Download Cumbria Species and Habitats Statements

CUMBRIA SPECIES AND HABITATS STATEMENTS
(WITH HABITAT TARGETS, PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS AND
ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES)
June 2008
PRODUCED BY THE CUMBRIA BIOLOGICAL DATA NETWORK
Individual Statements can be found on the Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website
www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk, and all updated versions will be made available through this
website.
We have included a number of internal links, in green, and external website links, in blue, which
will hopefully help with quick and efficient use.
In order to move around the document swiftly you may like to know that, if you link to another
location within the document, the equivalent of the ‘back’ button is alt + left arrow.
CONTENTS
Species Statements
Barn Owl ....................................................................................................................................................1
Bats .............................................................................................................................................................5
Great Crested Newt ...................................................................................................................................11
Hen Harrier ..............................................................................................................................................15
Natterjack Toad .......................................................................................................................................19
Otter .........................................................................................................................................................23
Red Squirrel
............................................................................................................................................27
Reptiles ....................................................................................................................................................31
Small Blue
...............................................................................................................................................35
Water Vole ...............................................................................................................................................39
Wintering Geese and Swans ....................................................................................................................43
Habitat Statements
Bogs............................................................................................................................................................47
Calaminarian Grasslands .........................................................................................................................51
Calcareous Grassland...............................................................................................................................55
Coastal And Floodplain Grazing Marsh ..................................................................................................59
Coastal Habitats Above High Water ........................................................................................................63
Coastal Intertidal Habitats ........................................................................................................................67
Coastal Subtidal Habitats .........................................................................................................................71
Fen, Marsh And Swamp ............................................................................................................................75
Hay Meadows And Pastures.....................................................................................................................81
Heathland ...................................................................................................................................................87
Hedgerows .................................................................................................................................................91
Lakes, Ponds And Tarns...........................................................................................................................95
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland ...................................................................................................................99
Montane Habitats.....................................................................................................................................103
Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land .......................................................................107
Rivers........................................................................................................................................................111
Rock Habitats...........................................................................................................................................115
Saline Lagoons ........................................................................................................................................119
Semi-Natural Woodland ..........................................................................................................................123
Traditional Orchards ...............................................................................................................................129
Wood-Pasture And Parkland ..................................................................................................................133
Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities...................................137
Acknowledgements
This Biodiversity Evidence Base for Cumbria has been produced by Cumbria Biological Data Network in
consultation with local experts.
The project has been led by Judy Palmer at Cumbria County Council. Stephen Hewitt of Tullie House
Museum has drawn up the Key Species list for Cumbria. Matthew Grose has produced the distribution
maps, spreadsheets and GIS layers for Priority Habitats and Key Species using data primarily from the
Tullie House Museum wildlife records database and Natural England's Nature on the Map website.
Initial drafts of the Key Species and Habitats Statements were produced, in consultation with relevant
experts, by Neil Harnott of the Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership and Rigby Jerram (Ecological
Consultant) respectively. Heather Marshall (Ecological Consultant) produced the initial drafts of the
Planning Issues Statements. Much advice, comment and support was given by staff of Natural England,
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency and the Lake District National Park Authority, as well as
individual species experts. Following the consultations, final revisions and collation were undertaken by
Judy Palmer, Stephen Hewitt and Matthew Grose.
Jean Flitter, Cumbria County Council, provided administrative support and front cover design; thanks also
to Jeff Rogers.
Information and advice was provided by the following individuals:
Ian Armstrong (North Cumbria Barn Owl Study
Group)
Corrie Bruemmer (Natural England)
Gail Butterill (Environment Agency)
Judy Clavey (Lake District National Park
Authority)
Bart Donato (Natural England)
Steve Doyle (Butterfly Conservation)
Sam Ellis (Butterfly Conservation)
Steve Garner (Environment Agency)
Colin Godfrey (Carlisle City Council)
Matt Grose (Cumbria Biological Data Network)
Neil Harnott (Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership)
Steve Hewitt (Tullie House Museum)
Jenny Holden (Cumbria Wildlife Trust)
Rigby Jerram (Ecological Consultant)
Pip Kirkham (Natural England)
Heather Marshall (Ecological Consultant)
Tony Marshall (Westmorland Bat Group)
John Martin (Westmorland Bat Group)
Simon O’Hare (Save our Squirrels)
Judy Palmer (Cumbria County Council)
Sally Phillips (Cumberland Bat Group)
Dave Shackleton (RSPB & Cumbria Bird Club)
Ian Slater (Natural England)
Phil Taylor (Lake District National Park
Authority)
Julie Ward (Allerdale Borough Council)
Kate Willshaw (Cumbria Wildlife Trust)
Tim Youngs (RSPB)
Edited by Judy Palmer, County Ecologist, Cumbria County Council, [email protected]
For queries regarding data please contact [email protected]
Cover photographs: Stephen Hewitt – Hay Meadow, Saltmarsh; David Hickson – Barn Owl, Red Squirrel;
John Hooson – Brown Long-eared Bat.
Other photographs by Pearson Douglas, Jim Foster, Stephen Hewitt, David Hickson, John Hooson,
Michelle Waller.
Barn Owl Version 1.1 - June 2008
1
BARN OWL Tyto alba
Barn Owls, their nests and eggs are protected by UK legislation. The greatest
threats to Barn Owl populations in Cumbria are loss of suitable nest sites through
barn conversions etc, and lack or loss of feeding habitat through agricultural
intensification.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal & Conservation status
•
UK Protected Species
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
Barn Owl © David Hickson
The Barn Owl is protected under:
•
Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law under Part 1 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Barn Owls are listed on Schedule 1 which gives
them special protection.
It is an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill, injure, or take (handle) any wild Barn Owl.
•
Intentionally take, damage or destroy any wild Barn Owl nest whilst in use or being ‘built’
(Barn Owls do not ‘build’ a nest but may make a nest scrape).
•
Intentionally take or destroy a wild Barn Owl egg.
•
Have in one’s possession or control a wild Barn Owl (dead or alive), or egg.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild Barn Owl whilst ‘building’ a nest of whilst in,
on, or near a nest containing eggs or young.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb any dependent young of wild Barn Owls.
(This is a brief summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Barn Owl Version 1.1 - June 2008
2
Habitat
Barn Owls hunt over areas of rough grassland, roadside verges, woodland-edge and wide
arable field margins /conservation headlands, where small mammals are plentiful. Where all
these features occur at an altitude of less than 200 metres there is a reasonable expectancy
that Barn Owls should occur.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Barn Owls include:
Wood Pasture & Parkland
Calcareous Grassland
Hedgerows
Hay Meadows & Pastures
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland
Arable Field Margins (no habitat statement)
Ecology
The Barn Owl is largely nocturnal, although it is often active at dusk and can be seen hunting
along the edges of fields and along roadside verges. 90% of their diet is made up of voles,
mice, rats and shrews.
The adults usually remain as a pair throughout winter and, provided there is enough prey for
them to reach breeding condition, the main breeding season begins in April and ends as late as
October. The eggs are usually laid in April and larger clutches can occur in areas where prey is
especially abundant. Occasionally, two clutches are laid.
Distribution
Current strongholds are in north and west Cumbria:
the western Border Uplands, the Solway Basin, the
lower Eden Valley, the northern portion of the West
Cumbria Coastal Plain and the western edge of the
Lake District Fells and Dales. Small numbers are
found in the south of the county. The species appears
to be scarce within the Lake District.
The majority of breeding sites are below 200m but
they can breed up to 300m. In the early 1980s the
Cumbria population of was estimated to be 120 pairs
(5000 nationally), a decline of 84% in the county since
the 1930s). This has since recovered to 300-350
pairs.
The Barn Owl is listed as an amber species on the list
of Birds of Conservation Concern.
Conservation Issues
Overall, loss of suitable habitat has probably had the most significant effect upon Barn Owl
populations. This includes the impacts of intensive agriculture, decrease in hedgerows, loss of
nest and roost sites through barn conversions and the general decay of agricultural buildings,
coupled with the loss of mature trees. Toxic pesticides and secondary poisoning due to eating
poisoned prey have had a significant impact in the recent past. Increased road construction and
traffic lead to increased road deaths.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Barn Owl Version 1.1 - June 2008
3
Planning Considerations
•
The re-use of rural buildings has significantly contributed to the population decline of
Barn Owls in Cumbria.
However, if properly planned and implemented, the
redevelopment of such buildings can retain, protect, and enhance resting and breeding
opportunities for the species.
•
Active Barn Owl nests are afforded protection against disturbance, as are breeding
adults and dependent young whilst at or near the nest. Any proposed development
affecting barns and outbuildings, and other buildings with undisturbed roof voids with
direct access to open countryside, should trigger a survey for Barn Owls.
•
Any development that would impact upon Barn Owls would require adequate protection
and mitigation measures.
•
Development during the breeding season should be avoided where there is any
evidence of occupation by Barn Owls. In cases where a roosting-only site is affected it is
entirely possible that the development may have a detrimental ‘knock on’ effect if the
Barn Owl has a nest nearby.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of Barn Owl boxes and other suitable structures within buildings in
appropriate locations, especially barn conversions. Barn Owls will also use externally
mounted boxes.
•
Provision of rough grassland and woodland edge habitat for foraging, in particular linking
to existing habitat.
•
Promotion of the above through appropriate planning conditions.
Further Information
Barn owls on site guide for planners and developers, 2002, English Nature and The Barn Owl
Trust – note: local knowledge needs to be taken into consideration
Barn owl box, RSPB
Barn owl information, RSPB
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
Contacts
•
The Barn Owl Trust, Waterleat, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7HU,
[email protected], website www.barnowltrust.org.uk
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
•
World Owl Trust has expert knowledge of Barn Owls in south Cumbria: The Owl
Centre, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria. CA18 1RQ,
01229 717393
www.owls.org/
•
The North Cumbria Barn Owl Study Group has expert knowledge of Barn Owls in
north Cumbria: Ian Armstrong, 01228 710819, [email protected]
01364 653026,
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Barn Owl Version 1.1 - June 2008
4
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The North Cumbria Barn Owl Study Group coordinates annual population monitoring
through a network of schedule 1 licence holders and promotes the use of nest boxes to
encourage breeding.
•
The North Cumbria Barn Owl Study Group, through the national ringing scheme of The
British Trust for Ornithology, ring/mark individual Barn Owls in the North Cumbria
breeding population to study juvenile dispersal, longevity, mortality, breeding success
and site fidelity. This study has been ongoing for over 30 years.
•
Provision of nest sites and site protection - agri-environment schemes provide grants for
the restoration of traditional barns, including provision for Barn Owls.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
5
BATS All species
Bats and their roosting sites are protected by UK and European legislation. The
greatest threat to bats comes from loss of roosts due to demolition, alteration
and repair of buildings or structures, felling of trees, and through direct
disturbance of breeding and hibernation roosts.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal and Conservation Status
•
Annex IV Habitats Directive (European
Protected Species)
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority
Species and Species of Principal
Importance in England (Soprano
Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared and
Noctule)
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
Brown Long-eared Bat © John Hooson/National Trust
All bats are protected under:
•
Section 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
(Schedule 2) as European Protected Species.
•
Section 9 of Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Deliberately capture, injure or kill a bat.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb bats in such a
way as to be likely significantly to affect (i) the ability of any significant group of bats to
survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, or (ii) the local distribution or abundance.
•
Damage or destroy the breeding or resting place (roost) of a bat.
•
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost.
•
Possess a bat (alive or dead), or any part of a bat.
(This is a brief summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
6
Habitat
Bats require insect-rich habitats in which to feed. These can include woodlands, pasture,
wetlands, gardens and parkland.
Bats roost in a variety of situations, including bridges, tunnels, caves, mines, trees, bat boxes
and a wide range of buildings (e.g. barns, churches, industrial and commercial buildings and
houses of different ages). They will use many roosts throughout the year, moving frequently
between roosts, even in the winter.
Bats use linear features such as hedgerows, rivers, woodland edges and roadside verges as
flight-lines along which they both feed and travel between roosting and feeding areas.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for bats include:
Semi-natural woodland
Fen, marsh and swamp
Hay meadows & lowland pastures
Rivers
Lakes, ponds and tarns
Hedgerows
Ecology
Bats hibernate in the winter, when they go into a state of torpor by reducing heart rate,
breathing rate and body temperature. At this time bats are particularly vulnerable to disturbance
which causes them to wake and use up fat reserves.
In late spring female bats congregate to form nursery colonies where each generally produces a
single baby, usually in June. At this time colonies are particularly vulnerable to disturbance
which can cause the abandonment of the flightless young. The babies are weaned at around
five weeks, after which they are able to fly out at dusk with the adults and feed using ultrasonic
echolocation to locate insect prey. Generally the nursery roost disperses around August,
although it is common for some individuals to continue to use the roost into the autumn. Sexual
maturity is usually reached in the second year.
Distribution
Links to further information in Table 1:
Noctule – Nyctalus noctula
Daubenton’s Bat – Myotis daubentonii
Natterer’s Bat – Myotis nattereri
Whiskered Bat – Myotis mystacinus
Brandt’s Bat – Myotis brandtii
Brown long-eared Bat – Plecotus auritus
Common Pipistrelle – Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Soprano Pipistrelle – Pipistrellus pygmaeus
Conservation Issues
The most direct impacts are direct disturbance, loss
of, or obstruction of access to roosts, and killing and
injuring, due to demolition/alteration of buildings or
structures, any ground works affecting caves or rock
habitats, and the felling and de-limbing of trees.
Development
and
changes
in
land
use
and
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
7
management can result in the loss of insect-rich feeding habitats and flight line features such as
tree-lines, ditches and hedgerows. Similarly micro and midi wind turbines can kill and injure
bats, disrupt flight lines/ feeding areas, and affect access to roosts.
Re-roofing, any other building alterations and timber treatment for insect pests/rot in lofts are
major causes of loss of roost sites and direct disturbance.
Some species, e.g. Brown Long-eared and Myotis bats, are disturbed by light and lights shining
on roost entrances and across regular flight lines can have a detrimental effect.
Planning Considerations
•
Bats are mobile creatures and almost any building, structure, cave, mine or tree has the
potential to be used by bats.
•
Bat roosts are protected whether bats are present or not.
•
Any proposed development that may affect a bat roost or bat habitat requires a survey –
see Bat Surveys - Good Practice Guidelines.
•
Consideration must be given to the maintenance and provision of habitat corridors that
are used for feeding or as flight routes.
•
Surveys of buildings and structures for summer and autumn roost sites may take place
at any time of the year as the signs of roosting bats such as droppings, urine staining,
bodies and bones should remain throughout the year, though signs on the outside of
buildings such as droppings and staining may be removed by the weather especially
during the winter months. Hibernating bats may be found during winter surveys. Access
would need to be gained to the entirety of the building or structure to ensure that all
parts have been assessed. If this is not possible and there is bat potential (e.g. potential
bat access points and roost sites) then further survey when bats are active would be
necessary.
•
If bat roosts are present, summer surveys will be required to determine species and
population size, and their use of surrounding habitat in order to assess the potential
impacts of development and appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Any development that would impact upon bats, their roosts and/or significant bat habitat
would require adequate protection and mitigation measures, and the developer would
require a European Protected Species Development Licence, under the Habitats
Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of new roost features, such as bat bricks, within buildings or other
structures. Projects such as the refurbishment of derelict or semi-derelict buildings, barn
conversions, alterations to non-domestic premises, including churches, or other
structures can all provide opportunities for roost features to be incorporated.
•
Provision of wildlife-friendly shrubs, trees and grassland to improve feeding habitat.
•
Creation of hedgerows, tree-lines and other linear features linking feeding and roosting
habitats (corridors).
•
Enhancement of the foraging habitat and movement corridors, and provision of bat
boxes and other structures on trees and buildings, in areas where bats may occur.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
8
Further Information
Natural England Wildlife Management & Licensing Service
European Protected Species Guidance Note, WML-G12 (11/07), Natural England note not
version 07/07
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Bat Mitigation Guidelines, 2004, English Nature
Bat Surveys – Good Practice Guidelines, 2007, Bat Conservation Trust
Bat Conservation Trust advice on ‘Bats, Buildings and Development’
Focus on Bats: discovering their lifestyle and habitats. Natural England, 2007
Bats: European protected species. Natural England Species Information Note SIN010
Bats and Lighting in the UK, Bat Conservation Trust under ‘professional guidance’
Bats and Lighting, Alison Fure, The London Naturalist, No. 85, 2006
Gardening for Bats. Bat Conservation Trust under ‘practical bat conservation’
UK Biodiversity Action Plan for Common Pipistrelle
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan for all bats in Cumbria
Contacts
•
Bat Conservation Trust, Unit 2, 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London,
SW8 4BG, [email protected], web: www.bats.org.uk 020 7627 2629
•
Bat Helpline, 017687 76911
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
•
Westmorland and Furness Bat Group, Tony Marshall 015395 68304
•
Cumberland Bat Group, Sally Phillips 017687 76911
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Free advice to private householders and members of the public is provided by the
Natural England Bat Helpline and Volunteer Bat Wardens.
•
The Cumberland and the Westmorland and Furness Bat Groups monitor bat populations
and seek to improve public understanding through events.
•
Following the Cumbria Bats in Bridges Survey, Cumbria County Council has put a
mechanism in place to protect actual and potential bridge roosts.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
Table 1
9
Local status and habitat of Cumbria’s bat species
- With links for further information
Species
Local Status
Habitat
Noctule
Widespread but uncommon;
mobile populations; breeding
roosts recorded.
Tree dweller; predominantly in lowlands.
Occupies woodpecker and rot holes. Seldom
in buildings. Will utilise bat boxes. Feeds over
deciduous woodland, parkland, pasture,
water and forest edges.
Widespread; hibernacula and
breeding roosts recorded.
Roosts in bridges, tunnels, caves, mines,
stone buildings and trees. Has been found
hibernating underground at high altitude
(550m). Feeds low over rivers, canals and
other water bodies. Will forage in riverside
woodland.
Widespread; hibernacula and
breeding roosts recorded. Less
common than Daubenton’s.
Similar to Daubenton's Bat and both species
can be found together; roosts in bridges, old
buildings, barns, trees and underground sites.
Feeds in woodland and parkland. Has
recently been recorded in some upland
areas, mainly using riverside habitats.
Widespread but uncommon;
breeding roosts and hibernacula
recorded.
Older, mainly stone buildings, churches, trees
and often in bat boxes. Feeds mainly in
deciduous woodland.
Similar to Whiskered Bat.
Myotis brandtii
Widespread but uncommon;
hibernacula and breeding roosts
recorded. “Swarming” sites
recorded.
Brown long-eared
Bat
Widespread and common;
hibernacula and breeding roosts
recorded.
Roosts in large open roof voids in old
buildings, churches, barns (often with trees
close by), underground sites and trees. Often
found in bat boxes. Feeds in deciduous and
coniferous woodland often within the canopy;
around parkland trees, gardens, along
hedgerows. Rarely flies across open spaces
and often flies low to the ground.
Nyctalus noctula
Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentonii
Natterer's Bat
Myotis nattereri
Whiskered Bat
Myotis mystacinus
Brandt's Bat
Plecotus auritus
Widespread and common;
breeding roosts recorded but
species only recently
Pipistrellus pipistrellus distinguished from Soprano
Pipistrelle.
(45kHz)
Common
Pipistrelle
Soprano
Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pygmaeus
(55kHz)
Widespread and common;
breeding roosts recorded but
species only recently
distinguished from Common
Pipistrelle; rarely found in
hibernation. Larger roosts than
common pips.
Wide age range of buildings; favours modern
structures, trees occasionally and bat boxes.
Feeds over diverse habitats; rural and urban
gardens, woodland, farmland, or near water.
Often found hibernating behind wooden
cladding on buildings, behind facia boarding
and in gaps in wooden window frames.
As Common Pipistrelle, but further work is
required to establish how these two species
differ in habitat requirements. Tends to be
more closely associated with water than the
Common Pipistrelle; follows riverside
habitats.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
10
Bats Version 1.1 - June 2008
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Great Crested Newt Version 1.1 - June 2008 11
GREAT CRESTED NEWT
Triturus cristatus
Great Crested Newts and their breeding and foraging habitats are protected by
UK and European legislation. The greatest threat to Great Crested Newt in
Cumbria is destruction of their ponds and surrounding terrestrial habitat.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Great Crested Newt © Jim Foster/Natural England
Legal and Conservation Status
•
Annex IV Habitats Directive (European Protected Species)
•
Annex II Habitats Directive (protection through Special Areas of Conservation)
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
The Great Crested Newt is protected under:
•
Section 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
(Schedule 2) as European Protected Species.
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Deliberately capture, injure or kill a Great Crested Newt.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb a Great Crested Newt in a place used for shelter or
protection, or deliberately disturb Great Crested Newts in such a way as to be likely
significantly to affect (i) the ability of any significant group to survive, breed, rear or
nurture their young, or (ii) the local distribution or abundance.
•
Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place.
•
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection.
•
Possess a Great Crested Newt (alive or dead), or any part of a Great Crested Newt.
(This is a brief summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Great Crested Newt Version 1.1 - June 2008
12
Habitat
Great Crested Newts need ponds for breeding, and terrestrial habitats, generally within 500m of
their breeding ponds, for foraging and hibernation. The majority of time is spent on land.
The best breeding ponds are unpolluted and of medium size (500-750m2). Isolated populations
can occur using a single pond, but to ensure continued viability a population requires a high
density of ponds (at least three per km2) which should be interconnected by suitable habitat,
such as hedgerows with associated corridors of rough grassland. Creation of new ponds, and
linking of ponds, are therefore important active conservation measures.
Great Crested Newts rarely survive in ponds where fish are present because the fish eat the
newt larvae. Ponds that dry out in some years can therefore be excellent for Great Crested
Newts because fish cannot survive in them.
It is estimated that 250 adult newts need at least a hectare of suitable terrestrial habitat adjacent
to their breeding pond. This should consist of a mosaic of woodland, scrub and rough
grassland. Stone quarries, even when mostly bare rock and spoil, can, surprisingly, provide
good habitat for Great Crested Newts.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Great Crested Newts include:
Hedgerows
Bogs
Heathland
Lakes, ponds and tarns
Ecology
In the winter Great Crested Newts hibernate in frost free holes in the ground and under stones.
The breeding adults return to their breeding pond in the spring to court, mate and lay eggs.
These are laid singly in the folded leaves of water plants and hatch into legless larvae. The
adults can usually be found in their breeding ponds between mid-March and mid-June. This is
the time when they are easiest to find.
The larvae develop for about three months into young newts which then leave the water. These
young newts generally stay away from their birth pond for up to three years until sexually
mature. Great Crested Newts can live for up to 18 years in the wild, and spend the majority of
their life cycle on land.
They cannot co-exist with carnivorous fish species which predate the newt larvae.
Distribution
The UK is a major stronghold for this species in the
European context, where it is still widespread. It has,
however, suffered a decline in recent years, with
studies in the 1980s indicating a national rate of
colony loss of about 2% every five years.
Surveys in recent years suggest that the Great
Crested Newt is scattered throughout Cumbria below
about 350m, and it is possible that newts will be
found anywhere in the low lying areas of Cumbria.
The current distribution is probably under-estimated
as detailed surveys undertaken for potential
developments each year find a high incidence of
Great Crested Newts in surveyed ponds, whether
newts were known to be present or not.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Great Crested Newt Version 1.1 - June 2008 13
Great Crested Newts can be found in a variety of habitats including fell tarns, farmland and
garden ponds, quarry pools and brownfield sites.
Conservation Issues
The loss of ponds through neglect, in-filling and development has reduced the number of
potential Great Crested Newt breeding sites. Fragmentation of terrestrial habitats is making it
harder for newts to move between ponds, and when populations become extinct the ponds
cannot easily be re-colonised. Stocking of ponds with fish is normally detrimental to Great
Crested Newts. The presence of domestic wildfowl reduces pond suitability through nutrient
enrichment of water and vegetation damage. The general lowering of ground water levels in
urban, industrial and intensive agriculture areas causes ponds to dry out. Pollution, such as runoff of agricultural chemicals, degrades Great Crested Newt habitat.
Planning Considerations
•
Great Crested Newts have been found throughout Cumbria, including some unlikelylooking places such as working quarries.
•
Any proposed development that may affect a Great Crested Newt pond or its terrestrial
habitat requires a Great Crested Newt survey.
•
Consideration must be given to the maintenance and provision of habitat corridors that
are used for foraging or dispersal between ponds, and as terrestrial habitat.
•
Surveys for Great Crested Newts cannot be carried out adequately during the autumn
and winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after a
suitable survey window.
•
Any development that would impact on Great Crested Newts and their breeding and
resting places and/or significant habitat would require adequate protection and mitigation
measures, and the developer would require a European Protected Species Development
Licence, under the Habitats Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of wildlife ponds, including suitable adjoining terrestrial habitat, into new
developments, even if Great Crested Newts are not affected by the development. Where
they are affected mitigation measures should include recreation of ponds on a two for
one basis.
•
Creation of ‘networks’ of ponds linked by suitable terrestrial habitat.
•
Creation/enhancement of refuges/over-wintering sites within existing as well as new
habitat.
Further Information
Natural England Wildlife Management & Licensing Service
European Protected Species Guidance Note, WML-G12 (11/07), Natural England note not
version 07/07
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines, 2001, English Nature
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Great Crested Newt Version 1.1 - June 2008
14
Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, 2001, Froglife
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Species Account, JNCC
The Conservation of Great Crested Newts – A brief guide to habitat management, 2002, useful
summary
Herpetofauna Workers Manual
Amphibians in your garden, Natural England
UK Biodiversity Action Plan and Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
Contacts
•
Herpetological Conservation Trust, 655A Christchurch
Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP. Tel: 01202 391319
•
Froglife, 9 Swan Court, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8GX, 01733 558960
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
Road,
Boscombe,
None
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Hen Harrier Version 1.1 - June 2008 15
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
Hen Harriers, their nests and eggs are protected by UK and European legislation.
In Cumbria the greatest planning-related threat to Hen Harriers arises from
developments which threaten specific breeding and winter roost locations.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Hen Harrier © Pearson Douglas
Legal and Conservation Status
•
Annex I Birds Directive (protection through Special Protection Areas)
•
UK Protected Species
•
Species of Principal Importance in England
The Hen Harrier is protected under:
•
Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law under Part 1 of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Hen Harriers are listed on Schedule 1 which gives
them special protection.
It is an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill, injure, or take (handle) any wild Hen Harrier.
•
Intentionally take, damage or destroy any wild Hen Harrier’s nest whilst in use or being
built.
•
Intentionally take or destroy a wild Hen Harrier egg.
•
Have in one’s possession or control a wild Hen Harrier (dead or alive), or egg.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild Hen Harrier whilst building a nest of whilst in,
on, or near a nest containing eggs or young.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb any dependent young of wild Hen Harriers.
(This is a summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Hen Harrier Version 1.1 - June 2008
16
Habitat
Favoured wintering Hen Harrier habitat is characterised by generally lightly-managed vegetation
including long grass, rush beds and heath which in addition to providing roost sites are likely to
hold high populations of small birds and mammals, and hence are also productive foraging
areas.
Roosts sites are often colonial. They may change between years but roosts are often present as
‘roost complexes’ within a defined area which may be used for decades if conditions remain
correct. Within seasons more than one roost may be used simultaneously within a discrete
area.
Hen Harriers breed in upland heather moorland areas, predominantly (but not exclusively)
within designated Special Protection Areas.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Hen Harriers include:
Fen, marsh and swamp
Bogs
Heathland
Ecology
The Hen Harrier is a ground nesting bird of prey associated with open country. Hen Harriers
require large expanses of suitable open habitat for hunting. Prey consists primarily of small
birds and mammals. Larger prey such as red grouse and rabbit also form part of the diet. Hen
Harriers are shy and easily disturbed.
Distribution
Hen Harriers occur all year round in Cumbria and
are of the highest conservation importance, with
only a few breeding pairs each year in the County
and some internationally important winter roost
sites.
Hen Harriers over-winter in a number of locations in
Cumbria and regularly use a discrete area of West
Cumbria in internationally important numbers. In
some years this ‘West Cumbria foothills’ roost
complex is the third biggest roost site in England.
Breeding sites are predominantly in the North
Pennines and form part of a very restricted
northern England range.
Conservation Issues
In Cumbria, there is a major conservation issue in
relation to the loss or fragmentation of winter
roosting areas and associated feeding grounds.
This habitat loss and damage can come from a
variety of development and management activities including wind farm development, conversion
to bioenergy, agricultural change, inappropriate agri-environment schemes, e.g. rush cutting
and disturbance through increased public access.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Hen Harrier Version 1.1 - June 2008 17
In addition illegal persecution and loss of suitable nesting habitat remains a major issue given
the low numbers of harriers; significantly below the carrying capacity of the northern England
uplands. Management of pubic rights of way and open access issues can impact upon breeding
birds both on and off protected sites.
Planning Considerations
•
The main winter roost complex area and associated foraging areas are vulnerable to
impacts from developments. Any development proposals that fall within, or adjacent to,
this area will require assessment of potential impacts upon the wintering population and
its habitat requirements.
•
The wintering Hen Harrier population of the ‘West Cumbria foothills’ should be
considered to be equivalent to Special Protection Area quality.
•
Since over-wintering can occur on other extensive areas of rush and heath, hen harriers
may sometime be an issue for developments outside the current mapped area;
developers should be encouraged to seek advice from Natural England or the Cumbria
Bird Club.
•
Developments within the uplands of Cumbria may impact upon Hen Harriers during the
breeding season. This may occur on or off protected sites, and may include extensions
to quarries, re-opening of mines, new buildings and tracks.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Developments within the areas identified have potential for enhancement and creation of
habitat through planning agreements and obligations, and restoration schemes.
Further Information
Hen Harrier information, RSPB
Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria, 2007, RSPB
Contacts
•
RSPB, Tim Youngs, Hill Top Farmhouse, Colby, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria,
CA16 6BD [email protected].
