lancashire pond biodiversity surveys - planning inspectorate · 2016-05-03 · 2 pond np10 was not...

Appendix 9.9

Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Surveys

1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 This technical appendix underpins Chapter 9 of Volume 1A of the Environmental Statement. It outlines the methodology and results of the 2011 Lancashire Pond Biodiversity surveys, undertaken by Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited.

2 METHODOLOGY

2.1.1 On a conference call on 24 January 2011, Lancashire County Council requested that a Lancashire Pond Biodiversity survey be undertaken prior to the submission of the DCO Application on those ponds that it is considered would be at ‘high risk’ from being potentially indirectly affected by the Project (no ponds will be directly affected by the Project). Lancashire County Council also requested that the ponds surveyed should also be assessed against UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) criteria.

2.2 Hydrological Assessment

2.2.1 Firstly, 113 ponds within 250 m of the application boundary were identified using Ordnance Survey mapping, aerial photos and previous great crested newt surveys (refer to Figure A9.9). A search area of 250 m was deemed sufficient as it was considered that any pond located beyond this distance would be sufficiently far away from construction works to be protected from potential construction phase water quality impacts (with no direct discharges to these waterbodies and any construction phase runoff travelling overland to reach the ponds would be subject to settlement of silts etc en-route). It was also judged that there would be no significant impact on the hydrological mechanisms that sustain ponds beyond 250 m from the application boundary.

2.2.2 Soils information was derived from the Soilscapes website http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/ and topographical information was derived from the contours on the Ordnance Survey mapping.

2.2.3 A hydrological assessment was then undertaken to ascertain those ponds which were considered to be ‘high risk’ from being potentially indirectly affected by the Project (refer to Annex A).

2.3 Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey

2.3.1 Of the 113 ponds initially identified, the hydrological assessment concluded that 18 ponds were considered to be at ‘high risk’ from being potentially indirectly affected by the Project (these being Ponds 1, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 37, 38, 45, 51, 52, 58, NP10, NP14, NP24, NP26, NP37 and NP38), and were therefore considered suitable for survey to Lancashire Pond Biodiversity methodology. Further detail on the hydrological assessment is presented in Annex A, and the location of these ponds is presented on Figure A9.9. However, by the time the Lancashire Pond Biodiversity surveys had commenced, the following survey limitations were encountered:

2

� Pond NP10 was not deemed suitable for survey

� Ponds 24 and 29 were inaccessible

� Ponds NP37 and NP38 were not present at the time of survey

2.3.2 Therefore, Lancashire Pond Biodiversity surveys were undertaken on 13 ponds between 19 April and 23 June 2011. Surveys were undertaken in accordance with the Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey methodology, presented in Annex B.

2.3.3 On 11 and 12 May 2011, discussions were held with Lancashire County Council with regard to the aquatic invertebrate survey element of the Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey methodology (refer to Appendix 9.2 of Volume 1B for further detail). It was agreed that instead of following the method outlined within the Lancashire Pond Biodiversity survey methodology guidance, the methodology outlined in A guide to monitoring the ecological quality of ponds and canals using PSYM (Environment Agency and Pond Action [now Ponds Conservation Trust: Policy & Research (PCTPR)], 2002) should be followed (just for the aquatic invertebrate element of the survey). PSYM is a multivariate statistical test which takes into account the pond’s grid reference, altitude, pH, area, % of pond shaded, % grazed by livestock, substrate type, inflow, number of dragonfly, alderfly and beetle families and emergent plant cover. This methodology is presented in Annex C. However, it was agreed that this methodology could be modified and therefore only one visit to each pond was be required, and there was no requirement to send the data collected to Pond Conservation for analysis.

3 RESULTS

3.1.1 Completed Lancashire Pond Biodiversity survey forms for all 13 ponds are presented in Annex D.

3.1.2 Based on the data collected during the Lancashire Pond Biodiversity surveys, three of the ponds were considered to meet UK BAP pond criteria, these being Ponds 22, 23 and NP14, as they were found to support ‘species of high conservation importance’ (refer to Table 3-1). None of the other ponds meet any of the other criteria. The UK BAP pond criteria are presented in Annex E.

