MACHRIHANISH DUNES GC: FIXED QUADRAT MONITORING TO JULY

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1 MACHRIHANISH DUNES GC: FIXED QUADRAT MONITORING TO JULY INTRODUCTION See Management Plan page 45 for summary purpose and table of quadrat types In 2010 four new fairway quadrats were set up: two to monitor affects of turf movement and two to monitor treatments to the most agricultural fairways. This brought the number of fairway quadrats to 11. The two quadrats set up to monitor fairway treatments were subsequently abandoned, making the total number of fairway quadrats METHODS All quadrats are 2m x 2m with SW corner permanently fixed and GPS reading of National Grid Reference (NGR) taken at that corner (accurate to within 3m, though some drift each time re-uploaded) The other three corners are relocated by lining up with distant markers noted in previous years. All corners are marked with bamboo stakes during recording Recording is now always in mid July, there was some later recording in 2007 and 2008 All plants are recorded in each quadrat and cover of each species is noted on the Domin scale: 1 = rare very few individuals 2 = several individuals 3 = <4% cover (many individuals), 4 = 4-10%, 5 = 11-25%, 6 = 26-33%, 7 = 34-50%, 8 = 51-75%, 9 = 76-90%, 10 = % Presence of bare ground/sand and animal droppings are also noted on Domin scale Litter (dead foliage) is recorded as actual percentage Average maximum height excludes occasional tall stems. Usually now done by taking 10 measurements and averaging. In semi-fixed dunes where marram is abundant there is two tier vegetation and the upper marram tier was initially measured. However in quadrats with equal or larger cover of red fescue, some measurements are now of fescue height Two photographs are taken of each quadrat, one view from the south edge, one vertical above SW stake corner. The first 7 fairway quadrats were set up before fairways were first mowed in 2007 or 2008 Five fairway quadrats were set up in 2007 and SW corner marked by a stake. Before 2008 monitoring, sometimes stakes were lifted when fairways were mown and may have been returned to wrong hole. Quadrat 7 most likely to have been wrongly positioned and possibly Q4 see notes in locating spreadsheet therefore 2008 data for those two may not be for exact same area as Shortly after the 2008 monitoring, the fairway stake corner positions were replaced with Astroturf circles, therefore 2008 and 2009 fairway data are for same area and fully comparable, except for Q8 see below The Astroturf was initially positioned slightly lower than turf to prevent it being lifted by mowers. However these positions often grow over or fill with sand and can be difficult to find with GPS, some taking 15 mins or more. In later quadrats or where turf was dropped (Quadrat 2) the astroturf marker was placed flush with the surface making it is easier to find. In 2011 help was required from the head mechanic to find four 1

2 fairway quadrats. One: Quadrat 6, was never found and had to be reset using GPS, photos and distant lineup markers, so may not be exactly in same position though is on the same type of turf. The head green keeper suggested that fairway markers be replaced with painted stones which would be regularly trimmed round. This was agreed and should reduce the amount of time wasted searching for Astroturf markers. By 2008 it was decided that Q1 was no longer fairway; it was retained as a rough quadrat control. Q23 was set up instead on a part of fairway (which had not had its first mowing) on the same NVC community. Initially Q8 was set up to replace Q1 but was found to be a different community (transitional to agricultural, rather than pure fixed dune). It was retained out of interest to GC. However in 2009 its astroturf marker was found to be in wrong position; therefore it had to be reset, which was not exact, so its 2008 and 2009 data is not fully comparable. All rough quadrats (except Q1, see above) were set up in 2008 and corners marked with a short green painted stake. They were located in out-of-play areas as far as possible (rather than in-play roughs). New green staff tidying the course ready for opening led to 50% of rough quadrat marker stakes being lifted in spring These quadrats had to be repositioned using GPS, corner positioning notes, photographs and 2008 quadrat data, but were rarely exact so may not be fully comparable All rough quadrat stakes remained in place in July 2010 so 2009 and 2010 rough data is fully comparable. In 2011 there were difficulties finding the stakes for the 6 semi-fixed dune quadrats owing to increased height/density of marram. Help was required from the head mechanic to find 4 stakes. Short stakes were replaced with taller ones to speed up finding time in subsequent years. The 4 dune slack quadrats where vegetation height has been increasing were also replaced with taller stakes to ease location. In the area of fixed dune which was experimentally mowed in autumn 2010 and spring 2011, two of the 3 stakes had been broken up and moved by the mower. These quadrats had to be relocated using GPS, photographs and distant markers. This was reasonably straightforward but the data may not be fully comparable with earlier years for quadrats 20 and 22. Taller green stakes were also put in this area to be more easily seen by the mowers. 3. RESULTS See fixed Quadrats excel file. It contains separate sheets for : 5 fairway quadrats set up in fairway quadrats, 2s et up in set up in fixed dune (NVC SD8be) rough quadrats, 1 set up in 2007, 3 set up in Fixed dune(nvc SD8e) roughs quadratsset up in 2008 first mown in 2010/11 6 semi-fixed dune rough quadrats set up in dune slack rough quadrats set up in 2008, 1 first mown in 2010/11 2 agricultural rough quadrats set up in 2008, first mown 2009/10 The year row is shown with a bold R where quadrat had to be relocated that year. The following may also be of use: 2 maps below showing quadrat positions one for fairways, one for roughs both with NGRs of SW corner stake also shown at end of report Quadrat notes and positioning excel file 2

