Hareshaw Linn : Lichen and Bryophytes Survey

Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest which was notified in 1975 for its botanical interest, including the rich lichen and bryophyte flora. Northumberland National Park Authority commissioned a report by Janet Simkin in July 2003 on the lichen and bryophytes as part of the conservation work at Hareshaw Linn. The report states:

Site Assessment Lichens:

This is an important lichen site in the Northumberland context, with several species that are locally rare and an unusually high diversity for this part of the country. As well as the trees, the cliffs and crags support several interesting species and would bear further investigation. One species has already been found there which is undescribed.

The presence of one ash tree with lichens typical of humid ancient woodland is of particular interest. Although this tree is by the path and easily accessible, these species had not been recorded by earlier surveyors. This is not one of the oldest ash trees in the wood, so it seems likely that the lichens have colonised it from other, older and less accessible trees nearby. These sources may still exist. This could be an indication that the lichen communities are recovering as the woodland matures and is now managed for conservation.

Site Assessment Bryophytes:

Hareshaw Dene is particularly rich in bryophytes with an unusually high diversity of species, both in the woodland and in particular on the cliffs and boulders around Hareshaw Linn and along the Hareshaw Burn. A remnant population of the national rare Conardia compacta persists near the waterfall, and it is very likely that there are other rare species still to be found.

You can download and read the complete report Hareshaw Linn : Lichen and Bryophytes Survey (PDF format, 532mb).

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