An introduction to 'Dr Margaret Bradshaw's Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust', a newly established charity striving to study and protect the rare flora of Upper Teesdale.
The unique flora of Upper Teesdale has long been studied and admired for its rarities. Since 2017 a group of passionate individuals have been working to protect and study the ‘Teesdale Asseblage’ of rare plants. The founder of this group is Dr Margaret Bradshaw, previously a teacher at Durham University and a nationally renowned botanist with over 70 years studying the flora of Teesdale. Since creation, the group has made great strides recording the rare plants, identifying where the populations are threatened and working closely with Natural England over land management changes that could safeguard the species.
Margaret teaching with various botany groups.
The Trust’s project area covers the whole of the Tees catchment, with some of the most notable habitats on Widdybank and Cronkley Fell. Their work over the last few years has involved mapping and surveying populations of these rare plants in detail. Previous botanical records of the area are limited, so the data they are collecting is vital to the understanding and protection of these rare plants.
All 10m squares surveyed on Widdybank Fell over the last 3 years. (John O'Reilly)
Recent Findings
Surveys over the last three years have found significant declines in many rare species since the habitats were last surveyed in the 70s. Species such as Hoary Whitlowgrass (Draba incana) , Dwarf Milkwort (Polygala amarella) and Teesdale violet (Viola rupestris) have declined by more than 50% on areas of Widdybank Fell. Teesdale's iconic Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) has declined by 45% overall since the original survey, evidence of this can be seen in the map below which compares the original and more recent surveys.
Records of Spring Gentian from the original and recent surveys. (John O'Reilly)
With the recent findings the group are able to collaborate with Natural England and make the necessary changes to the habitat management which will benefit important species. This may involve changing the number of sheep on site to alter the grazing intensity or manually cutting the vegetation in some areas where rushes have become dominant. With the Trust's help and their valuable data we are able to carry out the best conservation work possible to protect the special plant species.
How to support Dr Margaret Bradshaw's Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust
The Trust's plan was to have their official charity launch this summer, however due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic this has been postponed until a later date. Although disappointing, this has not stopped the Trust continuing their important work in surveying the special flora throughout the summer months.
You can find their website here. It is under construction at the moment, however if you would like to donate to the charity there is a donation option on their home page. £10 will pay for one 10x10 square metre plot to be surveyed for rare plants.
You can read more about their work on their blog: https://teesdaleflora.home.blog/
And find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-ME-Bradshaws-Teesdale-Special-Flora-Research-Conservation-Trust-105023827757600/
Many thanks to everyone in the Trust for the fantastic work that you do.
Charlotte Pink
Reserve Warden
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