WIREDGOV

A colony of a tiny rare fern – which grows in only four sites in the south east of England - has disappeared from the National Trust Nymans estate in West Sussex.

The National Trust is working closely with Natural England and Sussex Police to investigate the disappearance of the Tunbridge filmy fern (Hymenophyllum tunbrigense). The colony - believed to be hundreds of years old – was virtually destroyed when it was removed last week.

The rare presence of the fern is one of the main reasons Nymans is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - placing it amongst the country's finest wildlife sites. The National Trust and Natural England recently completed a 5-year project at the estate, to improve and protect the fern’s habitat. Steps have also been taken to protect the rock surfaces where the fern grows.

Carole Mortimer, Natural England Regulation Adviser said: "The Tunbridge filmy fern population at Nymans was one of the largest in Sussex, it is one of Britain’s rarest plants and the tiniest of ferns. The whole species is in retreat and has only been preserved at Nymans by the National Trust’s careful management. Each frond of the fern is only one cell thick and will die if it ever thoroughly dries out. We can only hope that it may yet be possible to salvage what remains of this extremely rare species, which is likely to perish quickly in the wider countryside.

“Protecting and managing SSSIs is the responsibility of us all – and damaging them is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act - punishable by a fine of up to £20,000. It is vital that we preserve what remains of our natural heritage for future generations, as pressure from development, pollution and climate change encroach. I would urge anyone who knows anything about the whereabouts of the fern to please contact police as soon as possible.”

Chloe Bradbrooke, National Trust Ranger at Nymans said: "The loss of this fern has been a hammer blow to all our staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to ensure that this wonderful woodland SSSI has been restored to favourable condition. The disappearance of this delicate but hugely important plant has upset us all. The fact that the colony may be hundreds of years old and the need for such specialised habitat on damp and shady rock faces makes us wonder if it can ever recover. The Trust has worked hard in recent years to explain why we have to restrict climbing on the rocks, while ensuring that people have been able to view these fascinating plants. We are all hoping that, if the plants have been stolen by a collector, someone will see sense and return them to their natural home before it is too late."

Mainly found on the western coast of Britain, Tunbridge filmy fern is a delicate and sensitive species, which has a stronghold in Sussex and so is named after Tunbridge Wells.

Anyone with any information about the missing fern is asked to contact police on 101, extension 31412 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Notes to Editors:

About Natural England

Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.

• We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.

• We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and advising widely on their conservation.

• We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.

• We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
  We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.

About the National Trust

The National Trust is a charity with a statutory duty to preserve places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland ‘of historic interest and natural beauty for the benefit of the nation’. As Europe’s largest conservation charity it protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometres (710 miles) of coastline, 254,000 hectares (660,000 acres) of land of outstanding natural beauty, six World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs - and give access to them for people to enjoy. The Trust has 4 million members and 61,000 volunteers. Find out more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

For further information contact:

National Trust
Michelle Cleverley on 07917 070491 / michelle.cleverley@nationaltrust.org.uk

Natural England
Melissa Gill on 0300 060 2983 / melissa.gill@naturalengland.org.uk or out of hours 07970 098005. For more information about Natural England, please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk