Population distribution and conservation status of notable ...

Special Interest report
Population distribution and conservation status of
notable Whitebeam species on the Torbay coast.
Tracey Hamston BSc., MSc.
UK Conservation Officer WWCT
1

CONTENTS Page
Summary………………………………………………………...
Objectives………………………………………………………..
Biodiversity action plan…………………………………………
Whitebeams in Devon………………………………………….
History of whitebeams on the Torbay coastline……………..
National distribution and status………………………………..
Identification……………………………………………………..
Figure 1. Leaf form of S. porrigentifomis and S. rupicola…..
Figure 2. Hectad distribution map of Sorbus
porrigentiformis………………………………………………….
Figure 3. Hectad distribution map of Sorbus rupicola………
Survey……………………………………………………………
Distribution across the three sites…………………………….
Conclusion……………………………………………………….
Table 1. A comparison of population data of all sites for 1985
and 2008 ………………………………………………….
Figure 4. Babbacombe slopes………………………………...
Figure 5. Redgate Cliffs………………………………………..
Figure 6. Churston …………………………………………….
Considerations and recommendations for monitoring………
Site management recommendations…………………………
References………………………………………………………
Appendices (photographs & records)………………………..
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1

SUMMARY
This report describes the results of a survey carried out in 2008, with additional
records from 2010, and makes management recommendations for the
conservation of two species of Whitebeam; Sorbus rupicola Rock Whitebeam
and Sorbus porrigentiformis Grey-leaved Whitebeam.
It is intended that this report be used as a reference for identification and survey
method.
Whitebeams have been recorded on the Torbay coast for 180 years with the first
specimens for both species collected in 1847 (Keble, Martin and Fraser; 1939).
They now fall within the scope of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Both species are nationally scarce and Grey-leaved Whitebeam is endemic to
Britain where it is restricted to the south west. They both exist as small isolated
populations with low total numbers restricted to areas of base-rich rock, often
limestones or basalts and are found growing on cliffs and steep rocky slopes,
typically in well lit situations.
This study compares data with a survey carried out in 1985 with the aim of
assessing any changes in population size during this time. Both surveys were
carried out at three sites on the Torbay coastline; Babbacombe slopes NGR SX
926 656; Redgate cliff NGR SX 934 647; Churston Cove NGR SX 917 570.
A potentially catastrophic decline in population size of 76% has occurred since
1985 at Babbacombe. The other sites show smaller losses but little or no
evidence of natural regeneration. Evidence suggests that woodland closure may
be an important factor in the decline of these whitebeam populations
It is recommended that scrub management and thinning around individual trees
should be undertaken as soon as possible to safeguard these populations which
are in danger of being overwhelmed by aggressive native and non-native tree
species.
It is also recommended that consideration should be given to extend available
habitat for natural regeneration.
Future monitoring of these populations is essential to assess the effectiveness of
any management.
2

OBJECTIVES
This report is a summary of a study carried out for a masters degree and aims to
1. Establish the status of the *apomictic Whitebeam species, Sorbus
porrigentiformis (Grey-leaved Whitebeam) and Sorbus rupicola (Rock
Whitebeam) within Torbay. (* see page 4)
2. Identify management that will ensure the future survival and expansion of
these species on the Torbay sites; Babbacombe slopes; Redgate & Walls
Hill; Churston.
3. Establish monitoring protocol for the future monitoring of these
populations.
BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
This report addresses some of the objectives contained within the Local
biodiversity Action Plan.
The Biodiversity objectives for Whitebeam in Devon as defined by the Devon
BAP are
1. Maintain current viable populations of the apomictic species of whitebeam
in Devon.
2. Attain a better understanding of the distribution and size of population of
whitebeam species in Devon.
3. Increase awareness and understanding of the Devon whitebeam species
among land owners/managers, conservationists and the general public.
It also meets most of the Priority or Indicative Actions listed in the BAP that are
relevant to Sorbus porrigentiformis and S. rupicola on the Torbay coastline.
These actions are:
1. Encourage appropriate management of sites containing whitebeams;
controlling excessive scrub and invasive species such as rhododendron,
and regulating any grazing so as to allow natural regeneration.
2. Ensure local authorities are informed of endemic Whitebeam locations and
that they take proper account of the effects of proposed developments on
populations. To include Tree Preservation Orders to protect individual
Whitebeam trees.
3. Offer landowners and managers of all sites that hold the apomictic species
of whitebeam advice on the location of trees, their scientific importance
and vulnerability and good management practice.
4. Re-survey all known sites of apomictic species once every 10 years.
Ensure records are sent to Devon Biodiversity Record Centre (DBRC) and
Botanical Society British Isles (BSBI) county recorder.
3

