An update on the distribution of the Oxlip Primula elatior (L.) Hill in Essex
Hills Wood*, Sewards End: 569393; 5 hectares; 2002 / 2003: Oxlip present, number not
assessed. P.G
Ditch, Parsonage Farm, Wimbish: 577354; hectares n/a; 2003; 12 plants. D.J./R.T.
Ditch at Adcocks Lane, Wimbish: 580363; hectares n/a; 2003: three plants. D.J./R.T.
Roadside ditch, Wimbish: 583348; hectares n/a; 2003: one plant. DJ./R.T.
TL 54
Grimsditch Wood*, Little Walden; 547406; 4 hectares; 1883 - Good site for Oxlip / Primrose
hybrids; Ch. 2003; present 11-100 plants; Primroses and hybrids not found. T.M.
Madge Hobbs Wood*, Little Walden; 561419; 10 hectares; 1883 - Oxlip / Cowslip hybrids
present; Ch; 2003: present 11-100 plants; no hybrids could be found. T.M.
Brights Wood*, Ashdon; 566407; 3.5 hectares (3.5 planted); 2003: present: 11-100 plants;
Oxlip survives in gaps in conifer cover — very heavy deer predation on plants. T.M.
TL 63
Scales Grove*, Spains End; 661367; 3 hectares; '90 Phase one survey: present in small
quantity; 2003: present: 1,001-10,000 plants; very strong population where part of the wood has
been cleared and replanted with broadleaved. P.G
Spains Wood*, Hempstead; 670376; - hectares; 2003; present: 1,000-10,000 plants. P.G.
TL 64
Greatly Wood, Sturmer; 681435; 3 hectares; 2003: present, number not assessed. R.T
TL 71
Ditch at Littley Green; 703173; hectares n/a; 2003: not found - plants were False Oxlips
growing amongst Cowslips. R.T.
Tables summarising the revised numbers of sites and Oxlips after the 2003 survey
Table 1 Revised summary of number of sites by type across the county.
Habitat type Number from 2002 survey Number after 2003 survey
Woodland 76 80
Ditch 10 13
Meadow 2 2
Total 88 95
Table 2 Distribution of the estimated population sizes
on the sites containing Oxlips
Population Estimate Number of sites
1-10 plants 17
11-100 plants 31
101 - 1,000 plants 25
1,001 - 10,000 plants 18
> 10,000 plants 1
No estimate 3
Total 95
Number after 2003 survey
17.9
32.6
26.3
19.0
1.0
3.2
100.0
232
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20 (2003)