Hatherton Flush


Hatherton Flush is a Site of Special Scientific Interest by the River Weaver in Hatherton, near Wybunbury, Cheshire, England. It is protected for its variety of wetland plants. Species found at the site include the locally rare plants marsh helleborine, marsh lousewort and tubular water dropwort. Hatherton Flush is the largest example of this kind of flush in the county. The site was assessed as being in an "unfavourable"/"recovering" condition in 2008.

Description

Hatherton Flush SSSI is located at, on the east bank of the River Weaver. It is on private land, immediately southeast of a public footpath from the A529 at Chapel Farm that crosses the Weaver via a footbridge. Mineral-bearing groundwater from local aquifers gradually drips down the steep riverbank, forming a flush, a type of wetland which is similar to a spring-fed fen, but with a slower water flow. The type of vegetation depends on the underlying geology, here glacial deposits.
The SSSI covers an area of. The flush is designated for the variety of wetland plants it supports, described by Natural England as an "excellent assemblage," and much of the site supports a wide range of plants. These include several species of orchid, which grow in abundance at the site, particularly common spotted orchid and southern marsh orchid, and also the locally rare species, marsh helleborine. Seven species of sedge are found in this area of the SSSI, as well as the locally rare species marsh lousewort and tubular water dropwort, and the locally scarce species bog pimpernel and marsh valerian. Other plants include marsh pennywort, marsh arrowgrass and great horsetail.
The southern part of the flush is less diverse, supporting predominantly a mix of rushes and fleabane.
The flush is situated within an area of acidic grassland, part of which has not been improved, and is limited to a few plant species. Typical grass species are crested dog's-tail and heathgrass, while broad-leaved flowering plants include bird's-foot trefoil, devil's-bit scabious and sheep's sorrel. The locally scarce spiny restharrow also grows on the site.

Photographs

Some of the species found at the SSSI ; flush species:
Grassland species:

Condition and management

The site was assessed by Natural England as being in "unfavourable" but "recovering" condition in July 2008, after removal of scrub and changes to the way in which the area is grazed. According to Natural England, management requires avoidance of drainage or water extraction, as well as protection of the groundwater aquifer from excessive animal faeces and animal feed, fertilisers, lime, pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals. Some grazing is considered beneficial.