The survey sites fall within the scope of the Torbay Local Biodiversity Action Plan
‘The Nature of Torbay’.
Sorbus porrigentiformis and S. rupicola are listed as candidate species
highlighted in the plan for Maritime cliff and slope. They form part of the
characteristic calcareous flora of this habitat.
The relevant actions listed are
• Maintain population of Sorbus porrigentiformis and S. rupicola.
• Identify and map population of Whitebeam Sorbus porrigentiformis and S.
rupicola.
WHITEBEAMS IN DEVON
Whitebeams are attractive trees, so called for the characteristic white backs to
the leaves. They produce clusters of red or orange fruit in the autumn. They
belong to the genus Sorbus which comprises approximately 40 species in Britain.
The British species of Sorbus comprise three widespread and sexually
reproducing trees; rowan S. aucuparia, common whitebeam S. aria and wild
service tree S.torminalis. In addition to these there are a number of species that
are mostly ‘apomictic’ i.e. they produce seed without sexual reproduction. They
still require pollination for seed set to occur but effectively give rise to clonal lines
where the progeny have the same genetic constitution as their parents.
Devon has eight such species and is one of the richest counties in Britain for
whitebeam. The whitebeams of Devon are of interest to biologists and
geneticists as they provide evidence of a continuing evolutionary process which
gives rise to new species. Sorbus porrigentiformis and S. rupicola are both
known to be integral to this process, occasionally hybridising with other Sorbus
species and possibly each other.
HISTORY OF WHITEBEAMS ON THE TORBAY COASTLINE
Earliest records of Torbay Whitebeams were made as Pyrus aria and may well
have been either S. porrigentiformis or S. rupicola since neither was recognised
at the time. In Flora Devoniensis (Jones and Kingston, 1829) the entry ‘Pyrus
aria …a small tree.. .’ found on rocks at Babbacombe and near Torquay’ may
well have referred to either S. porrigentiformis or S. rupicola both of which are
still found in this location. The Handbook of the Torquay Flora (Stewart, 1860,
p.44) states ‘there are several varieties of this shrub (Pyrus aria). Park Hill,
Torquay’. S. porrigentiformis is still found in this locality so it is likely that these
‘varieties’ include this species. The earliest confirmed Torbay specimens for both
4

species were collected in Torquay by Rev. C. E. Parker in 1847 and were held in
the Torquay Natural History Society herbarium. They were included in accounts
for V.C. 3 in Flora of Devon (Keble, Martin and Fraser; 1939). S. porrigentiformis
was referred to at this time as Sorbus porrigens Hedl. ‘Devon form’.
The Torbay Wildlife Survey (Lock, 1991) noted the presence of both species at
the sites visited during this survey, but lacked detail on population sizes.
Margaret Bradshaw carried out a detailed survey in 1984-5 funded by the Nature
Conservancy Council, but, despite their scarcity, there has been no recent survey
to determine the current status of these two species.
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS
Sorbus rupicola and Sorbus porrigentiformis are both nationally scarce species
(Stewart et al. 1994). The New Atlas of the British Flora (Preston, et al., 2002)
shows occurrences in 59 and 26 ten kilometre squares for S. rupicola and S.
porrigentiformis respectively, recorded between the years of 1987 and 1999.
S. porrigentiformis is endemic to Britain, i.e. it only occurs in Britain. It is
restricted largely to the south-west of England and south Wales. S. rupicola is
more widespread, being endemic to north-west Europe.
Both species are restricted to areas of base-rich rock, often limestones or basalts
and are found growing on cliffs and steep rocky slopes, typically in well lit
situations. They exist as small populations, sometimes only single trees, which
makes them extremely vulnerable to local extinction.
Torbay has the most southerly populations in the U.K.
IDENTIFICATION
The trees are identified by the broadest leaves of the short lateral rosettes
growing in sunlit conditions. The standard method for Sorbus identification
follows Aas et al., (1994, cited in Rich, 2005). The most typical leaves are those
fully expanded excluding the oldest and youngest ones. Saplings and young
shoots growing from cut back stems have atypical juvenile leaves which cannot
be used for identification. The best time to search for individual trees is on windy
days when the white backs of the leaves are more clearly visible and during
fruiting in September –October.
S. rupicola and S. porrigentiformis can be differentiated by their leaf shape.
Sorbus rupicola also tends to be larger, occurring as a shrub or tree up to 10 m
tall compared to Sorbus porrigentiformis which tends to be a shrub or more rarely
a small tree up to 5-10m tall. The leaves of S. rupicola differ from Sorbus
porrigentiformis in that they are longer relative to their width. The leaves of both
are white tormentose beneath. Ripe fruits are deep red (12-15mm) with
numerous lenticels scattered over the surface. Flowering occurs earlier in S.
porrigentiformis from May to June and from June to early July for S. rupicola.
Fruiting is from September to November.
5

