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Station Masters Community Wildlife Garden
BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
CAWCRA Ltd Biodiversity Action Plan
Prepared by CAWCRA committee
CAWCRA is a Not for profit Limited Liability Company Reg No. 07546845
Contact: Duika Burges Watson (Chair)
12 Waterford Crescent, Whitley Bay NE26 2EA
Website: www.stationmastersgarden.org
Index
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3
2. Site Surveys ............................................................................................................... 4
Biodiversity survey .................................................................................................... 4
Soil survey ................................................................................................................. 4
3. Action plan ................................................................................................................. 4
Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 4
Flora ........................................................................................................................... 6
4. Key Species action plans ........................................................................................... 6
Reptiles – the slow worm ........................................................................................... 6
Reptiles – frogs .......................................................................................................... 9
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1. Introduction
The Clarence and Waterford Crescent Residents Association(CAWCRA) was established in
May 2010 to develop the derelict station masters garden and adjoining waste land area into a
community wildlife garden.
A specific objective contained in CAWCRA’s articles of Association is to enhance the natural
habitat for wildlife and biodiversity of the site. Our articles of association are:
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To promote and enhance the use of green space in the area of benefit, in partnership
with the local residents the local authority, voluntary organisations and other bodies, with
the aim of improving the conditions of life for said residents
To protect and promote the biodiversity and landscape value and the suitable provision of
integrated horticulture including organic gardening for sustainable produce
To advance community cohesion and shared values through the promotion of recycling,
integrated horticulture and a safe and clean environment.
We have commissioned and conducted site surveys to establish the potential environmental
impact of the community garden on existing wildlife and also for any issues relating to
contaminated land. To achieve this CAWCRA has enlisted the support of Ms Linsday
Bramwell, Newcastle University (Ms. Bramwell is also the Contaminated Land Officer for
Newcastle City Council); Prof Tim Townshend (Landscape and Planning at Newcastle
University); Mr Steve Stone, Friends of Briardene; and from environmental experts from
amongst our own membership (Meagan Gibson, Jen Maughan). CAWCRA has also made
contact with members of the Global Urban Research Unit at Newcastle University to establish
a post-graduate student project on the Station Masters Community Wildlife Gardens.
CAWCRA Ltd is developing a management plan to meet this aim at all points. This document
is the draft biodiversity action plan for the Association.
CAWCRA is working with Groundwork NE on the development of funding proposals and
landscape design for the site. As this is developed, the Biodiversity Action Plan will also be
expanded.
CAWCRA will also consult North Tyneside Council’s biodiversity plan (available at
http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/pls/portal/NTC_PSCM.PSCM_Web.download?p_ID=29082)
and the United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan. The UK plan covers not only terrestrial
species associated with lands within the UK, but also marine species and migratory birds,
which spend a limited time in the UK or its offshore waters. The UK plan encompasses "391
Species Action Plans, 45 Habitat Action Plans and 162 Local Biodiversity Action Plans with
targeted actions". This plan is noteworthy because of its extensive detail, clarity of
endangerment mechanisms, specificity of actions, follow up monitoring program and its
inclusion of migrating cetaceans and pelagic birds. On August 28, 2007, the new Biodiversity
Action Plan (BAP) [launched in 1997] identified 1,149 species and 65 habitats in the UK that
need conservation and greater protection. The updated list includes the hedgehog, house
sparrow, grass snake and the garden tiger moth, while otters, bottlenose dolphins and red
squirrels remained in need of habitat protection.
It is known that the site contains protected reptiles and the association is fully aware of its
obligations to protect the habitat of this species. Protecting and enhancing the habitat for
these species is a key part of the Associations plans for the site.
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2. Site Surveys
Biodiversity survey
The site was surveyed for biodiversity, it was broken down into sections and the results noted
as below.
The site from 1 Waterford Crescent to the station masters garden holds little that needs
protecting (apart from trees under TPO - group of 3 sycamores and group of 6 Scyamore and
1 Hawthorne) there is little obvious wildlife habitat as most of the area is dominated by
knotweed, bramble and household escapees. At the time of survey there were no traces of
animals (eg paths etc) and no animal droppings. The weeds may be too dense to allow
animals access.
