Mar Field Fen

In the 19th century, the site was in hunting country, where the Bedale Hunt would run. The entrants for the annual Bedale Hunt steeplechase would gather in a field called Marfield, a drier place adjacent to the present SSSI site, before moving on to a field called Whitefield for the start of the race.{{cite news |title=Bedale Hunt point-to-point steeplechase |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/18920407/134/0008 |accessdate=15 January 2020 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=British Newspaper Archive |date=7 April 1892 |page=8 col 6}}

Mar Field Fen is a {{convert|8.8809|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view, details: 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 |location=Harrogate SE 222 819 |date=2 October 1988}} consisting of woodland carr, fen and calcareous meadow whose flush and spring fed soils support certain specialised vegetation.{{cite web |title=Citation, Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1002439.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=28 October 1988}} The site lies north of Masham, North Yorkshire, on the west bank of the River Ure. There are public footpaths to the east and west of the site, but no public access, vehicle access or facilities.{{cite web |title=Magic Map, Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002439%27 |website=magic.defra.gov.uk |publisher=Defra |accessdate=8 January 2020}} The site was notified on 2 October 1988, being of interest for being "one of the best examples of fen habitat in the Vale of York."

Mar Field Fen SSSI is not to be confused with Marfield Wetlands nature reserve which contains lakes, and lies to the west of the SSSI. Unlike the SSSI, Marfield Wetlands has a car park, bird hides and public facilities.{{cite web |title=How to get to Marfield Wetlands Nature Reserve in Yorkshire by Bus or Train? |url=https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-Marfield_Wetlands_Nature_Reserve-Yorkshire-site_28069473-2109 |website=moovitapp.com |publisher=Moovit |accessdate=14 January 2020 |date=2020}}

On the fen meadow are many species of herbaceous plants, including spotted orchid, common bistort, greater bird's foot trefoil, common valerian, marsh hawksbeard, wild angelica, ragged robin and meadowsweet. These grow beside or among the "locally uncommon" blunt-flowered rush and greater tussock-sedge. Other fen plants here include common reed (Phragmites australis), jointed rush, hairy sedge and lesser pond sedge. Within the site there is also a drier calcareous grassland with its own flora.

Juncus subnodulosus - trubbtåg-4374 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford.jpg|Blunt-flowered rush

Carex paniculata inflorescens (06).jpg|Greater tussock-sedge

Dactylorhiza maculata (14361037131).jpg|Spotted orchid

Polygonum bistorta ENBLA02.JPG|Common bistort

20160517Valeriana officinalis3.jpg|Common valerian

Crepis paludosa ENBLA01.jpeg|Marsh hawksbeard

At the north end of the site there is "flushed ground," or land with much seepage from the aquifer; some of its plants are "particularly scarce and localised." For example, there is the brown moss Drepanocladus revolvens and tussocks of purple moor-grass. There are also tussocks of bog rush, and on these tussocks are common butterwort and flea sedge. The fen spring-lines have their own special plants: broad-leaved cottongrass (Eriophorum latifolium) which is classed as "uncommon", bogbean, early marsh orchid, marsh valerian (Valeriana dioica), glaucous sedge, carnation sedge and long-stalked yellow sedge (Carex lepidocarpa).

Drepanocladus revolvens.jpeg|Brown moss Drepanocladus revolvens

Molinia caerulea 1zz.jpg|Purple moor-grass

Schoenus nigricans kz2.jpg|Bog rush

Pinguicula vulgaris (29068100938).jpg|Common butterwort

Eriophorum latifolium1.jpg|Broad-leaved cottongrass (Eriophorum latifolium)

Dactylorhiza incarnata in Jardin Botanique de l'Aubrac 01.jpg|Early marsh orchid

Where the fen meadow and woodland carr meet, there is giant bellflower, marsh horsetail, hemp agrimony, yellow iris or flag, marsh marigold and meadowsweet. In drier places under the trees are: wood anemone, enchanter's nightshade and dog's mercury. Above them in the woodland understorey are guelder rose and grey willow or common sallow. The woodland carr itself has been partially planted with pine and poplar, but the remaining natural or original canopy is ash and alder.

ValleyOfFlowers purpleflower.JPG|Giant bellflower

20150422Equisetum palustre1.jpg|Marsh horsetail

Atlas roslin pl Sadziec konopiasty 4086 6970.jpg|Hemp agrimony

20150531Iris pseudacorus.jpg|Yellow iris or flag

20150627Circaea lutetiana2.jpg|Enchanter's nightshade

20140311Salix cinerea2.jpg|Grey willow or common sallow catkins

In the woodland carr, minimum interference with natural growth and die-back is recommended, because fallen trees and regrowth will encourage the natural development of diverse habitats, such as glades, areas of young trees, and a mixture of light and shade, and shelter or exposure to wind. It may sometimes be necessary to cut back scrub if the woodland encroaches onto meadow, or to coppice trees to open up the area to light or to prevent trees from falling. Public access should be restricted to protect breeding wildlife or for the sake of public safety.{{cite web |title=Management, Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/VAM/1002439.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=22 December 2004}}

