Lycopodium clavatum L. - Stag's-horn Clubmoss


          This map has been generated by Mapmate 30/12/2011

This species was known to occur at a sand hole behind Agecroft Hall (SD8001, Grindon 1859). Although this species was later thought to be extinct in South Lancashire Savidge et al (1963) a population was later found in the Salford Borough from near Swinton (SD7940230) by Mr. H Boylan in 1985. During the 1991-1992 Salford Flora survey programme a small population was found in an old disused quarry at Clifton (SD7902) which may well have been Mr. Boylan’s site. The plants occurred on partially vegetated stony, sloping ground amongst Calluna vulgaris (Heather) closeby to an area of boggy ground dominated by Eriophorum angustifolium (Cotton Grass) and Sphagnum. A return visit to the disused quarry at Clifton was made by DP Earl and SP Toone in 2003 but no plants where found.

It can be seen from the associated distribution map that plants also occurred outside of the Salford Borough at Mere Clough, Prestwich (SD7903, Anon.), (SD8003 SP Garland 1989) & (SD8004, AR Franks, 1989). An additional population was known to various recorders further to the north at Darcy Lever Sandpits (SD7407).

There have been no post 2000 records from the Salford Borough or the neighbouring areas suggesting that this species which has been a colonist of sandy and stony acidic ground habitat particularly at former industrial sites is in decline and may have been lost to successional processes. Return visits to the Clifton quarry site and the neighbouring sites outside of the Borough are required.

As Stag's-horn Clubmoss is rare and declining in Greater Manchester this plant should be classed as a Greater Manchester BAP species.