Thursday 7 January 2010

Discovery of 3 new Sorbus spp; Sorbus cheddarensis, Sorbus eminentoides & Sorbus rupicoloides aid Biodiversity argument.


Conservation & managing for increasing biodiversity,managing natural resources responsibly and increasing sustainability are key issues; habitats are under pressure and rainforests are being destroyed, so discovery of 3 new Whitebeam (Sorbus cheddarensis, Sorbus eminentoides and Sorbus rupicoloides) in the UK Whitebeam hot spot of Cheddar Gorge, (where 8 species of Whitebeam now grow), is heartening news indeed. We should really be encouraged by this; biodiversity and enhancing and safeguarding our natural resources is vital, if they are to be there for future generations to enjoy.

The 3 exciting new species show that evolutionary processes are operating effectively in these habitats; with the result, confirmed by DNA testing, of these 3 new species, Cheddar Whitebeam, Sorbus cheddarensis, Twin cliffs whitebeam, Sorbus eminentoides and Gough's Rock whitebeam, Sorbus rupicoloides, reinforcing the importance of continuing to preserve our biodiversity.

Mark Courtiour, NT Countryside Manager; "We always wondered what whitebeam rarities might be lurking in the gorge as it's such a stunning place for wildlife. This important survey work will help with our management of the site now we know what we have and where they can be found."

So, what more might we be able to do to continue to help biodiversity and evolving species like the UK Whitebeam (Sorbus species), so that they are safeguarded for future generations to see and enjoy?

One way of helping is by managing your land for enhanced biodiversity and protecting any endangered sites or species near you. Conserving mature habitats, such as native hedges, woodland and species diverse natural wild grassland will help to ensure that species are allowed to evolve and develop in their natural environment. If you would like to know more take a look at some of our work on www.landvision.co.uk

The new discovery illustrates that sensitive habitat management and botanical survey work pays off. This was the first time this site had been surveyed for Whitebeams. The Gorge is steep, making survey work hazardous, in parts the ledges of the gorge are 120 metres high, (same as a 40-storey high rise block of flats/appartment) and so parts are almost inaccessible. This gorge is the largest in the UK.

So, what do the new species discovered look like?

Whitebeams belong to the Sorbus family. There are now over 30 known species in the UK. From old English ‘beam' meaning tree, the underside of its leaves are covered in fine white hairs, hence named Whitebeam. They also have red fruits that resemble tiny apples.

8 whitebeam species occur in this part of England, including the 3 new species which are;
Cheddar whitebeam (Sorbus cheddarensis) – oval shaped leaves; tree can grow to seven metres high,at least 19 trees found.
Twin cliffs whitebeam (Sorbus eminentoides) - has roundish leaves, grows up to 9 metres, greyish brown bark. 15 trees recorded.
Gough's rock whitebeam (Sorbus rupicoloides) - long narrow leaves, tree grows up to seven metres. 13 trees found in Cheddar gorge.

Hugh Cornwell, Director of Cheddar Caves and Gorge; "This discovery demonstrates the rich biodiversity in the Gorge." Other UK locations which whitebeam favour are; the Avon Gorge, Bristol, Wye Valley, Craig-y-Cilau in Brecon Beacons and the northern parts of the Devon-Somerset coast. 2 other National Trust sites,Watersmeet in N Devon and Leigh Woods in Bristol also contain species unique to their sites.

At a time when the earth's natural resources are under increasing pressure,conserving biodiversity has not always had the air space it deserves. This discovery Dr Tim Rich, Head of Vascular Plants, Welsh National Herbarium says;
" (shows) that we're still learning about the natural world and finding new species of plants in the UK. Cheddar is a very special place."
It is clear that we should be encouraging processes of evolution, through sensitive management of biodiversity as this brings rewards in the form of evolving species like Whitebeam (Sorbus spp.)for future generations to enjoy.