•
Cumbria Bird Club, Dave Piercy, Derwentwater Youth Hostel, Borrowdale, Keswick,
CA12 5UR, 017687 77246, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Neil Harnott, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8
8LX 01539 816300
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Selected winter roosts are currently surveyed by members of the Cumbria Bird Club and
the RSPB in order to more fully understand the numbers involved and their functional
linking to breeding sites.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
18
Hen Harrier Version 1.1 - June 2008
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Natterjack Toad Version 1.1 - June 2008 19
NATTERJACK TOAD Bufo calamita
Natterjack Toads and their breeding sites are protected by UK and European
legislation. Inappropriate or lack of management is currently the greatest threat to
the Natterjack Toad at its existing sites in Cumbria.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal and Conservation Status
Natterjack Toad © Stephen Hewitt
•
Annex IV Habitats Directive (European Protected Species)
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
The Natterjack Toad is protected under:
•
Section 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
(Schedule 2) as European Protected Species.
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Deliberately capture, injure or kill a Natterjack Toad.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb a Natterjack Toads in a place used for shelter or
protection, or deliberately disturb Natterjack Toads in such a way as to be likely
significantly to affect (i) the ability of any significant group to survive, breed, rear or
nurture their young, or (ii) the local distribution or abundance.
•
Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place.
•
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection.
•
Possess a Natterjack Toad (alive or dead), or any part of a Natterjack Toad.
(This is a brief summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
Habitat
In Cumbria the Natterjack Toad is largely coastal in distribution, using shallow, freshwater pools
in sand dunes, and ponds and ditches in the upper regions of saltmarshes and low lying fields.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Natterjack Toad Version 1.1 - June 2008
20
Occasional tidal inundation of such pools can be beneficial to Natterjacks, which can tolerate
some salinity, since it tends to make them unsuitable for other amphibians and predatory
species. However, an input of fresh water is essential to reduce the salinity in time for the
Natterjack Toad breeding season.
One Cumbrian population is on a previously industrial ironworks site and there are two inland
sites in the county, one in a disused sand quarry where the toads breed in shallow depressions,
the other on heather moorland where peat bog streams and pools are used for breeding.
In southern England Natterjack Toads are found on lowland heath areas.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Natterjack Toads include:
Heathland
Coastal habitats above High Water
Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Open Mosaic Habitats on previously
Developed Land
Ecology
Natterjack Toads require a combination of suitable breeding pools for spawning and larval
development and an adequate area of terrestrial habitat for adults and juveniles once
metamorphosed.
The breeding season starts later than most amphibians in April with the male making a
distinctive call to attract females to the ponds. The toad has a long breeding season (late April
to July). Spawn is laid in strings and tadpoles are small and black. Shallow water warms up
quickly, aiding the development of tadpoles and enabling them to metamorphose before the
pools dry up. Natterjacks favour pools which tend to dry up in late summer since they also tend
to support fewer invertebrate predators of toad tadpoles, and are less likely to be used by
common frogs and common toads which compete with natterjacks for food and other resources.
Natterjacks develop quickly in the shallow warm water and the yellow stripe along the back is
soon visible on young toadlets. They are active predators and need large areas of bare ground
or very short vegetation for hunting their invertebrate prey.
Outside the breeding season Natterjack Toads live on dry land so this is as important a habitat
as the breeding ponds. It is also essential that suitable places to hide throughout the day and to
hibernate in winter are available. Sandy banks allow them to create burrows and stone walls or
piles of stones also provide excellent hiding places.
Distribution
The Natterjack Toad is confined to Europe and the
UK currently holds about 6% of all known Natterjack
Toad sites. In the past 100 years 75% of the known
UK sites have been lost.
Cumbria currently supports about 50% of all UK
Natterjack Toad sites. They are found along the
Cumbria coast with a sizeable gap covering the
urban west Cumbrian towns. The Natterjack Toad
became extinct at its Workington site around 1988,
and many other sites appear to support declining
numbers of adults, mainly due to habitat
deterioration.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Natterjack Toad Version 1.1 - June 2008 21
Conservation Issues
The loss of breeding ponds by siltation or destruction by infilling or inappropriate
management/over-deepening has reduced the number of breeding sites. Deterioration in the
quality of breeding ponds due to the encroachment of vegetation, or the presence of predators
or competitors is resulting in a reduction in numbers. Some ponds dry up too quickly during the
breeding season in dry summers. Developments which either prevent tidal inundation or affect
the freshwater input (such as sea walls) are likely be detrimental.
Loss of terrestrial habitat through unsuitable management, or development, impacts upon
feeding and hibernation habitat. Disruption to habitat through beach cleaning operations, the
driving of motor vehicles along the shore and other activities will impact upon the formation of
embryo dunes and damage the dynamic process of sand dune formation. Increased public
access may lead to increased disturbance and habitat damage. Fragmentation of habitat and
barriers to movement are creating fragmented, isolated and potentially unviable populations.
Planning Considerations
•
Natterjack Toads have a limited distribution on coastal sand dunes, saltmarshes and
specific other locations. Terrestrial habitat is as important to the survival of the
population as breeding ponds.
•
Any proposed development that may affect Natterjack Toads should trigger a survey; as
a guide any proposed development within 1km of a known Natterjack site has the
potential to impact upon their activity.
•
Surveys for Natterjack Toads and their use of habitat cannot be carried out adequately
during the winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after a
suitable survey window.
•
Any development that would impact upon Natterjack Toads and/or significant habitat
would require adequate protection and mitigation measures and the developer would
require a European Protected Species Development Licence, under the Habitats
Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Developments with potential impacts are:
•
Sea defence schemes which are damaging because they prevent the tidal inundation of
upper saltmarsh pools, disrupt the flushing of the remaining saltmarsh by fresh water
from the land, and therefore impact upon the natural cycle of sediment deposition that
creates new saltmarsh and dune.
•
Housing, industrial and leisure industry developments (golf courses and holiday
developments), as well as to forestry and agriculture, which can lead to direct habitat
loss.
•
Developments that encourage concentrated access to coastal sites that support
Natterjack Toads.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
In areas where Natterjack Toads may occur the potential for enhancement of breeding
ponds, foraging habitat and movement corridors should be maximised.
•
New developments may provide opportunities to create or restore habitat to link
Natterjack Toad sites, or to create new breeding ponds, terrestrial habitat or hibernation
areas, in particular creation of satellite sites within 1 km of a known breeding site.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Natterjack Toad Version 1.1 - June 2008
22
•
Tidal inundation and managed retreat would provide significant opportunities for habitat
creation.
•
Sand and Gravel extraction has tremendous potential for Natterjack conservation
through future habitat creation and restoration schemes.
Further Information
Natural England Wildlife Management & Licensing Service
European Protected Species Guidance Note, WML-G12 (11/07), Natural England - note not
version 07/07
Natterjack Toad: European Protected Species, Natural England Species Information Note
SIN009
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Natterjack Toad information, Herpetological Conservation Trust
Herpetofauna Workers Manual
Natterjack Toad Conservation Handbook, 1996, English Nature Species Recovery Programme
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
Contacts
•
The Herpetological Conservation Trust, 655A Christchurch Road, Boscombe,
Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4AP, 01202 391319
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership’s Wealth of Wildlife Project is working with the
Herpetological Conservation Trust to complete surveys on current distribution and to
carry out practical conservation work to improve the quality of habitat at known sites.
•
HCT is also carrying out a Natural England Countdown 2010 funded project.
•
Natural England promotes appropriate management on SSSIs through Higher Level
Stewardship Schemes and through direct management work on National Nature
Reserves managed by Natural England.
•
HCT organises bi-annual partnership meeting to discuss population monitoring and
management.
•
Site management to benefit Natterjack Toads carried out by a wide variety of land
management organisations across Cumbria
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Otter Version 1.1 - June 2008 23
OTTER Lutra lutra
The Otter, its holts and resting places are protected by UK and European
legislation. The greatest threats to Otters come from habitat loss, often
associated with watercourse development, road mortality and water pollution,
and disturbance.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Otter © David Hickson
Legal and Conservation Status
•
Annex IV of Habitats Directive (European Protected Species)
•
Annex II Habitats Directive (protection through Special Areas of Conservation)
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
The Otter is protected under:
•
Section 39 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
(Schedule 2) as European Protected Species.
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Deliberately capture, injure or kill an Otter.
•
Intentionally or recklessly disturb an Otter in a place used for shelter or protection, or
deliberately disturb Otters in such a way as to be likely significantly to affect (i) the ability
of any significant group of Otters to survive, breed, rear or nurture their young, or (ii) the
local distribution or abundance.
•
Damage or destroy a breeding or resting place.
•
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a place used for shelter or protection.
•
Possess an Otter (alive or dead), or any part of an Otter.
(This is a brief summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Otter Version 1.1 - June 2008
24
Habitat
Otters may use any body of freshwater, including lakes, streams, rivers, ponds and ditches, as
long as there is good supply of food and cover. Otters may also live along the coast and
estuaries, in salt water, but require regular access to freshwater to waterproof their fur. They
require a range of habitat features within their home range which can be as much as 30 km of
river.
Otters are mobile creatures with large home ranges containing a variety of habitats. Within an
otter’s home range it will have a number of resting sites (holts, lying up sites) which can be in
tree roots, patches of scrub, reedbeds and sometimes man-made structures.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Otters include:
Rivers
Lakes, ponds and tarns
Semi-natural Woodland in particular wet
woodland
Fen, Marsh and Swamp
Ecology
In Cumbria Otters are widely distributed on our rivers and lakes where they are largely nocturnal
and seldom seen. Otters feed on a variety of fish, especially eels, but their diet can also include
birds, insects, frogs, crustaceans, such as crayfish, and sometimes small mammals.
Breeding can take place at any time of year and the cubs will stay with the mother for about a
year before dispersing to find new territories.
Distribution
In the 1960s and 70s the Cumbrian Otter
population was very low and the species was
absent from large parts of the county. Since the
1980s the population has recovered and all of
Cumbria’s rivers have been re-colonised from
remnant
populations
and
adjacent
Otter
populations to the north.
Conservation Issues
Habitat loss along the main rivers, their side
tributaries and within the catchment can affect lying
up and breeding sites, including hollows in large
riverside tree roots, scrub patches, reedbeds and
floodplain wetlands. Poor water quality or pollution
will impact upon prey, or act directly upon otters,
e.g. PCBs. Increased access to river and streamsides is likely to lead to disturbance, especially by
dogs. Otters are occasionally killed on our roads or
drowned in eel traps.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Otter Version 1.1 - June 2008 25
Planning Considerations
•
Otters are widespread and may be affected by any development that impacts on a
watercourse or on habitat adjacent to a watercourse.
•
Any proposed development that may affect Otters or their holts should trigger a survey
and assessment of potential impacts.
•
Any development that would disturb Otters, impact upon their breeding and resting
places and/or significant habitat would require adequate protection and mitigation
measures, and the developer would require a European Protected Species
Development Licence, under the Habitats Regulations 1994, to proceed.
•
Otter holts and couches are covered by the legislation whether or not an Otter is
present. During any work it is essential that Otter holts are not disturbed – at least 50m
either side of a holt should be left unmanaged or undisturbed if possible.
•
A range of developments can affect otters and otter habitat: these include built
developments adjacent to rivers, tributary streams and ditches, riverside lighting, river
bank modification, road construction, bridge works over waterways or culverting, flood
alleviation works and new fishing lakes/ponds.
•
In addition to direct impacts through disturbance, or habitat change, developments may
impact on water quality, through pollution or siltation, any degradation of which would be
detrimental to otters.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Enhancement to riverbank vegetation, by fencing off to allow regeneration of riverbank
habitat.
•
Creation of lying up and breeding sites (holts).
•
Provision / enhancement of buffer strips between developments and watercourses.
Further Information
Natural England Wildlife Management & Licensing Service
European Protected Species Guidance Note, WML-G12 (11/07), Natural England - note not
version 07/07
Otter: European Protected Species, Natural England Species Information Note SIN006
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Species Account, JNCC
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Environment Agency – Otters Information
Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers, The Eurasian Otter: Ecology of the European Otter, Monitoring
the Otter, and Otter Breeding Sites Conservation and Monitoring
Otter predation and fish farms, Environment Agency
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Contacts
•
Environment Agency, Biodiversity Team , Northern Area Office, Ghyll Mount, Gillan
Way, Penrith 40 Business Park, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9BP, 08708 506506
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Otter Version 1.1 - June 2008
26
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8LX, 01539
816300
Current Action in Cumbria
•
A National Survey is carried out by the Environment Agency as the lead partner. The last
National Survey occurred in 2000-2002 and the next is scheduled to start in 2008. Parts
of Cumbria are not included within this survey as only alternate 50km grid squares are
included.
•
The Environment Agency locally carries out a rolling three year survey of all the
catchments in Cumbria.
•
Highways Agency are installing otter mitigation measures on all new road schemes in
Cumbria and retro-fitting otter ledges at identified sites.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Red Squirrel Version 1.1 - June 2008 27
RED SQUIRREL Sciurus vulgaris
Red Squirrels and their dreys are protected by UK legislation. The greatest threat
to Red Squirrels is the spread of the non-native Grey Squirrel which competes for
food and carries disease.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal and Conservation status
Red Squirrel © David Hickson
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
Red Squirrels are protected under:
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill, injure or take a wild Red Squirrel.
•
Have in possession or control any live or dead Red Squirrel or any part of it.
•
Damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which Red Squirrels use
for shelter or protection.
•
Disturb Red Squirrels while they are occupying such a place.
(This is a summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
Habitat
Red Squirrels are essentially woodland animals, spending the majority of their lives in the
canopy. Although Red Squirrels can live in all types of woodland, they cannot compete against
Grey Squirrels in mixed and deciduous woodlands, especially if large-seeded broadleaved trees
(oak, beech, hazel) are present. Red Squirrels have more of a competitive advantage against
Grey Squirrels in coniferous woodlands and this habitat difference is being used in the strategy
for Red Squirrels in England.
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Red Squirrel Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Habitat connectivity between woodlands through tree-lines and hedgerows is important for Red
Squirrels, as they are more reluctant than grey squirrel to cross large distances of open ground.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Red Squirrels include:
Semi-natural woodland
Hedgerows
Ecology
Red Squirrels predominantly live on tree seeds but their diet also includes berries, buds, shoots,
flowers, lichens, fungi and, occasionally, insects. The autumn and winter seed harvest is
extremely important both for over-winter survival and for breeding success the following year.
Red Squirrels do not hibernate and need to increase their body weight by 10% in order to
survive the winter and maintain good condition for breeding in the spring. The first litter is
usually born in March with a second litter, if conditions are right, in July/August. The autumn and
winter food runs out by late spring and between April and August natural food becomes scarce.
Red Squirrels build spherical nests in trees using twigs and other material such as mosses,
leaves and lichens. These nests are called dreys and a squirrel will use 4 -5 dreys at any time.
Causes of mortality include lack of food, disease, predation and road deaths.
The introduction of Grey Squirrels from North America in the 19th Century has had a devastating
impact on Red Squirrels not only through competition for resources, but also through spreading
the squirrelpox virus which is nearly always fatal to Red Squirrels.
Distribution
Once ubiquitous in Britain, the species has
undergone a drastic decline over the last 50 years
and is now essentially restricted to Scotland,
Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham, West
Lancashire, Merseyside some parts of Wales,
including Angelsey, and island populations such as
Brownsea and the Isle of Wight..
Red Squirrels still occur throughout Cumbria but
have been declining rapidly in the last 10-15 years.
The decline is most advanced in South Cumbria as
Grey Squirrels originally colonised Cumbria from
Lancashire. It is anticipated that scattered
populations in small woods will continue to decline
throughout Cumbria within the next 20 years.
The main conservation action in Cumbria is
concentrated on Red Squirrel ‘reserves’ and their
buffer zones at Greystoke, Whinfell, Whinlatter and
Thirlmere plus Garsdale/Mallerstang on the North
Yorkshire border and south west Kielder.
Conservation Issues
The most important threat to the survival of the Red Squirrel in Cumbria is the spread of the
Grey Squirrel. Grey Squirrels compete with Red Squirrels for resources and are also thought to
act as a carrier of the squirrelpox virus, which has been identified as one of the main causes of
the decline of Red Squirrels in the UK. Red Squirrels also suffer from road mortality and loss,
fragmentation and unsympathetic management of woodland habitats.
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Red Squirrel Version 1.1 - June 2008 29
Planning Considerations
•
Red Squirrels breed throughout Cumbria and potentially any woodland within Cumbria
may contain squirrels and their dreys. Woodlands or individual trees or groups of trees
that are used for breeding are also material to planning decisions.
•
Red Squirrels may be impacted by development which affects individual or small groups
or trees, by poor management, loss of larger areas of woodland, and by the loss of tree
lines and hedgerows that link woodland patches.
•
Any development that may impact upon Red Squirrels and their habitat would require a
Red Squirrel survey with particular focus on their protected dreys and, as necessary,
adequate protection and mitigation measures.
•
In Red Squirrel reserves and buffer zones the potential for protection and enhancement
of habitat should be optimised where ecologically appropriate.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Take opportunities to manage the mix of species required by Red Squirrels in the
reserves and buffer zones. This may include planting the correct tree species or
retaining conifers within woodlands, avoiding large-seeded broadleaved species such as
oak and beech.
•
Design layout of developments, including new roads, in such a manner that habitat links
are created or maintained.
Further Information
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Save Our Squirrels
Red Squirrel information Forestry Commission
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
Contacts
•
Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Melanie Hardie, Species Advisor (mammals),
01733 866912, email [email protected]
•
Save our Squirrel Project, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Gosforth, Newcastle 0845
3479375
•
Cumbria Save our Squirrels, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Sergents Barn, Lowther, Penrith,
CA10 2HH, 01931 711025, [email protected]
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The main conservation action in Cumbria is concentrated on the Red Squirrel reserves
and their buffer zones. The Red Squirrel conservation partnership Red Alert North
England launched the ‘Save Our Squirrels’(SOS) project to help take forward the
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Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Red Squirrel Version 1.1 - June 2008
30
conservation of these Reserves and advise landowners and managers on how best to
manage their habitat for Red Squirrels.
•
A number of Red Alert North England/SOS and independent Red Squirrel volunteer
groups collate squirrel sightings and undertake Grey Squirrel control in the reserves and
buffer zones. They also take Grey Squirrel blood samples to aid research into the
squirrelpox virus.
•
Other volunteer groups play an active role in areas outside the reserves through Grey
Squirrel control and awareness-raising.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Reptiles Version 1.1 - June 2008 31
REPTILES All native species
Four reptile species are found in Cumbria: Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara,
Slow-worm Anguis fragilis (a legless lizard), Grass Snake Natrix natrix and Adder
Vipera berus. All are protected by UK legislation. The greatest threats to reptiles
in Cumbria are from habitat loss and fragmentation due to unsympathetic
management and development.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal and Conservation Status
Common or Viviparous Lizard © David Hickson
•
All are UK protected species
•
All are UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance
in England
Cumbria’s native reptiles are protected under:
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), in respect of sections
9(1) as far as it relates to killing and injuring and in respect of section 9(5) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill or injure a Common Lizard, Adder, Grass Snake or Slow-worm.
(This is a summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
Habitat
Reptiles require habitat with good structural diversity
providing basking areas, feeding opportunities and
hibernation sites.
Being cold-blooded they need to be able to bask to
raise their body temperature. The open, dry nature of
heathlands, limestone and acid grasslands, and the
rough grasslands of roadside verges and railway
embankments often provide these basking areas, as
well as plenty of cover and food. In the urban
environment many previously developed land
(brownfield) sites, particularly associated with the
coastal strip in Cumbria, and allotments, can provide
Adder, Drigg Dunes © Stephen Hewitt
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Reptiles Version 1.1 - June 2008
32
suitable habitat for high densities of reptiles. The exception is the Grass Snake, which has more
affinity with wetland habitats.
Adders are most often found on heathland and
lowland bogs.
Common
Lizards
have
broad
habitat
requirements. They have been reported from
brownfield sites, allotments, coastal sand dunes,
sheltered woodland clearings, lowland mires,
heathland, limestone pavement and open fellsides
up to an altitude of 600m as well as rough
grasslands of previously developed land and other
man made habitats.
Grass Snakes are often associated with wetland
areas and ponds, where they feed on frogs, but
they range over large areas and can be found away
from water in open woodland and scrub as well as
gardens.
Grass Snake © Stephen Hewitt
The Slow-worm is found throughout the county in
open woods, lightly-managed grassland including
gardens, churchyards, allotments, roadside verges,
and post industrial land, up to an altitude of about
300m. The open, rock-strewn woodlands of some
Lakeland valleys also provide suitable conditions.
The highest densities of slow-worms can often be
found in under-utilised allotments.
Slow-worm © Stephen Hewitt
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for the above species include:
Heathland
Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Bogs
Limestone pavements
Calcareous grassland
Semi-natural woodlands
Open mosaic habitats on previously
developed land
Lakes, ponds and tarns
Coastal habitats above high water
Ecology
British reptiles are inactive from about mid-October to March hibernating below ground in
disused mammal burrows, inside buried stonework, deep within grass tussocks or among tree
roots. When they emerge in the spring they can often be seen basking in the open. Adders from
a large area may hibernate together and therefore a few hibernation sites can be vital to the
survival of a whole population.
Slow-worms and Common Lizards live mostly on invertebrates – insects, spiders and small
slugs and snails. The two snakes hunt by stealth, preying on amphibians, small mammals and
even their smaller reptilian cousins.
Reptiles lay eggs with leathery shells that do not dry out on land, and so do not require water in
order to breed. However of the four species in Cumbria only the Grass Snake actually lays
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Reptiles Version 1.1 - June 2008 33
eggs, frequently in compost heaps. The other species are able to develop the eggs inside the
body and give birth to live young. This is particularly useful for reptiles living in our cool, northern
climate as the pregnant females are able to move into warm situations to promote the
development of the young inside them.
Distribution
All reptiles are under-recorded. Common Lizards and
Slow-worms are likely to occur on most lowland
previously developed land sites and lightly-managed
grassland. Adders occur at low density over much of
Cumbria in natural or semi-natural habitats. Grass
Snakes are probably confined to south Cumbria and
the coastal strip.
Conservation Issues
Development and unsuitable land management have
reduced the amount of habitat available for reptiles.
Reptiles require habitat with good structural diversity
providing
basking
areas,
adequate
feeding
opportunities and hibernation sites. These features
are often reduced through intensive mowing, overgrazing, burning (accidental or deliberate), intensive
recreational use or simply scrub colonisation.
Fragmentation of populations can be caused by roads or urban development, as well as by
more subtle features such as ploughed fields or expanses of short mown grass.
Persecution may still be a significant cause of decline for Adder, Grass Snake and Slow-worm;
the Adder is the only venomous snake but the other species may be erroneously considered to
be a danger to the public.
Planning Considerations
•
Any proposed development that may affect reptiles would require a reptile survey.
•
Surveys for reptiles and their use of habitat cannot be carried out adequately during the
winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after a suitable
survey window.
•
Any development that would impact upon reptiles and their habitat would require
adequate protection and mitigation measures.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Creation of wildlife corridors through urban and semi-urban spaces could include open
grassland habitat, sown with native species and with structural diversity, e.g. rock and
wood refuge piles, built in for reptiles.
•
Species-rich grasslands on previously developed land could be enhanced for reptiles to
form core areas of reptile habitat.
•
Creation of refuges/over-wintering sites to enhance existing sites.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Reptiles Version 1.1 - June 2008
34
Further Information
Reptiles: Guidelines for developers, English Nature 2004
Reptiles in your garden: your questions answered Natural England 2007
Reptile information The Wildlife Trusts
Herpetofauna Workers Manual
Contacts
•
Herpetological Conservation Trust, 655A
Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 4AP, 01202 391319
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria. LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Christchurch
Road,
Boscombe,
Current Action in Cumbria
None
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Small Blue Version 1.1 – June 2008 35
SMALL BLUE Cupido minimus
The Small Blue butterfly is particularly vulnerable to the loss of habitat through
development of brownfield sites or through scrub encroachment leading to the
loss of kidney vetch, its food plant.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Legal and Conservation Status
Small Blue © Stephen Hewitt
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
The Small Blue is protected under:
•
Section 9 (in respect of section 9(5) only) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as
amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Sell or offer for sale a Small Blue butterfly.
(This is a summary of the main points of the law, not a complete statement.)
Habitat
The Small Blue relies on grassland habitats that have a very specific combination of shelter, to
provide a warm micro-climate for the adults, and sparse species-rich grassland or eroding
vegetation where kidney vetch, on which the caterpillars feed, can flourish. Most good sites are
a mosaic of short and tall grassland with some light scrub.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for the Small Blue include:
Open mosaic habitats on previously developed land
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36
Small Blue Version 1.1 – June 2008
Ecology
Our smallest resident butterfly is often confined to small patches. Males set up territories in
sheltered positions, perching on tall grass or scrub. Once mated, the females disperse to lay
eggs but both sexes may be found from late afternoon onwards in communal roosts, facing
head down in long grass.
Eggs are laid singly, tucked into the young flower heads of prominent kidney vetch plants. The
caterpillars feed on the developing flowers. When fully grown they descend to the ground and
pass the winter in soil crevices or under moss. They pupate the following spring also at ground
level and emerge in May.
They are poor fliers and do not move far in a year, so if lost from a site they may not recolonise. Kidney vetch is much more widespread in Cumbria than the Small Blue butterfly.
Distribution
One of the rarest butterflies in Cumbria, it is
now confined to coastal grassland between
Maryport and Workington, mostly on disturbed
post or current industrial sites and railway land.
Its current distribution is now limited to three
main locations; Maryport Coastal Park and
Risehow, the Port of Workington / Siddick area
and the Mossbay (Corus) site to the south of
the River Derwent. Occasional individuals are
found between these sites.
The nearest Small Blue colonies to these in
Allerdale are more than 100 miles distant.
Other historical Small Blue colonies, such as
old railway cuttings and embankments in the
Carlisle area, were kept clear of vegetation as a
fire prevention measure in the days of steam
engines and incidentally provided ideal
conditions for Kidney Vetch to thrive. These are
long extinct with no realistic chance of recolonisation.
It is unlikely that the Small Blue will re-colonise
naturally beyond 5km of the current distribution,
with sites within 2km being more likely.
Naturally, therefore, this species has a limited but important distribution in Allerdale.
Conservation Issues
Development on previously-used land in this coastal strip and at the Port of Workington, and
habitat loss through scrub encroachment and rank grassland conditions reducing the availability
of kidney vetch, are the major threats facing the Small Blue. Their low dispersal ability and the
small size of colonies in combination with kidney vetch habitat fragmentation can lead to
localized extinctions and poor ability to re-colonize and slow population recovery. Habitat
destruction from vandalism, motorbikes, fires and human disturbance e.g. through littering,
trampling, dog fouling can also be an issue.
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Small Blue Version 1.1 – June 2008 37
Planning Considerations
•
The Small Blue is largely dependant upon previously-used land (brownfield sites) in
Cumbria.
•
Any proposed development within and nearby the current Small Blue area should trigger
a Small Blue assessment. Timing for butterfly survey is restricted to May-June, but
kidney vetch can be surveyed throughout the year.
•
Development proposals should seek to maintain and/or create a mosaic of habitat and
Small Blue population throughout the Small Blue distribution area, and its surrounds.
•
The Small Blue is sometimes confused with the Common Blue and Chimney Sweeper
Moth.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Management of existing habitat and populations can be successful within current
developments provided linked patches of kidney vetch grassland are identified and
maintained with open, sunny conditions.
•
Creation of new species-rich kidney vetch grassland habitat within the Small Blue
butterfly distribution area of Allerdale to provide sites for colonisation from nearby
populations.
•
Breeding conditions for the Small Blue are relatively easy to create by either allowing
sites to colonise naturally with kidney vetch or by planting kidney vetch of local
provenance; best results are seen on uneven ground with thin calcareous soils.
•
Development proposals should seek to maintain and/or create a mosaic of habitat and
Small Blue population throughout the Small Blue distribution area, and its surrounds.
Further Information
Small Blue Priority Species factsheet, Butterfly Conservation,
Small Blue information, Butterfly Conservation
Bourn, N A D and Warren, M S (2000) Small Blue Cupido minimus Species Action Plan.
Butterfly Conservation, contact BC for copy.
Status of the Small Blue Butterfly Cupido minimus on the West Cumbria Coast, Butterfly
Conservation Report No. S07-35, Dr Sam Ellis, November 2007
Contacts
•
Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP,
01929, 400209, [email protected]
•
Butterfly Conservation (Cumbria) Steve Doyle, 14 The Willows, Durdar, Carlisle, CA2
4UP, 01228 544059, [email protected]
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Butterfly Conservation undertook a survey of the Small Blue butterfly and its habitat
distribution in the core population area, in 2007.
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38
Small Blue Version 1.1 – June 2008
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
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Water Vole Version 1.1 - June 2008 39
WATER VOLE Arvicola terrestris
Water Voles and anywhere they use for shelter or resting are protected by UK
legislation. The greatest threat to Water Vole populations is through loss of
suitable habitat through agricultural intensification and predation by the nonnative mink.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Water Vole © Michelle Waller
Legal and Conservation Status
•
UK Protected Species
•
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species and Species of Principal Importance in
England
•
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan species
The Water Vole is protected under:
•
Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 (as amended) (Schedule 5).
It is an offence to:
•
Intentionally kill, injure or take a wild Water
Vole.
•
Have in possession or control any live or dead
Water Vole or any part of it.
•
Damage, destroy or obstruct access to any
structure or place which Water Voles use for
shelter or protection.
•
Disturb Water Voles while they are occupying
such a place.
(This is a summary of the main points of the
law, not a complete statement.)
Water Vole habitat, Alston © Stephen Hewitt
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Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Water Vole Version 1.1 - June 2008
40
Habitat
Water Voles live in and around streams, rivers and other water bodies. Water Voles have been
shown to prefer banks greater than 1m high, with slopes of less than 35°, and vegetation down
to the water’s edge.
It is widely thought to be a mainly lowland species, found at higher densities on slow flowing
streams, 1-3m wide, with muddy bottoms.
