epiphylla, Mnium hornum and Atrichumundulatum. Trees on the bank have Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Hypnumandoi, Frullania tamarisci, Dicranum scoparium and some Loeskeobryum brevirostre at thebase. On the banks are Mnium hornum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Pseudoscleropodiumpurum, Polytrichastrum formosum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. No change in this florafor some distance upstream.

2) NH2004. 0088. End of braided section but little change in the bryoflora. On the banks areThuidium tamariscinum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Mnium hornum, Atrichum undulatumwith some Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides and Racomitrium fasciculare onstones. In the burn stable rocks have Racomitrium aciculare and Sciuro-hypnum plumosumwith Fontinalis antipyretica, Marsupella emarginata and Scapania undulata. On the trees areFrullania tamarisci, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Hypnum andoi, Hypnumcupressiforme, Dicranum scoparium, Lepidozia reptans and Lophozia ventricosa.

3) NH1996. 0065. Burn channelled by the existing track has larger and more stable rockswith much more Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata and stands ofPlagiochila porelloides, Mnium hornum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Pellia epiphylla, Hyocomium armoricum and Nardia scalaris. On the banks are Hylocomium splendens, Thuidium tamariscinum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Plagiomniumundulatum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum quinquefarium andSphagnum girgensohnii. On the trees are Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Frullania tamarisci, Hypnum andoi, Hypnum cupressiforme, Dicranum scoparium, and onhazel Lejeunea patens, Metzgeria furcata and Zygodon conoideus.

4) NH1996. 0050. A series of low, slabby cascades running through the bridge with a goodbryophyte cover in the inundation zone with Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnumplumosum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Marsupella emarginata, Hyocomium armoricum, Pellia epiphylla, Mnium hornum, Plagiochila porelloides, Diplophyllum albicans, Rhizomnium punctatum, Atrichum undulatum, Trichostomumtenuirostre and Scapania undulata. On the banks are Thuidium tamariscinum, Sphagnumgirgensohnii, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum palustre, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Loeskeobryum brevirostre, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus. On the trees are Frullania tamarisci, Hypnum andoi, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Dicranum scoparium, Lepidoziareptans and a little Scapania gracilis.

5) NH1994. 0045. A continuation of the slabby cascades here with some low crags; theabundant bryoflora in the inundation zone is much as in Note 4 with the addition of largepatches of Solenostoma hyalinum and some Amphidium mougeotii. On the banks areHylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Thuidiumtamariscinum, Sphagnum quinquefarium, Sphagnum palustre, Polytrichum commune, Pseudoscleropodium purum. On trees are Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Hypnum andoi, Dicranum scoparium, Scapania gracilis, Frullania tamarisci, Plagiochilaporelloides, Zygodon conoideus and Frullania teneriffae with Nowellia curvifolia andRiccardia palmata on logs.

6) NH1991. 0036. A steeper cascade but still very acidic with roks covered in an algal filmand little change in the riparian flora but with Hygrohypnum ochraceum frequent here and a


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little Lejeunea patens on rock faces at the side of the burn. Drier rocks above have Scapaniacompacta and rocks on the bank have Loeskeobryum brevirostre, Scapania nemorea, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides although Thuidium tamariscinum tends todominate. The angle eases a little above and the flora is even less diverse.

7) NH1982. 0026. An open cascade with Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Marsupella emarginata, Hyocomiumarmoricum, Pellia epiphylla, Mnium hornum, Blindia acuta, Plagiochila porelloides, Diplophyllum albicans, Rhizomnium punctatum and Scapania undulata and in the gravelSolenostoma hyalinum, Nardia scalaris and Blasia pusilla. Drier rocks above the burn haveGrimmia ramondii, Scapania compacta, Andreaea rupestris Polytrichastrum formosum, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Scapania gracilis and Lophozia ventricosa. The wet, heathybanks have Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum papillosum, Pleurozia purpurea, Pleuroziumschreberi, Hylocomium splendens. On the trees are Frullania tamarisci, Hypnum andoi, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Dicranum scoparium, Lepidozia reptans, Scapania gracilis, Lepidozia reptans and Dicranum fuscescens. A similar flora for somedistance above.

