FE4A Philonotis fontana – Chrysoplenium oppositifolium spring
Vegetation
This a diverse spring community of which some of the main hallmarks are mats of Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and the pale, rod-like shoots of Philonotis fontana. There is usually some grassy cover provided by Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris, with some straggling stems of Galium palustre. Apart, from Philonotis, the main bryophytes are Calliergonella cuspidata, Scapania undulata, Brachythecium rivulare. Frequently, one will spot the conspicuous basal rosettes of Saxifraga stellaris in this community. Light green patches of Dicranella palustris (= Dichodontium palustre), with its squarrose leaves, are also characteristic.
Ecology
This is a community of circumneutral or mildly basic springheads and stony rills mainly found on upland slopes amongst grassland or heath. It may also occur on wet cliff faces.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are currently described.
Similar communities
There is some overlap in species with the more base-rich springs of the FE4B Palustriella commutata – Bryum pseudotriqetrum spring community. However, Palustriella is seldom found in FE4A while Chrysosplenium oppositifolium is scarce in FE4B. Sedges are more prominent features in FE4B.
Conservation value
This is a very species-rich assemblage (species/4 m2 = 28.3, n = 8), but it is not protected as an EU HD Annex I habitat nor does it support significantly rare plant species.
Management
The main threat to these springs is probably trampling by livestock as they are easily damaged by disturbance.