However, in upland moorland areas, such as the North Pennines, Water Voles are found on
small upland streams, possibly at altitudes that mink do not normally reach. In the absence of
suitable banks to burrow they can build nests of reeds and grasses in tussocks of grass.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for Water Voles include:
Rivers
Lakes, ponds and tarns
Ecology
Water Voles live along waterways, in burrows, above and below the water. They are active
both day and night, usually for periods of 2-4 hours. They leave their droppings in latrines
which often show a trampled mass of old droppings with fresh ones on top.
In summer, they actively range along waterways, but most of the winter is spent within the
burrow, although they do not hibernate and need a year round food supply. They are
herbivorous, and eat green shoots in preference to fruits and seeds; they rely more on belowground rhizomes during the winter.
The low life expectancy of Water Voles (average life-span 5 months) if coupled with high
predation rates and low immigration from other vole populations, can lead to local extinctions of
populations.
Distribution
Water Voles were once common throughout
Cumbria from Furness to the Scottish borders
(Macpherson, 1892).
Declines have been due to habitat degradation
and loss, habitat fragmentation and predation,
especially by Mink.
Recent survey work by Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Mammal Group and others has found that the
core population remains in the Alston area. A
nearby population has recently been found on a
couple of streams in the Eden catchment, in the
Renwick/ Melmerby area.
There may still be isolated, small populations in
parts of Cumbria where Water Voles have been
recorded post 1980 but not in recent surveys.
The potential area may, therefore, be more
extensive than shown.
Water Voles could potentially occur throughout
Cumbria however the presence of mink
throughout the county, and slow re-colonisation
rates, make it unlikely that this will occur in the
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Water Vole Version 1.1 - June 2008 41
near future. Reintroductions and mink control on the River Eden may extend the population as
shown on the plan, with appropriate habitat enhancement.
Conservation Issues
Predation by mink is thought to be the main cause of declines in Water Vole populations. This is
exacerbated by habitat loss and fragmentation due to heavy grazing of river banks, river
engineering, dredging and clearance of bankside vegetation, and culverting. Water pollution by
chemicals such as PCBs and heavy metals, and inputs from agriculture and sewage works
could have a detrimental effect.
Planning Considerations
•
Any modification or management of the banks can impact upon resident Water Voles,
such as ditch clearance, flood alleviation works and culverting.
•
Any proposed development which may affect the rivers or streams within the Water
Voles’ current range will potentially affect Water Vole habitat and distribution and should
therefore require a Water Vole/ Water Vole habitat survey.
•
It should be noted that, since it is possible that there may still be isolated, small
populations in parts of Cumbria where Water Voles have been recorded post 1980 but
not recently, developments that significantly affect suitable watercourses should
consider the possibility of Water Voles being present.
•
Any development that would impact upon Water Vole or Water Vole habitat would
require adequate protection and mitigation measures.
•
In areas where Water Voles may occur the potential for enhancement and long-term
management of the river/ streamside habitat should be maximised.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Reduction in the amount of habitat damage, disturbance and burrow destruction by
promoting better and more timely bank-side management, e.g. so as not to affect both
banks at the same time.
•
Protection and/ or creation of enhanced bank-side vegetation through fencing and
planting and reduced grazing levels, especially within the Water Vole re-introduction
area.
Further Information
Cumbria Water Vole project, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Eden Rivers Trust
Water voles – the law in practice, Guidance for planners and developers, Natural England, 2008
Water voles and development: Licensing policy, Natural England, 2008
Disturbance and protected species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales
Water Vole Conservation Handbook, 2nd Edition, 2006, The Wildlife Conservation Research
Unit, hard copy only from the WCRU, University of Oxford, 01865 271289.
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
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Water Vole Version 1.1 - June 2008
42
Contacts
•
Environment Agency, Alastair Driver, National Conservation Manager, 07836 600868,
[email protected]
•
The Cumbria Water Vole Project, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road,
Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8LX 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
The Environment Agency, Northern Area Office, Ghyll Mount, Gillan Way, Penrith 40
Business Park, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9BP 08708 506506
Current Action in Cumbria
•
A reintroduction project of Water Voles into the Warcop area was initiated in 2007, with
further releases possible in upcoming years. This project has been coordinated by the
Cumbria Water Vole Project based at Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
•
A few sites are appropriately managed by landowners in conjunction with the Environment
Agency and the Cumbria Water Vole Project.
•
Trapping of mink occurs widely throughout Cumbria for Water Voles, most intensively on the
River Eden catchment where an organised control project is in place, managed by Cumbria
Water Vole Project.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Wintering Geese and Swans Version 1.1 - June 2008 43
WINTERING GEESE AND SWANS
Pink-footed Geese, Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swans winter or pass through
Cumbria mainly between September and early May. They are protected by UK and
European legislation. The greatest threat to these species comes from
development that affects their feeding grounds, especially wind farms.
Contents
Legal and Conservation Status
Habitat
Ecology
Distribution
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Barnacle Geese © David Hickson
Legal and Conservation Status
•
Whooper Swan and Barnacle Goose: Annex I Birds Directive (protection through Special
Protection Areas, Article 4.1)
•
Pink-footed Goose: Birds Directive - regularly occurring migratory species (protection
through Special Protection Areas, Article 4.2)
Habitat
All of the birds graze on grasslands during the day including intensively managed agricultural
land such as pasture, winter stubble, cereals and root crops.
Whooper Swan - Most Whooper Swans wintering in Britain and Ireland are from the Icelandic
breeding population. Whooper Swans favour grazing on intensively managed agricultural land,
notably improved pasture, winter stubbles and root crops. The choice of particular pasture fields
may be related to the availability of nearby freshwater for drinking, and to the presence of stock.
Birds rarely mix with sheep or cattle. Birds may move to roost on estuary mudflats or
saltmarshes, or on the sea itself, at coastal sites, but on moonlit nights they may stay inland.
Inland feeders may move to roost on adjacent still freshwaters or rivers at dusk.
Pink-footed Goose - The Iceland/Greenland breeding population of Pink-footed Goose winters
almost entirely within Britain. Favoured feeding areas are improved grasslands, stubbles,
cereals and root crops with nearby estuaries or freshwaters used as roosts (Mitchell & Hearn
2004).
Barnacle Goose - The entire Svalbard-breeding population of Barnacle Geese winters around
the Solway estuary. Its preferred grazing habitat is on the estuary’s saltmarshes, although it is
increasingly being found on neighbouring intensively-managed grassland.
Cumbria Key Habitats that are particularly important for the above species include:
Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Intertidal habitats
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Wintering Geese and Swans Version 1.1 - June 2008
44
Ecology
All are arctic-breeding, single-brooded species which maintain pair-bonds for life. In all species
family groups migrate together from the breeding grounds, via a moult area and favoured
staging areas, to the wintering grounds. Family groups remain together until late winter.
During winter the geese form large mobile flocks; the swans smaller more sedentary flocks of
generally less than 30 birds. Barnacle Geese move around the Solway grazing an area down
then moving on to a new area. The swans will use favoured feeding areas for a month or more
(though they may move to roost). Pink-footed Geese move around the country.
The swans generally move north from Cumbria in late March; geese stay until mid - April, with
the last Barnacles leaving in May. Almost all the Solway population of Barnacle Geese gather
on Rockcliffe marsh pre-migration.
Distribution
Whooper Swans - In Cumbria there are regular
wintering areas around the Solway estuary and
inland in the lower Esk Valley at Longtown, the
lower Eden Valley east of Carlisle and the middle
Eden Valley east of Penrith.
Pink-footed Goose - The Solway estuary and
adjacent farmland is the major Cumbria wintering
area. The main roosts are on the Blackshaw and
Priestside Banks on the Scottish side, on the
sandbanks off Rockcliffe Marsh in both Scotland
and England, and in Moricambe Bay at the
western end of the inner Firth on the English side.
Numbers peak in February and early March when
the geese present all winter are joined by birds
from Lancashire and Norfolk wintering grounds.
At this time geese feed on saltmarshes and fields
around Morecambe Bay and the Duddon as well
as the Solway.
Barnacle Goose – In winter Barnacle Geese are
found on fields within or adjoining the Solway
estuary particularly around Mersehead and
Caerlaverock on the Scottish side and Rockcliffe
Marsh and Moricambe Bay on the English side, and do not range far from these areas.
Rockcliffe Marsh is the major roost in Cumbria.
Conservation Issues
These birds are vulnerable to disturbance and/or habitat loss at their feeding grounds, and
potential collision along, and disturbance to, their flight routes. They are considered particularly
sensitive to wind farm developments because:
•
They are large and un-manoeuvrable and are vulnerable to collision.
•
They often follow discrete flight lines between roosting and feeding areas and make daily
flight movements often in low light conditions.
•
They may be vulnerable to the effects of displacement by wind turbines which can
‘sterilise’ key feeding areas.
•
They occur in discrete, internationally important populations.
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Wintering Geese and Swans Version 1.1 - June 2008 45
Planning Considerations
•
Developments may impact upon the feeding areas directly or may cause impact on the
flight-lines of the birds between the feeding areas and roosting areas.
•
Any proposed development would require a survey and assessment of use during the
appropriate time of year.
•
Any development that would impact upon these birds would require adequate mitigation
and, where appropriate, compensation.
•
Since Pink-footed Geese, Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swan are protected through
SPA designation any development that impacts upon these birds, or the habitat on
which they depend, when they are off-site may result in an adverse effect on the integrity
of the site itself. This would require the planning authority to carry out a Habitats
Regulations Assessment under the Habitats Regulations 1994.
•
Any impact to the designated species (or habitat on which the population is dependent),
which causes a significant decline in the size, distribution, structure or function of the
population within the designated site, should be considered to have an adverse effect on
the integrity of the site.
•
It should be noted that a clear link would need to be made between the population being
impacted upon and the population within the designated site (functionally linked).
•
In Cumbria this will be particularly relevant for development within the Core Areas.
•
Developers should be encouraged to seek advice from Natural England, RSPB or the
Cumbria Bird Club.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Large scale developments can create new, or improve the management of, feeding
areas for these birds, both during the operation of the development or as part of the site
restoration.
•
Pink footed geese are a legal quarry species (during the open season September 1 to
January/ February), under Section 2, and listed in Schedule 2 Part 1, of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981. Large numbers of birds are shot each year. Shooting occurs both
on estuaries and on farmland. One form of compensation (associated with
developments) is the buying out of shooting rights and the creation of refuges for feeding
geese.
Further Information
Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria, 2007, RSPB
Pink-footed Goose information, RSPB, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Wildfowl
and Wetlands Trust
Barnacle Goose information, RSPB, JNCC and WWT
Whooper Swan information, RSPB, JNCC and WWT
Special Protection Areas list
Off-site impacts guidance, 2004, English Nature, Review of Consents, Internal policy note on
off site impacts affecting designated species and site integrity – contact Natural England.
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Wintering Geese and Swans Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Contacts
•
RSPB, Newcastle1 Sirius House, Amethyst Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastleupon-Tyne, NE4 7YL, 0191 233 4300
•
WeBS Secretariat, WeBS Office, British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford,
Norfolk IP24 2PU, 01842 750050, [email protected]
•
WWT, Goose and Swan monitoring programme, Slimbridge Wetlands Centre,
Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BT, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Bird Club, Dave Piercy, Derwentwater Youth Hostel, Borrowdale, Keswick
CA12 5UR, 017687 77246, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Tim Youngs, Hill Top Farmhouse, Colby, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria,
CA16 6BD [email protected]
•
Natural England, Juniper House, Murley Moss, Oxenholme Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9
7RL, 01539 792800, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
All the above birds are monitored during the winter as part of the Wetland Birds Survey
(WeBS) co-ordinated by the BTO and the National Grey Goose census co-ordinated by the
WWT. Information on these surveys can be obtained from the relevant organisation.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Bogs Version 1.1 - June 2008 47
BOGS
Bogs are acid peatlands supporting specialised flora and fauna, fed
predominantly by rain water. They require water-logging for peat formation and
this peat acts as a carbon sink.
UK Priority Habitats covered
by this statement:
Blanket bog
Lowland raised bog
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by
this statement:
Blanket bog
Lowland raised mire
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Blanket Bog © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Bogs are peatlands that receive their nutrients from rainfall, as opposed to fens which receive
their nutrients from ground water. Bogs may have similar vegetation cover to heathland but they
have a deeper peat layer (more than 0.5m).
There are two types of bog in Cumbria: blanket bogs, which are mantles of peat formed in the
uplands over gently undulating hills, on plateaux and in hollows; and lowland raised bogs, which
develop in hollows and shallow lakes on low-lying, level ground, near to estuaries or on the
floodplains of rivers, where decaying vegetation has built up to form quite obvious raised mounds
of peat.
Bogs require permanently waterlogged conditions for peat to form and accumulate from dead
plant material that only partially decomposes. Decomposition is unable to fully take place because
the lack of oxygen prevents the action of micro-organisms.
Bog vegetation is characterised by Sphagnum bog mosses, Cotton-grasses, Cross-leaved Heath
and Heather. Sundews, Bog Rosemary and Cranberry are also common.
Blanket bogs are important for the populations of breeding birds which they support, including
Golden Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Red Grouse, Black Grouse, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and
Merlin. Blanket bogs support a variety of invertebrates, including the Northern Dart moth.
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Bogs Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Lowland raised bogs support a unique invertebrate grouping, which includes uncommon
species such as the Large Heath butterfly, White-faced Dragonfly or Darter, Downy Emerald
dragonfly and the Bog Bush-cricket, as well as a large number of moths. A number of birds are
associated with lowland raised bogs, including Curlew and Snipe. Raised bogs provide one of
the last refuges for Nightjar in Cumbria.
Distribution and Extent
Very extensive areas of blanket bog are found on the
North Pennine and Lake District Fells, including
Moorhouse and Upper Teesdale National Nature
Reserve (NNR), Butterburn Flow NNR, Geltsdale,
Skiddaw fells, Haweswater and Shap fells, and Armboth
Fell.
Cumbria is one of the most important areas in England
for lowland raised bog. Large areas are found on the
coastal plains of the Solway and Duddon estuaries and
around Morecambe Bay. Raised bogs can also be found
inland, though usually in more confined and hence
smaller sites.
Lowland raised bogs include the South Solway Mosses
National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Drumburgh Moss
Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) reserve on the Solway
Plain. In the south of the county the most extensive sites
are Roudsea Wood and Mosses NNR, the Duddon
Mosses NNR, and Foulshaw Moss and Meathop Moss
CWT reserves.
Distribution of bogs in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Conservation Issues
The most significant threats to bogs come from changes to the hydrology of the peat body as a
result of drainage, either of the peat body itself, or of adjacent land, and from direct loss of all or
part of the peat body as a result of peat extraction (either commercial or domestic use).
Agricultural reclamation and forestry planting have also had a significant impact.
Bog surfaces are fragile and activities such as over grazing, burning, recreational activities such
as off-road driving, motorbike scrambling, mountain biking, horse riding and walking can all
result in erosion and damage to the surface vegetation, and can also affect the hydrological
integrity of the bog.
Tree and scrub encroachment on lowland raised bogs (generally by birch, pine and
rhododendron) is a frequent consequence of lowered water tables caused by drainage.
The peat bodies which form lowland raised bogs and blanket bogs are major carbon sinks as
they trap carbon in the un-decomposed vegetation. If peat bodies are damaged the peat starts
to dry out and carbon is released into the atmosphere contributing to climate change. The
maintenance and restoration of bogs is therefore an important action to help reduce climate
change impacts.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
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Bogs Version 1.1 - June 2008 49
•
Any development that may impact upon bog habitat would require an assessment of the
likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation
measures.
•
Lowland raised bogs and blanket bogs take thousands of years to develop and therefore
cannot be re-created within acceptable timeframes.
•
Peatland is a major carbon sink.
•
Any development which leads to the direct loss of peat, the disturbance of peat, the
lowering of the water table or increased drainage within the site will be damaging to this
habitat. Peat disturbance introduces air which leads to peat breakdown.
•
Landscaping and tree planting schemes on bogs are inappropriate.
•
Mineral extraction, for deposits under the peat or even at a distance, may impact upon
the hydrology of the peatland.
•
Wind farm development on blanket bog can impact upon the site’s hydrology, cause
localised breakdown of peat and surface run-off, and can directly damage the vegetation
and reduce habitat availability for breeding and over-wintering birds.
•
The majority of lowland raised bogs in Cumbria are Special Areas of Conservation and
SSSIs, but some small sites remain outside the statutory designation system. These
smaller sites are likely to be designated County Wildlife Sites.
•
Many large areas of blanket bog are within Special Areas of Conservation and SSSIs,
however large areas are also found outside the statutory designation system, as are
many smaller areas of blanket bog.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Bogs habitats cannot be created. but existing sites can often be restored in the long term
if the hydrology of the bog is restored, for example by blocking drains both on the bog
itself and on surrounding land (which may have formed part of the bog in the past),
provided that all damaging activities such as peat extraction have ceased. Any trees and
scrub should also be removed.
•
Promotion of peatland habitat conservation for its additional carbon capture benefits.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat (LRB: occurs on lowland
raised bog, BB: occurs on blanket bog):
Marsh Saxifrage (BB)
Large Heath butterfly (LRB)
Argent and Sable moth (LRB)
White-faced Dragonfly (LRB)
Viviparous (common) Lizard (LRB)
Adder (LRB)
Skylark (LRB & BB)
Short-eared Owl (BB)
Nightjar (LRB)
Dotterel (BB)
Hen Harrier (BB)
Reed Bunting (LRB)
Merlin (BB)
Red Grouse (BB)
Curlew LRB & BB)
Golden Plover (BB)
Black Grouse (BB)
Further Information
UK BAP blanket bog
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Bogs Version 1.1 - June 2008
50
UK BAP lowland raised bog
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP blanket bog
Cumbria BAP lowland raised mire
Peat formation information
Blanket Bog information from Wales
Buglife: habitat management advice: blanket bog
Buglife: habitat management advice: lowland raised bogs
RSPB: management advice on moorland gripping
RSPB: Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria (Wind Turbines
and Sensitive Bird Populations, and the alert map showing deep peat soils)
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserves, Drumburgh, Foulshaw and Meathop Mosses
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Campfield Marsh Reserve: 01697 351330, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Restoration of blanket bog and lowland raised bog is occurring on many sites in Cumbria
and there is a considerable degree of expertise in this area that has been developed by
organisations such as Natural England, RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
•
The Environment Agency in conjunction with partners is producing Water Level
Management Plans for key sites aims to provide a framework for the preservation of the
hydrological regimes of these sites.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
and includes options for blanket bog (moorland) and lowland raised bog.
•
North Pennines AONB Peatscapes Project which aims to conserve and enhance the
peatland resource of the AONB
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Calaminarian Grasslands Version 1.1 - June 2008 51
CALAMINARIAN GRASSLANDS
This priority habitat supports a unique range of wildflowers on heavy metal rich
soils associated with the lead mining industry, or in similar natural situations.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Calaminarian grasslands
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan habitats
covered by this statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Calaminarian grassland, Nenthead Mine © Stephen Hewitt
Description
This grassland is found on soils with high concentrations of heavy metals, such as lead. These
conditions are most frequently found on mine spoil, though they may occasionally be found in
natural situations, such as on shingle banks in rivers that have incorporated heavy metal-rich
material.
High concentrations of heavy metals are toxic to many plants and this, combined with low nutrient
levels and the dry nature of many spoil heaps, leads to sparse vegetation and a restricted range
of species.
Typical plants that are adapted to these conditions are Wild Thyme, Spring Sandwort, Thrift,
Moonwort, Common and Pyrenean Scurvygrass, Mountain Pansy, Alpine Penny-cress, and a
range of lichens and mosses. Harebell, Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Fairy Flax, eyebrights, Yarrow, Sheep’s
Fescue and Common Bent are also frequently found.
Often these species have evolved specific genetic types which enable them to grow in these
conditions. Swards are often very open, with areas of bare spoil between individual plants.
This habitat is of international importance being equivalent to the habitat listed in Annex I of the
Habitats Directive.
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Calaminarian Grasslands Version 1.1 - June 2008
52
Distribution and Extent
In Cumbria this habitat is almost exclusively confined to
the former lead mines in the North Pennines around
Alston, Nenthead and the surrounding fells. It is also
found on shingle banks along rivers in this area.
This is a rare habitat in the UK, and, in England, is only
otherwise known from the Mendips, Derbyshire Dales
and Yorkshire Dales.
Calaminarian grassland areas in Cumbria include the
Whitesike Mine and Flinty Fell SSSI and SAC on the
roadside between Garrigill and Nenthead, and the one
remaining tailings dam at Nenthead. There are also
significant areas within Moorhouse and Cross Fell
SSSI, especially in Moorhouse National Nature
Reserve, and along the rivers of this area, especially on
the South Tyne just south of Alston.
Distribution of calaminarian grassland in Cumbria
Conservation Issues
Mine spoil areas are under threat from derelict land reclamation which usually involves complete
capping with imported topsoil to remove any possible impacts of the heavy metals on human
health, especially where this habitat occurs in close proximity to people. This results in
significant damage or complete habitat loss.
Similarly the reworking of spoil or the any other mining activity in the North Pennines is likely to
result in damage or habitat loss.
Although vegetation development is usually curtailed by the toxicity of the soils, this habitat may
also decline through natural succession if coarse grassland and scrub develop once active
disturbance ceases.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Where schemes are put forward to reduce the potential health hazards of heavy metal
rich mine spoil and tailings, to rework spoil or to carry out any other mining activity,
careful consideration should be given to the potential to retain areas of this habitat and
to ensure that full weight is given to the value of this habitat and its restricted distribution
in Britain.
•
The open nature of this vegetation and extent of bare ground which can be present often
means that it is viewed as waste land of no ecological significance, and therefore issues
are not raised early enough in the planning process.
•
Any development that may impact upon calaminarian grassland habitat would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection
and mitigation measures.
•
Some of the best examples of calaminarian grassland are within SACs and SSSIs,
however a significant amount of this habitat lies outside the statutory designation
system, particularly the many smaller areas.
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Calaminarian Grasslands Version 1.1 - June 2008 53
Enhancement Opportunities
•
None apparent.
Key Species
There are no Key Species particularly associated with this UK Priority Habitat.
Further Information
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Calaminarian grasslands,
Summary Statement p106, Habitat Proposal p142
Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae, Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Calaminarian grasslands in Northern England, Institute of Ecology and Environmental
Management, useful description and photographs
Habitats of principal importance in England, Section 74 CROW Act list
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
None
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54
Calaminarian Grasslands Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Calcareous Grassland Version 1.1 - June 2008 55
CALCAREOUS GRASSLAND
Flower-rich grasslands on poor limestone or base-rich soils which support some
of our rarest butterflies.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Lowland calcareous grassland
Upland calcareous grassland
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by
this statement:
Calcareous grassland
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Waitby Greengriggs © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Calcareous grasslands are found on shallow, well-drained soils derived from a variety of lime or
base-rich rock types. In Cumbria this is mainly Carboniferous Limestone, but there are smaller
areas of calcareous grassland associated with other base-rich sedimentary rocks such as some
shales, sandstones, and basic igneous rocks, including base-rich veins in the Borrowdale
Volcanic rocks of the central Lake District.
The most extensive type of calcareous grassland in Cumbria is dominated by Blue Moor-grass,
whilst other types have abundant bent and fescue grasses.
Characteristic plants include Wild Thyme, Limestone Bedstraw, Salad Burnet, Bird’s-foot-trefoil,
Rock-rose, Fairy flax, Quaking Grass and Crested Hair-grass. Calcareous grassland can
support a number of rare and uncommon species, including Teesdale Violet, Fly Orchid, Spiked
Speedwell, Hoary Rock-rose, Spring Gentian and Alpine forget-me-not.
Calcareous grasslands also support a variety of invertebrates, including butterflies such as High
Brown Fritillary, Small Blue, Scotch Argus, Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy
Fritillary, the Wall Mason Bee and the hoverfly Dorus profuges. This grassland can also be
important for waxcap fungi, Brown Hare and ground-nesting Skylark, Lapwing and Golden
Plover.
This grassland is maintained by light levels of stock grazing to prevent coarse grasses and
scrub from becoming established.
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Calcareous Grassland Version 1.1 - June 2008
56
Distribution and Extent
In Cumbria, calcareous grasslands occur mainly on the
Carboniferous Limestone around Morecambe Bay, the
Orton Fells and on the western flanks of the Pennines,
with smaller outcrops occurring in a discontinuous and
narrow ring around the northern Lake District. They also
occur as very small patches associated with more baserich outcrops of the Borrowdale Volcanic rocks in the
Lake District and along the narrow outcrop of the
Coniston Limestone that forms the southern boundary to
the Borrowdale Volcanics.
The most extensive calcareous grassland in Cumbria, a
type dominated by Blue Moor-grass, is rare in the UK
and is only found on the Carboniferous Limestone of the
Morecambe Bay area, the Craven District of North
Yorkshire and the borders of Cumbria, Durham and
North Yorkshire. Particularly good examples of
calcareous grassland can be found at Arnside Knott,
Scout Scar near Kendal and Smardale Gill, Cumbria
Wildlife Trust’s reserve near Kirkby Stephen.
Distribution of calcareous grassland in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Conservation Issues
The main threat to calcareous grassland is agricultural intensification, particularly use of
fertilisers and herbicides, and intensive winter stock feeding leading to localised soil enrichment.
Inappropriate management, including overgrazing and undergrazing, or a lack of grazing which
leads to scrub encroachment, can also result in the degradation or loss of this habitat. Indeed
inappropriate management is one of the main factors leading to declines in butterfly populations
dependent on this habitat.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon calcareous grassland habitat, or its species
interests, would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and,
as necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Developments on this habitat will lead to direct habitat loss and potential impacts upon
dependent invertebrates, such as butterflies.
•
Small scale loss, or removal of areas from grazing management, will contribute to
habitat fragmentation and isolation.
•
Care should be taken that landscaping schemes accompanying developments do not
result in areas of calcareous grassland being planted with trees or shrubs, or being
taken out of appropriate grazing management.
•
Much of the calcareous grassland in Cumbria is designated as SAC and SSSI, but
significant areas still remain outside SSSIs; many of these are designated as County
Wildlife Sites.
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Calcareous Grassland Version 1.1 - June 2008 57
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Limestone quarries, or other quarries with base-rich features, can incorporate
calcareous grassland in restoration design, with no importation of topsoils and minimal
seeding/ natural regeneration. This is a cheaper restoration option as well as being
more natural.
•
Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plans can be used for longer term
developments, for the lifetime of the development.
•
Planning conditions can be used to restore appropriate management to under-managed
and unmanaged grassland, including scrub clearance and reintroduction of grazing.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Big Blue Pinkgill
Pink Waxcap
Date-coloured Waxcap
Rare Spring-sedge
Basil Thyme
Frog Orchid
eyebright species
Spring Gentian
Field Gentian
Juniper
Fly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Spiked Speedwell
High Brown Fritillary
Northern Brown Argus
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Small Blue
Dingy Skipper
Duke of Burgundy
Grayling butterfly
Wall butterfly
Wall Mason Bee
a whorl snail Vertigo genesii
a whorl snail Vertigo geyeri
Curlew
Golden Plover
Grey partridge
Lapwing
Skylark
Song Thrush
Brown Hare
Further Information
UK BAP lowland calcareous grassland
UK BAP upland calcareous grassland
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP calcareous grassland
Butterfly Conservation priority species factsheets
Butterfly Conservation habitat management advice
Butterfly Conservation Morecambe Bay High Brown Fritillary project
Buglife: habitat management advice: upland calcareous grassland
Natural England lowland grassland management handbook
Natural England upland management handbook
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Calcareous Grassland Version 1.1 - June 2008
58
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Butterfly Conservation, 01929 400209, [email protected],
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Butterfly Conservation is coordinating a four-year project to ensure that the High Brown
Fritillary thrives in its national stronghold, the Morecambe Bay Limestones.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific calcareous grassland options.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Version 1.1 - June 2008 59
COASTAL AND FLOODPLAIN
GRAZING MARSH
This priority habitat is particularly important for breeding, over-wintering and
migrating birds, and relies on seasonal inundation.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by this
statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
North Plain Farm, Bowness-on-Solway © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Grazing marsh is found on low lying alluvial and, occasionally, peat soils, around estuaries and
along the floodplains of rivers. It is characterised by having a water table at or above ground
level (flooding) for some part of the year. This seasonal inundation gives the vegetation a
distinctive composition, with species such as Creeping Bent, Marsh Foxtail, Marsh Marigold and
Silverweed. Most of these grasslands are moderately species-poor.
Ditches are important component in the grazing marsh ecosystem; often forming the field
boundaries in this flat landscape. These can support a variety of marginal and aquatic plant
species, including Greater Reedmace, Reed Canary-grass, Water Plantain, Broad-leaved
Pondweed and sedges. These ditches also support a variety of animals including water birds
like Moorhen and invertebrates such as the Blue-tailed Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly.
Grazing marshes are of major significance for breeding, passage and wintering birds. Typical
breeding birds of grazing marsh include Redshank, Snipe, Lapwing and Yellow Wagtail.
In winter large numbers of Pink-footed Geese, Whooper swan, Wigeon, Teal, Barnacle Geese,
Lapwing and Golden Plover feed on grazing marshes. Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and Twite may
also frequent coastal grazing marsh during the winter months.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Version 1.1 - June 2008
60
Distribution and Extent
Extensive areas of coastal grazing marsh are found
around the Solway Firth, Duddon Estuary and
Morecambe Bay. Areas of floodplain grazing marsh are
found along sections of the river valleys throughout the
county and are particularly extensive in the Lyth and
Winster valleys in South Cumbria.
Conservation Issues
Grazing marshes are particularly threatened by
ecologically insensitive flood defence works, agricultural
intensification, including drainage and fertilisation,
neglect in the form of a decline in traditional
management and eutrophication, aggregate extraction,
saltwater flooding due to sea level rise, inappropriate
ditch management and overgrazing.
Large woodland planting on open coastal floodplain and
grazing marsh is a potential threat to this habitat.
