Flordon Common

Summary

Flordon Common is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is registered common land. The Common is situated in the valley of the River Tas on shallow fenland peats.

We help to manage this site in partnership with the parish, graziers committee, and English Nature.

Further information

Photograph of Flordon Common.The ‘village end’ of Flordon Common has a play area and public open space.

Springs emerge on the valley-side bearing base-rich waters from the underlying chalk and in these areas species-rich calcareous fen has developed. On higher ground there is unimproved pasture which includes a number of species characteristic of chalk grassland.

Calcareous spring-fed fens are rare in Britain and the site is considered to be one of the best remaining examples in Norfolk.

The Common continues to be managed in a traditional manner by light summer grazing and this has ensured the survival of many locally uncommon plants. A rare species of mollusc also occurs. The flushed areas on the wetter parts of the fen are dominated by Bog-rush Schoenus nigricans and Blunt-flowered Rush Juncus subnodulosus over a carpet of mosses. These species-rich areas contain a number of uncommon plants including Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris, Bog Pimpernel Anagallis tenella, Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris and the rare Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza traunsteineri. Conditions are locally acidic and this has encouraged the recent growth of a few tussocks of Bog Moss Sphagnum sp.

The drier parts of the fen are dominated by Purple Moor-grass Molina caerulea, Bluntflowered Rush and several species of Sedge Carex spp. Many characteristic fenland plants cocur including Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Ragged Robin Lychnis flos-cuculi, Marsh Valerian Valeriana dioica, Marsh Arrow-grass Triglochin palustris and Twayblade Listera ovata.

Grazed unimproved chalky grassland surrounds the fen on higher ground and is dominated by a variety of grasses including Sheep’s Fescue Festuca ovina, Quaking Grass Briza media, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus and Brown Bent-grass Agrostis canina. An interesting range of herb-species are present and include Cowslip Primula veris, Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Hoary Plantain Plantago media, Adder’s Tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera. Additional interest is provided by a stream, areas of tall fen dominated by Reed Phragmites australis with frequent Panicled Sedge Carex paniculata, and small areas of Alder carr woodland over a ground flora of Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus, Nettle Urtica dioica and Water Mint Mentha aquatica.

The very rare Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail Vertigo angustior has been recorded on the site.

Contact us

contact officer/team: Countryside Ranger
web: online enquiry form
email: countryside@s-norfolk.gov.uk
telephone: 01508 533684
minicom/textphone: 01508 533622
address: South Norfolk Council
South Norfolk House
Swan Lane
Long Stratton
Norwich NR15 2XE

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Last updated on: 08 September 2006