{{Short description|Site of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire, England}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Use British English|date=January 2020}} {{Infobox SSSI |name=Cow Myers |image=Cow Myers, images of 11 January 2020 (29).JPG |image_caption=Kex Beck, with Carr Myers fen in the background |image_size=250 |aos=North Yorkshire |interest=Biological |gridref={{gbmappingsmall|SE270729}} |coordinates={{coord|54.1512|N|1.5881|W|region:GB_scale:25000|display=inline,title}} |map=[https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002386%27 Magic Map (Defra)] |area={{convert|15.2791|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} |notifydate=26 January 1984 |enref= }}
'''Cow Myers''' is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), near Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. The site was designated in 1984 for its fen and alder carr habitat, which supports a diversity of wetland plant life. Of particular interest are the bird's eye primrose (''Primula farinosa'') which is scarce in Yorkshire,<ref name="Wildflower finder P.Farinosa" /> and early marsh orchid. There is no public access to this site, no vehicular access, and no public facilities.
==Site history== thumb|right|Bedale Hunt, 1842 In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cow Myers was in foxhunting country, where the Bedale Hunt would run.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bedale |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19290205/358/0017 |accessdate=9 January 2020 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=British Newspaper Archive |date=5 February 1929 |page=17 col 6}}</ref>
===Witch of the Woods House=== thumb|right|Witch of the Woods House, near Cow Myers SSSI This 17th century listed building is not within the SSSI boundary, but may have been historically associated with its land, being the nearest surviving dwelling to the north entrance. George Wells moved into it in 1717, having inherited it from his father Henry Wells of Cowmyers farmhouse or hamlet. It is not known when or how the house acquired its name. The inside of the building is no longer divided into rooms, and the house and its grounds are not accessible to the public.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1149803 |desc=Witch of the Woods House approximately 500 metres north of Cowmyers|accessdate=13 July 2019}}</ref>
==Site location and designation== Cow Myers is a {{convert|15.2791|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).<ref name="NE details Cow Myers" >{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view, details: Cow Myers SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002386&SiteName=cow&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate|date=26 January 1984}}</ref> There is no public access to this site, no vehicle access, and no public facilities. Its level and marshy land surrounds Kex Beck, where it flows between Ellington Banks and the hamlet of Cow Myers, north west of Ripon, North Yorkshire.<ref name="Defra map Cow Myers" >{{cite web |title=Magic Map, Cow Myers |url=https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002386%27 |website=magic.defra.gov.uk |publisher=Defra |accessdate=8 January 2020}}</ref> It is part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),<ref name="Nidd AONB new woodland" >{{cite web |title=New Native Woodlands for Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Opportunities Plan |url=https://www.ruraldevelopment.org.uk/yorwoods/files/2012/11/Nidderdale-Woodland-Opportunities-Plan1.pdf |website=ruraldevelopment.org.uk |publisher=Leeds University |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=31 May 2007}}</ref> and it is also a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).<ref name="HDNS Cow Myers 2019" /> The site is fed by springs, and is surrounded by alder carr. The marshy centre contains fen with "species-rich flushes."<ref name="NE citation Cow Myers" >{{cite web |title=Site Name: Cow Myers |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1002386.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=1983}}</ref>
Cow Myers was notified as an SSSI on 26 January 1984, for its variety of natural wetland habitats, and the diversity of plant species supported there.<ref name="NE citation Cow Myers" />
==Significant site content== ''Note'': Unless otherwise indicated, the flora and fauna images in this article are for identification purposes only, and the photographs were not taken at this site.
