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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 2 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: 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. 3 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 4 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. 5 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 6 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: 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. 7 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 8 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 9