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Forth Naturalist and Historian, volume 22 61
PLANTS IN FALKIRK DISTRICT: AN UPDATE
W. R. Brackenridge
The following list is an interim update of the list published in a previous
edition of the FNH (Stewart, 1988), and it is based on data gathered during
recent ‘Phase 2’ site surveys by Keith Watson in 1994 and 1997 for Scottish
Natural Heritage. These were mostly Wildlife Sites which were felt to require
detailed survey by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, also some raised bog sites. It also
includes records from W. Brackenridge, from 1991 to 1995 (referred to by WB).
A large number of additional species, listed alphabetically by scientific name,
have been located in the district. The identifications follow Stace (1991).
It should be noted that some of the places referred to may be subject to
development (housing, etc.), however the diversity of species on recentlydisturbed,
or derelict sites around industrial areas, is highly significant.
Although the semi-natural woodlands, wetlands and the Forth estuary and its
environs will perhaps receive priority, such species-rich sites are of
considerable interest. These ‘new habitats’ may be included in the drawing up
of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) by Falkirk Council, as with other
local authorities. The survey by Watson was a review of Wildlife Sites and to
recommend other potential sites, to aid planning policy.
Many of the additional species are ‘exotic’ plants, which have escaped from
gardens or parks, or have been dumped on roadsides and riverbanks. Some of
these ‘aliens’, such as Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed have spread
considerably in the last decade and may now require control measures, whilst
some native species of semi-natural (especially upland) habitats are declining
because of the re-seeding of old pastures, afforestation and open-cast mining.
Those records referring to the Jupiter Wildlife Garden do not include the
species introduced there since 1992, however several unusual or rare plants
had already become established (Brackenridge, 1996).
The author would welcome further records of plants which are known to
occur, which are missing from either Stewart’s paper or the undernoted lists.
All records are from 1994-97 unless otherwise dated.
Additional species
(I denotes garden escapes or other naturalised plants)
Agrostis gigantea (Black Bent) Rare : Carron Meander, West Mains Pond.
Alchemilla vestita ssp. filicaulis (a Lady’s Mantle) : Rare : Braes Wood,
Westquarter Glen.
Alnus incana I (Grey Alder) : Rare: West Mains Pond (but now widely planted
and suckering).
Aruncus dioicus I (Buck’s-beard) : Rare : Polmont Park.
Azolla filiculoides I (Water Fern) : Rare : Kinneil Estate (WB-1992).