Distribution of grazing marsh in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Onshore windfarms have the potential to result in significant numbers of bird strikes if sited on
or near grazing marshes heavily frequented by wintering and migrating birds. These tall
structures can also have significant adverse disturbance effects on bird species which require
an open landscape and uninterrupted views.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon this habitat, or its species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate
protection and mitigation measures.
•
Any development in a river floodplain or flat coastal area may lead to direct loss of this
priority habitat and its associated wildlife.
•
This habitat is sustained by flooding for part of the year and any development that
reduces the capacity to store water is likely to lead to flooding elsewhere, e.g. housing
and industrial developments.
•
Development adjacent to coastal and floodplain grazing marsh may impact upon the
hydrological regime of the marsh.
•
Development adjacent to coastal and floodplain grazing marsh may directly disturb
sensitive breeding, wintering and migrating birds which use this habitat.
•
Many waders require an open landscape and uninterrupted view, such that new
buildings or other tall structures can reduce the suitability of land for these species.
•
Windfarms can result in the death of wintering and passage birds due to collisions with
turbine blades, and some species are susceptible to disturbance from these
developments.
•
The majority of grazing marsh lies outside the SSSI system.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Version 1.1 - June 2008 61
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Protection of this habitat from development and creation of new areas in a planned and
well-managed way can help to alleviate problems caused by flooding, and provide new
facilities for public enjoyment.
•
Grazing marsh can be re-created on agriculturally improved land through changes in the
field drainage system, the introduction of ecologically sensitive ditch management and
incorporation of the land into a less intensive farming system.
•
Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plans can be used for longer term
developments, for the lifetime of the development.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Common Toad
Great Crested Newt
Natterjack Toad
Grass Snake
Curlew
Short-eared Owl
Peregrine Falcon
Barnacle Goose
Reed Bunting
Lapwing
Hen Harrier
Tundra (Bewick’s) Swan
Kingfisher
Golden Plover
Yellow Wagtail
Merlin
Whooper Swan
Skylark
Barn Owl
Water Vole
Further Information
UK BAP coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Buglife: habitat management advice: coastal and floodplain grazing marsh
Buglife: freshwater invertebrates
RSPB: wet grassland management
RSPB: managing water levels on wetlands
RSPB farmland habitat management advice web pages
RSPB: Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Campfield Marsh Reserve: 01697 351330, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific wet grassland options applicable to this habitat.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
62
Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Version 1.1 - June 2008
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Habitats above High Water Version 1.1 - June 2008 63
COASTAL HABITATS ABOVE HIGH
WATER
These priority habitats, formed by natural coastal processes, occur along the
majority of Cumbria’s coast. They provide positive opportunities for public
access and enjoyment though this requires active management.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Maritime cliff and slopes
Coastal vegetated shingle
Coastal sand dunes
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by
this statement:
Coastal habitats
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Dunes at Sandscale Haws © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Most of the cliffs along the coast of Cumbria are soft cliffs composed of boulder clay. More
dramatic sandstone cliffs are found at St Bees Head, and there are stretches of Carboniferous
Limestone cliffs around Morecambe Bay. The vegetation of the boulder clay cliffs is generally
dominated by coarse grasses, particularly species such as Red fescue, Yorkshire Fog and
Cocksfoot. Flowers such as Danish Scurvygrass, Sea Campion, Sea Plantain and Yarrow are
frequent. Sandstone cliffs can support a rich maritime flora, which includes Sea Campion,
Bloody Crane’s-bill, Kidney Vetch, Thrift, Common Scurvygrass and Red Fescue. The upper
slopes of these cliffs have thinner, more acidic soils and support acid grassland, heath and
bracken. The cliffs at St Bees Head are important as the only site on the eastern Irish Sea for a
variety of colonial seabirds, including Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Puffin and Black Guillemot.
The limestone cliffs also support maritime species such as Thrift and Samphire, and some
uncommon species, such as Hoary Rock-rose and Spring Cinquefoil.
Shingle beaches form in high energy environments where the sea can move and pile up
pebbles along the shore. Where the coastline is very exposed to wave action or human activity
vegetation is unable to develop, but where there is some protection from these forces distinctive
plant communities develop.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
64
Coastal Habitats above High Water Version 1.1 - June 2008
Characteristic species include Sea Holly, Yellow Horned-poppy, Sea Kale, Oysterplant and Isle
of Man Cabbage. Areas of shingle can provide sites for colonial nesting birds such as Terns,
gulls and Eider Duck, as well as Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover. They also support a number
of rare invertebrates.
Sand dunes develop behind large sandy beaches which dry out at low tide, allowing sand
grains to be blown onto the land by the wind. Sand dunes show a characteristic sequence of
zonation which is determined by their position on the shore, mobility and age. Embryonic and
mobile dunes occur mainly on the seaward side of a dune system where sand deposition is
occurring. They support very few plant species, the most characteristic being Marram grass.
Semi-fixed dunes occur where the rate of sand accretion has slowed but the surface is still
predominantly bare sand; Marram is still common but there is an increasing number of other
species.
Fixed dune grassland forms largely closed swards where the surface has stabilised and some
soil development has taken place. Calcareous fixed dunes support a particularly wide range of
plant species, including Wild Thyme, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil and Kidney Vetch. In acid
conditions acid dune grassland or dune heaths develop. Dune heaths are usually dominated by
heather, but sometimes by lichens. Dune slack vegetation occurs in wet depressions between
dune ridges; often characterised by Creeping Willow and marsh orchids.
Sand dunes in Cumbria are important for a wide range of rare or uncommon plants and
invertebrates and host 50% of the British population of Natterjack Toad which breed in pools
within dune slacks.
Distribution and Extent
Boulder clay cliffs and slopes are present along the
west Cumbria coast from Maryport south to Silecroft,
except at St Bees Head where sandstone cliffs occur.
Limestone cliffs are more restricted in extent, being
most prominent at Humphrey Head, near Grange-overSands.
Vegetated shingle is a rare habitat, though unvegetated
shingle is more widespread. The main areas in Cumbria
are on Walney and Foulney Islands, with smaller areas
elsewhere along the west coast and around the Solway
Firth.
Major sand dune systems are to be found at the mouth
of the Duddon Estuary (including Sandscale Haws and
Haverigg Dunes), Drigg Estuary (Ravenglass and
Eskmeals Dunes) and between Silloth and Maryport.
These coastal habitats, though by their nature relatively
narrow strips, could be more extensive, and any
measures to release more land for coastal habitat
creation and public use would be positive.
Distribution of coastal habitat in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Conservation Issues
Shingle banks and sand dunes are both highly dependent on the natural coastal processes of
erosion and deposition for their continued existence. These processes can be disrupted both by
coastal defence works and offshore aggregate extraction. Such works can have an effect many
miles down-current of where they take place and can result in changes in vegetation composition
or loss of habitat.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Habitats above High Water Version 1.1 - June 2008 65
Recreation, including visitor pressure, can damage vegetation through trampling and erosion, and
may cause disturbance to wintering, breeding and migrating waders, wildfowl and sea birds.
Agricultural improvement, including the use of fertilisers, herbicides and ploughing and reseeding,
remains a threat to the survival of cliff top grasslands and dunes, whilst appropriate grazing levels
are also important in the maintenance of vegetation communities.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon these habitats, or their species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
These coastal habitats occur in locations frequently favoured by golf course, caravan site
and wind farm developments. These can result in direct habitat loss, habitat fragmentation
and isolation, and disturbance of wildlife.
•
Onshore gravel extraction can lead to the direct loss of vegetated shingle and can disturb
migrating, breeding and wintering wader and wildfowl roosts.
•
Marine sand and gravel extraction can change patterns of deposition, threatening the
continued survival of dune systems and shingle banks. Impacts on the local environment
from development some distance away can be significant.
•
Any development adjacent to these coastal habitats can disturb breeding, wintering and
migrating waders and wildfowl either by direct disturbance from the development itself or
from increased public use, particularly dog walking.
•
Development in the vicinity of soft cliffs (and other habitats) can lead to demands for
coastal protection works which can impact upon natural coastal processes, including
preventing the natural erosion and slumping of soft cliffs which maintains their
characteristic vegetation.
•
Creation of facilities for recreational activities such as dirt bike or mountain bike tracks
results in erosion and damage to habitats, as do the activities themselves.
•
The majority of coastal vegetated shingle, sand dune and maritine cliff habitat in
Cumbria is designated as Special Area of Conservation or SSSI, but coastal soft cliffs
and slopes are largely outside the statutory designation system. Some are County
Wildlife Sites.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
The principal opportunities for enhancement of these habitats will be those which (a)
allow the restoration of natural processes, (b) reduce disturbance to habitats and birdlife
through effective people management and (c) promote habitat restoration through
changes to agricultural management.
•
Developments should seek to enhance coastal habitats, through appropriate planning
conditions and obligations. In particular maximising the potential to re-create habitat,
particularly coastal heath, on agriculturally improved land adjacent to the coastal strip.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Habitats above High Water Version 1.1 - June 2008
66
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Spiked Speedwell
St. Bees Seed-eater
Northern Dune Tiger Beetle
Small Blue
Grayling butterfly
Wall butterfly
The Northern Colletes
Great Crested Newt
Natterjack Toad
Adder
Viviparous Lizard
Herring Gull
Linnet
Little Tern
Reed Bunting
Short-eared Owl
Skylark
Further Information
UK BAP maritime cliff and slopes
UK BAP coastal vegetated shingle
UK BAP coastal sand dunes
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP coastal habitats
Buglife: habitat management advice: coastal sand dunes
Buglife: habitat management advice: coastal vegetated shingle
Buglife: habitat management advice: maritime cliffs and slopes
Buglife: soft rock cliffs
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserves information (Eskmeals Dunes, South Walney, Foulney Island
and Humphrey Head)
RSPB Reserves information (St Bees Head and Hodbarrow)
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, St Bees Head Reserve: 01697 351330, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific coastal habitat options applicable to this habitat.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Intertidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 67
COASTAL INTERTIDAL HABITATS
A range of wildlife-rich priority habitats between high and low tide; their form is
dependent on their coastal location, degree of wave action and substrate.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Blue mussel beds
Coastal saltmarsh
Estuarine rocky habitats
Intertidal boulder communities
Intertidal mudflats
Peat and clay exposures
Sabellaria alveolata reefs
Seagrass beds
Sheltered muddy gravels
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Coastal habitats
Honeycomb worm reefs
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Saltmarsh, Bowness-on-Solway © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Intertidal mudflats and sandflats are submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide. The
flats are highly mobile and are made predominantly of fine sands and silt. Fine sandy sediments
occur in the inner estuary with coarser sediments in the outer reaches. Typical fauna of these
mudflats includes shellfish such as the small pink Baltic Tellin and the Edible Cockle, and many
species of worm, including lugworms and ragworms. These communities provide a valuable
food source for feeding birds and fish.
Saltmarshes occur in sheltered coastal areas free of strong wave action with shallow shores
and a high sediment load. Pioneer plants like glassworts, Common Saltmarsh-grass and algae
create conditions suitable for other plants to become established, such as Sea Lavenders, Sea
Aster, Sea Purslane and Thrift, to become established. The extensive areas of flats and
saltmarsh in estuaries act as a refuge for roosting birds.
Intertidal scars (exposed boulders and rocks) support rich and well developed animal and
plant communities typical of rocky areas. They include brown seaweeds and the Edible or Blue
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Intertidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
68
Mussel, as well as Barnacles and Periwinkles. The habitat is also important for crabs and
various fish species and supports the reef building Honeycomb Worm.
Distribution and Extent
The intertidal area extends all around the coast of Cumbria, but is particularly extensive in the
large estuaries of the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay, Duddon Estuary and estuary of the River
Irt. These are almost exclusively soft sediment habitats with extensive mudflats and
saltmarshes.
Intertidal bedrock is largely restricted to around St Bees Head and off Parton/Lowca. Boulder
and cobble scars, formed from eroded glacial drift, are found extensively on the open coast of
Cumbria and to a lesser extent within the estuaries. Around 80% of the Cumbrian coastline is
classified as European Marine Sites (Special Area of Conservation and/or Special Protection
Area).
Conservation Issues
Issues that can significantly affect intertidal habitats are the disruption of natural processes by
coastal defence and protection works, dredging, developments such as estuary barrages and
road crossings and extraction of marine sand and gravel.
Developments, including those for industrial, retail and housing and the routing of cables and
pipelines can all lead to damage to this habitat, both through direct loss of habitat as well as
disruption of natural coastal processes. Pollution, from developments and from offshore
spillage, is a continual threat to intertidal habitats.
Cord-grass Spartina anglica is spreading in Cumbria. It is a naturalised pioneer species of
saltmarshes (derived through hybridisation of a native species with an introduced species)
which often dominates the initial stages of saltmarsh development, though it is generally
replaced by other saltmarsh species such as Saltmarsh Grass. In some locations Cord-grass
may present a threat to Seagrass beds. Cord-grass development may also affect the wader and
wildfowl use of intertidal habitats.
Fisheries activities, such as trawling, suction dredging for cockles, shrimping and shellfish
farms, can cause damage to marine communities, as can bait digging.
Sea level rise resulting from climate change will cause coastal squeeze (reduced habitat extent)
of intertidal habitats where they are backed on the landward side by features such as sea walls
or cliffs preventing the landward migration of these habitats.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development either within or adjacent to the intertidal zone may have an impact on
this sensitive environment.
•
Any development that may impact upon intertidal habitats, or their species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
The majority of the intertidal habitat in Cumbria is covered by the SAC/SPA/SSSI
system, although a significant length of intertidal habitat is not designated.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Intertidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 69
•
Most of the intertidal habitat is of international importance as Special Areas of
Conservation, for the habitat itself, and Special Protection Areas, particularly for
migratory and wintering bird populations. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on these sites would need to be assessed under the Habitats
Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Any opportunities to reduce pollution and other impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new development and design opportunities, will benefit intertidal
habitats.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of these habitats, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near these habitats:
Allis Shad
Twaite Shad
European Eel
Sea Lamprey
River Lamprey
Atlantic Salmon
Natterjack Toad
Great Crested Newt
Skylark
Short-eared Owl
Barnacle Goose
Hen Harrier
Tundra (Bewick’s) Swan
Whooper Swan
Merlin
Peregrine
Curlew
Golden Plover
Lapwing
Further Information
UK BAP coastal saltmarsh
UK BAP mudflats
UK BAP seagrass beds
UK BAP sheltered muddy gravels
UK BAP Sabellaria alveolata reefs
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review, 2007 several new priority habitats
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP coastal habitats
Cumbria BAP honeycomb worm reefs
JNCC marine habitats webpages
Buglife: habitat management advice: coastal saltmarsh
Buglife: habitat management advice: mudflats
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Duddon Estuary Partnership
Morecambe Bay Partnership
Solway Firth Partnership
Marine Conservation Society
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Intertidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
70
Contacts
•
Natural England Marine, Coastal and Renewables
01539 792800, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, 01697 351330, [email protected]
Government
Team,
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Estuary partnerships and strategies are in place on Morecambe Bay, Duddon Estuary
and the Solway Firth; other coastal partnerships include the Solway Rural Initiative,
Drigg Forum and Ministry of Defence Eskmeals Conservation Group.
•
Schemes of Management exist for Morecambe Bay and Solway Firth European Marine
Sites.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific inter-tidal coastal options.
•
Shore to Sea, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust marine project, is carrying out surveys, advising
on sustainable sea food sources and raising general awareness.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Coastal Subtidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 71
COASTAL SUBTIDAL HABITATS
Below the tidal limit Cumbria’s seabed is almost entirely of mud, silt, sand and
gravel sediments, with specialised animal life. These habitats can be damaged by
a variety of development and fishing activities.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Tide-swept channels
Subtidal sands and gravels
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan habitats covered by this statement:
Coastal habitats
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Description
These habitats occur below the tidal zone and hence are permanently submerged. The seabed
off the coast of Cumbria is almost entirely sedimentary in nature, with a few areas of boulder
scars.
Sediments range from cobbles and pebbles, through coarse, fine and muddy sands. The
communities present are typically species-poor but high in biomass. Sandy sediments in
shallow waters support bivalve molluscs; whilst, on silts and muds, polychaete worms, bivalves
and the Sea Mouse are typical. Surface dwellers include the Brown Shrimp, Shore Crab,
Swimming Crab, Common Starfish, Plaice and Flounder. In deeper waters, below 10m, the
sediments are more stable and support large numbers of brittlestars, as well as spider crabs,
starfish and the Norway Lobster (scampi) on fine muddy sands. Gravelly sands support a ‘deep
Venus’ community which dominates the Irish Sea and is characterised by the burrowing Heart
Urchin. This habitat is an important feeding ground for terns.
Where boulder scars occur, sponges, such as the Erect Sponge, hydroids (sea-firs), bryozoans,
including Hornwrack, soft corals and horse mussels can be found.
‘Tide-swept channels’ includes channels between islands, such as Walney Channel, and
estuarine channels such as that of the Solway Firth, Duddon Estuary and Morecambe Bay.
Most of the tidal channels in Cumbria are of sand and gravel and support similar communities to
those described above. Where boulder scars occur in tide-swept but wave-sheltered conditions,
which provide a regular supply of food and reduce sedimentation, richer marine communities
may develop. These may include the massive form of the Breadcrumb Sponge and beds of
Fan Worms.
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Coastal Subtidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Distribution and Extent
Subtidal sands and gravels cover almost the entire subtidal seabed off the coast of Cumbria,
with deeper muddy sands to the south west of St Bees head.
Boulder scars which occur extensively in the intertidal zone may extend into the shallow
subtidal. There are areas of subtidal boulder scar off the coast of Walney island. Most of these
boulder scars are in shallow water and exposed to wave action, although this is limited by the
enclosed nature of the Irish Sea.
In the southern part of the Walney Channel several boulder scars, occurring in tide-swept but
wave-sheltered conditions, support a greater diversity and abundance of marine life, similar to
more extensive communities found, for example, in the Menai Strait.
Conservation Issues
Much is extensively fished with bottom-towed trawls or dredges. This is likely to have extensive
and significant impacts upon many of the seabed habitats and communities. These activities are
known to damage and destroy these fragile and complex marine ecosystems, and may replace
them with simpler and less diverse communities.
Locally, the extent of tide-swept boulder habitats in the Walney Channel has been reduced as a
consequence of the capital dredging undertaken to enable Trident Submarines to be
constructed launched at Barrow.
Oil and gas exploration, drilling and pipelines can result in localised temporary or permanent
loss or damage to subtidal communities, as can off-shore windfarms.
Extraction of marine aggregates can result in loss or damage to subtidal habitats and affect
sediment transport processes.
Discharge of sewage and industrial pollutants can also alter the composition of subtidal
communities, although generally the quality of these discharges is being improved.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
These habitats are physically located outside the jurisdiction of local planning authorities,
however planning decisions can still have impacts on them via discharges to sea of
contaminated groundwater, from sewage outfalls and from industrial processes or
developments, e.g. brine discharge. The development of marinas or port facilities for
large vessels which require capital or maintenance dredging of channels may affect
subtidal habitats. Pipelines and cables from offshore installations such as windfarms and
gas fields may also damage boulder scars and other seabed features.
•
Although this habitat lies largely outside the SSSI system, which extends to the low
water mark, most of the Cumbria coast, including the major estuaries, is of international
importance designated as Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area,
and these designations can extend beyond the SSSI boundaries. These designated
sites include extensive areas of subtidal habitats.
•
The Habitats Regulations 1994 require the assessment of the effects of plans or projects
on the conservation interests of these European Sites.
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Coastal Subtidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 73
•
Any development that may impact directly or indirectly upon subtidal habitats within, or
outside of, a Special Conservation Area or Special Protection Area would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitats and, as necessary, appropriate
measures to avoid or mitigate damage.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Any opportunities to reduce pollution and other impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new development and design opportunities, will benefit subtidal
habitats.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Greater Scaup
Little Tern
Common Scoter
Arctic Skua
Common Seal
Harbour Porpoise
Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Grey Seal
Further Information
UK BAP sublittoral [subtidal] sands and gravels (pre 2007 review habitat)
UK BAP tidal rapids (pre 2007 review habitat)
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP coastal habitats
JNCC marine habitats webpages
UK Marine SAC website
Marine Conservation Society
Contacts
•
Natural England Marine Coastal and Renewable Government Team, NW, 01539
792800, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Estuary partnerships and strategies are in place on Morecambe Bay, Duddon Estuary
and the Solway Firth; other coastal partnerships include the Solway Rural Initiative,
Drigg Forum and Ministry of Defence Eskmeals Conservation Group. The North West
Coastal Forum is raising the profile of coastal issues in NW England for consideration in
regional planning.
•
Under the Habitats Regulations Schemes of Management have been developed for
Morecambe Bay, Duddon Estuary and Solway Firth European Marine sites. These
schemes have reviewed the management of the estuaries and identify actions that
relevant authorities will take to deliver the conservation objectives for the sites.
•
Shore to Sea, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust marine project, is carrying out surveys, advising
on sustainable sea food sources and raising general awareness.
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Coastal Subtidal Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008 75
FEN, MARSH AND SWAMP
A range of wetland priority habitats that require various water regimes. All would
be negatively impacted upon by inflowing water pollution, nutrient enrichment or
drainage.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Lowland fens
Upland flushes, fens and swamps
Purple moor-grass and rush pasture
Reedbeds
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Reedbed
Purple moor-grass and rush pasture
Basin mire
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Basin mire, Cliburn Moss © Stephen Hewitt
Description
This habitat statement covers a wide range of upland and lowland wetland types ranging from
reedbeds and swamps, to basin and valley mires, springs, flushes and marshy grasslands
(purple moor-grass and rush pastures). It does not cover coastal and floodplain grazing
marshes or bogs which have their own separate habitat statements.
These habitats come under the broad heading of fen. The defining feature of these wetlands,
and what distinguishes them from bogs, is that they receive most of their nutrients and water
from groundwater and surface runoff rather than from direct rainfall. Those in which water
movement is mainly vertical due to impeded drainage include basin mires and floodplain fens
(reedbeds and swamps), whilst those where water movement is mainly horizontal in the form of
surface water flow and groundwater seepage include valley mires, flushes and springs. These
are further described in the UK and Cumbria Action Plans.
Swamps have a water table which is at or above ground level for most of the year. They are
found around the margins of ponds, lakes and slow-moving sections of rivers and can extend
over the entire surface of shallower water bodies. A variety of plants can form swamps,
including Reed Canary-grass, Branched Bur-reed, Water Horsetail, Common Spike-rush,
Common Reed, sedges, reedmaces and club-rushes. Pure stands of Common Reed form
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008
reedbeds. Similar vegetation can also be found where there is only seasonal inundation of the
vegetation and is often, confusingly, termed fen. Tall herb fen occurs in similar seasonally
inundated situations and may be dominated by some of these species, or by Meadowsweet.
Tall herb fen tends to also have species such as Yellow Flag, Wild angelica and Purple
Loosestrife.
Basin mires or fens are formed in ill-drained hollows. A variety of wetland vegetation can be
present, including various types of swamp, tall herb fen, and sedge and Sphagnum bog-moss
dominated vegetation. Some basin mires have formed as a result of the progressive
colonisation of open-water bodies by vegetation rafts and may have extensive areas of floating
vegetation and areas of open water.
Valley mires or fens are generally found in linear depressions, usually with a central stream.
They are usually characterised by bog-mosses, Cross-leaved Heath, Bog Asphodel and
sedges, though rushes may also be abundant.
Springs and flushes occur where there are upwellings of groundwater and where there is
water movement over or through the soil surface. Acid flushes are generally species-poor and
are characterised by bog-mosses, small sedges and Common Cottongrass. Base-rich flushes
(usually high pH) are more diverse and are characterised by a range of mosses and liverworts
together with small sedges, Bird’s-eye Primrose, Butterwort and Autumn Hawkbit.
Springs are generally dominated by mosses and liverworts, with Starry Saxifrage, Blinks and
Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage prominent in acid examples and Lesser Clubmoss and
Autumn Hawkbit in base-rich springs.
Springs and flushes provide a locus for a number of uncommon species, including Bird’s-eye
Primrose, Alpine Bartsia and Marsh Saxifrage.
Purple moor-grass and rush pasture (often referred to as marshy grassland) covers a range
of species-rich vegetation dominated by Purple Moor-grass and/or tall rushes. A variety of herbs
can be present, including Meadowsweet, Marsh Marigold, Cuckooflower, Lady’s Smock,
Ragged Robin, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Wild Angelica, Marsh Hawk’s-beard, and Common Spotted
Orchid. It should be noted that species-poor vegetation dominated by Purple Moor-grass or tall
rushes is not included in the UKBAP definition of purple moor-grass and rush pasture.
These habitats are important for a wide range of animal species, including Marsh Fritillary
butterfly, Variable Damselfly, Sandbowl Snail, Common Toad, Curlew, Reed Bunting,
Redshank, Snipe, Water Rail, Black Grouse, Reed
Warbler and Sedge Warbler.
Distribution and Extent
Fens, marshes and swamps are found throughout
Cumbria. Particularly good examples of purple moorgrass and rush pasture, swamps and reedbeds can be
found around Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwent Water and
Esthwaite Water, whilst Cliburn and Newton Reigny
Mosses, to the south and west of Penrith are good
examples of basin mire.
Good examples of springs and flushes can be found on
the Orton Fells and on the Pennine fells around
Crossfell and Great Dun Fell, and the commons south
of Torver have good valley mires.
Distribution of fen, marsh & swamp in Cumbria
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008 77
Conservation Issues
The principal issues affecting these habitats relate to their hydrology and nutrient status. Land
drainage schemes have seriously reduced the extent of wetland habitats in the past and any
new schemes could threaten existing sites. The reduction of water quantity as a result of direct
and adjacent abstraction and the lowering of the water table due to local mineral extraction or
developments are threats to wetlands.
These habitats are nutrient-poor in nature and any increase in the amount of nutrients received
by the wetland can dramatically affect the type of vegetation present and significantly reduce
the biodiversity interest of a site. Fertiliser and slurry runoff is generally the main cause of the
nutrient enrichment, but sewage treatment works, industrial developments, landfill sites and
illegal tipping can all have similar adverse affects.
In addition to the above inappropriate management, including overgrazing and undergrazing, or
a lack of grazing; and trampling by anglers and tourists in marginal vegetation around lakes and
tarns can also result in the degradation of wetland habitat.
As with other habitat types, the small size of most wetland sites and their isolation from one
another increases the potential for habitat loss or degradation and further habitat fragmentation
due to development or agricultural intensification is a continual threat to these habitats.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon any of these habitats, or their species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Any development which affects the local hydrology, either through abstraction or
drainage can affect water levels in fens and swamps, even several kilometres away.
Limestone quarries which go below the natural water table are perhaps the most likely
developments to have such far reaching effects.
•
Any lakeshore development is potentially detrimental to swamp and fen around the
margin of the lake, either through direct habitat loss or through disturbance of wildlife.
•
Lakeshore paths cause erosion of lakeshore swamp and fen vegetation and disturbance
to wildlife.
•
Wind farm developments on purple moor-grass and rush-pasture may lead to direct
habitat loss and impacts upon breeding and wintering birds.
•
Whilst large numbers of fen, marsh and swamp sites are within SSSIs, many examples
of this habitat lie outside the SSSI system. Some are designated as County Wildlife
Sites.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS, which are also
appropriate in rural situations) in developments can create a range of wetland habitats.
•
Reduction of pollution and other impacts resulting from existing developments, through
new development and design opportunities.
•
Large scale developments, such as mineral extraction, have the potential to create
significant new habitat.
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008
78
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of these habitats, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near these habitats:
Slender Green Feather-moss
an Eyebright Euphrasia rivularis
Tubular Water-dropwort
Marsh Saxifrage
Marsh Stitchwort
Marsh Fritillary butterfly
Sandbowl Snail
Variable Damselfly
Oxbow Diving Beetle
Zircon Reed Beetle
a Whorl Snail Vertigo geyeri
Common Toad
Grass Snake
Great Crested Newt
Curlew
Lapwing
Reed Bunting
Black Grouse
Grasshopper Warbler
Further Information
UK BAP fens (pre 2007 review habitat)
UK BAP purple moor-grass and rush pasture
UK BAP reedbeds
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Upland flushes, fens and
swamps, Summary Statement p103, Habitat Proposal p136
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP reedbed
Cumbria BAP purple moor-grass and rush pasture
Cumbria BAP basin mire
Buglife habitat management advice: fens
Buglife habitat management advice: purple moor-grass & rush pastures
Buglife habitat management advice: reedbeds
Butterfly Conservation marsh fritillary factsheet
Butterfly Conservation land management for marsh fritillary
Flora Locale reebed propagation
RSPB Nature After Minerals
RSPB: reedbeds
RSPB: managing water levels on wetlands
RSPB farmland habitat management advice web pages
RSPB: Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria (Wind Turbines
and Sensitive Bird Populations, and the alert map showing deep peat soils)
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Campfield Marsh Reserve: 01697 351330, [email protected]
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008 79
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific options applicable to this habitat.
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Fen, Marsh and Swamp Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008 81
HAY MEADOWS AND PASTURES
These are flower-rich grasslands that need traditional cutting and/or grazing to
maintain their species diversity and prevent scrub colonisation. Also found on
some roadside verges, churchyards and other public land.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Lowland meadows
Upland hay meadows
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Hay meadows and lowland pastures
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Hartside © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Hay meadows and pastures habitat includes the unimproved flower-rich neutral grasslands of
enclosed lowland and upland landscapes of Cumbria. The habitat is not restricted to grasslands
cut for hay, but also takes into account unimproved neutral pastures where livestock grazing is
the main land use.
In non-agricultural settings, such grasslands are less frequent but found in recreational sites,
churchyards, roadside verges and a variety of other localities.
Unimproved or flower-rich seasonally inundated grasslands are included in this habitat, but
more intensively managed, grass-dominated seasonally inundated grasslands are covered by
the coastal and floodplain grazing marsh habitat. Coastal grasslands and purple moor-grass
and rush pastures are not included in this habitat.