8) NH1973. 0013. Low wet crags on the south side of the burn have Pellia epiphylla, Hyocomium armoricum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Sphagnum fallax, Diplophyllum albicans, Blindia acuta, Aneura pinguis, Anoectangium aestivum, Dichodontium palustre, Bryumpseudotriquetrum, Fissidens taxifolius, Amphidium mougeotii, Diplophyllum albicans, Entosthodon obtusus, Scapania gracilis, Saccogyna viticulosa and Racomitrium aquaticum. Little change in the riparian flora with Solenostoma hyalinum locally abundant.

9) NH1965. 0011. A more incised section to a low cascade with some broken crags and amore diverse flora. On the crags are Anoectangium aestivum, Amphidium mougeotii, Pelliaepiphylla, Fissidens taxifolius, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Riccardia multifida, Diplophyllumalbicans, Plagiochila porelloides, Ctenidium molluscum var molluscum, Frullania tamarisci, Lejeunea patens, Lejeunea cavifolia, Dichodontium flavescens, Aneura pinguis, Leiocoleabantriensis, Philonotis fontana, Preissia quadrata, Aphanolejeunea microscopica, Fissidensosmundoides, Anomobryum julaceum and Jungermannia atrovirens.

10) NH1957. 0004. A low cascade and associated crags. On the crags are Amphidiummougeotii, Racomitrium aquaticum, Diplophyllum albicans, Polytrichum juniperinum, Scapania gracilis, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Bartramia pomiformis and atthe start of the narrow slot above one slab has Radula aquilegia, Aphanolejeuneamicroscopica, Saccogyna viticulosa, Andreaea rupestris and Scapania compacta. In theburn are Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata, Nardia scalaris, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochila porelloides, Hyocomium armoricum, Solenostomahyalinum and Blasia pusilla.

11) NH1948. 0002. The rocky banks have Ptilium crista-castrensis, Thuidium tamariscinum, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Plagiothecium undulatum, Sphagnum subnitens, Dicranum majus, Scapania gracilis, Diplophyllum albicans, with Sphagnum denticulatum and Sphagnumpalustre in wetter places. There is good bryophyte cover in the inundation zone ofessentially the same species as Note 10.

12) NN1947. 9994. A rather narrow ravine again has a large inundation zone withRacomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Fontinalisantipyretica, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata, Diplophyllum albicans, Pelliaepiphylla, Nardia scalaris, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochila porelloides, Solenostomahyalinum and much Hyocomium armoricum.


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13) NN1935. 9991. A small waterfall with pool and crags; in and by the burn are Racomitriumaciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata, Pellia epiphylla, Scapaniaundulata, Hyocomium armoricum, Fontinalis antipyretica, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Solenostoma hyalinum, Solenostoma obovatum, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochilaporelloides. On the crags are Amphidium mougeotii, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochilaporelloides, Anoectangium aestivum, Trichostomum brachydontium, Bartramia pomiformis, Leiocolea bantriensis, Fissidens taxifolius, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Fissidens osmundoides, Frullania tamarisci, Jungermannia atrovirens, Aneura pinguis, Preissia quadrata, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Cololejeunea calcarea and Lejeunea cavifolia. Above the fall the burn os more open and easy-angled and has a limited flora.

14) NN1920. 9981. A series of low cascades with a similar riparian flora to Note 13. Thebank here has wet Molinia caerulea grassland with much Sphagnum palustre and someSphagnum fallax. On the trees are Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Scapaniagracilis, Frullania tamarisci, Hypnum andoi, Dicranum scoparium, Dicranum fuscescens andsome Lophozia longidens. The wet crags have Hyocomium armoricum, Diplophyllumalbicans, Solenostoma obovatum, Scapania gracilis, Tetraphis pellucida, Isotheciummyosuroides var. myosuroides, Pellia epiphylla, Rhizomnium punctatum, Sphagnumsubnitens, Jungermannia atrovirens, Anoectangium aestivum, Blindia acuta, Tritomariaquinquedentata and Amphidium mougeotii. The burn above this is all very similar, ratheracidic with a not very diverse flora.