Table 3-1 Assessment of Pond Surveyed Against UK BAP Criteria

UK BAP Criteria Assessment

Habitats of international importance: Ponds that meet criteria under Annex I of the Habitats Directive

None of the ponds would be included in the list of freshwater habitat types included in Annex I of the Habitats Directive: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4064

Species of high conservation importance: Ponds supporting Red Data Book species, UK BAP species, species fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 5 and 8, Habitats Directive Annex II species, a Nationally

Small number of ponds supported UK BAP species. No great crested newts were recorded in any of the ponds. Water vole signs were recorded at Pond 22.

3

UK BAP Criteria Assessment

Scarce wetland plant species, or three Nationally Scarce aquatic invertebrate species

Exceptional assemblages of key biotic groups: Ponds supporting exceptional populations or numbers of key species. Based on (i) criteria specified in guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs (currently amphibians and dragonflies only), and (ii) exceptionally rich sites for plants or invertebrates (i.e. supporting ≥30 wetland plant species or ≥50 aquatic macroinvertebrate species)

Limited diversity of flora and poor diversity of invertebrates recorded at all the ponds and no plant or invertebrate species of conservation value recorded.

Ponds of high ecological quality: Ponds classified in the top PSYM category (“high”) for ecological quality (i.e. having a PSYM score ≥75%). [PSYM (the Predictive SYstem for Multimetrics) is a method for assessing the biological quality of still waters in England and Wales; plant species and / or invertebrate families are surveyed using a standard method; the PSYM model makes predictions for the site based on environmental data and using a minimally impaired pond dataset; comparison of the prediction and observed data gives a % score for ponds quality]

PSYM have not been calculated (as agreed with Lancashire County Council – refer to Appendix 9.2 of Volume 1B for further detail).

Other important ponds: Individual ponds or groups of ponds with a limited geographic distribution recognised as important because of their age, rarity of type or landscape context e.g. pingos, duneslack ponds, machair ponds

No - majority eutrophic early-successional field ponds in cow-grazed field.

4 REFERENCES

Environment Agency and Pond Action [now Ponds Conservation Trust: Policy & Research (PCTPR)] (2002) A guide to monitoring the ecological quality of ponds and canals using PSYM

5

Figure A9.9

2011 Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey

NOT SUITABLE FOR SURVEY

INACCESSIBLE

NP1 NP2

NP3

NP4

NP5

NP6

NP7

NP9

NP8

NP14

NP15

NP16

NP11

NP12

NP13

NP29

NP30

NP20

NP19

NP17

NP18

NP28

NP21

NP22

NP23

NP25

NP24

NP27

NP10

NP31

NP26

3

2

7

4

5

6

8

15

14

10

9

12

11

13

21

20

18

17

19

22

23

16

25

24

29

27

28

36

39

31

35

34

33

32

41

40

30

NP49

NP50

NP51

NP54

NP53

1

26

37

38

A3

C Copyright reserved

Current Issue Signatures

Client

Project

Datum

Project No.

Author

Checker

Approver

Scales

Size

Original

Grid

Status

IssueFigure No.

Filename:

Title

50mm on Original

DateDescription

Issue

Notes

+44 (0)1925 572462

+44 (0)1925 800700

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited

WA1 1RG

Centre Park

Warrington

Tel:

Fax:

330 Firecrest Court

PREESALL

UNDERGROUND GAS

STORAGE FACILITY

WX40004

A9.9-WX40004-UE31D-01-2011-LB-SURVEY.DWG

Plot Date: 28/Nov/2011 12:12:31 PM File Location: K:\PROJECTS\WX40004-FLEETWOOD SOLUTION MINING\E-OUR-DRAWINGS\2011 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT CAD DRAWINGS\ECOLOGY APPENDICES DRAWINGS\A9.9-WX40004-UE31D-01-2011-LB-SURVEY.DWG