===Flora=== The site contains various wetland habitats, with some flora preferring particular areas. The dominant tree, in the surrounding "broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland" and carr, is black alder. The common species across the site is ''Phragmites australis'' or common reed. Where the stream runs close to the carr, there is giant fescue, globe flower and marsh hawksbeard.<ref name="NE citation Cow Myers" />
<gallery class="center"> Taxus baccata Lviv.JPG|Yew Alnus glutinosa. Umeru.jpg|Black alder Phragmites australis (inflorescences).jpg|Common reed Atlas roslin pl Kostrzewa olbrzymia 3679 8317.jpg|Giant fescue Trollius europaeus Spechtensee 01.JPG|Globe flower Crepis paludosa ENBLA01.jpeg|Marsh hawksbeard </gallery>
There is a clearing inside the encircling carr, and the fen here is populated by blunt-flowered rush. In the flushes within the fen there is a lot of marsh arrow grass and ''Carex lepidocarpa'' or long-stalked yellow sedge. Among these grow bird's eye primrose, early marsh orchid and butterwort.<ref name="NE citation Cow Myers" /> The bird's eye primrose is scarce in England, growing mostly in the north-west of the country. It is rarer in Yorkshire.<ref name="Wildflower finder P.Farinosa" >{{cite web |title=Bird's eye primose, Primula farinosa |url=https://wildflowerfinder.org.uk/Flowers/P/Primrose(Birdseye)/Primrose(Birdseye).htm |website=wildflowerfinder.org.uk |publisher=Wildflowers |accessdate=10 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Distribution map of Primula farinosa in the United Kingdom |url=https://bsbi.org/maps?taxonid=2cd4p9h.94n |website=bsbi.org |publisher=Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland |accessdate=10 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Primula farinosa |url=https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/plant/primula-farinosa |website=brc.ac.uk |publisher=Online Atlas of the British and Irish Flora (Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland) |accessdate=10 January 2020}}</ref>
<gallery class="center"> Juncus subnodulosus.jpeg|Blunt-flowered rush Triglochin palustris 02.jpg|Marsh arrow grass Carex lepidocarpa.jpeg|long-stalked yellow sedge Primula farinosa flowers 100704.jpg|bird's eye primrose Mannetjesorchis KW 1.JPG|Early marsh orchid Pinguicula vulgaris, Japan 1.JPG|Butterwort </gallery>
The more waterlogged patches contain greater reedmace alongside purple moorgrass. The site contains one patch of cross-leaved heath which can be seen among bog moss hummocks.<ref name="NE citation Cow Myers" />
<gallery class="center"> Typha latifolia Finland.jpg|Greater reedmace Molinia caerulea habitus.jpeg|Purple moorgrass Glockenheide Erica Tetralix (1).JPG|Cross-leaved heath Sphagnum.flexuosum.jpg|Bog moss </gallery>
Over 100 plant species, including the abovementioned, were seen by the Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society in May 2019, including bog pimpernel, enchanter's nightshade, twayblade, ragged robin, yellow pimpernel, ''Pedicularis palustris'' or marsh lousewort, ''Valeriana dioica'' or marsh valerian, and early dog violet.<ref name="HDNS Cow Myers 2019" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Cow Myers plant list |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Cow-Myers-plant-list.pdf |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society |accessdate=10 January 2020 |date=23 May 2019}}</ref> On that day the Society also reported 35 bryophyte species.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaunt |first1=Nick |title=HDNS Cow Myers |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/HDNS-Cow-Myers-bryophytes.pdf |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society |accessdate=10 January 2020 |date=23 May 2019}}</ref>
<gallery class="center"> Anagallis tenella Gors Goch.jpg|bog pimpernel 20140711Circaea lutetiana2.jpg|enchanter's nightshade Listera ovata ENBLA01.JPG|twayblade PedicularisPalustris.jpg|''Pedicularis palustris'' or marsh lousewort Rhytidiadelphus.squarrosus.jpg|Bryophyte ''Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus'' Orthotrichum stramineum (a, 144925-474542) 0632.JPG|Bryophyte ''Orthotrichum stramineum'' </gallery>
===Fauna=== The Roe deer, red fox and brown hare are present at Cow Myers.<ref name="HDNS Cow Myers 2019" >{{cite web |last1=Starbuck |first1=Sonia |title=Cow Myers, Tuesday 23rd May 2019 |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/cow-myers-tuesday-23rd-may-2019/ |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and Disbrict Naturalists' Society |accessdate=10 January 2020 |date=23 May 2019}}</ref>
<gallery class="center"> Capreolus capreolus p.jpg|Roe deer Rød ræv (Vulpes vulpes) scratching.jpg|Red fox European hare.jpg|Brown hare </gallery>
==Maintenance== thumb|right|A deer path through silver birches at Carr Myers In the flush and spring fen, the underground aquifers which waterlog this site contain particular minerals, and it is the combination of the minerals and water levels which affects the diversity of plant life here. Thus the aquifers must be protected from agricultural and commercial water abstraction, and from industrial contamination such as pollution and fertiliser. Light grazing by cattle is recommended to keep the springs clear, and light, seasonal trampling of the fen by cattle is considered an advantage. However enrichment of soil by cowpats and animal feed is discouraged, because the protected fen plants require poor soil.<ref name="NE management Cow Myers" >{{cite web |title=Management, Cow Myers |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/VAM/1002386.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=3 December 2004}}</ref>
Regarding the lowland wet woodland, or carr, the recommendation is for minimum disturbance. This allows trees to mature, fall, and create clearings, while maintaining the delicate balance of fragile soils. Clearings permit a variation of wind, sun and shadow, promoting growth of a variety of understorey plants. It might sometimes be necessary to clear vegetation, or even coppice some trees, to maintain areas of light in the carr. Natural England suggests that public access near deep pools and potentially falling trees should be restricted.<ref name="NE management Cow Myers" />
Cow Myers is located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and sometimes the organisation's volunteers are brought in to assist with maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nidderdale Nature Conservation Volunteer (NCV) Day - Cow Myers |url=https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ripon/cow-myers-lindrick-livery/nidderdale-nature-conservation-volunteer-ncv-day-cow-myers/e-mxpldk |website=ticketsource.co.uk |publisher=Nidderdale AONB |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=12 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Ros |title=Cow Myers, Galphay: 31-10-2017 |url=https://nidderdaleaonb.blogspot.com/2017/10/cow-myers-galphay-31-10-2017.html |website=nidderdaleaonb.blogspot.com |publisher=Nidderdale AONB Conservation Volunteers |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=31 October 2017}}</ref>