Sorbus rupicola
Sorbus porrigentiformis
Figure 1. Leaf form of S. porrigentifomis and S. rupicola. From Plant Crib
(Rich & Jermy, 1998)
6

Sorbus porrigentiformis
Figure 2. Hectad distribution map of Sorbus porrigentiformis (Greyleaved
Whitebeam) in Britain and Ireland. Map supplied by T.C.G. Rich,
2009. The red circle highlights the Torbay records.
7

Sorbus rupicola
Figure 3 . Hectad distribution map of Sorbus rupicola (Rock Whitebeam)
in Britain and Ireland. Map supplied by T.C.G. Rich, 2009. The red circle
highlights the Torbay records.
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SURVEY
Despite their scarcity there has been no recent survey to establish status and
population size of S. rupicola and S. porrigentiformis within Torbay. Given the
uncertainty of these population sizes and the potential effects of planned site
management, it is important that a monitoring programme is established to
ensure maintenance of these populations. No seedlings were recorded or
observed by Bradshaw in 1984/5 and there is concern that the populations are
not successfully recruiting. Historic Ordnance Survey maps and photographs of
the two predominantly wooded sites, Babbacombe and Churston, from late
1800’s to the 1930’s, show them to have been open grassland with scrub with
occasional small trees scattered across the slopes.
Sites
The areas surveyed were
1. Babbacombe slopes SSSI – an area between Babbacombe downs and
the coast. (Fig. 3). NGR SX 926 656
2. Redgate Cliffs SSSI – from Redgate beach up the cliff face between
Ansteys cove and Walls Hill. (Fig. 4). NGR SX 934 647
3. Churston Cove CWS – an area stretching from fishcombe point across to
the battery gardens. (Fig.5). NGR SX 917 570
Note: Wall’s Hill was surveyed in 2010, see Appendices photographs pg 20.
The 2008 survey repeated that of Margaret Bradshaw in 1984-5 in order to detect
any changes in population size during the last 23 years. All records have been
lodged with the county recorder for vascular plants, R.E. N. Smith.
All trees had their location recorded with a 10 figure GPS (Global Positioning
System) coordinate with the accuracy of the GPS unit noted. The locations of the
trees were also described and mapped on large scale site maps. (Figures 3-5).
The larger trees were tagged using aluminium tree tags which carry a unique
identifying number and the canopy density was measured.
Using tree ring data from stems found already broken it was possible to estimate
the stem ages of other trees and thus calculate recruitment since 1985.
DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE SITES
Between them, the three study sites support or have supported 100% of all S.
rupicola ever recorded in Torbay and 80 – 90% of S. porrigentiformis.
Habitats present
All the sites have steep coastal slopes, cliffs and quarried areas. Babbacombe
and Redgate have areas of loose rock. Babbacombe is dominated by high
canopy Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and there is
little open habitat. Churston also has large areas of similar woodland but also
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scrub and species rich calcareous grassland on the headlands and the quarries.
The Sorbus at Redgate are found on the open, rocky slopes. The more stable
areas support species rich calcareous grassland but Cotoneaster, Holm Oak
Quercus ilex and Butterfly Bush Buddleia davidii have invaded in places. Ash has
also spread into previously open areas.
S. porrigentiformis was recorded at Redgate and Babbacombe with one tree
recorded at Walls Hill, a headland adjacent to Redgate beach and approximately
0.8km from the Babbacombe site. It is known that more trees exist on the less
accessible parts of the open cliff at Redgate and Walls Hill. These areas will be
the subject of a future survey.
Population size
85% of S. porrigentiformis trees recorded in 2008 are associated with the open
rocky slopes at Redgate, with only 2 trees on the wooded slopes at
Babbacombe. All of the trees grow on rock outcrops or cliffs, open scree slopes
and the edges of quarried areas. No S. porrigentiformis was recorded on the
shallower slopes where the soils are presumably deeper.
S. rupicola was recorded at both Babbacombe and Churston with 78% of trees
found at the Churston site. Again, the trees are almost exclusively associated
with changes in slope at the edge of quarried areas, rocky slopes or cliff tops with
few exceptions. Only 4 of the 21 S. rupicola were found in open conditions.
Both species were confined to areas known historically to have been open with
grassland or scrub vegetation.
Babbacombe
