| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) Greater dodder on nettle | |
  Location within Gloucestershire | |
| Location | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | SO880331 |
| Coordinates | 51°59′48″N2°10′32″W / 51.996664°N 2.175462°W /51.996664; -2.175462 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 3.72hectare |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Natural England website | |
Old River Severn, Upper Lode (grid referenceSO880331) is a 3.72-hectare (9.2-acre)biological Site of Special Scientific Interest inGloucestershire,notified in 1985. It is a cross county border site between Gloucestershire andHerefordshire andWorcestershire.[1][2]
It is on the west side of the Severn toSevern Ham, Tewkesbury SSSI.
TheSevern at this site is an old meander which was cut off from the main flow of the river when Upper Lode lock was built. It is a relatively quiet backwater that joins the Severn at the south end.[1]
The meander now supports a diverse range of habitats as a result of the seclusion. These in turn support a variety of plant life and there are at least six nationally rare species. The channel has silted up at the furthest part from the main river. Where spoil has been dumped historically in the channel the area has become rough grassland.[1]
Habitats are open water, marginal mud, inland saltmarsh, willow carr, neutral grassland, scrub and woodland. The main river controls the level of the water which fluctuates as the Severn is a tidal river.[1]
Aquartic plants supported arepondweed,flowering rush,water forget-me-not,water-cress andwater dock. There iswhite willow,crack willow andosier. In the area of rough grassland the nationally rareswamp meadow grass may be found. Woodland trees includealder andash as well as willow.[1]
Nationally rare species supported includegreater dodder which parasitises nettle. There is alsotasteless water-pepper,small water pepper,mudwort andneedle spike rush. This is the only known site in Gloucestershire for small water pepper, mudwort and needle spike rush.Narrow-leaved water plantain, keeled garlic (Allium carinatus), glaucous bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) and sea club rush (Scirpus maritimus) are also recorded.[1]
Birds includemallard,coot,reed warbler andsedge warbler.Kingfisher are present and waders are reported such asredshank,common sandpiper andlapwing. Dragonflies are present including the relatively scarcemigrant hawker andwhite-legged damselfly.[1]