==Development and risk assessment== thumb|right|Kex Beck, which runs through Carr Myers The site was last officially assessed in September and October, 2012. It was judged that Area One, {{convert|2.9549|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} of "broadleaved mixed and yew woodland (lowland)," was in favourable condition. Area Two, {{convert|7.1664|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} of "lowland fen, marsh and swamp," was in unfavourable and recovering condition. Some parts of Area Two were in favourable condition with diverse flora including bird's eye primrose, however the fen areas needed more horse and cattle grazing to prevent scrub from encroaching. Area Three, {{convert|5.1578|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} of "lowland broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland," was judged favourable, although encroachment of Himalayan balsam was noted.<ref name="NE condition Cow Myers" >{{cite web |title=Condition, Cow Myers |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportUnitCondition.aspx?SiteCode=S1002386&ReportTitle=Cow%20Myers%20SSSI |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=17 September 2012}}</ref>
In 2004, Cow Myers was considered for the Ripon Flood Defence Scheme, by the Agriculture and Wetlands Technical Group, as a flood management area. This would potentially have had an effect on water levels and retention of biodiversity.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=Presentations |website=therrc.co.uk|url=https://www.therrc.co.uk/sites/default/files/files/Conference/2004/presentations/david_collins.pdf |publisher=The RRC|date=2004 |accessdate=9 January 2020}}</ref> In 2014 it was noted by the Environment Agency that chemicals from slug pellets, possibly originating in agriculture further upstream, were contaminating the water at Cow Myers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tunningley |first1=Claire |title=Middle & Lower Ure Sub-Catchment Evidence Pack for the Water Framework Directive |url=http://www.yorkshiredalesriverstrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Middle-and-Lower-Ure-Sub-Catchment-Evidence-Pack.pdf |website=yorkshiredalesriverstrust.com |publisher=Environment Agency |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=6 March 2014}}</ref> In an undated document from North Yorkshire County Council's Minerals and Waste Plan, the effect on neighbouring SSSIs including Cow Myers was considered.<ref>{{cite web |title=Appendix S4: Assessment of Sites in Harrogate District Joint Minerals and Waste Plan. Preferred Options Consultation Sustainability Appraisal Update Report Volume 2: Assessment of Sites |url=https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/fileroot/About%20the%20council/Partnerships/Appendix_S4_-_Assessment_of_sites_in_Harrogate.pdf |website=northyorks.gov.uk |publisher=North Yorkshire County Council |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=}}</ref>
==See also== Other SSSIs near Harrogate are as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=Appendix III: wildlife sites in Harrogate district |url=https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/172/appendix_3_wildlife_sites.pdf |website=Harrogate.gov.uk (cached) |publisher=Harrogate Council |access-date=24 December 2019 |location=Harrogate |date=July 2009}}</ref> Bishop Monkton Ings,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Bishop Monkton Ings SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1001101&SiteName=ings&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |date=1 October 1986}}</ref> Brimham Rocks,<ref name="Details, BR SSSI" >{{cite web |title=Designated sites view, Brimham Rocks SSSI, details |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002279&SiteName=rock&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=27 January 2020 |date=19 February 1988}}</ref> Farnham Mires,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Farnham Mires SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1004135&SiteName=farnham%20mires&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |date=13 January 1984}}</ref> Hack Fall Wood,<ref>{{cite web |title=Designated sites view: Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002423&SiteName=Hack&countyCode=&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |date=16 October 1989}}</ref> Hay-a-Park,<ref>{{cite web |title=Designated sites view: Hay-a-Park site detail |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S2000044&SiteName=Hay-a&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate |date=15 June 1995}}</ref> Kirk Deighton<ref name="NE Kirk Deighton details" >{{cite web |last1=Dickinson |first1=Michelle |title=Kirk Deighton SSSI, details |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S2000441&SiteName=kirk&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=16 February 2020 |date=16 August 2000}}</ref> Mar Field Fen,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002439&SiteName=mar%20field%20fen&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |quote=Located at Harrogate SE 222 819 |date=2 October 1988}}</ref> Quarry Moor,<ref name="NE details Quarry Moor" >{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanee |title=Designated sites view: Quarry Moor SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003865&SiteName=moor&countyCode=30&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |quote=Located at Harrogate SE 309 693 |date=1 May 1986}}</ref> and Ripon Parks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Natural England designated sites view: Ripon Parks SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003629&SiteName=ripon&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=Designatedsites.naturalengland.co.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=20 December 2019 |date=1983}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{cite web |title=Subsubfonds YWT/5/57 - Cow Myers/Ellington Banks |url=https://borthcat.york.ac.uk/index.php/ywt-5-57 |website=borthcat.york.ac.uk |publisher=Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York |accessdate=9 January 2020 |date=1971}} (This reference represents one 1971 file in University of York archive)
Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1984