3 3.1 Fairway Quadrats SUMMARY TABLE No. quadrats Average no. species/quadrats Bare ground (Domin) Droppings/dung (Domin) Litter % Average Maximum Height (mm) * *Two new quadrats uncut SPECIES There was an average loss of four species per quadrat between 2007 and Species lost in that first period include yellow rattle and common milkwort which were each present in two quadrats with scores of 2-3. Frog orchid survived till Subsequent losses include marram, crested dog s tail and smooth/spreading meadow-grasses which had been present in three to seven quadrats with initial scores of 1-5. Seven higher plant species have been lost overall. Selfheal and fairy flax disappeared from most fairway quadrats in 2010 but re-appeared in three fairway quadrats in Seven other higher plants have had an overall decline though some recovery in 2011, including eyebright, bird s foot trefoil and ribwort plantain. Four species have had a continuing decline: lady s bedstraw, ragwort, field woodrush and common dog violet. Eight higher plants have increased in cover including daisy, sand sedge, ryegrass and wild thyme and two new species have colonised. The mosses Climacium dendroides and Dicranum scoparium, the liverwort Frullania tamarisci and Cladonia lichen have been lost from quadrats though were only been in one or two quadrats and at low cover. Neat moss and lawn moss have declined in cover. There has been new colonisation by three moss species and spread of spear moss. OTHER There has been an increase in bare ground, but it still occupies a low proportion of most quadrats. Bare ground is highest in Q6, where there is much traffic, and in the three quadrats where turf was moved in There was a steady decline in animal faeces until 2010 initially sheep and cattle dung as well as rabbit droppings - but there was a slight increase of rabbit droppings again in There was a decrease in grass height over the period to below the previously agreed grass mowing height (20mm). In 2010 this was thought to be partly due to slow recovery from the drought. Agreed grass mowing heights were lowered after the 2010 monitoring: to 15mm on dunes and to 13mm on agricultural ground but average heights actually increased slightly in 2011, confirming that drought was a factor in

4 Litter increased steadily until 2010 but decreased again in 2011, suggesting part of the 2010 increase was due to the drought. At 30-32% litter levels remain high and must be largely a result of mowing pressure. TURF MOVEMENT Two of the quadrats where turf was moved or dropped early in 2010 (Q2 and Q29) had each lost 7 or 8 more species by The proportion of bare ground remains high almost 50% in Q2 and 25% in Q29, decreasing in the latter. Cover of litter had dropped by highest in Q29: 40%. Average maximum heights are very low in Q2 (10mm) though the area is rarely cut. In the third: Q30 the number of species increased by 3 and bare ground, litter and height are nearer the fairway average. Qs 2 and 29 are on high or exposed ground and became very dry, whereas Q30 was on lower ground with more moisture. Turf movement is clearly more successful on the lower ground. 3.2 Rough Quadrats There was initially an increase in the number of species in rough quadrats partly due to recovery from the heavy grazing prior to 2007 (from livestock and rabbits) perhaps also to the greater ease of plant identification in less grazed swards. Species numbers overall have stabilised since. Species declining or lost since include eyebright, self-heal, fairy flax and daisy. There was some recovery of eyebright (on fixed dunes) in 2011; low levels of daisy and self-heal continue. Ragwort was actively controlled in first few years and is now less necessary; the cinnabar moth caterpillar is often seen eating it in summer. SEMI-FIXED DUNES Summary of 6 semi-fixed dune quadrats (3 in SD7, 3 in SD7-8): Average no. species/quadrats Bare ground (Domin) Droppings/dung (Domin) Litter % Average Maximum Height (mm) The greater height of semi-fixed quadrats than other quadrats is due to the co-dominance of marram. In the first few years average maximum heights were taken of marram only but with 4

