Download P00512 Lane at Norton Lane, Norton Oakes

P00512 – Land at Norton Lane, Norton Oakes
Surveyed 16/07/2012 by C. Duffield & M. Senkans
The dividing hedge / brief description
The hedge measures approximately 90 metres in length and links Norton
Lane with the former Bents Green School site. It is continuous and connects
with other lengths of hedgerow. The dominant species is mature (often multi –
stemmed) common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).
Assessment and conclusion
The following features were noted with regards the ‘Important Hedgerows
Criteria’ (The Hedgerow Regulations,1997):
The hedgerow in question met the following criteria:

It contains at least 5 woody species from ‘Schedule 3 Woody
Species’ :
Elder (Sambucus nigra),
Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna),
Holly (Ilex aquifolium),
Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)
Yew (Taxus baccata))

It contains at least 4 associated features :
Contains 4 species from the list of 57 ‘woodland plants from ‘Schedule
2 Woodland Species’:
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non–scripta),
Common dog violet (Viola riviniana) ,
1
Herb – Robert (Geranium robertianum) and
Wood avens (Geum urbanum)).
Less than 10% gaps.
On average at least 1 tree per 50 metres.
It also has connections with other hedgerow
The central hedgerow has been assessed under the Hedgerow Regulations
(1997) as being 'Important'. Various criteria specified in the Regulations were
used to identify this such as wildlife, landscape and/or for historical reasons.
The Hedgerow Regulations prohibit the removal of countryside hedgerows
without the Council’s consent. Removal of this hedgerow would not be
permitted unless there is an overriding justification, and this is determined by
the Council. However, the strong presumption is that important hedgerows
will be protected. Unless satisfied that removal is justified, the authority must
refuse permission. If permission for removal is refused, a Hedgerow
Retention Notice would be issued to say that removal of the hedgerow is
prohibited. To comply with the Hedgerow Regulations, and to meet the
Council’s biodiversity duty it is recommended that the hedge be retained and
enhanced.
Other points of ecological interest




Large mammal holes were also noticed within the hedgerow. These did
not appear to be in use at this point in time. Regularly used animal
track - ways were noted throughout the field in general.
The boundary hedge along the west of the field (adjacent Norton Free
School) boasts mature oak trees and good mix of tree/hedgerow
species including: field maple (Acer campestre), blackthorn (Prunus
spinosa) and cherry (Prunus sp.).
Before the western boundary meets Norton Lane, there is a triangular
block of developing wet woodland, dominated by aspen (Populus
tremula) with the occasional grey willow (Salix cinerea). Standing
water was noted along with a dense stand of yellow flag (Iris
pseudacorus). Other wetland species noted on site include greater
bird’s – foot trefoil (Lotus ulginosus).
During the survey, a number 5 – spot burnet (Zygaena trifolii) were
noticed, emerging from cocoons. Freshly emerged ringlet
(Aphantopus hyperantus) also noted. Both species require tall damp
grassy habitats. The larval stage of the 5 – spot burnet feeds on
greater bird’s – food trefoil.
2
Location of the
‘Important
hedgerow’ at
Norton Oakes
Lane
(SK36298243)
3