Rubus accrescens 'the Bolton form'


This map has been generated using a programme created by John Lowell
for the South Lancashire 'snapshot flora' 1995-2005.

Distribution:
Locally very abundant on the slopes below Winter Hill with populations extending down the Irwell Valley to the wooded cloughs at Prestwich (SD8103, Herb DP Earl, 1998). Smaller populations occur in a wood by Milnrow Park (SD9311, DP Earl, 1993, BON); Orford Woods, Warrington (SJ5989, Herb DP Earl, 1999).

Habitat:
Woods of oak and birch often with Calluna and Vaccinium myrtillus, roadside banks, heaths and parks.

Taxon Designation:
Regional Endemic; South Lancashire Axiophyte.

Comments:
There are numerous sheets of this bramble at Bolton Museum. The earliest record traced is from Smithhills (SD71A, T Greenlees, 1937, BON). Although mapped separately in this publication this bramble is at present considered within the range of variation of R. accrescens by AN. The most noticeable deviation from type material is the consistent curvature of the prickles of the panicle. This ‘Bolton variant’ is also locally abundant in Delamere Forest, Cheshire.