Unimproved grasslands can be distinguished from agriculturally improved grasslands by their
abundance and variety of flowers. Characteristic species include Wood Crane’s-bill, Pignut,
Great Burnet, lady’s-mantles, Common Knapweed, hawkbits, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Vetchling,
Yellow Rattle and orchids. Flood pastures and flushed areas may also include species such as
Marsh Marigold, Globeflower, Water Avens and Bird’s-eye Primrose. Another feature of
unimproved grassland is that generally no single grass species is consistently dominant in the
sward, unlike in improved grasslands. Improved grasslands are characteristically bright green,
whereas unimproved grassland is generally more subdued in colour.
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008
82
Meadows in Cumbria can support a number of uncommon and rare species, including
eyebrights, Melancholy Thistle and Spignel. Upland meadows can provide nest sites for birds
such as Yellow Wagtail and Curlew. Meadows provide an important food source for many
insects that feed on the nectar of flowers, including bumblebees and butterflies.
Distribution and Extent
Species-rich hay meadows are extremely rare in the
UK and there are less than 500ha in Cumbria.
Upland hay meadows are restricted to upland valleys
generally above 200m. The most important centres
are around Tebay, Orton, Ravenstonedale and
Sedbergh/Dent area, but they are also found
throughout the Lake District and North Pennines to
the Scottish border. Lowland hay meadows and
pastures include both dry and seasonally flooded
grassland and these are found in the Eden Valley,
Cumbria coastal plain and the lower valleys of the
Lake District. Species-rich roadside verges may be
found throughout Cumbria, but the greatest
concentrations are in the Sedbergh/Dent area,
between Penrith and Caldbeck, on the southern
slopes of the Eden Valley between Morland and
Kirkby Stephen, and around Alston.
Examples of meadows can be seen at Gowk Bank,
Sandybeck Meadow and High Leys National Nature
Reserves and Augill Pasture Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Reserve.
Distribution of meadows in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Conservation Issues
Appropriate agricultural management is vital to the maintenance of meadows and pastures.
Changes in grazing regime, including a change in stock type and increases in stocking level,
timing of cutting and levels and types of fertiliser input can all result in decreases in biodiversity,
as can cessation of traditional management practices, especially grazing, on agriculturally
marginal land. Agricultural improvement, including application of artificial fertilisers, drainage
and conversion to silage making, results in loss of species and change to commoner, speciespoor, plant communities.
Tree planting schemes are inappropriate on species-rich examples of this habitat.
Development, including industrial and housing developments threaten this habitat, particularly
where examples lie on the urban fringe.
Roadside verges may be damaged by the laying of pipelines and cables, road widening or
improvement works, vehicles mounting verges to allow passing and parking, by the mowing
regime, such as letting cuttings lie and inappropriate timing, and by lack of management which
allows scrub to develop.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008 83
•
Any development that may impact upon this grassland habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Many developments can impact upon this habitat to cause direct habitat loss and
increasing isolation and fragmentation. Infrastructure schemes such as new roads,
bypasses and pipelines, and other developments such as quarries and waste disposal
sites maybe have an impact.
•
Small scale developments such as barn conversions may impact upon meadows though
land take for gardens and access new roads.
•
Roadside verges may be impacted by any planning application which includes changes
to the road network, including new access roads linking to the highway network, new
junction layouts localised road widening schemes. Also damage to roadside verges can
occur during the construction phase of a development by parking and storage of
materials on the verges.
•
Mitigation proposals to translocate or recreate this habitat are unlikely to result in a
habitat of equivalent quality, with loss of much of the ecological interest associated with
the original habitat, such as the invertebrate interest.
•
Most of the best meadows in Cumbria are SSSIs and many are SACs, however a large
number of high quality grasslands lie outside the SSSI system, particularly roadside
verges. Many of these grasslands are designated as County Wildlife Sites and Special
Roadside Verges.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Whilst flower-rich grassland creation cannot replace the original habitat there are
sometimes opportunities within a development for grassland habitat similar to that found
on many roadside verges to be created and sympathetically managed.
•
Meadows and pastures require the continuation of the agricultural management which
created them (traditional grazing and cutting, no fertiliser application). Opportunities for
habitat management should be taken where possible, using planning obligations where
developments have had a significant impact upon such species-rich grasslands.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Pink Waxcap
Date-coloured Waxcap
Big Blue Pinkgill (a fungus)
Northern Hawk’s-beard
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Small White Orchid
Wall butterfly
Slow-worm
Grass Snake
Skylark
Linnet
Yellowhammer
Yellow Wagtail
Curlew
Grey Partridge
Black Grouse
Lapwing
Barn Owl
Brown Hare
Brandt’s Bat
Whiskered Bat
Noctule bat
Common Pipistrelle
Soprano Pipistrelle
Further Information
UK BAP lowland meadows
UK BAP upland hay meadows
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008
84
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP hay meadows and lowland pastures
Cumbria County Council: grass cutting and roadside verges
Buglife: habitat management advice: lowland meadows
Buglife: habitat management advice: upland hay meadows
RSPB habitat management advice web pages
Flora Locale grassland creation and restoration
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Cumbria County Council roadside verge survey
Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Wildlife Trust roadside verge leaflet
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserves information (Augill Pasture)
North Pennines AONB Hay Time
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Hay Time
Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership Wealth of Wildlife Project
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Hay Meadows Project Officer,01539 816322
[email protected]
•
North Pennines AONB Hay Time Project Officer, 01388 528801,
[email protected]
•
Yorkshire Dales Hay Time Project Officer, 015242 51002, [email protected]
•
Cumbria County Council County Ecologist re roadside verges, 01539 713444,
[email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership Cumbria Hay Meadows Project aims to identify
hay meadows of importance in the Lake District National Park and Orton Fells area,
designate them as Wildlife Sites and carry out restoration management on a selection of
sites.
•
The Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership Wealth of Wildlife Project includes a hay meadows
project that aims to restore at least 15ha of lowland and upland hay meadow to good
condition.
•
The North Pennines AONB Hay Time Project aims to restore and enhance at least
140ha of upland hay meadow within the AONB.
•
The Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust Haytime Project aims to restore hay meadows in
the Yorkshire Dales.
•
Cumbria County Council in partnership with English Nature, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the
Lake District National Park and Plantlife, have carried out a survey and evaluation of all
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008 85
roadside verges in the County and now carry out cutting regimes that reflect the
importance of roadside verges for their flora and fauna.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific hay meadow and grassland options applicable to this habitat.
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Hay Meadows and Pastures Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Heathland Version 1.1 - June 2008 87
HEATHLAND
This priority habitat supports a distinctive array of breeding birds. It has suffered
from over-grazing but has recovered in recent years through less-intensive
management to become a distinctive landscape feature in late summer.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Upland heathland
Lowland heathland
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Upland heathland
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Description
Lowland heath, Wan Fell © Stephen Hewitt
Heathland is characterised by the presence of dwarf shrubby plants such as Heather and
Bilberry, with Western Gorse often frequent along the west coast of Cumbria and Cross-leaved
Heath common in wet heaths. Grasses such as Sheep’s Fescue, Common Bent, Wavy Hairgrass and Mat Grass can also be common in heath vegetation. Heathland is found both on
mineral soils and on shallow peat, however any heath vegetation on peat deeper than 0.5m
should be regarded as bog, not heathland.
Heathland is subdivided into upland and lowland heath, with 250 – 300m being the dividing line.
In upland areas such as Cumbria however the distinction is not always clear, and all heathland
in the Lake District and Pennines should be regarded as being upland heath, with lowland heath
being restricted to the Eden Valley, the coastal plain and Morecambe Bay limestone.
Heathland is important for the populations of breeding birds which it supports, including Golden
Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Red Grouse, Black Grouse, Twite, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and
Merlin. Upland and lowland heath also support a variety of reptiles and invertebrates.
Distribution and Extent
Upland heathland covers extensive areas of the Pennines and Lake District fells, including
Geltsdale, Skiddaw, Buttermere Fells, Barbon Fell and Kirkby Moor.
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Lowland heath is very uncommon in Cumbria, but examples
can be found on the sandstone hills north of Penrith such as
Wan and Lazonby Fells and on the limestone hills around
Morecambe Bay such as Whitbarrow, Scout Scar and
Helsington Barrows.
There are also areas of heathland along the coast on cliffs
and sand dunes. There are at least 25,000ha of heathland in
Cumbria.
Conservation Issues
Overgrazing by livestock is incompatible with the maintenance
of dwarf-shrub cover, with heather being particularly sensitive,
and there have been major losses of dwarf-shrubs from
heathlands in Cumbria as a result of such inappropriate
management. Agricultural improvement such as conversion to
more intensive forms of agriculture, particularly pasture
improvement and the drainage of wet heath can also result in
the loss of this habitat. In the past some large areas of
heathland have also been lost as a result of afforestation.
Distribution of heathland in Cumbria (provided
for illlustrative purposes only)
Developments such as wind farms and quarries can also lead to loss of heathland habitat
through direct landtake for roads and the wind turbines themselves.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon heathand habitat, or its species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Developments on heathland, including quarrying, will lead to direct habitat loss.
•
Restoration schemes for time-limited developments should aim to restore to heathland
and other appropriate habitats, and instigate wildlife management plans during the
working life of the development.
•
Wind farm developments on heathland will lead to direct habitat loss, impact upon habitat
availability for breeding and wintering birds, and may increase bird mortality as birds can
be killed by turbine blades. This is potentially a major issue for rare species, such as Hen
Harrier, as a small number of deaths can have a major effect on the population.
•
Caravan sites and golf courses may impact upon coastal heathland, but there may also
opportunities for habitat protection, management and enhancement through these
schemes.
•
Landscaping and tree planting schemes on heathland are inappropriate.
•
Most lowland heathland in Cumbria is within SSSIs, and the largest upland sites are
SAC/SSSIs, but large areas of upland heathland lie outside the SSSI system.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a
Special Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats
Regulations.
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Heathland Version 1.1 - June 2008 89
Enhancement Opportunities
•
The planning system may offer opportunities to improve the management of heathland
through appropriate grazing or burning management or clearance of invasive woodland
or scrub via Section 106 agreements.
•
If soil nutrient levels are low and there is an available seed source new areas of
heathland can be established via natural seeding as part of developments to
complement existing areas of this habitat.
•
Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plans can be used for longer term
developments, for the lifetime of the development.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Juniper
Northern Wood Ant
Argent and Sable moth
Northern Dart moth
Viviparous (Common) Lizard
Great Crested Newt
Adder
Short-eared Owl
Nightjar
Hen Harrier
Merlin
Red Grouse
Curlew
Golden Plover
Black Grouse
Further information
UK BAP upland heathland
UK BAP lowland heathland
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP upland heathland
Buglife: habitat management advice: lowland heathland
Buglife: habitat management advice: upland heathland
RSPB: heather management
RSPB: heather restoration on heathland
RSPB: restoring heather dominated habitats
RSPB: Spatial Planning Guide for on-shore wind farm developments in Cumbria
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Geltsdale Reserve: [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific heathland options.
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90
Hedgerows Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Hedgerows Version 1.1 - June 2008 91
HEDGEROWS
Almost all hedgerows are now priority habitat; this recognises their intrinsic
biodiversity value, and their value as movement and feeding corridors for wildlife.
It is easy to modify management to enhance the biodiversity value.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Hedgerows
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats
covered by this statement:
Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
North Plain Farm, Bowness on Solway © Stephen Hewitt
Description
The UKBAP definition of a hedgerow is any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and
less than 5 m wide, and where any gaps between the trees or shrubs species are less than 20
m wide. Any bank, wall, ditch or tree within 2 m of the centre of the hedgerow is considered to
be part of the hedgerow habitat, as is the herbaceous vegetation within 2 m of the centre of the
hedgerow. The UK BAP definition in 2007 covers all hedgerows consisting predominantly (80%
or more cover) of at least one woody UK native species. The current Cumbria BAP definition is
based on the previous UKBAP definition and is restricted to ancient hedgerows in existence
before the Enclosure Acts and hedgerows which contain four or more woody species or have a
rich basal flora of herbaceous plants.
Most of Cumbria’s hedgerows are predominantly Hawthorn, but a variety of other tree and shrub
species may be present, including Dog-rose, Blackthorn, Elder, Hazel, Ash and Holly. The more
diverse hedges frequently include a variety of typical woodland and woodland edge plants, such
as Honeysuckle, Dog’s Mercury, Red Campion, Wood Anemone, violets, Primrose and Bluebell.
Hedgerows are important for invertebrates, including butterflies and moths, and farmland birds
such as Grey Partridge, Tree Sparrow and Song Thrush. They are particularly important as
foraging areas for Barn Owls. Bats hunt for insects along hedgerows and use them as
commuting routes; they also roost in holes in old hedgerow trees.
Older and more diverse hedgerows are likely to be more valuable as wildlife habitats and
provide an essential refuge for many woodland and farmland birds, plants and animals.
Hedgerows adjacent to roads, green lanes, tracks and wooded ground tend to be particularly
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species-rich. Hedgerows can also act as wildlife corridors for many species, including reptiles
and amphibians, allowing dispersal and movement between other habitats.
Hedgerows are best sustained by laying on a 8-15 year cycle. Flailing and cutting hedgerows
requires careful timing and method to provide a diverse hedgerow habitat and good hedgerow
structure. Repeated frequent cutting leads to thinning of the base of the hedge.
Distribution and Extent
Hedgerows are found throughout Cumbria, from the flat
plains of the Solway coast to the tracks and byways of the
lower fells. They also occur on a wide range of rock and
soil types, giving a great deal of regional variation in
hedgerow composition and form. Estimates suggest that
the current total hedgerow length in the county is between
16,500 and 22,500km. The percentage of ancient or
species-rich hedgerows is not known. There are currently
no designated sites for hedgerows in Cumbria, but some
SSSIs will include hedgerows as part of the field system.
Conservation Issues
Agricultural management has the most impact on
hedgerows. Field enlargement causes direct loss of
hedgerows, whilst ‘ranching’ (the placing of fencing around
a number of fields, which are then run as a single grazing
unit) leads to the neglect of internal hedges. High stocking rates, can damage hedgerows and
lead to the need to fence fields. Once fenced there is less agricultural necessity to maintain
hedgerows.
The use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers right up to the hedgerow base will result in the
loss of plant and animal species and reduce the biodiversity interest of the hedgerow.
Poor hedgerow management, including too frequent or badly timed cutting, neglect or cutting
instead of hedge laying leads to poor hedgerow structure and reduced biodiversity interest.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon hedgerow habitat, or its species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Under the Regulations, it
is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the
local planning authority. Permission is required before removing hedges that are at least
20 metres in length, over 30 years old and contain certain species of plant.
•
Any development in the countryside is likely to impact upon hedgerows due to their
widespread nature, leading to loss of this habitat.
•
Hedgerows are ecological links through the landscape and piecemeal loss will lead to
fragmentation of linked habitats such as woodlands and grasslands. These links are
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Hedgerows Version 1.1 - June 2008 93
recognised in the Habitats Directive and Regulations as being important for migration,
dispersal and genetic exchange.
•
Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows are of greatest importance, as these are far less
replicable than more recent and species-poor examples, and measures should be taken
to avoid destruction/ decline of these hedgerows.
•
There are no SSSIs specifically designated for this habitat.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Enhanced management of all hedgerows, including poorer hedgerows, within
development.
•
Planting of new species-rich hedgerows as part of developments using native species.
•
Planting of new species-rich hedgerows to link existing woodlands together.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
White-letter Hairstreak
Linnet
Reed Bunting
Spotted Flycatcher
Tree Sparrow
Grey Partridge
Bullfinch
Hedge Accentor (Dunnock)
Song Thrush
Barn Owl
Yellowhammer
Great Crested Newt
Badger
Brandt’s Bat
Brown Hare
Brown Long-eared Bat
Common Pipistrelle
Daubenton’s Bat
Dormouse
Hedgehog
Natterer’s Bat
Noctule bat
Soprano Pipistrelle
Whiskered Bat
Further Information
UK BAP ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows (pre 2007 review habitat)
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Hedgerows, Summary
Statement p112, Habitat Proposal p154
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows
RSPB: habitat management advice: hedgerows
Buglife: habitat management advice: hedgerows
Buglife: managing farmland for invertebrates: hedgerows leaflet
BTCV Hedging handbook
National Hedgelaying Society
Defra hedgerows web pages
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
CWT Cumbria hedgerow survey
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Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Cumbria Hedgerow Survey, run by Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership, from Cumbria
Wildlife Trust offices; Phase 2 to be completed summer 2008.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific hedgerow options.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Lakes, Ponds and Tarns Version 1.1 - June 2008 95
LAKES, PONDS AND TARNS
A range of habitats from lowland to upland, large to small, nutrient-rich to
nutrient-poor. All can be impacted upon by changes to water flows or pollution,
and by direct physical damage.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Mesotrophic lakes
Oligotrophic and dystrophic lakes
Ponds
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Mesotrophic standing waters
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Tarn at Barkbooth © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Lakes and tarns form a range of freshwater types classified according to their nutrient status,
especially phosphorus concentrations. Mesotrophic lakes and tarns have naturally high levels
of nutrients. These water bodies support a much greater diversity of aquatic plants than both
nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) lakes and tarns and more nutrient-rich (eutrophic) water bodies.
Dystrophic tarns occur in blanket bogs and raised bogs; they are acid and species-poor, but
can support rare specialist species.
The aquatic flora of mesotrophic lakes, tarns and ponds is typified by species such as Alternateflowered Water-milfoil, White Water-lily, Shoreweed, pondweeds and several uncommon
aquatic plants, including Six-stamened Waterwort, Floating water-plantain and Pillwort.
Typical plants of oligotrophic lakes and tarns include Water Lobelia, Quillwort, Alternateflowered Water-milfoil, Bulbous Rush and Bog Pondweed. Uncommon plants also occur
including the nationally scarce Spring Quillwort.
Lakes, ponds and tarns can support extensive areas of emergent vegetation such as reedbeds
and sedge swamps and are often fringed by wet woodlands with Alder and willows. They can
also grade into mire and wet grassland vegetation.
Lakes, ponds and tarns support large numbers of invertebrates, including dragonflies, water
beetles, stoneflies and mayflies, are important for breeding and wintering waterfowl, and
support a range of fish, including rare species such as Vendace, Schelly and Arctic Charr.
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Distribution and Extent
Lakes and tarns are found throughout Cumbria; they are particularly abundant in the Lake
District, where most of the main valleys have large lakes and almost innumerable tarns can be
found on the fells. Particularly important are Bassenthwaite Lake, Ullswater, Wast Water,
Derwent Water, Blea Water, Devoke Water, Red Tarn, Elterwater, Innominate Tarn and
Ennerdale Water.
Outside the Lake District lakes are less common, but include Talkin Tarn, Tindale Tarn,
Thurstonfield Lough, Sunbiggin Tarn and Urswick Tarn.
Ponds are found throughout the lowlands in the county.
Conservation Issues
Pollution, particularly nutrient enrichment, is a major threat to lakes and tarns, and particularly
ponds; this can originate from sewage effluent, agricultural run-off and fish farms.
Introductions of fish species not native to a particular lake can affect populations of native
species through competition and can alter the structure of food webs within the lake, threatening
rare species such as Vendace. Likewise introduced plants, such as the highly invasive New
Zealand Pigmyweed, can seriously damage lake ecosystems and threaten rare species.
Recreational activities can damage plant communities through wave erosion, scouring of lake
beds by anchor chains, trampling and any increase in turbidity, such as by propeller action.
Recreation can also disturb wintering and breeding bird populations. Where lakes are used for
water abstraction, the disruption of natural changes in lake levels and unseasonal changes in
lake level can disrupt the plant communities found in marginal areas and shallow water.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon lake, pond or tarn habitat would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection
and mitigation measures.
•
Any lakeshore development may be detrimental to the ecology of the lake through direct
loss of lakeshore habitat such as swamp or woodland, possible pollution of the lake,
increased disturbance to wildlife, or damage to fragile underwater and marginal plant
communities.
•
Boating, in all forms, causes disturbance of birds and other wildlife and can result in
erosion of lakeshores from wash and scouring of lake beds by mooring chains causing
the loss of aquatic and marginal vegetation.
•
Lakeshore paths also cause erosion of lakeshore vegetation and disturbance to wildlife.
•
Water abstraction upstream can exacerbate pollution effects by reducing flows into the
lake, concentrating pollutants and increasing the amount of time taken to flush polluted
water out of the lake.
•
Fish farms can be very damaging to the ecology of lakes and tarns due to nutrient
enrichment resulting from waste fish food, the potential for the introduction of fish species
not native to the lake and the use of chemicals to treat fish diseases.
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Lakes, Ponds and Tarns Version 1.1 - June 2008 97
•
Many of the major Lake District lakes are SSSIs, as are many tarns, and some lakes and
tarns are also internationally important as Special Areas of Conservation.
•
There are also many high quality tarns which lie outside the SSSI system. Ponds almost
entirely lie outside the SSSI system. Many of these are designated as County Wildlife
Sites.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS, which are also
appropriate in rural situations) in developments.
•
Use of soft surfaces such as grass in place of hard surfacing wherever possible, or
’grasscrete’ where hard surfacing is necessary, to allow water to soak away.
•
Enhancement of lakeshores through appropriate native woodland and scrub planting, or
restriction of access to allow the development of marshy areas, wetland and mire.
•
Creation of new ponds, ditches and wetlands in appropriate situations to enhance the
connectivity of habitat through the landscape.
•
Creation of protection zones for lakeshores with important examples of aquatic flora or
fauna or of importance for breeding or wintering birds. Development would be proscribed
in such areas.
•
Reduction of pollution and other impacts resulting from existing developments, through
new development and design opportunities.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Floating Water-plantain
Slender Naiad
Pillwort
Six-stamened Waterwort
Variable Damselfly
White-faced Dragonfly
Medicinal Leech
Zircon Reed Beetle
Oxbow Diving Beetle
European Eel
River Lamprey
Schelly
Vendace
Atlantic Salmon
Brown Trout
Arctic Charr
Great Crested Newt
Natterjack Toad
Common Toad
Grass Snake
Grasshopper Warbler
Kingfisher
Osprey
Reed Bunting
Water Vole
Otter
Daubenton’s Bat
Further Information
UK BAP mesotrophic lakes
UK Lakes Habitat Action Plans Steering Group, useful summary of issues for lakes
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Oligotrophic and Dystrophic
Lakes, and Ponds, Summary Statements p99-100, Habitat Proposals p129-132
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP mesotrophic standing waters
Buglife habitat management advice: mesotrophic lakes
Buglife: freshwater invertebrates
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BTCV Waterways and Wetlands Handbook
National SUDS Working Group, Interim Code of Practice, very useful information
Environment Agency, SUDS advice
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Lake District Still Waters Partnership aims to protect and enhance lakes and tarns in
the Lake District and has instigated the Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific options designed to improve water quality.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Version 1.1- June 2008 99
LOWLAND DRY ACID GRASSLAND
An uncommon habitat, often important for reptiles, that occurs in areas that may
once have been lowland heath.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Lowland dry acid grassland
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Wan Fell © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Lowland dry acid grassland is associated with windblown and glacial deposits of sand, and thin
base-poor soils over acid rocks. These soils are almost always free-draining and summer
parched. This habitat is mainly restricted to land below 300m. These grasslands on coastal
dune systems are covered by the coastal habitats above high water habitat statement.
The vegetation of lowland dry acid grassland is characterised by species such as Sheep’s
Fescue, Wavy Hair-grass, Heath-grass, Tormentil, Heath Bedstraw and Sheep’s Sorrel. The
habitat is typically species-poor but localised patches can be more diverse and include species
such as Harebell, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Betony, Mouse-ear Hawkweed and Sheep’s-bit.
This habitat commonly forms mosaics with lowland heath.
Lowland acid grassland is important for invertebrates, reptiles and fungi and supports breeding
populations of ground-nesting birds such as Skylark.
Distribution and Extent
Lowland dry acid grassland is a rare habitat in Cumbria and is generally only found as small
areas on thin dry soils on a variety of rock types in the lowlands. Examples are found on the
rocky outcrops on the low hills of slates and shales in south Cumbria, on wind-blown sands on
limestones around Morecambe Bay, on sand deposits and sandstones around Penrith, Carlisle,
Brampton and Aspatria and on coastal sand-dunes along the west coast.
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Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Version 1.1- June 2008
100
Conservation Issues
Agricultural
intensification
and
inappropriate
management, for example over or under grazing, or a
complete absence of grazing are the main threats to
this habitat, together with the problems associated
with a highly fragmented habitat which tends to be
present in isolated small areas.
Developments can also present a significant threat to
the habitat as even the loss of small fragments of this
habitat can be locally or even regionally significant.
Areas of lowland dry acid grassland are easily
dismissed as rough ground of little value suitable for
trees planting schemes or developments.
Recreational pressure, including activities such as dirtbiking and mountain biking, can result in loss of
vegetation cover and erosion on fragile sandy soils.
Planning Considerations
Distribution of lowland acid grassland in Cumbria
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should (provided for illustrative purposes only)
conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon this grassland habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Developments, including sand quarries, road schemes, housing and industrial
developments, can result in significant losses of lowland dry acid grassland, though in
some instances they may also present opportunities for the creation of areas of this
habitat.
•
It is possible that areas of lowland dry acid grassland may be wrongly considered as
rough ground suitable for landscape planting in conjunction with developments.
•
The majority of lowland dry acid grassland lies outside the SSSI system.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
If soil nutrient levels are low and there is an available seed source new areas of lowland
acid grassland can be established via natural seeding as part of developments to
complement existing areas of this habitat.
•
Sand extraction sites are most likely to provide suitable habitat for establishment of this
habitat provided areas are identified within the agreed restoration plans, and they are in
locations that cannot easily be agriculturally improved.
•
Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plans can be used for longer term
developments, for the lifetime of the development.
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Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Version 1.1- June 2008 101
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Pink Waxcap
Date-coloured Waxcap
Big Blue Pinkgill (a fungus)
Great Crested Newt
Adder
Viviparous (Common) Lizard
Slow-worm
Skylark
Curlew
Lapwing
Brown Hare
Further Information
UK BAP lowland dry acid grassland
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Buglife: habitat management advice: lowland dry acid grassland
Natural England lowland grassland management handbook
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with grassland options applicable to this habitat.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
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102
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Version 1.1- June 2008
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Montane Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 103
MONTANE HABITATS
High level habitat on mountain tops in Cumbria. Its extent and species
composition are very likely to suffer as a result of climate change.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Mountain heaths and willow scrub
CBAP Habitats covered by this
statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Montane heath, Skiddaw © Stephen Hewitt
Description
The montane zone lies above the altitudinal limit for tree growth. In Cumbria this tree line is at
around 600m, but varies according to local climatic conditions, so there can be considerable
variation between individual hills.
Montane heath and grassland covers most of the vegetated summits and slopes in the montane
zone. The soils here are generally shallow and stony and usually sharply draining. The
vegetation is characterised by moderately short swards with a mix of grasses, dwarf-shrubs,
lichens and mosses. Species characteristic of this habitat include Woolly Fringe-moss, lichens,
Stiff sedge, Bilberry, Crowberry, Dwarf Willow, Alpine Lady’s mantle, Wavy Hair-grass and
Viviparous Fescue.
True montane willow scrub is not found in Cumbria, but a few scattered plants of Downy Willow
can be found on the cliffs of Helvellyn and may represent the remnants of a previously more
extensive habitat.
This habitat supports a unique invertebrate fauna, which includes the moth Catoptria furcatellus,
the Northern Pill Beetle, the rove beetle Geodromicus longipes and the Northern Dart moth.
Both Dotterel and Golden Plover breed on montane heath and grassland, though the former are
very rare in Cumbria. Several uncommon species are specialists of snow beds, including the
mosses Kiaeria starkei and Ditrichum zonatum var. zonatum and the ground beetle Nebria
nivalis.
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Montane Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
104
Distribution and Extent
Montane heath and grassland is found on the
summits of many of the high fells of the Lake
District, including Grasmoor, Skiddaw, and the
Buttermere and Ennerdale fells; and is also found
on Cross Fell and a few other Pennine hill tops.
Conservation Issues
This habitat is severely affected by both historic
and current overgrazing, including trampling and
dunging, by sheep, such that in many areas most
of the characteristic plant species, such as
Racomitrium lanuginosum (Woolly Fringe-moss)
and lichens, are largely absent from the
vegetation,
leaving
swards
with
species
compositions similar to sub-montane grasslands.
Examples of montane heath and grassland
unmodified by heavy grazing are extremely rare, if
not entirely absent, in Cumbria. Overgrazing has
resulted in the loss of characteristic montane
species.
Distribution of montane habitat in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Recreational pressure can cause vegetation
change and soil erosion along paths and tracks similar to that resulting from overgrazing. On
some of the most popular Lake District fells montane vegetation has been lost over large areas
of the summits with little more than bare stony soil remaining, a situation which has resulted
from a combination of trampling by walkers and sheep grazing.
Atmospheric pollution is also a significant factor affecting montane vegetation, resulting in
nitrogen deposition on fell tops and subsequent changes in vegetation many tens or hundreds
of miles from the source of the pollution.
Climate change, including post glacial warming, is affecting the species composition and vertical
distribution of this habitat.
Planning Considerations
•
This habitat is unlikely to be affected by planning issues; there is a small possibility that it
could be affected by wind farm developments but these are most likely on hills below
600m.
•
Any development that may impact upon montane habitat would require an assessment
of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
•
Most good quality montane habitat is found within SAC/SSSIs, however, some Lake
District summits with good montane heath and grassland also occur outside the SSSI
system.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
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Montane Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 105
Enhancement Opportunities
•
There are limited opportunities for enhancing this habitat within the planning system,
however any opportunity to reduce grazing of this habitat would be beneficial.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Downy Willow
Northern Dart moth
Dotterel
Golden Plover
Further Information
JNCC montane grasslands and heaths information page
SNH montane scrub information page
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Mountain heaths and willow
scrub, Summary Statement p102, Habitat Proposal p133
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
RSPB habitat management advice web pages
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with moorland options applicable to this habitat.
