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Scotton Common - 63.6 Ha
The Joe Duddington Memorial Reserve
Parish: Scotton
Scotton Common reserve is one of the largest remaining fragments of the
once extensive heathlands of Scotton Common. The drier parts are covered in
ling, developing oak, birch and pine woodland. At the eastern end of the heath,
the ground was ploughed during the Second World War and is covered in wavy
hair-grass. In wetter parts there is much purple moor grass and cross- leaved
heath; rarer species, such as bog asphodel and marsh gentian occur.
Wildlife
Adders and common lizards live on site. The list of moths and butterflies
is impressive and includes localised and scarce species. The sandy banks attract
solitary mining bees and breeding birds include tree pipit and woodlark.
Management
The principal management objective is to maintain open heath by preventing
the encroachment of birch and pine scrub, and to halt the loss of wet heath
species, such as sundews, which are suffering from a falling water-table.
Since 1993, 4 Ha of birch and pine have been felled. The reserve is grazed
to prevent birch re-growth.
Directions
The reserve lies on the left-hand side of the road leading to Scotton village
from the A159 Gainsborough - Scunthorpe road. Further information: www.lincstrust.org.uk
Key Species on Site
Sundew
Adder
Emperor moth
Bog asphodel
Marsh gentian
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