Plants
Lichens - we require someone to carry out a survey please
The Damasonium alisma or Starfruit, classified as Endangered and a priority species on the UK Government′s Biodiversity Action Plan, which has almost disappeared in Britain was found by Dr Alan Schowler in both Daisy Pond and Mannings Pond (Downley Common). A group of conservationists are making a last ditch attempt to establish a population at Greenham Common in Berkshire.
Naphill Common once had common spotted orchids and the much rarer spider orchid and
lesser butterfly orchid, but these have all been lost as the tree cover has increased.
Two specimens of Yellow Birdsnest (Monotropa hypopitys) have been seen (July 2012) on Naphill Common down at the side of the path near the wall of Bradenham manor. This is a fairly rare saprophytic plant, yellowish brown (no chlorophyll) about six inches high. It is getting rarer and survives in the Chiltern beech woods and in Surrey. Last seen in 1971 but Alan Showler tells us that there is a plant in Piggotts Wood.
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All images © Peter Davis
One of the objectives of the Friend of Naphill Common is to carry out surveys on animal and plant life found on the Common.
This could be carried out by a mixture of professional bodies or individuals and members of Friends of Naphill Common who have either an interest or just happen to see something on the Common.
If you have any information or can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact Chris Miller (see contact us)