A9.9 01

2011 LANCASHIRE POND

BIODIVERSITY SURVEY

SHEET 1 OF 3

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

1:25,000

DATUM

GRID

J.NORMAN

N.MACMILLAN

D.HOARE

V1

01 FIRST ISSUE NOV 11

APPLICATION BOUNDARY

PONDS

PONDS SURVEYED

PONDS IDENTIFIED FOR

SURVEY, BUT NOT SURVEYED

0 1000m500

1 : 25 000

INACCESSIBLE

NO POND PRESENT AT TIME OF SURVEY


NP7

NP9

NP8

NP14

NP15

NP16

NP11

NP12

NP13

NP29

NP30

NP20

NP19

NP17

NP18

NP32

NP36

NP35

NP34

NP33

NP37

NP38

NP39

NP28

NP21

NP22

NP23

NP25

NP24

NP27

NP10

NP31

NP26

14

12

11

13

21

20

18

17

19

22

23

16

25

24

29

27

28

36

39

31

35

34

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32

41

40

42

43

44

30

NP49

NP50

NP51

NP54

NP52

NP53

26

37

38

45

A3



Client

Project

Datum

Project No.

Author

Checker

Approver

Scales

Size

Original

Grid

Status

IssueFigure No.

Filename:

Title

50mm on Original

DateDescription

Issue

Notes

+44 (0)1925 572462

+44 (0)1925 800700


WA1 1RG

Centre Park

Warrington

Tel:

Fax:

330 Firecrest Court

PREESALL

UNDERGROUND GAS

STORAGE FACILITY

WX40004



A9.9 01


BIODIVERSITY SURVEY

SHEET 2 OF 3


1:25,000

DATUM

GRID

J.NORMAN

N.MACMILLAN

D.HOARE

V1


0 1000m500

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PONDS

PONDS SURVEYED




NP38

NP39

NP41

NP40

NP42

NP43

NP44

NP45

NP46

NP47

NP48

44

46

47

55

48

49

50

53

54

56

57

59

45

58

51

52

A3



Client

Project

Datum

Project No.

Author

Checker

Approver

Scales

Size

Original

Grid

Status

IssueFigure No.

Filename:

Title

50mm on Original

DateDescription

Issue

Notes

+44 (0)1925 572462

+44 (0)1925 800700


WA1 1RG

Centre Park

Warrington

Tel:

Fax:

330 Firecrest Court

PREESALL

UNDERGROUND GAS

STORAGE FACILITY

WX40004



A9.9 01


BIODIVERSITY SURVEY

SHEET 3 OF 3


1:25,000

DATUM

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J.NORMAN

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0 1000m500

1 : 25 000


PONDS

PONDS SURVEYED



7

Annex A

Hydrological Assessment

9

ID Easting Northing Surface Area (m2) Type Other Comments Potential for Impact HIGH Risk of Indirect Impact?

1 332540 445250 765 SW Fed by small stream/drain. Also located on low lying land (flat topo) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

Yes - feeder stream crossed by brine discharge pipeline

YES

2 332670 445330 1,200 SW Fed by small stream/drain. Also located on low lying land (flat topo) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

Yes - feeder stream not impacted but pond is located only 15m from temporary construction compound

NO

3 332240 445200 560 GW & RR Located on low lying land (flat topography) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

No - 25m from brine discharge pipeline corridor, no impact on supporting hydrological regime anticipated

NO

4 332720 446440 7,900 Other Man-made reservoir located on industrial site No – man-made reservoir associated with industrial development located approx 90m from brine discharge pipeline

NO

5 333340 446520 28,980 Other Man-made freshwater lagoon No - within 25m of brine discharge pipeline corridor but no impact on supporting hydrological regime anticipated

NO

6 333540 446580 32,990 Other - tidal Brackish lagoon - fed by Wyre Estuary No - located in close proximity to the application boundary but no impact on supporting hydrological regime is anticipated

NO

7 333190 445380 82,810 Other - tidal Brackish lagoon - fed by Wyre Estuary No - located in close proximity to the application boundary but no impact on supporting hydrological regime is anticipated

