Woodsia Ilvensis

Woodsia Ilvensis

Woodsia Ilvensis: is a rare fern, it has wintergreen leaves that are between 4 and 20 cm long. (Fitter R. et al, 1984) Spores were collected in 2002 from different sites including Feshie, Woodale and Moffat site 2.

(www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans, 2008)

Woodsia ilvensis is classified as endangered, it is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2007). It is a small fern found on rocky outcrops above 350m. Currently there are less than 100 plants remaining in Britain distributed between 11 sites, 6 of which are in Scotland (UK Biodiversity Group, 1998).

It is known that woodsia ilvensis would have been widespread in Britain around 10,000 years ago, as the glaciers retreated at the end of the ice age. The reasons of its decline are unclear but climate change and over-collection during the 19^th century are thought to be factors responsible for the diminishing population in Britain (UK Species Action Plan, 2007). In an unfortunate cycle the increasing rarity of the fern was responsible for a boom in collecting during Victorian times (P. Lusby and J. Wright, 2001).

As well as holding the conservation collection of woodsia ilvensis that represents most of the genetic variation of the population. The Botanical gardens also regularly monitor the wild plants. A local conservation collection is maintained grown from spores taken from the few remaining plants (under licence). Some of these plants have been used for re-introductions into areas where the fern was once known.

References

Fitter R., Fitter A. and Farrer A. (1984) Collins guide to the Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Ferns of Britain and Northern Europe William Collins & Sons Co Ltd, Glasgow.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

UK Biodiversity Action Plan www.ukbap.org.uk

Last updated 01/01/08 Accessed 08/02/08

Scottish Wild Plants

Their History, Ecology and Conservation

Authors: Philip Lusby and Jenny Wright

Published by Mercat Press 2001 edition

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

https://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/scotplant/Montane/Woodsia1.html

Last updated  Accessed

UK Biodiversity Group, 1998,

UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants,

Species Action Plan Oblong Woodsia (Woodsia ilvensis).

Available online at https://www.ukbap.org.uk/GenPageText.aspx?id=52

Accessed 18/03/08

UK Species Action Plan.

https://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=634

Accessed 18/03/08