15) NN1906. 9969. A straight section with low rocks with little change in the flora; Marsupellaemarginata and Solenostoma hyalinum are particularly frequent in the inundation zone withHyocomium armoricum. On the trees are Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Scapania gracilis, Frullania tamarisci, Hypnum andoi, Dicranum scoparium, Dicranumfuscescens, Lophozia longidens and Douinia ovata and on logs Scapania gracilis andRiccardia palmata. The wet banks have Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichum commune, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Plagiomnium undulatum, Sphagnumpalustre, Mnium hornum and Pleurozium schreberi.

16) NN1897. 9963. Low crags to a small waterfall. A large rock has Grimmia ramondii, Hymenophyllum wilsonii, Diplophyllum albicans, Marsupella emarginata, Plagiochilaporelloides, Amphidium mougeotii, Scapania compacta. In and by the burn are Racomitriumaciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata, Diplophyllum albicans, Hyocomium armoricum, Scapania undulata, Hygrohypnum ochraceum, Fontinalisantipyretica, Plagiochila porelloides and Pellia epiphylla.

17) NN1896. 9955. The area of Intake 2-2 below the junction with a small burn. In and bythe burn are Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata, Diplophyllum albicans, Hyocomium armoricum, Scapania undulata, Plagiochila porelloidesand Pellia epiphylla. On the banks are Thuidium tamariscinum, Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Dicranum majus, andon the trees Hypnum andoi, Scapania gracilis, Douinia ovata, Dicranum scoparium, Frullaniatamarisci, Lophozia longidens and Lophozia ventricosa. There is a similar flora in the mainburn above this.

18) NN1887. 9953. A further more incised section with low crags. On the crags areAnoectangium aestivum, Fissidens osmundoides, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Fissidenstaxifolius, Leiocolea bantriensis, Hygrobiella laxifolia, Dichodontium flavescens, Jungermannia atrovirens, Bartramia pomiformis, Amphidium mougeotii and Grimmiaramondii. The flora in the burn is much the same as Note 17 and the banks have little morethan Sphagnum palustre, Thuidium tamariscinum, Hylocomium splendens and Polytrichum


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commune. The more open and easy-angled stretch above has limited interest.

19) NN1875. 9954. Broken crags here have Plagiochila spinulosa, Isothecium myosuroidesvar. myosuroides, Plagiochila porelloides, Diplophyllum albicans, Amphidium mougeotii, Anoectangium aestivum, Saccogyna viticulosa, Blindia acuta, Plagiobryum zieri, Fissidenstaxifolius, Lejeunea cavifolia, Calypogeia fissa, Aneura pinguis, Plagiomnium undulatum, Leiocolea collaris, Plagiochila asplenioides, Philonotis fontana and Dichodontium palustre. On the trees are Frullania tamarisci, Scapania gracilis, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Hypnum andoi, Dicranum scoparium, Douinia ovata and on one tree the tiny, nationally scarce liverwort Anastrophyllum hellerianum.

20) NN1865. 9947. A low waterfall on a big bend; in the burn are Racomitrium aciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata, Solenostomaobovatum, Hyocomium armoricum, Pellia epiphylla, Solenostoma hyalinum, Fontinalisantipyretica and on rocks above Grimmia ramondii and Racomitrium lanuginosum. Again thewet banks are poor with only Thuidium tamariscinum, Sphagnum palustre, Hylocomiumsplendens, Scapania gracilis and Breutelia chrysocoma.

21) NN1866. 9939. A waterfall with crags; the riparian flora is the same as in Note 20. Onthe crags are Preissia quadrata, Anoectangium aestivum, Dichodontium flavescens, Trichostomum tenuirostre, Diplophyllum albicans, Pellia epiphylla, Hyocomium armoricumand Blindia acuta.