5 more open swards, some of the 10 height measurements per quadrat in 2011 were of red fescue, giving an overall decline in height. The marram cover has declined in the SD7; trends are less obvious in the SD7-8. The cover of fescue was highest in 2011 in the SD7, and peaked in 2010 in the SD7-8. A quadrat effect has also been noted, the marram opened up and perhaps trampled while searching for species. In the SD7 quadrats, by the 7 th fairway, golfers searching for balls also keep the sward open and fescue flatter. In terms of species diversity the overall peak was in 2009 with a slight decline since. This trend is more noticeable in the SD7-8; in the SD7 the peak was in Daisy, eyebright and self-heal disappeared from quadrats in There has been an overall decline in lady s bedstraw, ribwort plantain, fairy flax, bird s-foot trefoil and common cat s-ear (SD7-8 only) though a slight recovery in the first two in The cover of meadow grass, spear moss and lawn moss has increased slightly, the last three only present in SD7-8. Mosses remain largely absent from the SD7 quadrats. The bare ground in 2011 was due to mole activity in the SD7-8. The most significant change over the years has been a doubling of litter with the biggest jump between 2010 and There was a great showing of pyramidal orchids in the SD7-8 in 2011: 17 23/quadrat. FIXED DUNES SD8be results are now separate from the SD8e ones following the onset of mowing in the latter. SUMMARY OF THE FOUR SD8BE FIXED DUNE QUADRATS Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed Average no. species/quadrats Bare ground (Domin) Droppings/dung (Domin) Litter % Average Maximum Height (mm) In the SD8be the proportion of litter jumped in 2010 and remains high. There has been an overall increase in height, the lower height in 2010 due to early summer drought and/or increased winter grazing. A few rabbit droppings were again noted in 2011, rabbits are probably helping sheep keep heights down in these quadrat areas (which are quite close to fairways) compared to more remote roughs. Though species numbers have stabilised, following a jump in all quadrats between 2009 and 2010, only one quadrat stayed the same in 2011, in two quadrats numbers rose and in one they 5

6 fell. Discernible trends in species over the years are gradual increases in cover of red fescue and field woodrush and declines in fairy flax, daisy and self-heal. The return of field gentian in three of the four quadrats in 2011 was notable, though only in small numbers at survey time. This was probably due to earlier warmer temperatures in 2011; July is often too early to record them consistently. SD8e Species numbers have also stabilised overall in the SD8e, following a 2009 peak, though in 2011 numbers also rose in two quadrats and fell in one. Discernible species trends are gradual increases in the cover of red clover, germander speedwell, common bent and crested dog s tail, declines in self-heal, marram, field woodrush and neat moss and a loss of fairy flax. Eyebright and frog orchids were recorded again in 2011 having been absent in These and two species which increased in cover in 2011 after a gradual decrease till 2010: common mouse-ear and ragwort, may have benefitted from reduced completion from grasses following mowing. The main difference from the SD8be quadrats is that average maximum heights have halved again in the SD8e since 2010 (owing to mowing) to 98mm. Heights were highest in 2009 (average 347mm); drought and/or winter grazing reducing to them in 182mm in The proportion of litter also declined slightly in 2011 following the 2010 peak. AGRICULTURAL ROUGHS In both agricultural roughs there were significant decreases in height and litter between 2009 and 2010 but an increase in height in 2011 probably owing to better spring growing conditions. Litter levels remained lower than in unmown rough quadrats. There was a marked increase in species following the onset of mowing in 2010, but in 2011 the number of species rose in one quadrat and fell in the other giving an overall increase of 2 3 species since There have been overall increases in Yorkshire fog, a gradual increase in lady s bedstraw and a slight increase in yarrow, though cover of the last two is low relative to other species, and a gain in field woodrush. A 2011 feature was increased cover of white clover also noted elsewhere on site including fixed dunes. There has been a decline in ragwort and loss of common dog violet. DUNE SLACKS The quadrats in the dune slacks sample the taller SD17d community, where the small-fruited yellow sedge is found (Q10 & Q11), and the shorter SD17b where bog pimpernel was the most notable species (Q24 & Q25). The first two quadrats were originally mm high, the last two 70mm high. All slack quadrats had to be relocated in Heights have been gradually increasing: to mm in the SD17d and to mm in the SD17b. 250mm was the 2010 height for Q24 because trial mowing was undertaken there after the 2010 monitoring (first cut in autumn 2010 and second cut spring 2011) and the July 2011 height was less: 160mm. The proportion of litter in both dune slack types only increased gradually between 2008 and 2010: from 5-7% to 10-15% but there was a big jump in 2011 to 20-30%, except in the mown Q24 where it declined from 10 to 5%. 6

