Adder's-tongue spearwort  (Ranunculus ophioglossifolius)

Known threats are drainage and development of suitable habitats (1). The Badgeworth site was threatened by the proposed development of a plant-hire vehicle wash-down area nearby, but fierce opposition from local people saved the site from the inevitable pollution that would have occurred (2). Lack of management of the pond at Inglestone is also a threat (4).

The Badgeworth site is the smallest nature reserve in Britain (2), and is located in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (1). The site is managed in ways that benefit adder's-tongue spearwort; bare patches are made each year to allow the species to germinate, and livestock have been allowed to graze in certain areas to keep competing species at bay. The Inglestone site is an SSSI, and although the site was neglected in the past, suitable management is now underway (1). Adder's-tongue spearwort is one of Plantlife's 'Back from the Brink' species (5).