22) NN1870. 9936. A cascade with slabby bedrock in the inundation zone with Racomitriumaciculare, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata, Hyocomium armoricum, Pellia epiphylla, Solenostoma hyalinum, Fontinalis antipyretica and alittle Anomobryum julaceum and Fissidens osmundoides. Drier rocks above have Grimmiaramondii, Scapania compacta, Diplophyllum albicans, Hypnum cupressiforme and Andreaearupestris. Above this the burn is more open and easy-angled and has a limited flora to thenew bridge.

23) NN1875. 9924. Cascade above the bridge has much the same riparian flora as Note 22with an abundance of Hyocomium armoricum, Sciuro-hypnum plumosum and Pelliaepiphylla. On the wet banks are Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnumquinquefarium, Hylocomium splendens, Thuidium tamariscinum. On the birches areIsothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Frullania tamarisci, Dicranum fuscescens, Dicranum scoparium, Lophozia ventricosa, Douinia ovata and Lophozia longidens; Dicranumfuscescens also occurs on old pines. Drier rocks have Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Scapania gracilis, Diplophyllum albicans, Plagiochila porelloides, Grimmiaramondii and a small stand of Nardia geoscyphus. The flat braided section above has a poorflora.

24) NN1869. 9910. The easy-angled stretch with mobile stones in the burn continues withonly Racomitrium aciculare on more stable rocks with a little Sciuro-hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata and Blindia acuta; Racomitrium ericoides occurs in the river gravels. On the bank are Sphagnum subnitens, Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum capillifolium and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. There isvery little change in this limited flora to intake 2-1.

25) NN1834. 9874. The area around proposed intake 2-1 has a very limited flora; on thebanks are Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Breutelia chrysocoma, Dicranumscoparium, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum capillifolium and Racomitriumlanuginosum. In the burn are Racomitrium aciculare, the only common species, plus Sciuro-


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hypnum plumosum, Marsupella emarginata and Hyocomium armoricum. The youngbroadleaves here have no bryophytes but Dicranum fuscescens occurs on old pine.

Pipeline routesThe various proposed pipeline routes all run along the NW side of the burn. Over the wholeof the proposed pipeline routes there are only common bryophytes, mostly large pleurocarpsand common Sphagnum species.

26) The route from proposed intake 2-1 to powerhouse 2-1 runs through a mix of Moliniacaerulea grassland and heather with some areas of bracken with prominent speciesSphagnum palustre, Sphagnum fallax, Aulacomnium palustre, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Sphagnum capillifolium and some wetterareas with Sphagnum denticulatum, Sphagnum cuspidatum and Sphagnum papillosum. There are some mature trees with a limited flora of Hypnum andoi, Frullania tamarisci, Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides, Dicranum scoparium and occasionally Scapaniagracilis; the younger trees have no epiphytes. Lower down below the exclosure deer fencethere is very coarse vegetation growing over brash making survey very difficult; bryophytesare often sparse but are similar to those in the upper part of the route. Below again, theroute is through plantation conifers before dropping to the proposed site for powerhouse 2-1, again with very little bryophyte interest. In the approximate are of the powerhouse areSphagnum palustre, Sphagnum fallax, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum papillosum, Pleurozia purpurea, Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens.

27) The proposed pipeline route from intake 2-2 initially runs through coarse vegetation onthe banks with Thuidium tamariscinum, Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum girgensohnii, Dicranum majus, and on the trees Hypnumandoi, Scapania gracilis, Douinia ovata, Dicranum scoparium, Frullania tamarisci, Lophozialongidens and Lophozia ventricosa. The route then goes into plantation woodland with againonly robust common species before emerging into an area of wet heath and mire withSphagnum capillifolium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum fallax, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi and Pleurozia purpurea. The route toproposed powerhouse 22-2a then drops though a thin strip of woodland above the burn tothe powerhouse site which has Thuidium tamariscinum, Hylocomium splendens, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Pleurozium schreberi, Scapania nemorea, Polytrichastrumformosum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus and on the trees Hypnumandoi, Frullania tamarisci and Dicranum scoparium..