7 Species numbers are stable or declining in the SD17d and small-fruited yellow sedge is still present. Species diversity had been declining in the SD17b but in 2011 in the mown quadrat 24 it increased, though bog pimpernel lost in 2010 has not yet re-appeared. Other short-growing species not recorded since 2009 are self-heal (both communities) and daisy (from SD17b). The cover of low-growing marsh pennywort has also decreased slightly (both communities). Rushes also declined and water mint in the SD17d and red clover in the SD17b. The cover of certain species had also increased silverweed in all quadrats, creeping bent in SD17d and sea plantain, Yorkshire fog and red fescue in the SD17b. 4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Summary of main findings 11 species have been lost from fairway quadrats and 6 have had a continuing decline in cover. Nine other species had an overall decline in cover, though a slight recovery in There have been gains in cover of nine species and new colonisation by 5 species. Overall the average number of species per quadrat has declined from 28 in 2007 to 21 in 2011 in the first 5 quadrats. The proportion of litter has increased steadily from 9% in 2007 to 32% in 2011, though was highest in 2010 (37%) presumably owing to the drought. The increase is otherwise thought to be due to compaction. Turf moved on exposed or high ground in 2010 has not fully recovered, that on lower sloping ground has taken well. In semi-fixed dunes average maximum heights have been decreasing, from trampling effects. The proportion of litter has doubled since 2008, the biggest jump in the last year. There have been declines or losses of six species and increases of three species. The fixed dunes were tallest in 2009, there was a fall in 2010, most markedly in the SD8e, and a rise in the (un-mown) SD8be in Heights in the SD8e were halved following mowing in The proportion of litter had been gradually increasing and fell slightly in the mown areas. Rabbit grazing remains a factor in the SD8be quadrats, all of which are close to fairways and therefore perhaps also more grazed by sheep than more distant roughs. (Rabbits have been absent from the area of the SD8e quadrats since the golf course was built). In the fixed dunes there have been declines or losses of five mostly shorter growing species, and increases of six species including field woodrush. Field gentian was recorded again in the SD8be in 2011, probably owing to the earlier summer. Species which may have benefitted from mowing in the SD8e are eyebright and frog orchid which returned and common mouse-ear and ragwort which increased in cover. Overall results in the two agricultural rough quadrats, where mowing began in 2010, are decreases in height and litter and an increase in species. There were gains/increases in cover of four species, including field woodrush, and losses/declines of two. Overall trends in dune slacks (except Q 24) are increases in height, litter, silverweed and grasses and decreases in species numbers, marsh pennywort and rushes. Following mowing in Q24 in 2010/11 there were more species and decreases in litter and height. 7

8 4.2 Conclusions Fairways: The majority of species have remained in fairways over the 4 years since monitoring began, though many now occupy less area. The average species per quadrat decreased by 25% in the first five quadrats. Lowering the mowing height has not led to a reduction in average maximum vegetation height, in fact the 2011 average was higher than 2010 confirming that drought was a factor in It was also above the agreed heights. The most significant effect in fairways is the trebling of the proportion of litter and though it has reduced since 2010 it remains high over 30%. Turf moved in 2010 has not fully recovered in two of the three quadrats; the two on higher/exposed ground. Roughs: Apart from semi-fixed dunes and where mowing experiments have occurred, there has been a gradual increase in the heights of rough quadrats (checked in 2010 by the drought). The proportion of litter has at least doubled, except where mowing has occurred. This has led to a loss or decline of some shorter growing-species, though species numbers have increased or are the same as when quadrats were set up because of gains in other species. In the semi-fixed dunes, average maximum heights declined (from opening up of the marram and increased cover of fescue, so more measuring of fescue height as well as marram), and the proportion of litter doubled. There have been the same losses or declines of shorter species and some increases. Where mowing has occurred (two agricultural roughs, three fixed dune, and one dune slack quadrat) average maximum heights have declined and the proportion of litter and has decreased from the peak. There have been no further losses of species (since the 2009) peak as in other rough quadrats. It is too early to say whether there is sustained recovery in shorter growing species. 4.3 Recommendations Fairways Fairway quadrat markers to be replaced with green painted stones for easier maintenance and location Coring of compacted areas of fairways may help to reduce the proportion of litter, where frequency of mowing cannot be reduced Watering during droughts would help higher moved turf and perhaps further relaxation of mowing. 8

9 Roughs Mowing of the six rough quadrats should continue and perhaps be extended to other areas where roughs are becoming tall and dense. Penned grazing by sheep should be trialled, ideally including at least one area with quadrats, e.g. dune slacks. When mowing areas with quadrats, care should be taken when mowing round stakes. If sheep are to be penned in areas with quadrats the stakes may need to be hammered in further. Photographs have yet to be analysed. Carol Crawford August 16 th

10 FAIRWAY QUADRAT POSITIONS 10

11 ROUGH QUADRAT POSITIONS 11