Factsheet for Roslin Glen IPA

Country Logo

Site Code

Country: United Kingdom

Central coordinates: 55.85478264o [55o 51' 17" North], -3.15666339o [3o 9' 23" West]

Administrative region: Scotland Forth & Borders (Midlothian)

Area: 44 ha

Altitude: 91 - 151

Site Description
The IPA could be regarded as an urban fringe site, lying near to Edinburgh, and within its commuter-belt. It encompasses a range of habitat types, of which the greater component is deciduous broadleaved woodland. The steep-sided gorge supports a natural flora, while the more open and level areas support mature estate woodland with exotic tree species.
Dutch Elm Disease in the 1980s resulted in the death of most of the elms Ulmus sp. in the site, with Beech Fagus sylvatica and Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus now gaining a strong hold.
The woodland has a good age structure and has a species-rich understorey characteristic of ancient woodland.
A diverse topography gives rise to a variety of physical conditions, resulting in a large range of higher plants (more than 200 species recorded) and also a rich lichen flora. Bryophytes do not receive any mention in the SSSI citation or management statement despite the existence of humid conditions within the sandstone gorge.

Botanical Significance
A diverse vascular flora indicative of ancient woodland, with a rich lichen flora. The presence of the critically endangered Slender Thread-moss Orthodontium gracile receives no mention in the SSSI citation or management statement, but there is a Species Action Plan for it in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, and also in the Midlothian Biodiversity Action Plan. The location of this bryophyte lies outwith the SWT Wildlife Reserve part of the IPA.

Management guidance notes
Noted for bryophyte interest. Roslin Glen is a mixed deciduous valley wood consisting predominantly of Ash Fraxinus excelsior, oak Quercus spp and elm Ulmus spp, with a ground flora characteristic of ancient woodland with continuous tree cover. It is the most diverse and largest remaining example of this habitat type in Midlothian. Over two hundred species of flowering plants and a rich lichen flora have been recorded from the wood.

Notes
None