Some species began as rare plants.
The climatic conditions in England meant that those plants best
adapted to arctic conditions were not widesparead and so would
always remain rare. However, some plants which have been widespread
are also becoming rare. This is happening for a variety of reasons.
Going
Going
Gone
Extinction
22 plants have become extinct in the United Kingdom since 1800.
Habitat loss
Habitats are constanly under pressure. Research
has shown that overall, wildlife habitat disappears at the rate
of a county the size of Shropshire every ten years.
Losses for specific habitat types include:
- Grassland 60%
- Heathland 75%
- Meadows 97.5%
- Woodland 50%
Threats
Collecting or picking
Royal Fern and Lady's Slipper
Orchid were greatly reduced in the wild.
Changes in conditions
Climate change has meant the
arrival of the Little Egret bird.
Changes in management
Some plants respond to trampling.
If that ceases the plant declines.
Development
The construction of the M27 between
Chichester and Portsmouth on the south coast was poised to run
across the rare Bath Asparagus.
Introductions
Plants brought into the UK for use
in gardens often escape and can cause havoc for nature species
if they expand quickly.
Mismanagement
The flowers of the rhododendron,
which is not a native species, have expanded and screened out
native species such as this Lundy Cabbage, found only on Lundy
Island.
Neglect
People often lack the specific knowledge
about what a species needs and some species can be removed by
accident.
Pollution
Lichens are very fussy. They need
clean air and when it is not available they disappear. This
happened in response to acid rain and agricultural fertilisers.