NO

8 333430 446940 49,480 Other - tidal Dock - supplied with water from Wyre Estuary Yes - source of supply for Seawater Pumping Station

NO

9 334820 447420 1,136 RR Located at elevated topography compared to surrounding land (approx 15mAOD)

No - located approx 300m from any proposed construction works

NO

10 334740 447360 581 RR & GW Underlain by marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface


NO

11 335120 447290 775 SW Fed by small tributary of an unnamed stream No - outside of application boundary and feeder stream not likely to be impacted

NO

12 335120 447330 384 RR & GW Underlain by marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

No - outside of application boundary, distant (approx 500m) from closest construction works

NO

13 335200 447460 344 RR & GW Underlain by marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface. Flat topography approx 5mAOD

No - located more than 500m from nearest construction works, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

14 334930 447680 1,834 SW Fed by small stream that rises from a spring No - outside of application boundary and feeder NO

10


stream not likely to be impacted

15 334770 447750 432 RR & GW Underlain by marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface. Flat topography approx 5mAOD


NO

16 335590 447180 703 RR Underlain by slowly permeable loamy over clayey soils (impeded drainage). Flat topography 5 to 6m AOD

No - located approx 400m from nearest construction works

NO


No - outside of application boundary, supporting hydrological mechanism not anticipated to be affected

NO


Yes - close to wellhead compound in cavern development area

NO



NO


Yes - close to wellhead compound in cavern development area

NO


No - no impact on supporting hydrological regime is anticipated

NO


Yes - located in close proximity to the electrical substation

YES


Yes - located in close proximity to the electrical substation

YES

24 335880 445900 16,600 SW Fed by Grange Pool. Flat topography 5 to 6m AOD

Yes - feeding watercourse is crossed by electrical cable route, access road and gas pipelines further upstream

YES


Yes - located adjacent to gas pipeline, some potential for water quality and hydrological effects

NO

11



Yes - close to wellhead compound in cavern development area and adjacent to gas pipeline

YES

27 335860 445440 5,449 RR and GW? Flooded brine well? At 20m AOD No - pond is outside of application boundary, and is at higher elevation so no impacts on supporting hydrological regime anticipated

NO

28 336090 445500 965 RR and GW? Yes - 50m from electrical cable route, some potential for hydrological effects

NO

29 336180 445800 839 RR and GW? Flooded brine well? Flat topography (5m AOD)

Yes - adjacent to electrical cable route, some potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

30 336000 445310 985 RR Sloping topography between 10-15m AOD No - approx 70m from electrical cable route and at higher elevation than works

NO

31 336150 445130 525 RR and GW? Pond at approx 10mAOD. Underlain by soils with peaty surface horizon and naturally high water table

No - approx 130m from electrical cable route and at higher elevation than works

NO

32 335770 444360 1,020 RR Soils have impeded drainage. Topography is sloping (10 to 15m AOD)

No - 250m from electrical cable route and pond at higher elevation than works

NO

33 335600 444270 477 RR Soils have impeded drainage. Topography is sloping (10 to 15m AOD)


NO

34 335597 444576 222 RR Soils have impeded drainage. Topography is sloping (10 to 15m AOD)

No - pond only 30m from electrical cable route, but is on land with a higher elevation than the works

NO

35 336440 445200 982 RR and GW? Underlain by soils with peaty surface horizon and naturally high water table. Topo is flat (approx 10m AOD)

No - pond approx 240m from electrical cable route, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

36 336500 445540 1,566 RR and GW? Underlain by soils with peaty surface horizon and naturally high water table. Topo is flat (approx 5m AOD)

No - pond approx 230m from gas pipeline/access road, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

37 336868 445927 458 RR and GW? Topo is flat (5m AOD) and soils have impeded drainage

Yes - pond is located adjacent to the access road and is possibly crossed by gas pipeline, with potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

38 337079 445904 282 RR and GW? Topo is flat (5m AOD) and soils have impeded drainage

Yes - pond is adjacent to access road, potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

