Marsh Orchids on the Lower Common. Aren't they beautiful?"

Lower Common, Buckley

June 1999

In mid 2003, the Lower Common was designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), adding to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The common has a rich diversity of flora and is being managed by Flintshire County Council as scrub/heath, and grass land in order to maintain its diversity. It has ponds which are breeding sites for all three of the British newts, including the globally rare great crested newt. It also has small pockets of woodland. There are also butterflies, moths, bees and other insects which rely on the plants for their survival. A particularly beautiful spectacle is the profusion of marsh orchids in June, as can be seen in this photo.

There is a Commons Consutative Group which works with the council on the management strategy of the area.

In February 2007, the Countryside Council for Wales published a report on the SSSIs in Wales, including their distribution and condition. Only a third are in favourable condition. There is open access to 62% and nearly a quarter are within 1km of a town or city. CCW works with the managing organisations and individuals to improve SSSIs, offering advice, practical help and management agreements where necessary. They said: " We are working closely with the Welsh Assembly to get 95% of Wales' nationally important sites in good condition by 2015 - one of the aims of the Environment Strategy for Wales."

Author: Anon

Marsh Orchids on the Lower Common. Aren't they beautiful?"

Lower Common, Buckley

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