In the area opposite 14-13 Waterford brambles are the predominant species. Some
waterdock and invasive plants. Domesticated roses, bind weed (large areas of this) dog rose
and young sycamores (not an endemic species).
In the area opposite 11- 5 Waterford noted hazel. Predominance here of grasses, bindweed
and bramble. A large section of knotweed with some isolated knotweed plants throughout.
Some sedge – possibly pendulous sedge.
Area opposite 4 waterford-11 Clarence noted hawthorn (habitat as birds love berries), budlia
and sycamores with under-story predominantly bramble with some knotweed, thistle and
stinging nettle.
Station garden. Noted many weed plants common to train sidings – horse tail grass (a difficult
plant to eradicate) sour thistle, rosebay willow herb, sycamore stumps and some
domestic roses. White tail bee, white bottom garden bumble bee, buff tail bee and common
carder bee. Red admiral butterfly and skipper butterfly. Noted ivy station garden and
pedestrian strip. Seen as an invasive plant but may wish to maintain an area of this and trim
back as nice root structure growing up wall (inside).
In general lots of rubbish and garden waste throughout.
Soil survey
Soil samples were taken from across the site by members of the Newcastle City Councils
contaminated land office in August 2010 (Lindsay Bramwell). The samples were tested for
contaminants. The soil survey results are available on our website at
www.stationmastersgarden.org.
3. Action plan
Providing habitat for a diversity of species will be our primary aim in the mid and southern
section of the Station Masters Gardens. In particular by developing ‘wild’ woodland with both
shaded and non-shaded areas; scattered bushes and wildflowers; a chain of compost heaps
left idle during the months of hibernation; bee and bat nesting boxes, insect ‘hotels’ and a
pond/bog area.
Fauna
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The site does not support a wide range of wildlife at present the main wildlife present of note
are:
Slow worms (Anguis fragilis)
In 2007 one slow worm was sighted in a compost heap opposite 12 Waterford crescent on
Nexus Land. This sighting was reported to the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording
Scheme in 2007 and subsequently included in the BRC Reptiles and Amphibians Dataset.
Sightings were reported to NTC by Paul Yarde in 2009. The last known sighting was of a
dead slow worm that was caught by a domestic cat. As these are a protected species the
development of the site must be sympathetic to and enhance the requirements of the slow
worms. For this reason, we have elaborated further on our action plan for slow worms in the
‘action plan’ section of this report.
Frogs (Rana temporaria)
Around WWII, many houses in Waterford and Clarence Crescent established Anderson
shelters which were subsequently used as garden ponds. As a result the area is noted for the
many Common frogs and other pond species. A pond within the Nexus site (opposite 12
Waterford) is also a noted site for frogs but is prone to drying up in summer months.
Bats( Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Common and not on IUCN list. One bat noted in Clarence and Waterford crescent gardens
but not the Station Masters Community Wildlife Gardens. Enhancement of habitat may be
encouraged with placement of bat boxes at approximately 4m height and accompanied by
careful pruning of lower branches of trees to facilitate commuting routes and flight lines.
Other small mammals
A fox has been sighted on the land on several occasions but does not appear to be resident.
Hedgehogs have been seen in the pedestrian strip however not in recent years. We will
nevertheless provide suitable hedgehog habitat in the garden in the hope they may still be
there or will return.
Insects
We are developing an ‘insect hotel’ to encourage a diversity of insects on the site.
Bees
Several species noted but are not unique to the Station Masters Community Wildlife Garden.
Several community members have expressed interest in bee keeping for conservation and
will be encouraged to establish nesting boxes for native bees in mid section of garden. The
‘insect hotel’ will also provide habitat for bees.
Butterflies/insects/moths
Several species butterfly noted but are not unique to the Station Masters Community Wildlife
Garden. Development of pollen rich plants and wildflowers and community garden will
encourage insects.
Birds
Many species visit the Station Masters Community Wildlife Garden and further assessment is
required to document this. Over several years repeat seasonal sightings of a Greater spotted
woodpecker. Sparrows are now a protected species and any sightings of these will be noted.
Most rich birdlife is found in the gardens of houses opposite the land which may be because
of the greater diversity of plants and pollen rich/nectar rich species. Birdlife will be enhanced
by habitat management and planting.