39 337115 446127 497 SW Online pond fed by flows from an unnamed drainage ditch. Topo is flat (5m AOD)

No - pond approx 65m from gas pipeline but feeder drain is located upstream so no impacts on this watercourse are anticipated

NO

12


40 337639 446030 988 RR and GW? Underlain by soils with peaty surface horizon and naturally high water table. Topo is flat

No - located approx 160m from gas pipeline, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

41 337495 446092 445 SW Online pond fed by flows from an unnamed drainage ditch. Topo is flat (5mAOD)

No - pond approx 85m from gas pipeline but no impacts on feeder drain are anticipated

NO

42 339141 446513 1,469 RR Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage

No - pond is approx 125m from gas pipeline, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

43 340039 446250 1,954 U No - pond more than 250m from gas pipeline NO

44 343064 446084 253 RR Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage

No - pond is approx 170m from gas pipeline, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

45 343659 446197 1,974 RR Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage

Yes - pond is immediately adjacent to gas pipeline, with potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

46 346019 446065 341 RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond 70m from gas pipeline but at a higher elevation than works

NO

47 346597 445758 459 RR? Yes - pond is 50m from the gas pipeline NO

48 347341 445953 846 RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond is approx 230m from gas pipeline and is on land at a higher elevation than works

NO

49 347508 445757 385 RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond is 80m from the gas pipeline but is on land at a higher elevation than the works corridor

NO

50 347587 445786 1,291 RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond is 80m from the gas pipeline but is on land at a higher elevation than works

NO

51 347590 445551 479 RR? Yes - located adjacent to application boundary, potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

52 347638 445568 735 RR? Yes - located adjacent to application boundary, potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES

53 347587 445432 592 RR? No - located approx 150m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

54 347359 445485 961 RR? No - located approx 150m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

55 347127 445612 1,028 RR? Uncertain - located approx 50m from application boundary

13


56 347139 445449 305 RR Man-made amenity pond in hotel grounds? No - located approx 230m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

57 347165 445456 306 RR Man-made amenity pond in hotel grounds? No - located approx 230m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

58 346850 445759 225 RR? Yes - located within the application boundary and is potentially crossed by the gas pipeline

YES

59 347128 445398 1,246 SW? Man-made amenity pond in hotel grounds? May receive inflow from small unnamed stream

No - located more than 250m from application boundary

NO

NP1 331810 444960 1,147 GW & RR Located on low lying land (flat topography) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

No - located approx 460m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO



NO

NP3 332450 444980 808 GW & RR Located on low lying land (flat topography) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

No - located approx 175m south of application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

NP4 332680 445000 919 SW Fed by small stream/drain. Also located on low lying land (flat topo) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface

No - located approx 460m from application boundary and feeder stream is not crossed

NO

NP5 332730 444880 342 GW & RR Located on low lying land (flat topography) with marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface


NO



NO

NP7 335180 447590 944 RR & GW Underlain by marine alluvium soils, groundwater table likely to be close to surface. Flat topography approx 5m AOD


NO

NP8 335590 447560 432 RR Pond is distant from construction works and is located on sloping land that is at a higher elevation (approx 8m AOD)


NO

14




NO

NP10 334930 446870 288 RR Yes - pond located in close proximity to construction works, some potential for water quality and hydrological effects

YES


No - located approx 500m from nearest construction works, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP12 336450 446420 350 RR Pond at approx 10m AOD but on flat land No - located approx 450m from application boundary, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

NP13 336530 446360 386 RR Pond at approx 10m AOD but on flat land No - located approx 500m from nearest construction works, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP14 335980 446270 322 RR Pond located in area of sloping topo likely capturing runoff from slopes above it

Yes - pond located adjacent to the access road and gas pipeline, construction works have potential for water quality impacts

YES

NP15 335980 446430 432 RR Pond is on land located up slope of the construction works

No - pond approx 100m from closest construction works and is at a higher elevation

NO

NP16 335950 446530 188 RR Pond is on land located up slope of the construction works

