03 Aug Supporting Professional Development: Botanical Training & Volunteering at Stonesfield Common SSSI
Ecologists from the Oxford office recently enjoyed a botanical field afternoon at Stonesfield Common, a SSSI in Oxfordshire that is nationally important for its limestone grassland.
We were joined by two of the local volunteer group who help to maintain the SSSI. They provided an overview of the site’s geography and history and gave an insight into the challenges of maintaining species-rich grassland: in particular, the constant battle against encroaching scrub. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to see meadow clary Salvia pratensis. This nationally-threatened species, which is listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, has one of its strongholds at Stonesfield, and although 2023’s flowering season was over, everyone was pleased to see this impressive plant, even in seed.
During the afternoon, the ecologists split into pairs (with less experienced botanists matched with more experienced counterparts to maximise the learning opportunities), to survey a series of georeferenced 1 m2 quadrats. As well as providing training the survey also established botanical data which will form a baseline for repeat surveys in future years. This data, collected for the Stonesfield Common volunteer group, will help guide the conservation management of the site.
Phil Chapman, Senior Ecologist commented:
“At the end of a very enjoyable afternoon we had all experienced a pristine habitat we rarely see on development sites, brushed up on some unfamiliar species and gained confidence surveying quadrats and using ID keys.”
Joe Grainger-Hull, Ecologist said:
“The afternoon at Stonesfield Common was a brilliant opportunity to broaden my botanical skillset – we had the chance to get to know some plants that aren’t encountered too often when out surveying, and to understand the history of management at the site as told by those responsible for looking after it. Highlights included horseshoe vetch and meadow clary!”