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106
Montane Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed land Version 1.1 - June 2008 107
OPEN MOSAIC HABITATS ON
PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND
Post-industrial land can develop an exceptionally diverse range of flora and
fauna. This priority habitat is at risk from policies promoting redevelopment on
brownfield land.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Open mosaic habitats on previously
developed land
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Kingmoor Marshalling Yard, Carlisle © Stephen Hewitt
Description
The habitat is best defined in terms of structure, rather than through specific vegetation
communities. It comprises mosaics of bare ground with, typically, very early pioneer
communities on skeletal substrates, more established open grasslands, usually dominated by
fine-leaved grasses with many flowers, scrub, and patches of other habitats such as heathland,
swamp, temporary pools and inundation grasslands.
This habitat does not include habitats developed on waste from the lead mining industry which
is covered under ‘Calaminarian Grassland’.
High quality habitat may be characterised as unmanaged flower-rich grasslands with sparselyvegetated areas developed over many years on poor substrates. This habitat includes disused
base-rich slag tips, coal spoil heaps, lime beds, fly ash lagoons, old industrial sites, demolition
sites and disused railways. In Cumbria they are particularly associated with larger industrial
towns.
Where there is some base-rich influence flowers such as Fairy Flax, Ploughman’s Spikenard,
Common Centaury and Blue Fleabane may be present. These calcareous sites can be rich in
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Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed land Version 1.1 - June 2008
108
orchids, including Marsh Orchids, and Fragrant, Pyramidal and Bee orchids. Indeed in Cumbria
Bee Orchids are predominantly found on man-made sites.
More acidic areas support species such as Wavy Hair-grass and Heather. Pools may have
Common Reedmace, horsetails or rushes and often have Yellow Flag.
In Cumbria several uncommon plants are associated with this habitat, including Purple
Broomrape and Yellow-wort.
These habitats support a wide variety of animals including small mammals and birds
(particularly those characteristic of scrub, such as Linnet), and they are especially important for
invertebrates including bees, wasps, beetles, flies, butterflies, moths and snails. On the west
coast of Cumbria colonies of the uncommon Small Blue butterfly are strongly associated with
former steelworks, steel slagbanks and the Port of Workington. Uncommon reptiles and
amphibians are also found in this habitat, including Slow-worm, Great Crested Newt and, in
coastal situations, Natterjack Toad.
This diversity reflects the complex mosaic of habitats in these sites, the shelter provided by
building rubble, as well as the variety of food plants, including flowers for pollen and nectar.
Distribution and Extent
This habitat can exist on any brownfield site and
consequently can be found anywhere in the county,
though it is more likely to be in and around the larger
towns. The former steel works and associated slag
banks along the west coast have particularly good
examples of this habitat, especially those at the Millom
Ironworks Local Nature Reserve and at Maryport.
Kingmoor Sidings Local Nature Reserve, in Carlisle, is
another good example of this habitat, as are the ports
at Workington and Barrow.
Conservation Issues
The decline of mining and heavy industry, and the
current requirements for any such new development to
be restored post development, as part of a planning
permission, have virtually halted the creation of new,
large-scale post industrial landscapes where
colonisation and natural succession are left to prevail.
The remaining larger sites are therefore effectively
irreplaceable.
Distribution of open mosaic habitats in Cumbria
In the last 20 years many sites have been lost through either regeneration to public open space
or as new development land.
Remaining habitat requires conservation through the planning process, and new developments
need to make the most of any new opportunities. Small new sites can be created in suitable
locations.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types (priority
habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify opportunities to
enhance and add to them.
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Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed land Version 1.1 - June 2008 109
•
Any development that may impact upon any of this range of habitats, or their species
interests, would require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
There is a policy conflict between the national policies to protect UK priority habitats to
redevelop previously developed land. This priority habitat is under-recorded in Cumbria and
the majority of the known habitat is unsurveyed for the full range of relevant biodiversity
interests. It is therefore difficult for local planning authorities to make informed policy
decisions without an improved evidence base. Such surveys are therefore required.
•
Sites with this habitat are at risk from redevelopment, landfill, industrial and commercial use,
or housing. ‘Reclamation’ of these habitats as amenity greenspace can be just as damaging,
commonly involving re-grading of the land, burial of existing substrates with imported fertile
topsoils, and sowing/ planting of amenity grass mixes shrubs and trees, usually with the
intention of ‘quick greening’.
•
Large brownfield sites can support very large populations of protected species such as
reptiles, Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad. Adequate surveys are required of these
species and their habitats prior to planning permission being granted and, where permission
is granted, measures to mitigate and compensate impacts on these species must be
appropriate and of a suitable scale.
•
Potential impacts upon populations of European Protected Species such as Great Crested
Newt and Natterjack Toad may be significant.
•
Retention of this habitat on site, and creation of new habitat, will require the industrial
substrate to be retained, such as slag, building rubble, concrete etc.
•
The majority of these sites lie outside the SSSI system, though some of the best examples
are SSSIs, such as at Maryport and Millom Ironworks. Some are of international importance
for the species they support.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Developments on this land can be planned in such a way as to retain and/or recreate
these early successional habitats that support rare amphibians, reptiles, plants and
invertebrates. They should aim to provide a mosaic of habitat features, including a varied
vegetation structure, areas of exposed friable substrate and flower-rich grassland, pools
and refuges.
•
These habitats are often the only locations where people can enjoy wildlife directly in
their day-to-day lives. Opportunities should be taken to retain the best examples as
managed public space, such as the nature reserves at Millom Ironworks and Kingmoor
Sidings, and to create networks of similar smaller sites.
•
Living roofs can provide the opportunity to recreate some forms of this habitat if the roofs
are sufficiently extensive.
•
Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plans can be used for longer term
developments.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Small Blue
Dingy Skipper
Grass Snake
Great Crested Newt
Viviparous (Common) Lizard
Skylark
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Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed land Version 1.1 - June 2008
110
Grayling butterfly
Common Toad
Natterjack Toad
Slow-worm
Linnet
Further Information
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review, Open mosaic habitats on previously
developed land, Summary Statement p107, Habitat Proposal p144
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Buglife: brownfield sites
Butterfly Conservation: habitat management advice
Natural England: Living Roofs
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Buglife, 01733 201210, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
None
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Rivers Version 1.1 - June 2008 111
RIVERS
Widespread and diverse priority habitat supporting a range of internationally
important species. Most larger scale developments have the potential to impact
on this habitat.
UK Priority Habitats
covered by this
statement:
Rivers
Cumbria Biodiversity
Action Plan habitats
covered by this
statement:
Rivers and streams
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
The Kingwater © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Rivers and streams are dynamic systems which, in their natural state, continually modify their
form. They have a diverse range of features, such as riffles (faster moving stony sections),
shingle banks and pools, which each support a diverse range of plant and animal species.
These in-channel features are complemented by bank features, such as earth or rock cliffs,
patches of reeds, woodland or flower-rich grasslands.
Individual rivers change along their length, with small, fast-flowing upland streams developing
into broad, slow-moving, meandering rivers in their lower reaches. The water chemistry of rivers
also varies considerably and is often dictated by the geology underlying the catchment. River
water chemistry changes along the length of the river as both the underlying geology changes
and as natural and man-made inputs change. River habitat quality is mainly determined by
nutrient status and physical structure of the river.
The fluvial (river) processes, such as sediment transport, deposition and flooding, are key
features that influence river and stream habitats and maintain diversity.
Rivers support a wide range of species, including Otter, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher,
Goosander, Sand Martin, Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon, White-clawed Crayfish, and beds of
water crowfoot and other aquatic plants.
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Rivers Version 1.1 - June 2008
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A range of specialised and rare invertebrates are associated with a variety of features including
riparian landslips, exposed shingle banks and coarse woody debris in running water.
Distribution and Extent
This priority habitat is extensive throughout Cumbria. A
high proportion of Cumbria’s rivers are considered
semi-natural, with characteristic bed, channel and bank
features.
There are also many river corridors in Cumbria which
retain a significant degree of naturalness, with a diverse
range of adjacent habitats; examples include the
Brathay between Elterwater and Lake Windermere,
River Irthing upstream of Brampton, River Eden through
Eden Gorge, the River Duddon, River Lune at
Killington, the Rawthey above Sedbergh and the Dee
above Dent.
Conservation Issues
There are a wide range of issues affecting the ecology
of rivers. These include water abstraction; artificial
regulation of flows; hydroelectric schemes; pollution and
nutrient enrichment; intensive grazing of river banks;
inappropriate or insensitive bankside maintenance;
alterations to river form for flood defence or land
drainage; introduction of alien species, e.g. Himalayan
Balsam, Mink, Signal Crayfish and non-indigenous fish.
Distribution of rivers and streams in Cumbria
(provided for illustrative purposes only)
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon the habitats of rivers and streams, and their
species interests, would require an assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat/species and, as necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Any development adjacent to a river or a tributary stream can potentially result in
pollution of the river system.
•
Developments resulting in abstraction of groundwater or impounding of surface water
can reduce flows affecting the ability of the river to support life; this can be particularly
significant in times of drought. Such developments can also affect natural river
processes of deposition and erosion.
•
Roads, car parks and housing, which increase the impermeable surface area, may
reduce the potential for rainwater absorption, increasing run off to the catchment and
higher flood discharges.
•
Development on flood plains reduces their natural flood storage capacity, resulting in
higher flood discharges downstream.
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Rivers Version 1.1 - June 2008 113
•
Changes to riverbank morphology, such as installation of hard surfaces in the form of
gabions or concrete or metal pilings can result in the transfer of energy, and hence
erosion, downstream, often with detrimental and unexpected effects.
•
A significant proportion of river systems are included in the SSSI system, all of which are
also internationally important as Special Areas of Conservation. Note that many high
quality rivers are, however, not covered by the SSSI or non-statutory sites system.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS, which are also
appropriate in rural situations) in developments.
•
Use of soft surfaces such as grass in place of hard surfacing wherever possible; also
green roofs which absorb rainwater, and ‘grasscrete’ for necessary hard standings and
parking areas to allow water to soakaway.
•
Enhancement of riverbanks through appropriate native woodland and scrub planting,
and creation of grassland buffer strips by fencing alongside river banks.
•
Reduction of pollution and other impacts resulting from existing developments, through
new development and design opportunities.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
River Jelly Lichen
White-clawed (freshwater) Crayfish
Freshwater Pearl Mussel
Iron Blue Mayfly
a caddis fly Glossosoma intermedium
Oxbow Diving Beetle
a ground beetle Dyschirius angustatus
a ground beetle Bembidion testaceum
Hairy Click Beetle
Southern Silver Stiletto-fly
Northern Silver Stiletto-fly
Scarce Yellow Splinter
Northern Yellow Splinter
Scottish Yellow Splinter
River-shore Cranefly
European Eel
Bullhead
River Lamprey
Brook Lamprey
Sea Lamprey
Atlantic Salmon
Brown Trout
Kingfisher
Little Ringed Plover
Lapwing
Reed Bunting
Daubenton’s Bat
Natterer’s Bat
Noctule bat
Otter
Water Vole
Curlew
Further information
UK BAP rivers and streams (pre-2007 review habitat statement)
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Rivers, Summary Statement
p97, Habitat Proposal p124
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP rivers and streams
Buglife: sandy river flies
Buglife: freshwater invertebrates
The River Restoration Centre, Manual of river restoration techniques
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Rivers Version 1.1 - June 2008
114
Environment Agency, Water Framework Directive, information, including Spatial Planning and
the Directive
National SUDS Working Group, Interim Code of Practice, very useful information
Environment Agency, SUDS advice
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Salmonid 21C website
Eden Rivers Trust
South Cumbria Rivers Trust
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Eden Rivers Trust, 01768 866788, [email protected]
•
South Cumbria Rivers Trust, 01539 816311, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The South Cumbria and Eden Rivers Trusts are undertaking projects and surveys to
enhance the ecology of rivers in the areas they cover.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific options designed to improve river quality.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
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Rock Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 115
ROCK HABITATS
These priority habitats support specialised and characteristic flora and fauna.
Cumbria has more that one third of the limestone pavement habitat in Britain.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Limestone pavements
Inland rock outcrop and scree habitats
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Limestone pavement
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Limestone Pavement, Clawthorpe Fell © Cumbria CC
Description
This habitat can be divided into limestone pavements and other rock exposures.
Limestone pavements are areas of hard limestone exposed by the scouring action of ice
during the last ice age. In Cumbria this limestone dates from the Carboniferous Period.
Subsequently water has eroded the rock to form a complex of deep crevices, or grikes,
interspersed with massive blocks, or clints, of worn limestone. In Cumbria limestone pavements
fall roughly into two groups: low altitude, largely ungrazed, and hence wooded pavements; and
higher altitude, generally grazed, open pavements. Both types support a rich and characteristic
flora in their grikes with species of limestone woodland and grassland, and species
characteristic of rock exposures. Characteristic species include Herb Robert and Dog’s Mercury,
together with ferns such as Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue, Male Fern and Hart’s-tongue
Fern.
Limestone pavements support a number of rare plants, including Rigid Buckler-fern, Downy
Currant, Baneberry, Dark-red Helleborine, Pale St John’s-wort, Angular Solomon’s-seal, and
Limestone Fern. One species of Whitebeam, Sorbus lancastriensis, is endemic, that is the world
distribution is restricted to the limestones around Morecambe Bay.
They also support a variety of rare or uncommon invertebrates, including the cranefly Tipula
alpina, Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail Vertigo angustior and Chrysalis Snail Abida secale.
Rock outcrops, ledges and screes support distinctive plant communities, which are
determined by the rock type. Acid rocks tend to have fairly species-poor communities, though
several uncommon species are associated with this habitat, including Oblong Woodsia (a fern),
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Rock Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
Hay-scented Buckler-fern and several moss species. Base-rich rocks support a more varied
flora with a large number of uncommon plants, including Mountain Avens and Alpine Cinquefoil.
Rock ledges can support lush patches of Greater Wood-rush, which on base-poor or acid soils
is accompanied by Bilberry and ferns, whilst on more base-rich ledges Wood Crane’s-bill, Water
Avens, Wild Angelica and Lesser Meadow-rue are common.
Acid screes in Cumbria are characterised by Parsley Fern, whilst limestone scree and rubble
may have Herb Robert, Limestone Fern, Brittle Bladder-fern and, occasionally, Dark-red
Helleborine.
Rock outcrops, scree slopes and other rock formations support an invertebrate fauna which
includes a number of uncommon species, including the whorl snail Vertigo alpestris, the money
spider Lepthyphantes whymperi and the wolf spider Pardosa trailli. Ledges and outcrops
provide nest sites for several bird species, including Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Ring
Ouzel and Raven.
Distribution and Extent
Limestone pavement is localised in its distribution. In
Cumbria, limestone pavement is most extensive in a ring
around Morecambe Bay and on the limestone fells
between Shap and Kirkby Stephen. Smaller areas are
found on the high western edge of the Pennines and
there are a few isolated areas on the northern edge of
the Lake District. Cumbria contains 36% of all limestone
pavement in Britain.
Rock ledges, outcrops and screes are found throughout
the county, and are very abundant within the Lake
District and, to a lesser extent, the Pennines. The habitat
is uncommon in lowland areas. This habitat has not been
fully mapped.
Conservation Issues
Limestone pavements cannot be recreated and are
irreparably damaged by any removal or disturbance of Distribution of screes and limestone pavement in
stone from them. Occasional removal of stone from Cumbria (provided for illustrative purposes only)
limestone pavements to supply decorative rockery stone
may still occur, and there are some extant planning permissions that may include limestone
pavement stone removal. Overgrazing, mainly on upland limestone pavements, or scrubbing
over, largely of lowland pavements, can threaten the nature conservation interests, as can the
lack of management of some wooded pavements.
Heavy grazing restricts many plant species of rock ledges and outcrops to the most inaccessible
parts of cliffs and outcrops. Under lighter grazing regimes there would be far lusher growth than
is generally seen at present. ‘Gardening’ of ledges (the removal of vegetation) by rock climbers
can reduce the biodiversity interest of this habitat. Gill scrambling can also lead to loss of
vegetation and biodiversity interest. Theft of eggs from the nests of birds of prey is also an
ongoing conservation issue.
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Rock Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008 117
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Whilst it is not possible to add to this priority habitat it can be enhanced through better
management.
•
Any development that may impact upon these rock habitats would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection
and mitigation measures.
•
Most limestone pavement in Cumbria is covered by Limestone Pavement Orders. It is
illegal to disturb or remove limestone pavement, or even loose rock (including stone
walls), within Limestone Pavement Order sites.
•
Quarrying can impact upon rock outcrops, screes and ledges, and new roads, tracks or
pipelines may also result in the loss of important areas of this habitat.
•
The majority of limestone pavement is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest
and Special Areas of Conservation and, of the remaining sites, many are County Wildlife
Sites.
•
Other rock exposures are integral to many upland SACs and SSSIs, though many areas
of rock ledge, outcrop and scree, including areas with rare plants, are outside the SSSI
system.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
There are limited opportunities for enhancing this habitat within the planning system,
however any opportunity to reduce grazing of ledges would be beneficial.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Pyramidal Bugle
Northern Hawk’s-beard
a hawkweed Hieracium subgracilentipes
Juniper
Alpine Catchfly
Glaucous Meadow-grass
Holly Fern
Downy Willow
Killarney Fern
Spiked Speedwell
Oblong Woodsia
Wall Mason Bee
Golden Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Ring Ouzel
Further information
UK BAP limestone pavements
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Inland rock outcrop and scree
habitats, Summary Statement p105, Habitat Proposal p138
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP limestone pavement
Limestone Pavement Action Group
Buglife: habitat management advice: limestone pavements
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Rock Habitats Version 1.1 - June 2008
118
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserves information (Hutton Roof Crags)
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
None.
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Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Saline Lagoons Version 1.1 - June 2008 119
SALINE LAGOONS
In Cumbria this habitat is found in man-made locations, such as docks, gravel
and mine workings. They support a range of wildfowl, waders and sea birds and
provide excellent bird watching opportunities.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Saline lagoons
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
Coastal habitats
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Hodbarrow Lagoon © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Saline lagoons are bodies of saline water, natural or artificial, partially separated from the
adjacent sea. They retain a proportion of their sea water at low tide and may be either brackish,
full saline or hyper-saline. Sea water exchange in lagoons takes place through natural or manmodified channels or by percolation through or overtopping of the barrier between the lagoon
and the sea. The salinity of the system is determined by the level of fresh water input from
ground or surface waters. In Cumbria all saline lagoons are man-made; they have a variety of
origins, including docks, gravel extraction, mine workings and marine recreational lakes.
Lagoons usually contain soft sediments which often support tasselweeds, stoneworts (algae)
and filamentous green and brown algae.
They provide important habitat for wildfowl, waders and sea birds, including Teal, Curlew, Knot,
Redshank, shelduck, Mute Swan, Wigeon and Cormorant. They also support unique
invertebrate groupings.
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Saline Lagoons Version 1.1 - June 2008
120
Distribution and Extent
This is a very rare habitat, restricted to a small number
of sites, including the gravel pits on Walney Island (SPA
and SAC), Hodbarrow Lagoon (SPA and SAC),
Cavendish Dock (SPA) and docks at Whitehaven,
Workington, Maryport and Silloth.
Conservation Issues
One of the main threats to saline lagoons comes from
changes to water quality. A deterioration in water
quality, including changes in temperature and a high
biological oxygen deficit, can reduce biodiversity
interest and increase algal growth. Similarly disruption
of either freshwater or seawater inputs can have
detrimental effects on the ecology and hence
biodiversity interest of these lagoons.
High recreational pressure can damage biodiversity
interests through both disturbance to wildlife and via
changes in water quality due to pollution, or increased turbidity and wave action on shorelines.
Dogs in particular can be an disturb birds and recreational pressure can damage shoreline
vegetation.
Another threat to saline lagoon ecosystems is the introduction of non-native species, which can
radically change the ecosystem balance and result in the loss of rare species.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon this habitat, and its species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Saline lagoons are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, both in the form of
changes in the balance of sea and fresh waters they receive and in the form of pollution
impacts from adjacent developments.
•
Birds using the lagoons can also be highly sensitive to disturbance.
•
The lagoons at Walney Island, Cavendish Dock and Hodbarrow are of international
importance as European Marine Sites, designated as Special Areas of Conservation
and/ or Special Protection Areas, as well as SSSIs. Other sites are not designated.
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on the
European Sites would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Any opportunities to reduce pollution and other impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new development and design opportunities, will benefit saline
lagoon habitat.
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Saline Lagoons Version 1.1 - June 2008 121
Key species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Curlew
Little Tern
Further information
UK BAP saline lagoons
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP coastal habitats
Cumbria Wildlife Trust South Walney Reserve
RSPB Hodbarrow reserve information
RSPB: managing saline lagoons for birds
RSPB: managing saline lagoons for invertebrates and plants
Buglife: habitat management advice: saline lagoons
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
RSPB, Hodbarrow Reserve, 01697 351330, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific inter-tidal and coastal options applicable to this habitat.
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122
Saline Lagoons Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008 123
SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND
The type of woodland in any location depends on the geology, soil type,
hydrology, climate and altitude of the site. Local conditions can be such that a
woodland can have more than one of these types, and new planting should also
reflect this.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this statement:
Upland oakwood
Upland mixed ashwoods
Wet woodland
Lowland beech and yew woodland
Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by this
statement:
Upland oak woodland
Upland mixed ashwood
Wet woodland
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Borrowdale woods © John Hooson
Description
Semi-natural woods are composed of locally native trees and shrubs which generally derive from
natural regeneration or coppicing; some high value woods were planted in the 18th century on
ancient sites. Ancient semi-natural woodlands (woodland composed of native species which has
been in existence since before 1600AD) are of special value because of their long, continuous
history. They are the nearest we have to our original natural woodland and may include remnants
of the post-glacial forest which have never been cleared. They are irreplaceable assets which
support many rare plants and animals and make a vital contribution to conserving biodiversity.
Woodland types are defined by their tree species, shrubs and ground flora. The type of woodland
that develops in any location depends on the soil, geology, hydrology, climate and altitude. Any
woodland area can support more than one woodland type if the geology and conditions are
variable.
Cumbria is particularly important for upland oakwoods found on steep valley sides with thin soils
over acid rock. Characteristic species are Sessile Oak, Downy Birch and Rowan, Bilberry and
Wavy Hair-grass, and a rich variety of mosses, liverworts and ferns.
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008
Where limestone occurs, upland mixed ashwoods are also particularly notable in Cumbria, with
Ash and Hazel and a ground flora of Dog’s Mercury, Wild Garlic, Primrose and Herb Robert.
In the lowlands, where soils are deeper, a mixed deciduous woodland may be found, with Oak
(Pedunculate and/or Sessile), Ash, Birch (mainly Silver), Hazel, and Hawthorn, with a ground
flora of Bramble, Bracken and Bluebells.
In wetter areas, wet woodland with Alder, willows and Downy Birch is found. These woods and
their ground flora can vary immensely depending on the situation of the wood. Wet woods are
found around waterbodies and in wet hollows, on floodplains, on the edges of raised bogs
and fens, and on wet hillsides with seepages and springs. Reeds, rushes, sedges,
Meadowsweet, nettles and bog-mosses can occur.
Woodland supports a wide range of birds, mammals and invertebrates, including Wood Warbler,
Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, woodpeckers, Buzzard, Marsh Tit, bats, Dormouse, Netted
Carpet Moth, Pill Woodlouse and Oak Bush-cricket. Many rare and uncommon plants can also
be present, including Touch-me-not Balsam, Angular Solomon’s-seal, Mezereon and a range of
rare mosses, liverworts and lichens.
Distribution and Extent
There are nearly 20,000ha of semi-natural broadleaved
woodland in Cumbria with the highest densities in the
south and west of the county. Of the 15,000 plus
hectares of ancient woodland in the county some 62% is
within the Lake District National Park. Particularly good
examples of upland oakwood can be found in the
Duddon and Borrowdale valleys, whilst large areas of
ashwood are to be found on the limestone hills around
Morecambe Bay. Good examples of wet woodland can
be found along the Rivers Irthing and Lyne and fringing
many lakes.
Conservation Issues
Inappropriate
management
(including
under
management or a lack of management, as well as Distribution of semi-natural woodland in Cumbria
management when non-intervention is more appropriate) (provided for illustrative purposes only)
limits the conservation value of woodlands. Examples
include removal of large old trees, removal of dead wood, abandonment of coppicing in
traditionally coppiced woods, introduction of woodland management in woods which have
historically been unmanaged and excessive disruption through large scale harvesting and other
insensitive changes in management regime.
Grazing by deer and domestic livestock commonly occurs, particularly in the uplands. It can
change groundflora species composition, promoting grasses over other groundflora species,
including mosses and liverworts, and can reduce or prevent natural regeneration of trees and
shrubs.
The replacement of native tree species with non-native ones, particularly conifers, beech (not
native to northern England) and sycamore, has commonly occurred over the past century, either
when replanting after clear felling, or through under-planting. This is detrimental as non-native
tree species support fewer animal species and can cast intense shade which limits groundflora
growth. The introduction of non-native shrub species such as rhododendron and snowberry also
has an adverse impact on the biodiversity of woodlands, often smothering out the groundflora
completely.
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008 125
Recreational activities such as motorcycle scrambling, off-road vehicle courses and mountain
bike racing can damage woodland groundflora and disturb breeding birds.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types (priority
habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify opportunities to
enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon woodland habitat, or its species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
Development can lead to direct loss of habitat area and habitat fragmentation which can
seriously affect woodland species which require large areas of woodland for their survival.
•
Small woodlands can form important links through the landscape for migration, dispersal
and genetic exchange. This is recognised by the Habitats Directive & Habitats
Regulations.
•
The ecological interest of woodland can be lost or seriously compromised not just by
direct landtake, but also by disturbance of the groundflora from recreational activities,
compaction of soils around the edge of the woodland or the storage of materials and
machinery in the wood during construction on adjacent land.
•
Conversion of woodland to wooded garden is also a problem, as whilst tree cover may be
maintained the groundflora and even shrub layer may be removed, such that the site is no
longer a functional woodland.
•
Noise disturbance from new roads/ industrial sites can adversely impact on breeding
birds.
•
Cumbria supports woodland that is of national and international importance with some of
the best examples of the resource designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
and Sites of Special Scientific interest (SSSIs).
•
Any development that may have a significant effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special
Area of Conservation would need to be assessed under the Habitats Regulations.
•
Due to the extent of woodland within the county a very large proportion of this habitat lies
outside the SSSI system. Most ancient woodlands are likely to qualify as Cumbria Local
Wildlife Sites, as will other woodlands with good structure and species composition.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Creation of new native woodland adjacent to existing ancient woodland or connecting two
or more areas of woodland.
•
Fencing of woodlands grazed by livestock.
•
Replacement of non-native canopy species with native woodland species, particularly on
Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008
126
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
a lichen Lobaria amplissima
a lichen Usnea florida
Yellow Bird’s-nest
High Brown Fritillary
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
White-letter Hairstreak
Duke of Burgundy
Netted Carpet Moth
Oak Hook-tip Moth
Caterpillar-hunter
Red Wood Ant
Scarce Yellow Splinter
Black Grouse
Lesser Redpoll
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Marsh Tit
Badger
Willow Tit
Wood Warbler
Dormouse
Red Squirrel
Natterer’s Bat
Noctule bat
Brown Long-eared Bat
Further information
UK BAP upland oakwood
UK BAP upland mixed ashwoods
UK BAP wet woodland
UK BAP lowland beech and yew woodland
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Cumbria BAP upland oak woodland
Cumbria BAP upland mixed ashwood
Cumbria BAP wet woodland
Forestry Commission woodland management guides
English Woodland Grant Scheme
Buglife: habitat management advice: upland oakwood
Buglife: habitat management advice: upland mixed ashwoods
Buglife: habitat management advice: wet woodland
Buglife: habitat management advice: lowland beech & yew woodland
Buglife: woodland management advice leaflet
BTCV Woodlands a practical handbook
BTCV tree planting & aftercare a practical handbook
RSPB: habitat management advice: gill woodland
RSPB: deadwood for birds and invertebrates
Flora Locale
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Forestry Commission, 017687 76616, [email protected]
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008 127
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership Wealth of Wildlife Project includes an upland
woodland project that aims to restore or recreate at least 50ha of upland woodland on the
Skiddaw and Helvellyn Massifs.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific woodland options.
•
The Forestry Commission offer a range of woodland management and new woodland
grants.
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Semi-natural Woodland Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Traditional Orchards Version 1.1 - June 2008 129
TRADITIONAL ORCHARDS
Scattered traditional orchards and groups of fruit trees help to sustain wildlife
links through the landscape of Cumbria. They can also have significant cultural
and community value.
UK Priority Habitats covered by this
statement:
Traditional orchards
Cumbria Biodiversity Action Plan
habitats covered by this statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Orchard © Stephen Hewitt
Description
Traditional orchards are generally small and managed in a low intensity manner with widely
spaced trees over pasture or meadow. Many of these orchards host fruit trees of considerable
age. Little information is available on the composition of these orchards, but in the south of the
county damsons are widely grown, whilst elsewhere apples are thought to predominate.
The low intensity of the management of these orchards means that they are often hotspots of
biodiversity in the countryside. Old fruit trees can support a wide range of uncommon
invertebrates and can be important for epiphytic lichens. Orchards can also host important
fungal groupings, both of decaying wood and grassland fungi such as waxcaps.
In addition to wildlife traditional orchards contain many old varieties of fruit and there is a high
genetic diversity. In Cumbria there are known to be at least 200 local varieties of apple.
Distribution and Extent
Traditional orchards are found throughout the county, but are largely absent from the central
Lake District and parts of the west coast. The main concentration however is in the south of the
county, particularly in the Lyth and Winster valleys which are noted for their damson orchards.
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Traditional Orchards Version 1.1 - June 2008
130
Conservation Issues
Urban development, the need for more profitable crops,
and imports of cheap fruit from abroad have all caused
the loss of many small orchards. These losses have
meant more intensive production in orchards that
remain, reducing the value of orchards as diverse
wildlife habitats.