No - pond less than 100m from substation and is at a higher elevation

NO

NP17 336690 445290 260 RR No - pond is 470m from closest construction works, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

NP18 336920 445500 1,273 RR No - pond is 400m from closest construction works, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

NP19 336650 445050 862 RR Pond is located upslope from the construction works

No - pond is approx 500m from construction work NO

NP20 336560 444860 638 RR No - pond is more than 500m from construction works

NO

NP21 335620 444400 213 RR Soils have impeded drainage. Pond is situated at localised high spot


NO

NP22 336130 444190 1,016 SW Fed by small stream/drain No - 340m from application boundary, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP23 336210 444300 376 SW Fed by small stream/drain No - 450m from application boundary, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

15


NP24 335670 443980 150 RR Yes - electrical cable route passes in close proximity to the pond and pond is located due south of the construction works, with potential for water quality impacts

YES

NP25 335910 444010 145 RR Pond situated at localised high spot No - located within 100m of the south river crossing compound but the pond is on land with at a higher elevation

NO

NP26 336020 443700 590 RR Soils have impeded drainage Yes - electrical cable route passes in close proximity and pond is located due south of the construction works, with potential for water quality impacts

YES

NP27 335550 442870 768 RR? No - pond is located approx 400m from construction works

NO

NP28 335700 444500 not on OS RR Pond on sloping ground 15-20m AOD No - pond is located in a discrete catchment to the construction works

NO

NP29 336300 444970 not on OS RR No - pond is located 350m from application boundary

NO

NP30 336480 444960 not on OS RR No - pond is located 440m from application boundary

NO

NP31 336540 445400 336 RR No - pond is located 330m from application boundary

NO

NP32 338590 446470 205 SW Online pond, fed by a field drain. Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage

No - pond is located 230m from electrical route, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP33 339440 446280 not on OS RR & GW Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage

No - pond is located approx 130m from electrical cable route, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO



NO



NO



NO


Yes - pond located within application boundary and is potentially crossed by gas pipeline

YES


Yes - pond located adjacent to the gas pipeline, potential for water quality impacts

YES

16



No - pond is 80m from gas pipeline, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP40 345010 446310 156 RR & GW Very flat topography, soils have impeded drainage


NO



NO

NP42 345540 445990 80 SW Fed by a small stream/drain No - pond 180m from gas pipeline, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP43 345840 445870 not on OS RR No - pond is 120m from gas pipeline, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP44 346390 446010 not on OS RR No - pond 100m from gas pipeline, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO


NO

NP46 347230 445940 not on OS RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond 200m from gas pipeline and at a higher elevation than the works corridor

NO

NP47 347490 445850 not on OS RR Pond at localised high spot in the topography No - pond 160m from gas pipeline and at a higher elevation than the works corridor

NO


NO

NP49 335895 447078 not on OS U No – outside of application boundary and located approx 500m from nearest construction works

NO

NP50 335971 444098 not on OS U No – approx 150m from application boundary, supporting hydrological mechanisms not anticipated to be affected

NO

NP51 335582 446875 not on OS U No - located approx 200m from nearest construction works

NO

NP52 340151 446159 not on OS U No - pond more than 300m from gas pipeline NO

NP53 337742 445982 not on OS U No - located approx 200m from gas pipeline, no impacts on supporting hydrological mechanisms are anticipated

NO

17


NP54 335498 447115 not on OS U No – outside of application boundary and located approx 300m from nearest construction works

NO

RR Direct Rainfall and Catchment Runoff

GW Groundwater Fed

U Unknown

SW Fed by Stream or Ditch

19

Annex B

Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey Methodology

21

LANCASHIRE POND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The following ecological survey methodology is developed from that which has been used by the Pond Life Critical Biodiversity Survey. This survey has investigated some 1000 ponds in NW England between 1995 and 1998.

The survey should be conducted at an appropriate time of year, ideally between April and June, and the following information recorded separately for each pond. A pro forma record form has been prepared to facilitate the presentation of this information, a copy is attached. For the purposes of this methodology a pond is a small body of standing water between 1m2 and 2 hectares in size which holds water for at least 4 months of the year.