The flush and spring fen area should be protected from potential risk of commercial water abstraction which would deplete the aquifer, and from agricultural fertiliser or landfill pollution. All of these would disrupt the chemical balance in the aquifer and consequently in the soil, and that in turn would encourage rank grasses, and cause depletion of specialised fen plants. The quality of fen biodiversity should be monitored for signs of change. Light autumn grazing and trampling by cattle is beneficial, so long as the land is not enriched by cattle dung or feed. Moderate trampling may break down leaf litter and create scattered areas of bare soil which would encourage bryophytes and some invertebrates. Drains should not interfere with flushes and springs, nor should they cause any drying-out of land. At this particular site there is necessary incoming water from an adjacent quarry, and that should not be withheld, diverted or obstructed.

The calcareous meadow area requires more maintenance than the wood and fen. To prevent build-up of rank grasses, dead vegetation and scrub, light annual grazing and trampling by cattle is recommended. The aim is to "keep a relatively open sward without causing excessive poaching" and a varied habitat, including perhaps a controlled amount of scrub. Pesticides, herbicides and fertiliser are strongly discouraged. Rabbit damage is a problem on this site, and should be controlled where possible.

The site was assessed by Natural England in May and August 2012. The {{convert|3.1179|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} "broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland (lowland)" area was judged to be in favourable condition, having "good ground flora and regeneration." The {{convert|5.763|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=3}} lowland fen, marsh and swamp area was judged "unfavourable and recovering," although no details were given.{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Condition, Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportUnitCondition.aspx?SiteCode=S1002439&ReportTitle=Mar%20Field%20Fen%20SSSI |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |accessdate=8 January 2020 |date=8 May 2012}}

Regarding future mining of limestone between 2025 and 2030, Gebdykes Quarry applied for a {{convert|25.8|hectare|acre|adj=on}} extension of the quarry across agricultural land. The potential effect on Mar Field Fen SSSI was considered in relation to that.{{cite web |title=SA report appendix 3c Harrogate and Hambleton districts (split) Joint minerals and waste plan. Sustainability Appraisal Report Appendix 3: Assessment of Sites |url=https://democracy.york.gov.uk/documents/s108722/Annex%20F%20-%20SA%20Report%20Appendix%203c%20Harrogate%20and%20Hambleton%20Districts.pdf |website=democracy.york.gov.uk |publisher=York City Council |accessdate=16 January 2020 |ref=Annex F: SA/SEA incorporating SFRA and HRA }}{{cite web |title=Public access, property history |url=https://planning.hambleton.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=HCZ39WHU70000 |website=planning.hambleton.gov.uk |publisher=Hambleton District Council |accessdate=16 January 2020 |ref=010001282959 |date=2020}} North Yorkshire County Council confirmed that Mar Field Fen SSSI would be considered in any future local request for planning permission that might affect the site.{{cite web |title=Minerals and Waste Joint Plan.Minerals and Waste Joint Plan. Preferred Options Consultation Authorities Response to Responses |url=https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/archived-agendas/archived-planning-agendas/2016/october-2016/Minerals-and-Waste-Joint-Plan-Appendix-1.pdf |website=northyorkmoors.org.uk |publisher=City of York Council, North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire County Council |accessdate=16 January 2020 |date=August 2015}} North Yorkshire County Council's Minerals and Waste Joint Plan 2016–2030 took Mar Field Fen SSSI into consideration regarding possible effects of all potential local requirements for agricultural and commercial exploitation of land in the area.{{cite web |title=Minerals and Waste Joint Plan Appendix 1 Allocated Sites Areas of Search |url=https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/fileroot/About%20the%20council/Partnerships/Appendix_1_-_allocated_sites.pdf |website=northyorks.gov.uk |publisher=North Yorkshire County Council |accessdate=16 January 2020 |date=2016}} Yorkshire Water's drought plan for 2019 considered the potential permanent effect of water extraction on Mar Field Fen SSSI in the case of future drought and found it to be moderate and adverse.{{cite web |title=Drought plan option |url=https://www.yorkshirewater.com/media/1672/ywsl-dp-2019-sea-appendix-d.pdf |website=yorkshirewater.com |publisher=Yorkshire Water |accessdate=16 January 2020 |date=2019}}

Other SSSIs in the Ripon and Harrogate region are:{{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}} Bishop Monkton Ings,{{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}} Brimham Rocks,{{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}} Cow Myers,{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: 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}} Farnham Mires,{{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}} Hack Fall Wood,{{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}} Hay-a-Park,{{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}} 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 |location=Harrogate SE 309 693 |date=1 May 1986}} and Ripon Parks.{{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}}

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

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• {{Commons category-inline|Mar Field Fen}}
• {{Commons category-inline|Marfield Wetlands nature reserve}}

Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire

Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1988