Cats
It should be noted that there are a high number of domestic cats in the area. These pose
threats to wildlife. Specific efforts to limit the damage by cats will be investigated and
developed where possible.
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Flora
Trees
There are 44 trees preserved under the 1978 order in the area of Waterford/Clarence
Crescents and Albany gardens. Ten of these are in the proposed Station Masters Community
Wildlife Gardens site. 9 of these are Sycamores and one a Hawthorne tree. The trees are
opposite 1 Waterford crescent in two groups. This area will be designated as woodland and
enhanced to promote understory growth. It will predominantly be left wild but maintained to
prevent overgrowth by weeds.
Knotweed
Several sites heavily infested with knotweed were noted in May 2010. NTC included the area
in their knotweed eradication program. Knotweed was subsequently poisoned. We were
advised that in these sites, there should be no activity for a period of 5 years to ensure no regrowth or spread of this species.
Funghi
Lichens – are a good indicator of air quality (sensitive to sulphur dioxide so leafier types =
purer air).
Other species
As several of the areas within the Station Masters Garden were formerly used as allotments,
there are many flowering plants, fruit bushes and fruit trees on site. We will preserve, where
possible, any such plants.
4. Key Species action plans
Reptiles – the slow worm
1.
Background:
ECOLOGY OF SLOW WORMS
The slow worm (Anguis fragilis) is one of only three species of lizard found in the UK. It is
often mistaken for a snake but is in fact a legless lizard. Slow-worms are fairly widespread in
England, Wales and Scotland but they are shy and not often seen as they rarely bask in the
open. They are found in a variety of different habitats including gardens, favouring thick
vegetation, crevices in rocks and un-compacted soils in which to burrow.
Appearance
The slow-worms body is cylindrical, very small scales on its body give the lizard a shiny
appearance. Adult females are approximately 400mm in length, males are slightly smaller.
The female is brown with longitudinal dark stripes running down both side of her body. Some
females have a lighter, central stripe along the back. Dark spotting can occur along the body.
The male tends to be more variable in colour from grey to dark brown. Males can have dark
spotting along the length of their bodies too, which can lead to confusion between the sexes.
Skin is sloughed throughout the year to allow the lizards to grow. This behaviour also helps to
get rid of parasites and dirt, helping to keep the skin clean and healthy.
Food
Not much is known about the slow-worms diet, though they seem to prefer soft bodied
invertebrates, which include slugs, snails and earthworms.
Habitat
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Slow-worms can occur across a wide variety of habitats, which include;
Rough grassland, heathland, moorland, hedgerows, woodland edges, railway/motorway
embankments, gardens, churchyards and allotments.
Slow-worms like to burrow, as such they are often found in compost and rubble heaps.
Lifestyle
Spring: Slow-worms emerge from hibernation during April. Mating occurs mid-May-June.
Gravid (pregnant) females spend more time basking.
Summer: Birth of the young (born live in egg case) occurs throughout the summer.
Autumn: The last of the young are born. This can be as late as early November in some
years.
Winter: Hibernating animals. Slow-worms hibernate throughout the winter months in
subterranean hibernacula. These must be sufficiently deep to prevent frost.
2. Relevant legislation and status in the UK
Slow-worms were known to occur everywhere in the UK during the 1950's and, although very
few records exist, this may be due to the animal's then ubiquitous occurrence. Allotment sites
are one of the slow-worms major strongholds.
Slow-worms are protected against killing, injuring and sale under UK legislation:
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Bern Convention 1979: Appendix III
Wildlife & Countryside Act (as Amended) 1981: Schedule 5
Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW 2000)
Following an amendment in 1988 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, part of Section 9(1)
and all of Section 9(5) apply to the slow-worm’s listing on Schedule 5 of the Act.
Consequently, under parts of Section 9(1) slow-worms are protected against intentional killing
and injuring but not ‘taking’. Under Section 9(5) it is an offence to offer for sale, transport for
sale, advertise for the purpose of trading any live, dead, part, or derivative of, slow-worms.