This site showed the largest difference in tree numbers recorded between
surveys. Of the 19 trees recorded in 1984-5, only 16% (3 trees) were re-found in
2008. Using the growth ring data to cross reference, it is likely that all the current
trees are old enough to have been present in 1985. None of the trees recorded in
2008 are less than 10 years old and it seems probable that no recruitment has
taken place since 1985.
16 trees have been lost, the majority of these (12 of the 16 trees) were S.
porrigentiformis and 6 of these were recorded as small bushes or spindly trees
by Bradshaw, 1985.
Redgate & Wall’s Hill
This site is not fully accessible without climbing equipment and areas of loose
rock would make climbing hazardous in places. Binoculars were therefore used
to scan thse parts of the cliffs. This site had the highest proportion of fruiting
trees and 36% (5 trees) of those recorded in 1985 are thought to be lost. The
lost trees were all in an area now covered with dense Cotoneaster, Blackthorn
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Prunus spinosa and Holm oak Quercus ilex. 22 trees were recorded in 2008. Of
these, 4 were small plants, which have probably appeared since 1985.
Wall’s Hill was surveyed using binoculars and a telescope during 2010. 7 trees
/bushes were located and it’s likely there are more but rope access would be
needed to ascertain their exact location. See Appendices photographs pg 20.
Churston
This site was mostly accessible with only relatively small areas of dense scrub.
At least 1 tree has been lost since 1985. Note that during recent scrub clearance
(2009) a further tree was cut down and appeared to have been stump treated.
Effect of canopy cover
Canopy cover had an inverse relationship with fruiting levels. Cover from
competing trees prevented flower formation and thus fruit production.
Reproduction in these whitebeam species is dependant upon seed production as
they do not sucker. Increasing competition for light from more vigorous tree
species such as Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Sycamore Acer platinoides has
doubtless restricted recruitment and thus led to the decline of whitebeams on the
more wooded sites. These species are intolerant of shade, with small or young
trees unable to reach the canopy. Many of those trees that have disappeared
were described as small trees or bushes. This seems particularly so for Sorbus
porrigentiformis, which tends to be smaller than S. rupicola.
CONCLUSION
Churston and the Redgate-Wall’s Hill area appear to support populations
that are stable at present. There is concern that S. rupicola at Churston is
not regenerating and the open habitat there is restricted.
It is clear that the greatest loss is Sorbus porrigentiformis on the
Babbacombe site, (Table 1). This site is important because it supports both
species and if we are to develop conservation policies that protect the
evolutionary potential of Whitebeams then these types of sites will be a
priority.
Reductions across the sites can be attributed to mortality (24 trees). Of
those thought to have died, the likely causes are land slips (recorded for 2
trees), woodland canopy closure (a possible 19 trees) and increasing
competition for resources from invasive non-native species, notably Holm
oak and Cotoneaster spp. (a possible 5 trees).
These represent the main threats to Whitebeams across these sites.
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Table 1. A comparison of population data of all sites for 1985 and 2008.
* This represents the trees found in 1985 plus those found in 2008 of sufficient size to have been present in 1985.
SITE Species 1985
Trees
recorded
*1985
Total
1985 - 2008
Recruitment
2008
/2010
Total
1985 – 2008
Trees lost
as % of
1985 total
Churston S. rupicola 19 25 3 23 5 (20%)
Babbacombe S. rupicola 5 9 0 6 3 (33%)
Babbacombe S. porrigentiformis 14 15 0 2 13 (87%)
Redgate S. porrigentiformis 14 23 4 22 5 (21%)
TOTAL 52 72 7 53 26 (36%)
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.B1
.B8
Figure 4. Babbacombe slopes. Sorbus spp.
marked in red .
.B2
.B6
.B7
.B4
.B3 .B5
N
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.R1
.R3
.R4
(R20, R21 & R22 ). .R13
R11.
R10. R6. .R5 .R9
.R15 .R7& 8
.R14 .R2
.R23
.R24
R18 & 19 ..
.R16
.R17
N
Closed path up to
Wall’s Hill
Figure 5. Redgate Cliffs. Sorbus porrigentiformis marked in red .
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.C19
.C16
C21. .C20
.C17
The Grove
.C9
.C8
.C12
.C11
.C10
.C14
.C15
.C13
.C7 .C6
.C5
.C23
.C24
Figure 6. Churston. Sorbus rupicola marked in red .
.C4
Churston Cove
Fishcombe point
.C3
Fishcombe Cove
15
.C22
.C2
.C1

CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MONITORING
ACCESS
Many Sorbus species are found on inaccessible cliffs and rocky slopes, making
survey work potentially hazardous, or at least difficult to complete in a systematic
fashion. The development of monitoring programmes on many Sorbus sites need
to take this into consideration.
• If specimens are required for identification purposes, use long handled
pole loppers to reach sunlit leaves.
• Binoculars and / or a telescope may be used to scan open areas of cliff
where identification between species is not an issue.
SURVEYORS
It is known that recorders are a source of survey error, with variation between
recorders and even the same individual recording on different days.
• Consistency of recording is best achieved using the same person to carry
out monitoring. Someone familiar with the site such as the site manager is
best placed to keep such records. This also maintains a connection
between site management and monitoring.
• Surveying at the same time of year and using the same method promotes
consistency.
GPS COORDINATES
It should be noted that GPS coordinates of more than 6 figure resolution are
subject to errors beyond the detection of hand held GPS units. They should not
be relied upon to identify individual trees. However, they are a useful tool to find
trees in conjunction with a map and site description.
TIMING OF SURVEY
When to survey and how often?
Problems encountered in other studies were changes in visibility, due to annual
variation in fruiting and timing of autumn leaf colour. The visibility of the trees
varied with weather conditions. This was most noticeable on windy days when
the white backs of the leaves were most visible. The trees were also easier to
find on the more open rocky slopes than in the woodland.
When to survey.
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• Fruiting trees are prominent from September – October, however this
study showed that many trees don’t fruit and fruiting fluctuates annually.
• Where only one species is known to occur so there is not an identification
issue, shortly after bud burst in May the trees are visible due to the
prominent white backs on the new foliage.
• Where both species are present, mature, fully expanded leaves are
required for identification. In this instance surveys must take place from
June onwards.
How often
Due to the large decline in the Torbay whitebeam populations over the last 20
years it is recommended that they be resurveyed every 5 years. This is
particularly important where site management has changed. Populations that are
stable may be resurveyed every 10 years.
SITE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure their survival for the future it is vital that these whitebeams are able to
reproduce and that seedlings can survive to maturity.
Fruit & flower promotion
It is recommended that halo thinning is carried out around mature trees to allow
light to promote flowering and fruiting. As whitebeams are very slow growing,
mature trees may small. Anything with a girth circumference of more than 10cm
should be considered capable of flowering.
To allow good light penetration, clearings should be twice the canopy height
across.
Recruitment
Strong consideration should be given to creating recruitment opportunities. Areas
around existing trees, particularly where they occur in groups, should be cleared
of scrub and the resulting soil disturbance will encourage seed germination.
Invasive alien species
Cotoneaster spp., Holm oak Quercus ilex and Butterfly bush Buddleia davidii are
all targets of current clearance work that will benefit whitebeams. Care should be
taken that whitebeams are not cut down during this work. They should be marked
beforehand to prevent confusion by contractors.
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Grazing
Long term scrub control may include introduction of grazing animals. Browsing by
such animals is a serious threat on some sites where conservation grazing of
grassland habitat has lead to loss of rare whitebeams. Whitebeams should be
fenced off to prevent this. As grazing is likely to be restricted on these sites the
conflict would be limited to small areas.
REFERENCES
Bishop, H. and Fisher, J. (2005) Babbacombe Downs Conservation Area
Character Appraisal. Report for Torbay Council.
Keble, Martin, W. and Fraser, G. T. (eds.) (1939) Flora of Devon. Arbroath.
Pp.319-320
Lock, L. (1991) Torbay Wildlife Survey. An unpublished report held by Devon
Biodiversity Records Centre.
Preston, C.D., Pearman, D.A. & Dines, T.D. (eds), (2002) New Atlas of the
British and Irish Flora. Oxford:Oxford University Press.
Proctor, M. E. & Proctor, M. C. F. (1990). Whitebeams in the Torbay area.
Transactions & Proceedings, Torquay Natural History Society 20: 131-140.
Rich, T. C. G., Motley, G. S. and Kay, Q. O. N. (2005). Population sizes of three
rare Welsh endemic Sorbus species (Rosaceae). Watsonia 25: 381-388
Rich, T.C.G. & Jermy, A.C. (1998). Plant Crib 1998. , London: Botanical Society
of the British Isles.
Stewart, A., Pearman, D.A. and Preston, C.D. (1994). Scarce Plants in Britain.
Peterborough: JNCC.
18

