Grasses of Buxton Heath - Gramineae
Buxton Heath supports many grass species, the most obvious of which is the Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
Sedges of Buxton Heath - Cyperaceae
Perhaps the most special of the sedges is the White Beak-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) which grows around the pools, north of the Valley Mire. This group also includes the Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) which tends to grow in seepage zones.
Rushes of Buxton Heath - Juncaceae
Among the rush species of Buxton Heath are the Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris) and Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)
Clubmosses of Buxton Heath - Lycopodiaceae
Buxton Heath's Valley Mire supports one species from the Clubmoss family: Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata). This species disappeared from Buxton Heath many years ago, but was reintroduced in the late 90s, thanks to specimens posted to Norfolk by renowned botanist Francis Rose !
Ferns of Buxton Heath - Filicopsida
Buxton Heath supports a few fern species, the most noticeable of which is Bracken, which can easily dominate the dry heath areas and therefore, needs to be regularly controlled.
However, the site also has a thriving colony of the nationally rare Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) which grows adjacent to, and inside, the Alder Wood at the eastern end of the Valley Mire.
However, the site also has a thriving colony of the nationally rare Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) which grows adjacent to, and inside, the Alder Wood at the eastern end of the Valley Mire.