Glanfedw
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Habitats
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Silurian
Description
Description Glanfedw is of special interest for its species-rich neutral grassland, which has a long recorded history of traditional management. The site is located on the upland fringe about 1 km to the south-west of Devil’s Bridge, and comprises two small fields on a moderately sloping north-east facing hillside, at an altitude of 260-300m. The underlying soils are neutral to acidic brown earths of the Denbigh Series (mull phase); they are shallow and generally free-draining. The bedrock geology is dominated by a sequence of interbedded mudstones and sandstones belonging to the Lower Silurian (Llandovery Series) Devil’s Bridge Formation. Species-rich neutral grassland occupies the bulk of each enclosure. The principal species here are red fescue Festuca rubra, crested dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus and common bent Agrostis capillaris, accompanied by common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and common knapweed Centaurea nigra. In the larger field the presence of plants such as heath-grass Danthonia decumbens, devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis and tormentil Potentilla erecta, along with scattered sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina and common dog-violet Viola riviniana on the steeper slopes, indicates links to a more acidic form of grassland. Amongst the more frequent associates are harebell Campanula rotundifolia, burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga and eyebright Euphrasia officinalis agg. In the smaller field rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus is particularly abundant. Small areas of dry acid grassland occupy the steep banks above the farm-house and in the north-western part of the smaller field. This grassland contains prominent sheep’s-fescue Festuca ovina and heath bedstraw Galium saxatile and is punctuated by scattered rowan Sorbus aucuparia, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and patches of western gorse Ulex gallii. Small flushes around the margins of the site support marshy grassland characterised by frequent purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea and sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus. Locally uncommon grassland plants found at Glanfedw include adder’s-tongue fern Ophioglossum vulgatum, smooth lady’s-mantle Alchemilla glabra, and pale sedge Carex pallescens.
Species mentioned
Show the 23 species mentioned in the description, with red-list statusInsects to look out for
These moths, butterflies and beetles are known to feed on plants recorded at this site, and carry a notable UK conservation status — but a host-plant being present doesn't mean the insect has actually been recorded here. Treat this as "worth watching for," not a confirmed sighting.
| Species | Status | Via host-plant |
|---|---|---|
| High brown fritillary Fabriciana adippe |
Critically Endangered | Viola riviniana |
| Black-veined moth Siona lineata |
Critically Endangered | Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus |
| New forest Zygaena viciae |
Critically Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Straw belle Aspitates gilvaria |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Pearl-bordered fritillary Boloria euphrosyne |
Endangered | Viola riviniana |
| Chequered skipper Carterocephalus palaemon |
Endangered | Molinia caerulea |
| Figure of eight Diloba caeruleocephala |
Endangered | Crataegus spp. |
| The lappet Gastropacha quercifolia |
Endangered | Crataegus monogyna |
| Wood white Leptidea sinapis |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Scarce vapourer Orgyia recens |
Endangered | Crataegus spp. |
| Slender scotch Zygaena loti |
Endangered | Lotus corniculatus |
| Mouse moth Amphipyra tragopoginis |
Vulnerable | Crataegus spp., Lotus corniculatus |
| The sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx |
Vulnerable | Crataegus spp. |
| Large heath Coenonympha tullia |
Vulnerable | Molinia caerulea |
| Mottled umber Erannis defoliaria |
Vulnerable | Crataegus spp., Sorbus aucuparia |
| Dingy skipper Erynnis tages |
Vulnerable | Lotus corniculatus |
| Marsh fritillary Euphydryas aurinia |
Vulnerable | Succisa pratensis |
| Satyr pug Eupithecia satyrata |
Vulnerable | Centaurea spp., Galium spp. |
| Grayling Hipparchia semele |
Vulnerable | Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra |
| Bedstraw hawk-moth Hyles gallii |
Vulnerable | Galium spp. |
| The lackey Malacosoma neustria |
Vulnerable | Crataegus monogyna |
| Pale brindled Phigalia pilosaria |
Vulnerable | Crataegus monogyna |
| Silver studded blue Plebejus argus |
Vulnerable | Lotus corniculatus, Ulex spp. |
| Grizzled skipper Pyrgus malvae |
Vulnerable | Potentilla erecta |
| The anomalous Stilbia anomala |
Vulnerable | Molinia caerulea |
| Early moth Theria primaria |
Vulnerable | Crataegus monogyna |
| Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi |
Vulnerable | Crataegus monogyna |
| Flounced chestnut Agrochola helvola |
Near Threatened | Crataegus monogyna |
| Beaded chestnut Agrochola lychnidis |
Near Threatened | Crataegus monogyna |
| Grey chi Antitype chi |
Near Threatened | Crataegus monogyna |
| Garden tiger Arctia caja |
Near Threatened | Sorbus aucuparia |
| Small pearl-bordered Boloria selene |
Near Threatened | Viola riviniana |
| Small heath Coenonympha pamphilus |
Near Threatened | Agrostis spp., Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca spp. |
| Silver barred Deltote bankiana |
Near Threatened | Molinia caerulea |
| Large thorn Ennomos autumnaria |
Near Threatened | Crataegus spp. |
| The Silurian Eriopygodes imbecilla |
Near Threatened | Galium saxatile |
| Autumnal rustic Eugnorisma glareosa |
Near Threatened | Festuca ovina, Galium spp. |
| Grey pug Eupithecia subfuscata |
Near Threatened | Centaurea spp., Crataegus monogyna, Pimpinella saxifraga |
| Double dart Graphiphora augur |
Near Threatened | Crataegus spp. |
| Silver-spotted skipper Hesperia comma |
Near Threatened | Festuca ovina |
| Scarce forester Jordanita globulariae |
Near Threatened | Centaurea nigra |
| Wall Lasiommata megera |
Near Threatened | Agrostis spp. |
| Rosy minor Litoligia literosa |
Near Threatened | Festuca ovina |
| Swallowtail papilio Papilio machaon |
Near Threatened | Pimpinella saxifraga |
| Red carpet Xanthorhoe decoloraria |
Near Threatened | Alchemilla spp. |
| Dark-barred twin-spot carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata |
Near Threatened | Galium spp. |
Host-plant data: Cook et al. (2025), Traits data for the butterflies and macro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland, 2024, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology / Butterfly Conservation; and Padovani et al. (2020), Database of Insects and their Food Plants (DBIF), UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (both Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