Appendix 1. Wall’s Hill. From flagstaff Point
View down west side of Flagstaff Point
Below cliff
19

West from Flagstaff Point
Indicate approximate positions of
individual S. porrigentiformis
Several in this area amongst gorse,
cotoneaster, ash & sycamore
At least one tree
on cliff edge
20

Appendix 2. Records for all sites
No. Tag Sorbus Site GPS GPS
ref. no. Species eastings northings
B1 940 S. rupicola
B3 938 S. rupicola
B4 937 S. rupicola
B5 936 S. rupicola
B6 \ S. rupicola
B7 935 S. rupicola
GP
S Date Comments
error
± m
Babbacombe
cliffs 92650 65634 4
Babbacombe
cliffs 92717 65591 4
Babbacombe
cliffs 92725 65596 4
Babbacombe
cliffs 92730 65584 5
Babbacombe
cliffs 92727 65595 5
Babbacombe
cliffs 92737 65600 6
C1 848 S. rupicola Fishcombe 92006 56857 6
C2 \ S. rupicola Fishcombe 92005 56913 5
C3 \ S. rupicola Fishcombe 91893 56922 3
C4 829 S. rupicola
C5 828 S. rupicola
Grove,
Churston 91789 56824 4
Grove,
Churston 91773 56956 7
12
September
2008
12
September
2008
12
September
1 Leader splits into 2 @ 0.5m plus v small sucker.Tree
on bend of road, v prominent and can be seen from
telescope point on Babbacombe Downs. Tree in
canopy layer.
Leaning out into canopy downhill. E of B2, visible
from path above.
2008 Directly below B3 down slope.
12
September
2008
12
September
2008
12
September
2008
02
September
On v steep slope, stem running along ground. 6m E of
B4
On woodland edge at top of loose rocks above bottom
path. Several stems travelling along ground (appears
to be more than 1 tree) from same origin. NW of B7
along woodland edge, amongst bracken.
On woodland edge at top of loose rocks above bottom
path. Several stems travelling along ground (appears
to be more than 1 tree) from same origin.
2008 Tag at 2m. Large tree in dense Ash/ Sycamore.
02
September
2008
03 October
2008
06
September
2008
06
September
2008
SW of steps on path from battery gardens to e side
fishcombe cove.
Large tree on edge of cliff between fishcombe cove
and Churston cove. Easily seen from beach at low
tide.
Upright tree. Approx 7m w of main path. 40m W of
holiday camp. In high canopy -partly shaded by
Sycamore
Tree growing from edge of small level area. Small
suckers present. A leader has been recently broken
off, sample taken for ring count (13.1cm circ with 27
rings).
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C6 \ S. rupicola
C7 827 S. rupicola
C8 830 S. rupicola
