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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. 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 28 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 46 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. 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 48 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 54 Calaminarian Grasslands 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 72 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. 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 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. 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 74 Coastal Subtidal Habitats 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 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 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 76 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 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 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. 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 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] 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 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. 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 80 Fen, Marsh and Swamp 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 86 Hay Meadows and Pastures 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 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. 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 Heathland Version 1.1 - June 2008 88 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. 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 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. 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 90 Hedgerows 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 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 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 Hedgerows Version 1.1 - June 2008 92 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 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 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 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 Hedgerows Version 1.1 - June 2008 94 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. 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 96 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. 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 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 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 98 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. 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 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. 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 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 Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk 102 Lowland Dry Acid Grassland 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 106 Montane Habitats 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 Rivers Version 1.1 - June 2008 112 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. 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 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 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 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 Virtual Fauna of Lakeland website: www.lakelandwildlife.co.uk 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), 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 116 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 122 Saline Lagoons 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 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. 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 124 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. 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 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). 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 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] 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 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. 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 128 Semi-natural Woodland 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 132 Traditional Orchards 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 137 138 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 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. 139 140 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 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 141 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. 142 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 143 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (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 144 Version 1.1 - June 2008 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 145 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. 146 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 147 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. 148 Version 1.1 - June 2008 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (From the Species and Habitat Statements) Key Habitat Habitat targets for Cumbria 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 149 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 150 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 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 151 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. 152 Version 1.1 - June 2008 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (From the Species and Habitat Statements) Key Habitat Habitat targets for Cumbria 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 153 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (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 154 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 155 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. 156 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 157 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. 158 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 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. 159 160 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 161 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (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). 162 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 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. Version 1.1 - June 2008 163 Habitat Targets, Planning Considerations and Enhancement Opportunities (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. 164 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 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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. 165 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 166 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 and its habitat requirements. 167 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. 168 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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. 169 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 170 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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 Version 1.1 - June 2008 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. 171 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.