28) The route to powerhouse 2-2 continues across the mire area, crossing the main trackand then through a strip of young birch woodland with very limited epiphytes and Thuidiumtamariscinum, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme and Pleurozium schreberi on the ground, to areas of rough pastureand open birch and alder woodland to the powerhouse site. This area has Sphagnumpalustre, Sphagnum fallax, Mnium hornum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Pseudoscleropodium purum and on sallows Frullania tamarisci, Frullania dilatata, Ulotabruchii, Ulota phyllantha and Radula complanata.


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Annex 2: Greenfield Burn Hydro SchemeBryophyte species list

Mosses (72 taxa) Amphidium mougeotiiAndreaea rupestrisAnoectangium aestivumAnomobryum julaceum s.s. Atrichum undulatumAulacomnium palustreBartramia pomiformisBlindia acutaBreutelia chrysocomaBryum pseudotriquetrumCampylopus flexuosusCtenidium molluscum var. molluscumDichodontium flavescensDichodontium palustreDicranum fuscescensDicranum majusDicranum scopariumEntosthodon obtususFissidens osmundoidesFissidens taxifoliusFontinalis antipyreticaGrimmia ramondiiHeterocladium heteropterum var. heteropterumHygrohypnum ochraceumHylocomium splendensHyocomium armoricumHypnum andoiHypnum cupressiforme var. cupressiformeHypnum jutlandicumIsothecium alopecuroidesIsothecium myosuroides var. myosuroidesLoeskeobryum brevirostreMnium hornumPhilonotis fontanaPlagiobryum zieriPlagiomnium undulatumPlagiothecium undulatumPleurozium schreberiPogonatum aloidesPohlia nutansPolytrichastrum formosumPolytrichum communePolytrichum juniperinumPseudoscleropodium purumPtilium crista-castrensisRacomitrium aciculareRacomitrium ericoidesRacomitrium fasciculareRacomitrium lanuginosumRhizomnium punctatumRhytidiadelphus loreusRhytidiadelphus squarrosusRhytidiadelphus triquetrusSciuro- hypnum plumosumSphagnum capillifolium s.l.

Sphagnum cuspidatumSphagnum denticulatumSphagnum fallaxSphagnum girgensohniiSphagnum palustreSphagnum papillosumSphagnum quinquefariumSphagnum subnitensSphagnum tenellumSplachnum sphaericumTetraphis pellucidaThuidium tamariscinumTrichostomum brachydontiumTrichostomum tenuirostreUlota bruchiiUlota phyllanthaZygodon conoideus

Liverworts ( 48 taxa) Anastrepta orcadensisAnastrophyllum hellerianumAneura pinguisAphanolejeunea microscopicaBlasia pusillaCalypogeia fissaCephalozia bicuspidataCololejeunea calcareaDiplophyllum albicansDouinia ovataFrullania dilatataFrullania tamarisciFrullania teneriffaeHygrobiella laxifoliaJungermannia atrovirensLeiocolea bantriensisLeiocolea collarisLejeunea cavifoliaLejeunea patensLepidozia reptansLophocolea bidentataLophozia longidensLophozia ventricosaMarsupella emarginata var. emarginataMetzgeria furcataMylia tayloriiNardia geoscyphusNardia scalarisNowellia curvifoliaOdontoschisma denudatumPellia epiphyllaPlagiochila asplenioidesPlagiochila porelloidesPlagiochila spinulosaPleurozia purpureaPreissia quadrataRadula aquilegia


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Radula complanataRiccardia multifidaRiccardia palmataSaccogyna viticulosaScapania compactaScapania gracilisScapania nemoreaScapania undulataSolenostoma hyalinumSolenostoma obovatumTritomaria quinquedentata

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Greenfield Burn hydro scheme - bryophyte survey Greenfield Burn Hydro-scheme · 2017-12-14 · Greenfield Burn hydro scheme - bryophyte survey 1 Greenfield Burn Hydro-scheme Assessment