Incorporation of orchards into gardens leads to a
degradation of the orchard habitat, even if the trees
themselves are retained.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should
conserve important natural habitat types (priority
habitats and habitats of principal importance in
England), and identify opportunities to enhance
and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon (provided for illustrative purposes only)
traditional
orchards
would
require
an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary, appropriate protection
and mitigation measures.
•
This priority habitat is easily overlooked in planning decisions as small orchards can be
dismissed as a “few old apple trees in a corner of the garden”. They are particularly
vulnerable to housing developments, particularly those which involve the development of
clusters of houses around farms or barns or indeed any house in the countryside.
Existing fruit trees can be protected by condition.
•
The biodiversity of orchards can be damaged not only direct impacts, but also by indirect
impacts such as the use of the orchard for storing machinery and materials during
construction work.
•
There are no orchards within the SSSI system.
Distribution of traditional orchards in Cumbria
Enhancement Opportunities
•
New orchard planting with appropriate, and where possible traditional varieties, should
be encouraged.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Wall butterfly
Linnet
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Yellowhammer
Hedge Accentor (dunnock)
Tree Sparrow
Bullfinch
Barn Owl
Song Thrush
Brandt's Bat
Daubenton's Bat
Whiskered Bat
Natterer's Bat
Noctule bat
Common Pipistrelle
Soprano Pipistrelle
Brown Long-eared Bat
Hedgehog
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Traditional Orchards Version 1.1 - June 2008 131
Further information
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Traditional orchards, Summary
Statement p111, Habitat Proposal p148
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Sustain/Leader+ National Orchards Project
LEADER+ Cumbria fells & dales
LEADER+ apple appeal
LEADER+ damson valleys
Westmorland Damson Association
National Orchard Forum
Common Ground orchards website
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER+ Programme, The Old Stables, Redhills, Penrith,
Cumbria CA11 0DT, 01768 869533, [email protected]
•
Sustain Orchards Project Officer, 020 78371228, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
Sustain is working on the national orchard project with Leader+ (a European Union
funded programme of rural development) to conserve and bring into sustainable
management traditional orchards in the Cumbria Fells and Dales Leader+ funded area
and elsewhere in the UK. Cumbrian projects include the Damson Development Project
and Orchard Link, Cumbria.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific traditional orchard options.
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132
Traditional Orchards Version 1.1 - June 2008
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Wood-Pasture and Parkland Version 1.1 - June 2008 133
WOOD-PASTURE AND PARKLAND
Veteran trees and dead wood are essential to the survival of an array of
invertebrates, fungi, lichens and mosses, and provide important natural roosting
sites for many bat species. Tree replacement for the long-term future is essential.
UK Priority Habitats
covered by this statement:
Wood-pasture and parkland
Cumbria Biodiversity Action
Plan habitats covered by
this statement:
None
Contents
Description
Distribution and Extent
Conservation Issues
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Key Species
Further Information
Contacts
Current Action in Cumbria
Barton Park @ Stephen Hewitt
Description
Wood-pastures and parkland are the products of historic land management systems; they are a
vegetation structure rather than being a particular plant community. Typically this structure
consists of large, open-grown or high forest trees (often pollards) at various densities, in a
matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland floras. They include wood-pastures and
parklands derived from wooded commons, medieval deer parks and pastures with trees in
them, plus ornamental landscape parks. The oldest trees are usually a range of native species
but non-native species may have been planted or naturally regenerated. To be truly ancient a
tree needs to be at least 200 years old. Wood-pastures are not only found in the lowlands, but
extend into upland areas such as the Lake District and Howgills.
Wood-pastures and parkland have a distinctive saproxylic (wood-eating) fauna and epiphytic
flora (lichens, fungi, mosses and liverworts) associated with their ancient (veteran) trees.
Notable insects include a number of wood-boring beetles and flies of sap-runs and rot-holes.
Parklands and wood-pasture can also be of interest for bats and birds.
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Wood-Pasture and Parkland Version 1.1 - June 2008
134
Distribution and Extent
Parkland is largely associated with large country
houses and estates, such as Lowther Castle, Levens
Park, Holker Hall, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Armathwaite
Hall, Corby Castle, Naworth Castle and Muncaster
Castle.
Wood-pasture can be found at Gowbarrow Park along
Ullswater, Rydal Park, Borrowdale and elsewhere in the
Lake District.
Conservation Issues
Parklands and wood-pastures can suffer from a lack of
younger generations of trees, which produces a skewed
age structure. This leads to breaks in continuity of dead
wood habitat and loss of specialised species dependent
on this habitat. This lack of continuity is made worse by
the isolation and fragmentation of the few remaining
parklands/ wood-pasture sites in the landscape.
Distribution of wood-pasture & parkland in Cumbria
Inappropriate management is often an issue with
parklands and wood-pastures. Under-grazing can lead to loss of habitat structure through
bracken and scrub invasion; whilst over-grazing may result in bark browsing, soil compaction
and loss of nectar plants. Pasture improvement through reseeding, deep ploughing, fertiliser
and other chemical treatments, leads variously to tree root damage, loss of nectar-bearing
plants, and damage to the soil and epiphytes.
The removal of veteran trees and dead wood for reasons of safety or tidiness where sites have
high amenity use, or for forest hygiene can be a significant issue. Neglect, and loss of expertise
of traditional tree management techniques (e.g. pollarding) can also lead to trees collapsing or
being felled for safety reasons.
In parklands in particular there can be problems with damage to trees and roots from soil
compaction and erosion caused by trampling by livestock, people and car parking, and
vandalism.
Planning Considerations
•
PPS9 states that local authorities should conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
•
Any development that may impact upon wood-pasture and parkland habitat, or its
species interests, would require an assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat/species and, as necessary, appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
•
The extensive root systems of old and veteran trees can be damaged by developing too
close to the trees, or by additional soils being placed over the roots.
•
Felling of old trees, or tree limbs, for safety or visual reasons is detrimental to the
habitat.
•
Fallen/ dying timber, important for wood-eating invertebrates and fungi, should be
retained.
•
Veteran trees have a high potential to host bat roosts.
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Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Wood-Pasture and Parkland Version 1.1 - June 2008 135
•
Veteran trees hold strong cultural associations with local communities.
•
Most parkland and wood-pasture lies outside the SSSI system in Cumbria. But a small
number of sites are designated as SSSIs.
•
Some of the most important parks in landscape and historic terms are included on the
Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England. This provides
some protection to these parks as registration is a material consideration in planning
terms.
Enhancement Opportunities
•
Veteran trees can be made a feature of developments, provided that suitable care is
taken to protect their roots from damage during construction and that the development
design provides sufficient long term protection for the trees.
Key Species
The following Key Species could benefit from enhancement of this habitat, or be negatively
impacted upon by inappropriate developments on or near this habitat:
Big Blue Pinkgill
Pink Waxcap
Date-coloured Waxcap
Bearded Tooth (a fungus)
Northern Yellow Splinter (a cranefly)
Violet Oil-beetle
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Spotted Flycatcher
Wood Warbler
Natterer’s Bat
Noctule bat
Brown Long-eared Bat
Further Information
UK BAP lowland wood-pasture and parkland (pre 2007 review habitat)
UK Biodiversity Partnership, Species and Habitats Review 2007, Wood-pasture and parkland,
Summary Statement p113, Habitat Proposal p158
Habitats of principal importance in England Section 41 NERC Act list
Natural England Veteran Trees Management Handbook
Ancient Tree Forum
Woodland Trust ancient trees web pages
Woodland Trust ancient tree guides
Buglife advice on managing wood-pastures and parkland
RSPB: deadwood for birds and invertebrates
Forestry Commission estimating the age of large and veteran trees in Britain
Defra Environmental Stewardship Scheme and HLS land management options
Contacts
•
Natural England Cumbria Team, 01539 792800,
[email protected]
•
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, 01539 816300, [email protected]
•
Ancient Tree Forum, 01179 105200, [email protected]
•
Woodland Trust, 01476 581111, [email protected]
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Wood-Pasture and Parkland Version 1.1 - June 2008
136
•
Buglife, 01733 201210, [email protected]
Current Action in Cumbria
•
The Veteran Trees Initiative is a national partnership promoting the conservation of
veteran trees.
•
The Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England provides financial
incentives to manage land in a way that is sympathetic to its nature conservation interest
with specific ancient trees, wood-pasture and parkland options.
This Cumbria Biodiversity Evidence Base information, produced by the Cumbria Biological Data Network, will be updated on the
Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk
Version 1.1 - June 2008
Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Selected from the North West
Biodiversity Forum Habitat Targets 30
April 2008 – Local Biodiversity Action
Plan breakdown.
The targets provided for Cumbria have not
been considered yet by the Cumbria
Biodiversity Partnership and are likely to
be revised in due course.
General
A selection of the North West targets have
been interpreted below. They focus on
those habitats most likely to be impacted
upon by the planning system, and where
Local Authorities can have the most
positive impact.
The North West targets provide supporting
figures, such as hectarage of habitat.
These are not generally repeated below.
Targets are underlined, with explanatory
comment/ advice (note, to help with clarity,
the wording is not identical to the North
West wording)
PPS9 states that local authorities should
conserve important natural habitat types (priority
habitats and habitats of principal importance in
England), and identify opportunities to enhance
and add to them (paragraph 11).
PPS9 and the Regional Spatial Strategy policy
EM1 both require Local Authorities to contribute
to regional biodiversity targets. PPS9 requires the
identification of areas for restoration or creation of
habitats, with policy support. (PPS9 paragraph
5(ii))
Enhancement Opportunities
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Blanket Bog:
1. Any development that may impact upon bog
habitat would require an assessment of the
likely effects on the habitat and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation
measures.
1. Bogs habitats cannot be created but
existing sites can often be restored
in the long term if the hydrology of
the bog is restored, for example by
blocking drains both on the bog
itself and on surrounding land
(which may have formed part of the
bog in the past), provided that all
damaging activities such as peat
extraction have ceased. Any trees
and scrub should also be removed.
Maintain all blanket bog in Cumbria, i.e. no
loss. Avoid these areas or ensure that no
loss or damage occurs through
development.
Increase the extent of blanket bog outside
of SSSIs in favourable or recovering
condition. This means improving the
quality of the habitat to measurable
standards. It would involve improved
management that can come about through
S106 agreements, for example.
Bogs
2. Lowland raised bogs and blanket bogs take
thousands of years to develop and therefore
cannot be re-created within acceptable
timeframes.
3. Peatland is a major carbon sink.
4. Any development which leads to the direct loss
of peat, the disturbance of peat, the lowering of
the water table or increased drainage within
the site will be damaging to this habitat. Peat
disturbance introduces air which leads to peat
breakdown.
Lowland Raised Bog:
Maintain the raised bog resource in
Cumbria. Avoid direct and/or indirect
impacts (for example impacts on the water
regime).
Rehabilitate degraded bog habitat still
capable of natural regeneration to
favourable, or near favourable, condition.
This means improving the quality of the
habitat to measurable standards. It would
5. Landscaping and tree planting schemes on
bogs are inappropriate.
6. Mineral extraction, for deposits under the peat
or even at a distance, may impact upon the
hydrology of the peatland.
7. Wind farm development on blanket bog can
impact upon the site’s hydrology, cause
localised breakdown of peat and surface runoff, and can directly damage the vegetation and
2. Promotion of peatland habitat
conservation for its additional
carbon capture benefits.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
involve improved management that can
come about through S106 agreements, for
example.
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
reduce habitat availability for breeding and overwintering birds.
8. The majority of lowland raised bogs in Cumbria
are Special Areas of Conservation and SSSIs,
but some small sites remain outside the
statutory designation system. These smaller
sites are likely to be designated County
Wildlife Sites.
9. Many large areas of blanket bog are within
Special Areas of Conservation and SSSIs,
however large areas are also found outside the
statutory designation system, as are many
smaller areas of blanket bog.
10. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
No targets.
Calaminarian
Grasslands
1. Where schemes are put forward to reduce the
potential health hazards of heavy metal rich
mine spoil and tailings, to rework spoil or to
carry out any other mining activity, careful
consideration should be given to the potential
to retain areas of this habitat and to ensure
that full weight is given to the value of this
habitat and its restricted distribution in Britain.
1. None apparent.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
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Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
2. The open nature of this vegetation and extent
of bare ground which can be present often
means that it is viewed as waste land of no
ecological significance, and therefore issues
are not raised early enough in the planning
process.
3. Any development that may impact upon
calaminarian grassland habitat would require
an assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat and, as necessary, appropriate
protection and mitigation measures.
4. Some of the best examples of calaminarian
grassland are within SACs and SSSIs,
however a significant amount of this habitat
lies outside the statutory designation system,
particularly the many smaller areas.
Calcareous
Grassland
Lowland Calcareous Grassland:
Maintain the lowland calcareous grassland
resource in Cumbria. Avoid direct impacts.
Increase the extent of lowland calcareous
grassland in favourable or recovering
condition. This means improving the
quality of the habitat to measurable
standards. It would involve improved
1. Any development that may impact upon
calcareous grassland habitat, or its species
interests, would require an assessment of the
likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
2. Developments on this habitat will lead to direct
habitat loss and potential impacts upon
1. Limestone quarries, or other
quarries with base-rich features, can
incorporate calcareous grassland in
restoration design, with no
importation of topsoils and minimal
seeding/ natural regeneration. This
is a cheaper restoration option as
well as being more natural.
2. Biodiversity Management and
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
management that can come about through
Section 106 agreements, for example.
Restore lowland calcareous grassland
from suitable semi-improved or neglected
grassland that has derived from
calcareous grassland. This may involve
significant management works and
ongoing improved management. It can
come about through section 106
agreements.
Re-establish lowland calcareous grassland
from arable or improved grassland. The
regional target focuses primarily (75%) on
areas adjacent to existing grassland and
on (50%) patches of 2ha or more. This
does give some scope for small areas to
be created. This would involve significant
habitat creation works and ongoing
improved management. It can come about
through section 106 agreements.
Upland Calcareous Grassland:
Maintain the existing lowland calcareous
grassland. Avoid direct impacts.
Increase the extent of upland calcareous
grassland outside of SSSIs in favourable
or recovering condition. This means
improving the quality of the habitat to
Planning Considerations
dependent invertebrates, such as butterflies.
3. Small scale loss, or removal of areas from
grazing management, will contribute to habitat
fragmentation and isolation.
4. Care should be taken that landscaping
schemes accompanying developments do not
result in areas of calcareous grassland being
planted with trees or shrubs, or being taken out
of appropriate grazing management.
5. Much of the calcareous grassland in Cumbria
is designated as SAC and SSSI, but significant
areas still remain outside SSSIs; many of
these are designated as County Wildlife Sites.
6. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
Enhancement Opportunities
Enhancement Plans can be used for
longer term developments, for the
lifetime of the development.
3. Planning conditions can be used to
restore appropriate management to
under-managed and unmanaged
grassland, including scrub clearance
and reintroduction of grazing.
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Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
1. Any development that may impact upon this
habitat, or its species interests, would require
an assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat and, as necessary, appropriate
protection and mitigation measures.
1. Protection of this habitat from
development and creation of new
areas in a planned and wellmanaged way can help to alleviate
problems caused by flooding, and
provide new facilities for public
enjoyment.
measurable standards. It would involve
improved management that can come
about through S106 agreements, for
example.
Coastal &
Floodplain
Grazing
Marsh
Maintain the coastal and floodplain grazing
marsh habitat. Avoid direct and/or indirect
impacts (for example impacts on the water
regime).
Increase the extent of existing coastal and
floodplain grazing marsh in favourable or
recovering condition. This means
improving the quality of the habitat to
measurable standards. It would involve
improved management that can come
about through S106 agreements, for
example.
Re-establish coastal and floodplain
grazing marsh of wildlife value from
appropriate land (e.g. arable land) so that
it is capable of supporting a diverse range
of invertebrates, mammals and breeding
waders. This may involve significant
management works and ongoing improved
management. It can come about through
section 106 agreements, for example, or
as part of a restoration scheme.
Establish landscape scale wetland
2. Any development in a river floodplain or flat
coastal area may lead to direct loss of this
priority habitat and its associated wildlife.
3. This habitat is sustained by flooding for part of
the year and any development that reduces
the capacity to store water is likely to lead to
flooding elsewhere, e.g. housing and industrial
developments.
4. Development adjacent to coastal and
floodplain grazing marsh may impact upon the
hydrological regime of the marsh.
5. Development adjacent to coastal and
floodplain grazing marsh may directly disturb
sensitive breeding, wintering and migrating
birds which use this habitat.
6. Many waders require an open landscape and
uninterrupted view, such that new buildings or
2. Grazing marsh can be re-created on
agriculturally improved land through
changes in the field drainage
system, the introduction of
ecologically sensitive ditch
management and incorporation of
the land into a less intensive farming
system.
3. Biodiversity Management and
Enhancement Plans can be used for
longer term developments, for the
lifetime of the development.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
complex which includes coastal and
floodplain grazing marsh; along with wet
woodlands, fens and reedbeds. There is
scope for such new complexes in
Cumbria. This may not be achieved
through specific planning applications but
would involve allocation of such land for
this purpose, which may impact upon other
uses.
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
other tall structures can reduce the suitability
of land for these species.
7. Windfarms can result in the death of wintering
and passage birds due to collisions with
turbine blades, and some species are
susceptible to disturbance from these
developments.
8. The majority of grazing marsh lies outside the
SSSI system.
Coastal
Habitats
above High
Water
Coastal Sand Dunes:
Maintain the sand dune resource and its
range of habitat types. This target focuses
on man-made impacts, either direct or
indirect; it is recognised that natural
processes can lead to localised changes
to the resource. Avoid direct impacts and
indirect impacts (assess indirect impacts
from flood risk management schemes and
other similar schemes that may affect
natural processes).
Restore sand dune habitat lost or severely
degraded as a result of afforestation,
agriculture and infrastructure). Some
potential to restore sand dune habitat on
land that has suffered other uses, as part
1. Any development that may impact upon these
habitats, or their species interests, would
require an assessment of the likely effects on
the habitat/species and, as necessary,
appropriate protection and mitigation
measures.
2. These coastal habitats occur in locations
frequently favoured by golf course, caravan site
and wind farm developments. These can result
in direct habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and
isolation, and disturbance of wildlife.
3. Onshore gravel extraction can lead to the direct
loss of vegetated shingle and can disturb
migrating, breeding and wintering wader and
wildfowl roosts.
1. The principal opportunities for
enhancement of these habitats will
be those which (a) allow the
restoration of natural processes, (b)
reduce disturbance to habitats and
birdlife through effective people
management and (c) promote
habitat restoration through changes
to agricultural management.
2. Developments should seek to
enhance coastal habitats, through
appropriate planning conditions and
obligations. In particular maximising
the potential to re-create habitat,
particularly coastal heath, on
agriculturally improved land
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
of restoring natural coastal processes.
Coastal Vegetated Shingle:
Maintain the coastal vegetated shingle
resource, and the structures, sediment and
coastal process that support them. Avoid
direct impacts and indirect impacts
(assess indirect impacts from flood risk
management schemes and other similar
schemes that may affect natural
processes).
Maritime Cliff and Slope:
Planning Considerations
4. Marine sand and gravel extraction can change
patterns of deposition, threatening the
continued survival of dune systems and shingle
banks. Impacts on the local environment from
development some distance away can be
significant.
5. Any development adjacent to these coastal
habitats can disturb breeding, wintering and
migrating waders and wildfowl either by direct
disturbance from the development itself or from
increased public use, particularly dog walking.
Maintain the maritime cliff & slope
resource, i.e. no loss. Avoid these areas
or ensure that no loss or damage occurs
through development.
6. Development in the vicinity of soft cliffs (and
other habitats) can lead to demands for coastal
protection works which can impact upon natural
coastal processes, including preventing the
natural erosion and slumping of soft cliffs which
maintains their characteristic vegetation.
Increase the area of cliff-top semi-natural
habitats. This involves taking land out of
other land uses, particularly agriculture
and can come about through section 106
agreements, for example.
7. Creation of facilities for recreational activities
such as dirt bike or mountain bike tracks results
in erosion and damage to habitats, as do the
activities themselves.
8. The majority of coastal vegetated shingle,
sand dune and aritime cliff habitat in Cumbria
is designated as Special Area of Conservation
or SSSI, but coastal soft cliffs and slopes are
largely outside the statutory designation
Enhancement Opportunities
adjacent to the coastal strip.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
system. Some are County Wildlife Sites.
9. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
Coastal
Intertidal
Habitats
Coastal Saltmarsh/ Mudflat:
No net loss of current extent of saltmarsh
and mudflat. Natural processes act on
these intertidal sediment-based systems;
saltmarsh and mudflat areas are dynamic
but the total extent should be maintained.
Avoid direct impacts and indirect impacts
(assess indirect impacts from schemes
that may affect natural processes).
Create intertidal sediment habitat to offset
historical losses. Would require provision
of land and liaison across district
boundaries.
1. Any development either within or adjacent to
the intertidal zone may have an impact on this
sensitive environment.
2. Any development that may impact upon
intertidal habitats, or their species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
3. The majority of the intertidal habitat in Cumbria
is covered by the SAC/SPA/SSSI system,
although a significant length of intertidal habitat
is not designated.
4. Most of the intertidal habitat is of international
importance as Special Areas of Conservation,
for the habitat itself, and Special Protection
Areas, particularly for migratory and wintering
bird populations. Any development that may
have a significant effect, directly or indirectly,
1. Any opportunities to reduce pollution
and other impacts resulting from
existing developments, through new
development and design
opportunities, will benefit intertidal
habitats.
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Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
on these sites would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
Coastal
Subtidal
Habitats
No targets
1. These habitats are physically located outside
the jurisdiction of local planning authorities,
however planning decisions can still have
impacts on them via discharges to sea of
sewage and industrial effluents, or the
development of facilities such as marinas or
port facilities for large vessels which require
dredging of channels. Pipelines and cables
from offshore installations such as windfarms
and gas fields may also damage reefs and
other seabed features.
2. PPS9 states that local authorities should
conserve important natural habitat types
(priority habitats and habitats of principal
importance in England), and identify
opportunities to enhance and add to them.
3. Any development that may impact upon
subtidal habitats would require an assessment
of the habitat and, as necessary, adequate
protection and mitigation measures.
4. This habitat lies largely outside the SSSI
system.
1. Any opportunities to reduce pollution
resulting from existing or proposed
developments will benefit subtidal
habitats.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Fen Marsh &
Swamp
Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pastures:
1. Any development that may impact upon any of
these habitats, or their species interests, would
require an assessment of the habitat/species
and, as necessary, adequate protection and
mitigation measures.
1. Incorporation of Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems (SUDS, which
are also appropriate in rural
situations) in developments can
create a range of wetland habitats.
Maintain the purple moor-grass and rush
pasture habitat in Cumbria. Avoid direct
and/or indirect impacts (for example
impacts on the water regime).
Increase the extent of purple moorgrass/rush pasture habitat in favourable or
recovering condition. This means
improving the quality of the habitat to
measurable standards. It would involve
improved management that can come
about through Section 106 agreements, for
example.
Re-establish purple moor-grass/rush
pasture grassland from arable or improved
grassland. The regional target focuses
primarily (75%) on areas adjacent to
existing grassland and on (50%) patches
of 2ha or more. This does give some
scope for small areas to be created. This
could come about as part of a restoration
scheme post development, or through a
S106 agreement.
Fens:
Maintain the fen resource and diversity of
fen types in Cumbria. Avoid direct and/or
2. Any development which affects the local
hydrology, either through abstraction or
drainage can affect water levels in fens and
swamps, even several kilometres away.
Limestone quarries which go below the natural
water table are perhaps the most likely
developments to have such far reaching
effects.
3. Any lakeshore development is potentially
detrimental to swamp and fen around the
margin of the lake, either through direct habitat
loss or through disturbance of wildlife.
4. Lakeshore paths cause erosion of lakeshore
swamp and fen vegetation and disturbance to
wildlife.
5. Wind farm developments on purple moor-grass
and rush-pasture may lead to direct habitat
loss and impacts upon breeding and wintering
birds.
6. Whilst large numbers of fen, marsh and
swamp sites are within SSSIs, many examples
2. Reduction of pollution and other
impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new
development and design
opportunities.
3. Large scale developments, such as
mineral extraction, have the
potential to create significant new
habitat.
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indirect impacts (for example impacts on
the water regime).
Restore former fen habitat. This involves
habitat restoration works and continuing
improved management that can come
about through section 106 agreements, for
example, and as part of restoration
schemes.
Establish landscape scale wetland
complex which includes fen habitat; along
with wet woodlands, coastal and floodplain
grazing marsh and reedbeds. There is
scope for such new complexes in
Cumbria. This may not be achieved
through specific planning applications but
would involve allocation of such land for
this purpose, which may impact upon other
uses.
Reedbeds:
Maintain the reedbed resource in Cumbria.
Avoid direct and/or indirect impacts (for
example impacts on the water regime).
Re-establish reedbeds from land of low
nature conservation interest, with the
objective of expanding the reedbed
resource by 33 ha in Cumbria. This could
come about as part of a restoration
Planning Considerations
of this habitat lie outside the SSSI system.
Some are designated as County Wildlife Sites.
Enhancement Opportunities
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
1.
Any development that may impact upon this
grassland habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
1.
2.
Many developments can impact upon this
habitat to cause direct habitat loss and
increasing isolation and fragmentation.
Infrastructure schemes such as new roads,
bypasses and pipelines, and other
developments such as quarries and waste
disposal sites maybe have an impact.
Whilst flower-rich grassland
creation cannot replace the original
habitat there are sometimes
opportunities within a development
for grassland habitat similar to that
found on many roadside verges to
be created and sympathetically
managed.
2.
Meadows and pastures require the
continuation of the agricultural
management which created them
(traditional grazing and cutting, no
fertiliser application). Opportunities
for habitat management should be
taken where possible, using
planning obligations where
scheme post development, or through a
S106 agreement.
Establish landscape scale wetland
complex which includes reedbed habitat;
along with wet woodlands, coastal and
floodplain grazing marsh and fens. There
is scope for such new complexes in
Cumbria. This may not be achieved
through specific planning applications but
would involve allocation of such land for
this purpose, which may impact upon other
uses.
Hay
Meadows &
Pastures
Lowland Meadows:
Maintain the lowland meadow resource in
Cumbria, i.e. no loss. Avoid these areas,
or ensure that no loss or damage occurs
through development.
Re-establish lowland meadow grassland
from arable or improved grassland. The
regional target focuses primarily (75%) on
areas adjacent to existing grassland and
on (50%) patches of 2ha or more. This
does give some scope for small areas to
be created. This could come about as part
of a restoration scheme post development,
or through a S106 agreement.
3.
Small scale developments such as barn
conversions may impact upon meadows
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Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
though land take for gardens and access
new roads.
Upland Hay Meadows:
Maintain the upland meadow resource in
Cumbria, i.e. no loss. Avoid these areas,
or ensure that no loss or damage occurs
through development.
Re-establish upland meadow grassland
from arable or improved grassland. The
regional target focuses primarily (75%) on
areas adjacent to existing grassland and
on (50%) patches of 2ha or more. This
does give some scope for small areas to
be created. This could come about as part
of a restoration scheme post development
Heathland
Lowland Heathland:
4.
Roadside verges may be impacted by any
planning application which includes changes
to the road network, including new access
roads linking to the highway network, new
junction layouts localised road widening
schemes. Also damage to roadside verges
can occur during the construction phase of a
development by parking and storage of
materials on the verges.
5.
Mitigation proposals to translocate or
recreate this habitat are unlikely to result in a
habitat of equivalent quality, with loss of
much of the ecological interest associated
with the original habitat, such as the
invertebrate interest.
6.
Most of the best meadows in Cumbria are
SSSIs and many are SACs, however a large
number of high quality grasslands lie outside
the SSSI system, particularly roadside
verges. Many of these grasslands are
designated as County Wildlife Sites and
Special Roadside Verges.
1. Any development that may impact upon
heathand habitat, or its species interests,
Enhancement Opportunities
developments have had a
significant impact upon such
species-rich grasslands.
1. The planning system may offer
opportunities to improve the
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Maintain the lowland heathland resource in
Cumbria. Avoid these areas, or ensure
that no loss or damage occurs through
development.
Increase the extent of lowland heathland in
favourable or recovering condition. This
means improving the quality of the habitat
to measurable standards. It would involve
improved management that can come
about through Section 106 agreements, for
example.
Increase the extent of lowland heathland
by 155ha in Cumbria. This could come
about as part of a restoration scheme post
development, or through a S106
agreement.
Upland Heathland:
Planning Considerations
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
2. Developments on heathland, including
quarrying, will lead to direct habitat loss.
3. Restoration schemes for time-limited
developments should aim to restore to
heathland and other appropriate habitats, and
instigate wildlife management plans during the
working life of the development.
4. Wind farm developments on heathland will lead
to direct habitat loss, impact upon habitat
availability for breeding and wintering birds, and
may increase bird mortality as birds can be
killed by turbine blades. This is potentially a
major issue for rare species, such as Hen
Harrier, as a small number of deaths can have
a major effect on the population.
Maintain the upland heathland resource in
Cumbria, Avoid these areas, or ensure
that no loss or damage occurs through
development.
5. Caravan sites and golf courses may impact
upon coastal heathland, but there may also
opportunities for habitat protection,
management and enhancement through these
schemes.
Increase the extent of blanket bog outside
of SSSIs in favourable or recovering
condition. This means improving the
6. Landscaping and tree planting schemes on
heathland are inappropriate.
Enhancement Opportunities
management of heathland through
appropriate grazing or burning
management or clearance of
invasive woodland or scrub via
Section 106 agreements.
2. If soil nutrient levels are low and
there is an available seed source
new areas of heathland can be
established via natural seeding as
part of developments to complement
existing areas of this habitat.
3. Biodiversity Management and
Enhancement Plans can be used for
longer term developments, for the
lifetime of the development.
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quality of the habitat to measurable
standards. It would involve improved
management that can come about through
S106 agreements, for example.
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
7. Most lowland heathland in Cumbria is within
SSSIs, and the largest upland sites are
SAC/SSSIs, but large areas of upland
heathland lie outside the SSSI system.
8. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
Hedgerows
Maintain the net extent of hedgerows.