Location and physical characteristics

• Eight figure grid reference. Given for the centre of the pond e.g. SD45682365. This is critical in areas of high pond density.

• Altitude. An estimate of the height in metres above OD.

• Recorded value. Investigations of existing sources of information should be made. These will include SSSIs, the Biological Heritage Sites register, the Sites and Monuments register, the phase 1 habitat survey and other ecological databases held be local authorities and conservation bodies.

• Estimated depth of water. Estimate whether the depth of water at the centre of the pond is greater or less than 0.5m or provide a more precise figure where possible. The surveyor should also give their view of the permanence/seasonality of the pond under “Other Comments.”

• Water pH. Sample the pH of the pond water.

• Estimated depth of sediment. Estimate whether the depth of sediment at the centre of the pond is greater or less than 0.5m or a more precise figure where possible.

• Surrounding land use and habitats. List separately the Phase 1 habitat types and land uses present within 10 metres of the pond and those between 10 and 100 metres from the pond. The principal habitat types/land uses should be indicated with an asterisk.

• Nature of pond base. This refers to the layer of material immediately below the water and not the underlying clay, bedrock or other membrane which may be deeply covered by sediment and have lost any influence on water quality or ecology. Clay or other bedrock may be exposed in recently dredged ponds or where the banks have slipped.

• Nature of sediment. The nature of any accumulated sediment e.g. organic ooze, stream borne sand, leaves and twigs.

• History and use. Where the origin and history of pond use and previous management is known this information may be of value. Sources of information include the SMR, old maps and local cultural sources.

22

Wetland Plants

• Identify and record all vascular plants including aquatic species. Include all open water and vegetation up to the presumed maximum normal water level or the upper limit of wetland influence, including any weed communities on exposed/trampled mud. In certain circumstances the area to be surveyed may require discussion with the local planning authority.

• Apply DAFOR ratings to all species listed. Give a relative estimate of abundance to each of the species listed using: (locally) dominant, (locally) abundant, (locally) frequent, occasional, rare.

Invertebrates

• Net the pond as long as additional species continue to be found, searching in all accessible habitats.

• Remove invertebrates for laboratory identification. A degree of competence and familiarity with the fauna is desirable to avoid large-scale removal of rare species.

• Check for the presence of nationally scarce or protected species

• Record the following species groups to species level:

Tricladida flatworms (Polycelis nigra/tenuis and Dugesia lugubris/polychroa may be treated as aggregates)

Hirudinea leeches

Mollusca snails and mussels (Identification of Pisidium species need not be attempted)

Malacostraca shrimps and hoglice

Ephemeroptera mayflies

Plecoptera stoneflies

Odonata dragonflies and damselflies

Hemiptera aquatic bugs

Coleoptera water beetles

Megaloptera alderflies

Trichoptera caddis flies

• An indication of the numbers of individuals of each species netted is to be given using either of the following systems:

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a = 1 Rare

b = 2-5 Occasional

c = 6-20 (Locally) Frequent

d = 21-99 (Locally) Abundant

e = 100-500

f = 500+

g = 1000+

• Where species are only recorded from the pond environs, e.g. odonata in flight, then an indication should be given of the sex, life stage (e.g. adult, tenneral, exuvia), and the behavoir (e.g. ovipositing, copulating) as well as the abundance.

Amphibians

• Survey using appropriate techniques to determine presence/absence in accordance with Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (English Nature, 2001). Four visits in suitable weather conditions using three methods (preferably torch survey, bottle-trapping and egg search) per visit. Visits should take place between mid March and mid June, with at least two visits between mid April to mid May. Where it is necessary to obtain an estimate of population size (e.g. to inform a mitigation method statement), six visits will be required with at least three between mid April and mid May.

• Record amphibians found on land beside the pond separately.

Mammals

• Survey for the presence of water vole using appropriate techniques as described in Strachan, R. Water Vole Conservation Handbook (1998), English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. Indicate the location of signs on the Sketch Map.