C9 850 S. rupicola
C10 923 S. rupicola
C11 924 S. rupicola
C12 925 S. rupicola
C13 \ S. rupicola
C14 930 S. rupicola
C15 \ S. rupicola
C16 \ S. rupicola
C17 934 S. rupicola
C19 933 S. rupicola
Grove,
Churston 91774 56965 7
Grove,
Churston 91760 56975 11
Grove,
Churston 91732 57022 5
Grove,
Churston 91738 57027 5
Grove,
Churston 91741 56934 8
Grove,
Churston 91728 56945 8
Grove,
Churston 91718 56948 5
Fishcombe
point,
Churston 91766 57048 3
Fishcombe
point,
Churston 91770 57081 6
Fishcombe
point,
Churston 91762 57072 4
Fishcombe
point,
Churston 91636 57057 3
Fishcombe
point,
Churston 91651 57070 3
Grove,
Churston 91608 57000 4
06
September
2008
06
September
2008
06
September
2008
06
September
2008
07
September
2008
07
September
2008
07
September
2008
07
September
2008
07
September
2008
07
September
2008
13
September
2008
13
September
2008
13
September
2008
Young tree growing along ground then leaning down
slope. N of 5.
Large tree with 4 leaders branching from low down
(0.5m) Up slope over looking beach.
(Proctor ref. 18 - note comments of open rocky slope)
Slender tree SW of coast path. N of beach on steep
slope. In scrub.
NE of 8. Crown can be seen from rocks on S side of
beach. Inaccessible in thorn scrub.
Old stool, multi stemmed. Edge of small quarried area
/ cliff 3m high. SW of 7.
old stool with large leaders. Tree in canopy, partly
shaded. Healthy
Stool on cliff edge (2-3m high) leaning downhill to
light. Tree in canopy, partly shaded
Coppiced shrub with many small shoots, most with
juvenile leaves. Remains of larger stump previously
cut back to ground level - approx 20cm circumference.
NW of steps down to beach, approx 6m from railing
N side of point, inaccessible due to steepness of cliff /
slope. Looking down on crown, many fruit, canopy in
open amongst stunted Ash and scrub. NGR taken
from nearest point approx 8m away on top of ridge.
Small sapling with single stem. Close to 14. NGR
taken from nearest point on ridge.
Small tree under oak with low canopy. Main leader
found broken off on later visit (3.10.2008) - sample
taken for ring count at above ground level - (10.8cm
circ with 24 rings)
Huge tree sloping back up cliff from edge. Much dead
wood. Base is right on cliff edge. Looks like three
trees - all connected with prostrate limbs covered with
vegetation.
Beneath canopy of pine and sweet chestnut. Growing
from / next to remains of wall. Tag on N side.
22