Avoid loss of all hedgerows, especially
ancient and species-rich hedgerows. Any
hedgerow length lost should be replaced.
Maintain the overall number of individual,
isolated hedgerow trees. Any hedgerow
trees lost should be replaced, through
these will take many years to mature and
perform the same function.
1. Any development that may impact upon
hedgerow habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
Maintain the species-richness of native
woody species. Any hedgerows removed
should be replaced with at least as rich a
mix of native woody species.
2. Hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerows
Regulations 1997. Under the Regulations, it is
against the law to remove or destroy certain
hedgerows without permission from the local
planning authority. Permission is required
before removing hedges that are at least 20
metres in length, over 30 years old and contain
certain species of plant.
Improve the hedgerow tree population by
increasing the number of young trees (1-4
years). New hedgerow schemes should
include hedgerow trees.
3. Any development in the countryside is likely to
impact upon hedgerows due to their
widespread nature, leading to loss of this
habitat.
1. Enhanced management of all
hedgerows, including poorer
hedgerows, within development;
2. Planting of new species-rich
hedgerows as part of developments
using native species.
3. Planting of new species-rich
hedgerows to link existing
woodlands together.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Achieve a net increase in the length of
hedgerows of 300km. Where possible
schemes should include new native
hedgerows comprised of native species.
4. Hedgerows are ecological links through the
landscape and piecemeal loss will lead to
fragmentation of linked habitats such as
woodlands and grasslands. These links are
recognised in the Habitats Directive and
Regulations as being important for migration,
dispersal and genetic exchange.
Enhancement Opportunities
5. Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows are of
greatest importance, as these are far less
replicable than more recent and species-poor
examples, and measures should be taken to
avoid destruction/ decline of these hedgerows.
6. There are no SSSIs specifically designated for
this habitat.
Lakes,
Ponds &
Tarns
Mesotrophic Lakes:
There are several targets but they are
specific to the current known conservation
importance. Further information is required
on this to take this forward.
However, to achieve these targets
developments would need to at least
maintain, and preferably improve, the
condition of any lakes.
1. Any development that may impact upon lake,
pond or tarn habitat would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat
and, as necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
2. Any lakeshore development may be
detrimental to the ecology of the lake through
direct loss of lakeshore habitat such as swamp
or woodland, possible pollution of the lake,
increased disturbance to wildlife, or damage to
fragile underwater and marginal plant
communities.
3. Boating, in all forms, causes disturbance of
1. Incorporation of Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems (SUDS, which
are also appropriate in rural
situations) in developments.
2. Use of soft surfaces such as grass
in place of hard surfacing wherever
possible, or ’grasscrete’ where hard
surfacing is necessary, to allow
water to soak away.
3. Enhancement of lakeshores through
appropriate native woodland and
scrub planting, or restriction of
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
birds and other wildlife and can result in
erosion of lakeshores from wash and scouring
of lake beds by mooring chains causing the
loss of aquatic and marginal vegetation.
4. Lakeshore paths also cause erosion of
lakeshore vegetation and disturbance to
wildlife.
5. Water abstraction upstream can exacerbate
pollution effects by reducing flows into the lake,
concentrating pollutants and increasing the
amount of time taken to flush polluted water out
of the lake.
6. Fish farms can be very damaging to the ecology
of lakes and tarns due to nutrient enrichment
resulting from waste fish food, the potential for
the introduction of fish species not native to the
lake and the use of chemicals to treat fish
diseases.
7. Many of the major Lake District lakes are
SSSIs, as are many tarns, and some lakes and
tarns are also internationally important as
Special Areas of Conservation.
8. There are also many high quality tarns which
lie outside the SSSI system. Ponds almost
entirely lie outside the SSSI system. Many of
these are designated as County Wildlife Sites.
Enhancement Opportunities
access to allow the development of
marshy areas, wetland and mire.
4. Creation of new ponds, ditches and
wetlands in appropriate situations to
enhance the connectivity of habitat
through the landscape.
5. Creation of protection zones for
lakeshores with important examples
of aquatic flora or fauna or of
importance for breeding or wintering
birds. Development would be
proscribed in such areas.
6. Reduction of pollution and other
impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new
development and design
opportunities.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Lowland Dry
Acid
Grassland
Maintain the lowland dry acid grassland
resource in Cumbria, i.e. no loss. Avoid
these areas, or ensure that no loss or
damage occurs through development.
1. Any development that may impact upon this
grassland habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
1. If soil nutrient levels are low and
there is an available seed source
new areas of lowland acid grassland
can be established via natural
seeding as part of developments to
complement existing areas of this
habitat.
2. Developments, including sand quarries, road
schemes, housing and industrial
developments, can result in significant losses
of lowland dry acid grassland, though in some
instances they may also present opportunities
for the creation of areas of this habitat.
3. It is possible that areas of lowland dry acid
grassland may be wrongly considered as
rough ground suitable for landscape planting in
conjunction with developments.
4. The majority of lowland dry acid grassland lies
outside the SSSI system.
Montane
Habitats
1. This habitat is unlikely to be affected by
planning issues; there is a small possibility that
it could be affected by wind farm developments
but these are most likely on hills below 600m.
2. Any development that may impact upon
montane habitat would require an assessment
of the likely effects on the habitat and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
3. Most good quality montane habitat is found
2. Sand extraction sites are most likely
to provide suitable habitat for
establishment of this habitat
provided areas are identified within
the agreed restoration plans, and
they are in locations that cannot
easily be agriculturally improved.
3. Biodiversity Management and
Enhancement Plans can be used for
longer term developments, for the
lifetime of the development.
1. There are limited opportunities for
enhancing this habitat within the
planning system, however any
opportunity to reduce grazing of this
habitat would be beneficial.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
within SAC/SSSIs, however, some Lake
District summits with good montane heath and
grassland also occur outside the SSSI system.
4. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
Open Mosaic
Habitats on
Previously
Developed
Land
No targets.
1. Any development that may impact upon any of
this range of habitats, or their species
interests, would require an assessment of the
likely effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
2. There is a policy conflict between the national
policies to protect UK priority habitats to
redevelop previously developed land. This
priority habitat is under-recorded in Cumbria
and the majority of the known habitat is
unsurveyed for the full range of relevant
biodiversity interests. It is therefore difficult for
local planning authorities to make informed
policy decisions without an improved evidence
base. Such surveys are therefore required.
3. Sites with this habitat are at risk from
redevelopment, landfill, industrial and
commercial use, or housing. ‘Reclamation’ of
these habitats as amenity greenspace can be
1. Developments on this land can be
planned in such a way as to retain
and/or recreate these early
successional habitats that support
rare amphibians, reptiles, plants and
invertebrates. They should aim to
provide a mosaic of habitat features,
including a varied vegetation
structure, areas of exposed friable
substrate and flower-rich grassland,
pools and refuges.
2. These habitats are often the only
locations where people can enjoy
wildlife directly in their day-to-day
lives. Opportunities should be taken
to retain the best examples as
managed public space, such as the
nature reserves at Millom Ironworks
and Kingmoor Sidings, and to create
networks of similar smaller sites.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
just as damaging, commonly involving regrading of the land, burial of existing
substrates with imported fertile topsoils, and
sowing/ planting of amenity grass mixes
shrubs and trees, usually with the intention of
‘quick greening’.
4. Large brownfield sites can support very large
populations of protected species such as
reptiles, Great Crested Newt and Natterjack
Toad. Adequate surveys are required of these
species and their habitats prior to planning
permission being granted and, where
permission is granted, measures to mitigate
and compensate impacts on these species
must be appropriate and of a suitable scale.
5. Potential impacts upon populations of
European Protected Species such as Great
Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad may be
significant.
6. Retention of this habitat on site, and creation
of new habitat, will require the industrial
substrate to be retained, such as slag, building
rubble, concrete etc.
7. The majority of these sites lie outside the SSSI
system, though some of the best examples are
SSSIs, such as at Maryport and Millom
Ironworks. Some are of international
importance for the species they support.
Enhancement Opportunities
3. Living roofs can provide the
opportunity to recreate some forms
of this habitat if the roofs are
sufficiently extensive.
4. Biodiversity Management and
Enhancement Plans can be used for
longer term developments.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Rivers
No targets
1.
1.
Incorporation of Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems (SUDS, which
are also appropriate in rural
situations) in developments.
2.
Use of soft surfaces such as grass
in place of hard surfacing wherever
possible; also green roofs which
absorb rainwater, and ‘grasscrete’
for necessary hard standings and
parking areas to allow water to
soakaway.
3.
Enhancement of riverbanks
through appropriate native
woodland and scrub planting, and
creation of grassland buffer strips
by fencing alongside river banks.
4.
Reduction of pollution and other
impacts resulting from existing
developments, through new
development and design
opportunities.
Any development that may impact upon the
habitats of rivers and streams, and their
species interests, would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat/species and, as necessary, appropriate
protection and mitigation measures.
2.
Any development adjacent to a river or a
tributary stream can potentially result in
pollution of the river system.
3.
Developments resulting in abstraction of
groundwater or impounding of surface water
can reduce flows affecting the ability of the
river to support life; this can be particularly
significant in times of drought. Such
developments can also affect natural river
processes of deposition and erosion.
4.
Roads, car parks and housing, which increase
the impermeable surface area, may reduce the
potential for rainwater absorption, increasing
run off to the catchment and higher flood
discharges.
5.
Development on flood plains reduces their
natural flood storage capacity, resulting in
higher flood discharges downstream.
6.
Changes to riverbank morphology, such as
installation of hard surfaces in the form of
gabions or concrete or metal pilings can result
in the transfer of energy, and hence erosion,
downstream, often with detrimental and
unexpected effects.
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Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities
(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Rock
Habitats
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Limestone Pavement:
Maintain the limestone pavement resource
in Cumbria, i.e. no loss. Avoid these areas,
or ensure that no loss or damage occurs
through development.
No deterioration in the quality of
biodiversity and geodiversity of limestone
pavement. No damage to the habitat or
geodiversity of the limestone pavement.
Planning Considerations
7.
A significant proportion of river systems are
included in the SSSI system, all of which are
also internationally important as Special Areas
of Conservation. Note that many high quality
rivers are, however, not covered by the SSSI
or non-statutory sites system.
8.
Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
1. Whilst it is not possible to add to this priority
habitat it can be enhanced through better
management.
2. Any development that may impact upon these
rock habitats would require an assessment of
the likely effects on the habitat and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
3. Most limestone pavement in Cumbria is
covered by Limestone Pavement Orders. It is
illegal to disturb or remove limestone
pavement, or even loose rock (including stone
walls), within Limestone Pavement Order sites.
4. Quarrying can impact upon rock outcrops,
screes and ledges, and new roads, tracks or
pipelines may also result in the loss of
important areas of this habitat.
Enhancement Opportunities
1. There are limited opportunities for
enhancing this habitat within the
planning system, however any
opportunity to reduce grazing of
ledges would be beneficial.
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Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
5. The majority of limestone pavement is
designated as Sites of Special Scientific
Interest and Special Areas of Conservation
and, of the remaining sites, many are County
Wildlife Sites.
6. Other rock exposures are integral to many
upland SACs and SSSIs, though many areas
of rock ledge, outcrop and scree, including
areas with rare plants, are outside the SSSI
system.
Saline
Lagoons
No net loss in extent and number of saline
lagoons. Avoid these areas, or ensure that
no loss or damage occurs through
development.
Create new saline lagoon habitat to offset
estimated historical losses. Extensions to
existing lagoons will be difficult to achieve
since most of the current sites are in
restricted urban dockland areas. Creation
of wholly new sites is also likely to be very
difficult to achieve.
1. Any development that may impact upon this
habitat, and its species interests, would require
an assessment of the likely effects on the
habitat/species and, as necessary, appropriate
protection and mitigation measures.
2. Saline lagoons are highly sensitive to changes
in water quality, both in the form of changes in
the balance of sea and fresh waters they
receive and in the form of pollution impacts
from adjacent developments.
3. Birds using the lagoons can also be highly
sensitive to disturbance.
4. The lagoons at Walney Island, Cavendish
Dock and Hodbarrow are of international
importance as European Marine Sites,
designated as Special Areas of Conservation
and/ or Special Protection Areas, as well as
SSSIs. Other sites are not designated.
1. Any opportunities to reduce pollution
and other impacts resulting from
existing developments, through new
development and design
opportunities, will benefit saline
lagoon habitat.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
5. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on the European
Sites would need to be assessed under the
Habitats Regulations.
Semi natural
Woodland
Maintain the ancient broadleaved
woodland resource in Cumbria, i.e. no
loss. Avoid these areas, or ensure that no
loss or damage occurs through
development.
No net loss of native woodland. Avoid
these areas, or ensure that no loss or
damage occurs, or that full replacement is
provided.
Expand the area of native broadleaved
woodland by c 3000 ha through a
combination of converting (restocking)
existing plantations and creating native
woodland on ex-agricultural land (2760ha).
Opportunities within the planning process
are woodland planting and/or
enhancement as a planning Condition, as
part of a restoration scheme and/ or
through S106 agreements on additional
land.
1. Any development that may impact upon
woodland habitat, or its species interests,
would require an assessment of the likely
effects on the habitat/species and, as
necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
2. Development can lead to direct loss of habitat
area and habitat fragmentation which can
seriously affect woodland species which
require large areas of woodland for their
survival.
3. Small woodlands can form important links
through the landscape for migration, dispersal
and genetic exchange. This is recognised by
the Habitats Directive & Habitats Regulations.
4. The ecological interest of woodland can be lost
or seriously compromised not just by direct
landtake, but also by disturbance of the
groundflora from recreational activities,
compaction of soils around the edge of the
woodland or the storage of materials and
machinery in the wood during construction on
adjacent land.
1. Creation of new native woodland
adjacent to existing ancient
woodland or connecting two or more
areas of woodland.
2. Fencing of woodlands grazed by
livestock.
3. Replacement of non-native canopy
species with native woodland
species, particularly on Plantations
on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
5. Conversion of woodland to wooded garden is
also a problem, as whilst tree cover may be
maintained the groundflora and even shrub
layer may be removed, such that the site is no
longer a functional woodland.
6. Noise disturbance from new roads/ industrial
sites can adversely impact on breeding birds.
7. Cumbria supports woodland that is of national
and international importance with some of the
best examples of the resource designated as
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and
Sites of Special Scientific interest (SSSIs).
8. Any development that may have a significant
effect, directly or indirectly, on a Special Area
of Conservation would need to be assessed
under the Habitats Regulations.
9. Due to the extent of woodland within the
county a very large proportion of this habitat
lies outside the SSSI system. Most ancient
woodlands are likely to qualify as Cumbria
Local Wildlife Sites, as will other woodlands
with good structure and species composition.
Traditional
Orchards
No targets
1. Any development that may impact upon
traditional orchards would require an
assessment of the likely effects on the habitat
and, as necessary, appropriate protection and
mitigation measures.
1. New orchard planting with
appropriate, and where possible
traditional varieties, should be
encouraged.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
2. This priority habitat is easily overlooked in
planning decisions as small orchards can be
dismissed as a “few old apple trees in a corner
of the garden”. They are particularly vulnerable
to housing developments, particularly those
which involve the development of clusters of
houses around farms or barns or indeed any
house in the countryside. Existing fruit trees
can be protected by condition.
3. The biodiversity of orchards can be damaged
not only direct impacts, but also by indirect
impacts such as the use of the orchard for
storing machinery and materials during
construction work.
4. There are no orchards within the SSSI system
Wood
Pasture &
Parkland
No loss of, or significant damage to, woodpasture and parkland sites. Would also
include no loss of quality.
1. Any development that may impact upon woodpasture and parkland habitat, or its species
interests, would require an assessment of the
habitat/species and, as necessary, adequate
protection and mitigation measures.
2. The extensive root systems of old and veteran
trees can be damaged by developing too close
to the trees, or by additional soils being placed
over the roots.
3. Felling of old trees, or tree limbs, for safety or
visual reasons is detrimental to the habitat.
4. Fallen/ dying timber, important for wood-eating
1. Veteran trees can be made a
feature of developments, provided
that suitable care is taken to protect
their roots from damage during
construction and that the
development design provides
sufficient long term protection for the
trees.
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(From the Species and Habitat Statements)
Key Habitat
Habitat targets for Cumbria
Planning Considerations
invertebrates and fungi, should be retained.
5. Veteran trees have a high potential to host bat
roosts.
6. Veteran trees hold strong cultural associations
with local communities.
7. Most parkland and wood-pasture lies outside
the SSSI system in Cumbria. But a small
number of sites are designated as SSSIs.
8. Some of the most important parks in
landscape and historic terms are included on
the Register of Parks and Gardens of special
historic interest in England. This provides
some protection to these parks as registration
is a material consideration in planning terms.
Enhancement Opportunities
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Species
Planning Considerations
Enhancement Opportunities
Barn Owl
1. The re-use of rural buildings has significantly contributed to the population decline of
Barn Owls in Cumbria. However, if properly planned and implemented, the
redevelopment of such buildings can retain, protect, and enhance resting and
breeding opportunities for the species.
1. Incorporation of Barn Owl boxes and other
suitable structures within buildings in
appropriate locations, especially barn
conversions. Barn Owls will also use
externally mounted boxes.
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2. Active Barn Owl nests are afforded protection against disturbance, as are breeding
adults and dependent young whilst at or near the nest. Any proposed development
affecting barns and outbuildings, and other buildings with undisturbed roof voids with
direct access to open countryside, should trigger a survey for Barn Owls.
2. Provision of rough grassland and woodland
edge habitat for foraging, in particular linking
to existing habitat.
3. Any development that would impact upon Barn Owls would require adequate
protection and mitigation measures.
3. Promotion of the above through appropriate
planning conditions.
4. Development during the breeding season should be avoided where there is any
evidence of occupation by Barn Owls. In cases where a roosting-only site is affected it
is entirely possible that the development may have a detrimental ‘knock on’ effect if
the Barn Owl has a nest nearby.
Bats
1. Bats are mobile creatures and almost any building, structure, cave, mine or tree has
the potential to be used by bats.
2. Bat roosts are protected whether bats are present or not.
3. Any proposed development that may affect a bat roost or bat habitat requires a survey
– see Bat Surveys - Good Practice Guidelines.
4. Consideration must be given to the maintenance and provision of habitat corridors
that are used for feeding or as flight routes.
5. Surveys of buildings and structures for summer and autumn roost sites may take
place at any time of the year as the signs of roosting bats such as droppings, urine
staining, bodies and bones should remain throughout the year, though signs on the
1. Incorporation of new roost features, such as
bat bricks, within buildings or other structures.
Projects such as the refurbishment of derelict
or semi-derelict buildings, barn conversions,
alterations to non-domestic premises,
including churches, or other structures can all
provide opportunities for roost features to be
incorporated.
2. Provision of wildlife-friendly shrubs, trees and
grassland to improve feeding habitat.
3. Creation of hedgerows, tree-lines and other
linear features linking feeding and roosting
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outside of buildings such as droppings and staining may be removed by the weather
especially during the winter months. Hibernating bats may be found during winter
surveys. Access would need to be gained to the entirety of the building or structure to
ensure that all parts have been assessed. If this is not possible and there is bat
potential (e.g. potential bat access points and roost sites) then further survey when
bats are active would be necessary.
habitats (corridors).
4. Enhancement of the foraging habitat and
movement corridors, and provision of bat
boxes and other structures on trees and
buildings, in areas where bats may occur.
6. If bat roosts are present, summer surveys will be required to determine species and
population size, and their use of surrounding habitat in order to assess the potential
impacts of development and appropriate protection and mitigation measures.
7. Any development that would impact upon bats, their roosts and/or significant bat
habitat would require adequate protection and mitigation measures, and the developer
would require a European Protected Species Development Licence, under the
Habitats Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Great Crested
Newt
1. Great Crested Newts have been found throughout Cumbria, including some unlikelylooking places such as working quarries.
2. Any proposed development that may affect a Great Crested Newt pond or its
terrestrial habitat requires a Great Crested Newt survey.
3. Consideration must be given to the maintenance and provision of habitat corridors
that are used for foraging or dispersal between ponds, and as terrestrial habitat.
4. Surveys for Great Crested Newts cannot be carried out adequately during the autumn
and winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after a
suitable survey window.
5. Any development that would impact on Great Crested Newts and their breeding and
resting places and/or significant habitat would require adequate protection and
mitigation measures, and the developer would require a European Protected Species
Development Licence, under the Habitats Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Hen Harrier
1. The main winter roost complex area and associated foraging areas are vulnerable to
impacts from developments. Any development proposals that fall within, or adjacent
to, this area will require assessment of potential impacts upon the wintering population
1. Incorporation of wildlife ponds, including
suitable adjoining terrestrial habitat, into new
developments, even if Great Crested Newts
are not affected by the development. Where
they are affected mitigation measures should
include recreation of ponds on a two for one
basis.
2. Creation of ‘networks’ of ponds linked by
suitable terrestrial habitat.
3. Creation/enhancement of refuges/overwintering sites within existing as well as new
habitat.
1. Developments within the areas identified have
potential for enhancement and creation of
habitat through planning agreements and
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and its habitat requirements.
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obligations, and restoration schemes.
2. The wintering Hen Harrier population of the ‘West Cumbria foothills’ should be
considered to be equivalent to Special Protection Area quality.
3. Since over-wintering can occur on other extensive areas of rush and heath, hen
harriers may sometime be an issue for developments outside the current mapped
area; developers should be encouraged to seek advice from Natural England or the
Cumbria Bird Club.
4. Developments within the uplands of Cumbria may impact upon Hen Harriers during
the breeding season. This may occur on or off protected sites, and may include
extensions to quarries, re-opening of mines, new buildings and tracks.
Natterjack
Toad
1. Natterjack toads have a limited distribution on coastal sand dunes, saltmarshes and
specific other locations. Terrestrial habitat is as important to the survival of the
population as breeding ponds.
2. Any proposed development that may affect Natterjack Toads should trigger a survey;
as a guide any proposed development within 1km of a known Natterjack site has the
potential to impact upon their activity.
3. Surveys for Natterjack Toads and their use of habitat cannot be carried out adequately
during the winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after
a suitable survey window.
4. Any development that would impact upon Natterjack Toads and/or significant habitat
would require adequate protection and mitigation measures and the developer would
require a European Protected Species Development Licence, under the Habitats
Regulations 1994, to proceed.
Developments with potential impacts are:
5. Sea defence schemes which are damaging because they prevent the tidal inundation
of upper saltmarsh pools, disrupt the flushing of the remaining saltmarsh by fresh
water from the land, and therefore impact upon the natural cycle of sediment
1. In areas where Natterjack Toads may occur
the potential for enhancement of breeding
ponds, foraging habitat and movement
corridors should be maximised.
2. New developments may provide opportunities
to create or restore habitat to link Natterjack
Toad sites, or to create new breeding ponds,
terrestrial habitat or hibernation areas, in
particular creation of satellite sites within 1 km
of a known breeding site.
3. Tidal inundation and managed retreat would
provide significant opportunities for habitat
creation.
4. Sand and Gravel extraction has tremendous
potential for Natterjack conservation through
future habitat creation and restoration
schemes.
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deposition that creates new saltmarsh and dune.
6. Housing, industrial and leisure industry developments (golf courses and holiday
developments), as well as to forestry and agriculture, which can lead to direct habitat
loss.
7. Developments that encourage concentrated access to coastal sites that support
Natterjack Toads.
Otter
1. Otters are widespread and may be affected by any development that impacts on a
watercourse or on habitat adjacent to a watercourse.
2. Any proposed development that may affect Otters or their holts should trigger a
survey and assessment of potential impacts.
3. Any development that would disturb Otters, impact upon their breeding and resting
places and/or significant habitat would require adequate protection and mitigation
measures, and the developer would require a European Protected Species
Development Licence, under the Habitats Regulations 1994, to proceed.
1. Enhancement to riverbank vegetation, by
fencing off to allow regeneration of riverbank
habitat.
2. Creation of lying up and breeding sites (holts).
3. Provision / enhancement of buffer strips
between developments and watercourses.
4. Otter holts and couches are covered by the legislation whether or not an Otter is
present. During any work it is essential that Otter holts are not disturbed – at least
50m either side of a holt should be left unmanaged or undisturbed if possible.
5. A range of developments can affect otters and otter habitat: these include built
developments adjacent to rivers, tributary streams and ditches, riverside lighting, river
bank modification, road construction, bridge works over waterways or culverting, flood
alleviation works and new fishing lakes/ponds.
6. In addition to direct impacts through disturbance, or habitat change, developments
may impact on water quality, through pollution or siltation, any degradation of which
would be detrimental to otters.
Red Squirrel
1. Red Squirrels breed throughout Cumbria and potentially any woodland within Cumbria
may contain squirrels and their dreys. Woodlands or individual trees or groups of trees
that are used for breeding are also material to planning decisions.
1. Take opportunities to manage the mix of
species required by Red Squirrels in the
reserves and buffer zones. This may include
planting the correct tree species or retaining
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2. Red Squirrels may be impacted by development which affects individual or small
groups or trees, by poor management, loss of larger areas of woodland, and by the
loss of tree lines and hedgerows that link woodland patches.
3. Any development that may impact upon Red Squirrels and their habitat would require
a Red Squirrel survey with particular focus on their protected dreys and, as necessary,
adequate protection and mitigation measures.
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conifers within woodlands, avoiding largeseeded broadleaved species such as oak and
beech.
2. Design layout of developments, including new
roads, in such a manner that habitat links are
created or maintained.
4. In Red Squirrel reserves and buffer zones the potential for protection and
enhancement of habitat should be optimised where ecologically appropriate.
Reptiles
1. Any proposed development that may affect reptiles would require a reptile survey.
2. Surveys for reptiles and their use of habitat cannot be carried out adequately during
the winter months. This may mean that decisions have to be delayed until after a
suitable survey window.
3. Any development that would impact upon reptiles and their habitat would require
adequate protection and mitigation measures
1. Creation of wildlife corridors through urban
and semi-urban spaces could include open
grassland habitat, sown with native species
and with structural diversity, e.g. rock and
wood refuge piles, built in for reptiles.
2. Species-rich grasslands on previously
developed land could be enhanced for reptiles
to form core areas of reptile habitat.
3. Creation of refuges/over-wintering sites to
enhance existing sites.
Small Blue
Butterfly
1. The Small Blue is largely dependant upon previously-used land (brownfield sites) in
Cumbria.
2. Any proposed development within and nearby the current Small Blue area should
trigger a Small Blue assessment. Timing for butterfly survey is restricted to May-June,
but kidney vetch can be surveyed throughout the year.
3. Development proposals should seek to maintain and/or create a mosaic of habitat and
Small Blue population throughout the Small Blue distribution area, and its surrounds.
1. Management of existing habitat and
populations can be successful within current
developments provided linked patches of
kidney vetch grassland are identified and
maintained with open, sunny conditions.
2. Creation of new species-rich kidney vetch
grassland habitat within the Small Blue
butterfly distribution area of Allerdale to
provide sites for colonisation from nearby
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4. The Small Blue is sometimes confused with the Common Blue and Chimney Sweeper
Moth.
populations.
3. Breeding conditions for the Small Blue are
relatively easy to create by either allowing
sites to colonise naturally with kidney vetch or
by planting kidney vetch of local provenance;
best results are seen on uneven ground with
thin calcareous soils.
4. Development proposals should seek to
maintain and/or create a mosaic of habitat
and Small Blue population throughout the
Small Blue distribution area, and its
surrounds.
Water Vole
1. Any modification or management of the banks can impact upon resident Water Voles,
such as ditch clearance, flood alleviation works and culverting.
2. Any proposed development which may affect the rivers or streams within the Water
Voles’ current range will potentially affect Water Vole habitat and distribution and
should therefore require a Water Vole/ Water Vole habitat survey.
3. It should be noted that, since it is possible that there may still be isolated, small
populations in parts of Cumbria where Water Voles have been recorded post 1980 but
not recently, developments that significantly affect suitable watercourses should
consider the possibility of Water Voles being present.
1. Reduction in the amount of habitat damage,
disturbance and burrow destruction by
promoting better and more timely bank-side
management, e.g. so as not to affect both
banks at the same time.
2. Protection and/ or creation of enhanced bankside vegetation through fencing and planting
and reduced grazing levels, especially within
the Water Vole re-introduction area.
4. Any development that would impact upon Water Vole or Water Vole habitat would
require adequate protection and mitigation measures.
5. In areas where Water Voles may occur the potential for enhancement and long-term
management of the river/ streamside habitat should be maximised.
Wintering
Geese &
Swans
1. Developments may impact upon the feeding areas directly or may cause impact on
the flight-lines of the birds between the feeding areas and roosting areas.
2. Any proposed development would require a survey and assessment of use during the
1. Large scale developments can create new, or
improve the management of, feeding areas
for these birds, both during the operation of
the development or as part of the site
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appropriate time of year.
3. Any development that would impact upon these birds would require adequate
mitigation and, where appropriate, compensation.
4. Since Pink-footed Geese, Barnacle Geese and Whooper Swan are protected through
SPA designation any development that impacts upon these birds, or the habitat on
which they depend, when they are off-site may result in an adverse effect on the
integrity of the site itself. This would require the planning authority to carry out a
Habitats Regulations Assessment under the Habitats Regulations 1994.
5. Any impact to the designated species (or habitat on which the population is
dependent), which causes a significant decline in the size, distribution, structure or
function of the population within the designated site, should be considered to have an
adverse effect on the integrity of the site.
6. It should be noted that a clear link would need to be made between the population
being impacted upon and the population within the designated site (functionally
linked).
7. In Cumbria this will be particularly relevant for development within the Core Areas.
8. Developers should be encouraged to seek advice from Natural England, RSPB or the
Cumbria Bird Club.
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restoration.
2. Pink footed geese are a legal quarry species
(during the open season September 1 to
January/ February), under Section 2, and
listed in Schedule 2 Part 1, of the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981. Large numbers of birds
are shot each year. Shooting occurs both on
estuaries and on farmland. One form of
compensation (associated with
developments) is the buying out of shooting
rights and the creation of refuges for feeding
geese.