Section 9 applies to all stages in their life cycle. Interpretation of the law governing Slow
Worms is complex. Detailed discussion of legislation are provided in the document
Herpetofauna Workers Manual (2003) Gent T, Gibson S; the relevant chapter can be
accessed here: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/pub03_herpworkman_Ch7.pdf
3. Current status and surveys
NORTH TYNESIDE AND NORTHUMBERLAND
Slow worms were ubiquitous in the UK until a few decades ago. There seems to have been a
significant decline in numbers, although this is based mainly on anecdotal evidence. North
Tyneside Council is currently conducting a Slow Worm survey online, results are due in
October 2011. Previous research suggests that the main distribution sites for slow worms in
the Northumberland/north Tyneside region are south of the Tyne valley with sparse records
north of the Tyne (Durkin, 2008 Reptile Atlas of North East England). Two sightings of slow
worms on the site of the Station Masters Community Garden have been noted. A survey by
the council Biodiversity Officer in may 2010 also found slow worms in the area outside the
walled section. It is likely that the many cats in the area may have a negative impact on the
population of slow worms. Slow worms have no protection against domestic cats.
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Surveys
It is recommended that surveys of slow worm populations ought to be undertaken during the
months April/May and September, when there is adequate sun but the nights are cool enough
to require basking during the day. A The optimum season is spring when there is an increase
in mating activity and the best times of day are 0900 to 1100, and 1600 to 1900, when reptiles
are most likely to be basking in open locations. Most reptiles are deaf to a large part of a
human's audible range, but are easily alerted by heavy footfalls and sudden dramatic
movements. Surveys may include several phases, in the first reptile refugia are placed on
site, if slow worms are identified, a further phase is required. Details of the phased approach
are available from ECOSA at http://www.ecosa.co.uk/reptiles.html#Legislation. We
understand that there are few sightings of slow worms in the NE region and that therefore the
Station Masters Garden may be a unique habitat that requires careful management to ensure
their protection.
Links with Habitats
Slow worms require a varied diet of invertebrates, which may be found in most habitats. They
both require a degree of direct sunlight, dead vegetation, and items through which they may
receive the heat indirectly. The Station Masters Community Wildlife Garden runs adjacent to
the nexus metro line and for this reason is a likely site for slow worm sightings. The area has
been used as a ballast dump and for illegal drug taking. In May 2010 the proposed allotment
site within the garden (the old station masters garden) was denuded of plant life to prevent
further anti-social activity. The site was therefore no longer suitable as habitat. The remaining
land has been used for ‘informal’ allotment gardening with some areas untouched. The
‘informal’ allotment site includes a compost heap that was linked to both slow worms
sightings. It is therefore suspected that human intervention has created the habitat necessary
for the survival of slow worms on the site.
Factors affecting species on site·
 Insufficient suitable habitat due to overgrowth by weed species such as knotweed and
bindweed; insufficient suitable habitat due to land clearance by Nexus and Police.
 Few suitable hibernation sites due to lack of management and limited availability
compost areas and insufficient connectivity between sites.
 Probable locally high rates of predation by domestic cats.
4. Management plan
AIM: To increase the provision of suitable habitat for slow worms and ensure sites are not
disturbed during key breeding and hibernation seasons.
Survey
CAWCRA will encourage members to record any sightings of local slow worms. Members will
conduct a survey during April/May and September.
Development of compost heaps
CAWCRA will establish further compost heaps for use by local residents and slow worms.
These will be placed at regular intervals in the garden to enable habitat connectivity. For Slow
Worms, the heap will be left alone for as long as possible, and definitely between November
and mid-March, when cold-blooded animals, small mammals and invertebrates may be over
wintering in it. Very gentle turning of open heaps with a fork will be encouraged once or twice
a year, in May after slow-worms have mated, and in October after any young have been born.
Habitat improvements
Habitat will be improved by providing structural variation to the ground surface. Creating
compost heaps, planting hedges with native species, bramble patches and scattered bushes
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are known to provide useful habitats. Many forms of wildlife, such as slow-worms, butterflies
and birds benefit by gardens not being too ‘tidy’.
CAWCRA Ltd will develop suitable habitat provision for slow worms including the planting of
native hedge species, development of compost heaps and provision of log piles and areas
that are retained as ‘wildlife’ protection zones. We will particularly ensure that safe areas are
provided that limit the killing of local wildlife by domestic cats.
Reptiles – frogs
Common frog
To be developed: Aim: Re-establishing a pond/bog area will enhance the frog habitat and
particularly provide protection from resident cats
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