C20 929 S. rupicola
C21 928 S. rupicola
Grove,
Churston
Grove,
91630 57033 5
Churston 91625 57035 4
C22 \ S. rupicola Fishcombe
Grove,
92009 56921 14
C23 S. rupicola Churston
Grove,
91754 56963 3
C24 S. rupicola Churston 91749 56957 3
B2 939 S.porrigentiformis
B8 \ S.porrigentiformis
Babbacombe
cliffs 92718 65595 9
Babbacombe
cliffs 92660 65591 12
R1 926 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93465 64985 4
03 October SW of path below large Sycamore. Record made with
2008
03 October
A. Byfield.
2008
03 October
4m W of 20. Record made with A. Byfield.
2008 Small sapling 1m from path w of 2.
20 March
2009
20 March
2009
12
September
2008
26
September
2008
02 October
2008
Tree leaning out towards light, on edge of rocky
quarried area.
Tree partly beneath canopy of stunted beech tree (3-
4m S)
Multi-stemmed tree leaning below horizontal down
slope. Stems running along ground. Approx 8m below
path.
Tall spindley tree completely shaded. N side of cliff on
NW facing slope. W of railing on closed path, up on
cliff ledge approx 10m above path, below bare rock
face.
Recently cut back. Stem sample taken at ground
level. E side of stepped path up to Walls Hill, below
big bluff used by climbers (13.6cm circ with 41 rings)
R2 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93478 64838 3 11 June 2010 V small stunted shrub almost under large rock.
R3 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93463 64906 4 19 July 2008 N side of large rock outcrop
R4 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93458 64901 3
R5 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93475 64847 4
02 October Inaccessable. NE side of large rock outcrop, growing
2008
02 October
from crack nr top.NGR taken from directly below.
2008 On scree slope, 2m below R6. Young tree
02 October Numerous stems hugging the rock, hard to tell if one
R6 847 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93474 64845 4 2008
02 October
plant. Growing close to R7 &R8.
R7 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93479 64844 3 2008
02 October
S of R6. one of a group of 3.
R8 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93479 64844 3 2008 Small shrub S of R6
Young tree below R8. In grassland & patch of
R9 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93483 64843 3 19 July 2008 Cotoneaster sp.& loose rock.
R10 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93451 64849 3 19 July 2008 In scrubby patch of Cornus sp. and Rosa sp.
R11 826 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93446 64857 3 19 July 2008 30m from cliff top, behind rock outcrop above 10
02 October In open low scrub, approx. 6m above path. Most
R13 927 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93485 64867 3 2008 leaves are juvenile form.
R14 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93444 64833 3
02 October
2008
Inaccessible on rock face. NGR taken from approx 3m
SE of tree 15
23

R15 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93444 64833 3
R16 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93507 64683 7
R17 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93539 64730 3
R18 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93522 64738 3
02 October
2008
03
September
2008
12 October
2008
12 October
2008
Inaccessible, growing with R14 beneath canopy of
Ash. Appears to be a young tree.
Spindly tree, with some dead limbs. In narrow pass
between Ansteys road and Redgate beach.
Inaccessible on cliff above low tide level on S end of
Redgate beach, approx 8m above beach. Small
spreading bush with many stems.
Tree approx 10m from R17, below holm oak on rock
outcrop. NGR taken from beach at nearest point to
tree.
12 October Tree approx 6m from R17, in shade of holm oak. NGR
R19 \ S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93522 64744 3 2008 taken from beach at nearest point to tree.
1 of 3 seen from Walls Hill with telescope - growing
R20 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 934 648 31 May 2010 towards top of cliff nr iron railing
1 of 3 seen from Walls Hill with telescope - growing
R21 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 934 648 31 May 2010 towards top of cliff nr iron railing
1 of 3 seen from Walls Hill with telescope - growing
R22 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 934 648 31 May 2010 towards top of cliff nr iron railing
Multi stemmed tree across rock face. N of scree slope
R23 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 93476 64805 3 11 June 2010 behind gabions.
In gorge at S end of beach cliff, below open rock face.
Can be seen when climbing up from beach to pass
R24 S.porrigentiformis Redgate cliffs 9349 6472 11 June 2010 between Redgate and Ansteys
02 October Short shrubby bush noted by previous surveyors
R12 \ S.porrigentiformis Walls Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill
93509
934
934
934
934
935
935
65239
652
652
652
652
651
651
3 2008
1 June 2010
1 June 2010
1 June 2010
1 June 2010
1 June 2010
1 June 2010
(Leigh Lock). Above flagstaff point -top of vertical cliff
In area w of flagstaff point
In area w of flagstaff point
In area w of flagstaff point
In area w of flagstaff point
In area w of flagstaff point
In area w of flagstaff point
S.porrigentiformis Wall’s Hill 935 651 1 June 2010 In area w of flagstaff point
24