Plant communities
U4 — Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland acid grassland, Upland calcareous grassland
Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland
Matches 13 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Cynosurus cristatus, Danthonia decumbens, Euphrasia officinalis, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Galium saxatile, Lotus corniculatus, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Viola riviniana
Show 82 indicator speciesCalluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex binervis, Carex caryophyllea, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Mnium hornum, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Lophocolea bidentata, Conopodium majus, Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Taraxacum officianalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Lathyrus montanus, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Thymus praecox, Euphrasia officinalis, Oxalis acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys, Veronica officinalis, Polygala serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosa, Primula vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla erecta, Poterium sanguisorba, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Viola lutea, Viola palustris, Viola riviniana, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Avenula pratensis, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Holcus mollis, Lolium perenne, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Chara curta
M25 — Blanket bog, Coastal floodplain grazing marsh, Lowland fen, Purple moor grass and rush pasture, Upland acid grassland
Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire
Matches 10 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Centaurea nigra, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Juncus acutiflorus, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Ulex gallii
Show 85 indicator speciesSalix cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Myrica gale, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex echinata, Carex flacca, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Schoenus nigricans, Juncus acutiflorus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus effusus, Juncus subnodulosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Calliergon giganteum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hypnum jutlandicum, Kindbergia praelonga, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum subnitens, Calypogeia fissa, Cephalozia bicuspidata, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophozia ventricosa, Angelica sylvestris, Carum verticillatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Eupatorium cannabinum, Pulicaria dysenterica, Serratula tinctoria, Cardamine pratensis, Lobelia urens, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Equisetum palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Hypericum pulchrum, Hypericum tetrapterum, Mentha aquatica, Scutellaria minor, Menyanthes trifoliata, Narthecium ossifragum, Epilobium palustre, Dactylorhiza maculata, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus flammula, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium palustre, Viola palustris, Agrostis canina, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Phragmites australis, Dryopteris carthusiana, Osmunda regalis
U5 — Upland acid grassland, Upland calcareous grassland
Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland
Matches 9 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Galium saxatile, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Viola riviniana
Show 79 indicator speciesEmpetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex bigelowii, Carex binervis, Carex demissa, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Carex pulicaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula campestris, Luzula multiflora, Luzula sylvatica, Huperzia selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Aulacomnium palustre, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranella heteromalla, Dicranum scoparium, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Calliergonell cuspidatum, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum formosum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Sphagnum papillosum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Calypogeia muelleriana, Diplophyllum albicans, Lophocolea bidentata, Lophozia ventricosa, Pleurozia purpurea, Ptilidium ciliare, Scapania gracilis, Cetraria islandica, Cladonia uncialis, Cirsium palustre, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Campanula rotundifolia, Cerastium fontanum, Equisetum palustre, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Trifolium repens, Narthecium ossifragum, Plantago lanceolata, Polygala serpyllifolia, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Alchemilla alpina, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Viola riviniana, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Blechnum spicant
U3 — Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland acid grassland
Agrostis curtisii grassland
Matches 8 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Galium saxatile, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Ulex gallii
Show 34 indicator speciesCalluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Carex binervis, Carex panicea, Carex pilulifera, Luzula campestris, Dicranum scoparium, Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Cladonia floerkeana, Cladonia impexa, Hypochaeris radicata, Teucrium scorodonia, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis curtisii, Agrostis vinealis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Danthonia decumbens, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Pteridium aquilinum
U2 — Brownfield, Lowland dry acid grassland, Upland acid grassland
Deschampsia flexuosa grassland
Matches 6 species from the description above: Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Galium saxatile, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta
Show 40 indicator speciesBetula pendula, Quercus hybrid, Empetrum nigrum subsp.nigrum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ulex europaeus, Carex nigra, Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula multiflora, Orthodontium lineare, Pohlia nutans, Campylopus pyriformis, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme, Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum piliferum, Barbilophozia floerkei, Cladonia gracilis, Chamerion angustifolium, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus agg., Galium saxatile, Agrostis capillaris, Agrostis vinealis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra, Holcus mollis, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Poa annua, Pteridium aquilinum