Critically endangered Bearded Stonewort, a species of plant that dates back 460 million years, has been found in newly created ponds at RSPB Saltholme, making us only the second known site in England to support this rare plant!
In 2019, the Saltholme team dug a new series of ponds along the new dragonfly walk with the aim to improve the habitat for dragonflies and pond life. This work caused spores that had laid dormant in the soil for decades to be disturbed and start to grow.
These spores were from Bearded Stonewort, which is a complex algae and believed to be related to the ancestors of all plants. Bearded Stonewort requires clean lakes or ponds which hold water that is in between fresh and saltwater and thrives in disturbed soil. Bearded Stonewort is a pioneer species, which means it is one of the first plants to grow in disturbed soil which then provides an important habitat for a variety of fish, molluscs and invertebrates.
Bearded Stonewort is a critically endangered species and is found in only one other known location in England, the Peterborough brick pits, so the discovery is incredibly important. Due to changes in water quality and loss of habitat, stoneworts have significantly decreased since the middle of the 1990’s. Seventeen species are currently listed as Threatened or Endangered in the Red Data Book of British Stoneworts.
The Bearded Stonewort at RSPB Saltholme was discovered by local botanist, Martin Hammond. Martin said, “I knew this was one of the rarer species, but I was amazed when national expert Nick Stewart identified it as Bearded Stonewort – one of Britain’s most endangered plants. It’s never been found in northern England before but we’re guessing it once grew un-noticed in pools or ditches at Saltholme and the spores lay dormant in the soil”.
Now the discovery has been made conservation work will be required to ensure the survival of the Bearded Stonewort. RSPB Warden Ed Pritchard said, “We will need to disturb the soil around the ponds every five or so years. If we don’t; plants such as common reed will take over and the stonewort will disappear again”.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation only the carpark and trails are open at RSPB Saltholme for local exercise. Please check the website, Facebook or Twitter for updates on opening.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/saltholme/
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