Additional Information

• Make incidental records of other species using the pond e.g. fish, breeding birds.

• Draw attention to any features of particular interest or nature conservation value at each pond.

• Itemise particular botanical features, rare or uncommon invertebrate species or assemblages, important amphibian populations etc.

Sketch Map

• Show the normal high water mark and existing water level if different.

24

• Mark and annotate all stands of emergent and aquatic vegetation. Include all trees, scrub and other bank vegetation which influences the pond.

• Indicate adjacent terrestrial habitat types.

• Supplement the sketch with a photographic record.

Location Plan

• The pond(s) surveyed should be indicated on a large scale (at least 1:10,000) O.S. plan.

Historic Maps

• Include copies of appropriate historic maps where appropriate.

25

Annex C

PSYM Methodology

A guide to monitoring the ecological quality of ponds and canals using PSYM

Environment Agency Project Leader Shelley Howard Environment Agency Midlands Region Sapphire East 550 Streetsbrook Road Solihull West Midlands B91 1QT

Pond Action [now Ponds Conservation Trust: Policy & Research (PCTPR)] c/o Oxford Brookes University Gipsy Lane Headington Oxford OX3 0BP Telephone: 01865 483278 E-mail: [email protected] Please contact PCTPR if you have any queries about PSYM

1 PSYM Manual December 2002

MONITORING THE QUALITY OF STILL WATERS USING PSYM

1. Introduction

PSYM, the Predictive SYstem for Multimetrics, (pronounced sim) has been developed to provide a method for assessing the biological quality of still waters in England and Wales.

The method uses a number of aquatic plant and invertebrate measures (known as metrics)1, which are combined together to give a single value which represents the waterbody’s overall quality status.

Using the method involves the following steps: 1. Simple environmental data are gathered for each waterbody from map or field evidence (area, grid reference,

geology etc.). 2. Biological surveys of the plant and animal communities are undertaken and net samples are processed. 3. The biological and environmental data are entered into the PSYM computer programme which:

(i) uses the environmental data to predict which plants and animals should be present in the waterbody if it is undegraded,

(ii) takes the real plant and animal lists and calculates a number of metrics1.

Finally the programme compares the predicted plant and animal metrics with the real survey metrics to see how similar they are (i.e. how near the waterbody currently is to its ideal/undegraded state). The metric scores are then combined to provide a single value which summarises the overall ecological quality of the waterbody. Where appropriate, individual metric scores can also be examined to help diagnose the causes of any observed degradation (e.g. eutrophication, metal contamination). 2. Background

2.1 Why was the method developed?

Historically, the Environment Agency and other statutory bodies have undertaken relatively little monitoring of still waters (lakes, ponds, canals, ditches etc.). The absence of a standardised assessment method was a major barrier to the assessment of these waterbodies. The PSYM methodology provides a standard assessment method for still waters which enables a variety of organisations involved in waterbody management to consider water quality in a broad national context. It provides the Environment Agency with a means to assess still water quality for General Quality Assessment (GQA) and other reporting purposes, and can be used in partnership with others such as DEFRA or English Nature. The method also enables public or private sector NGOs (e.g. consultants, community groups) to improve general standards of assessment in waterbody management plans or environmental impact assessments, and provides a means of assessing management techniques.

2.2 About PSYM

PSYM is a waterbody quality assessment methodology which essentially combines the predictive approach of RIVPACS2 with multimetric-based methods used for ecological quality assessment in the United States.

In multimetric assessments, a range of variables (metrics) each related to degradation is used to assess water quality giving a broad-based assessment of quality. The values from individual metrics are combined to give a single measure which aims to represent the overall ecological quality of the waterbody. Combining this with predictive techniques gives a powerful method for comparing waterbodies of any type with their undegraded counterpart.

The PSYM methodology directly parallels the approach defined in the EU Water Framework Directive. This includes requirements for (i) comparisons with minimally impacted baseline conditions, and for (ii) assessments to be based on multiple parameters related to degradation.

2.3 Which waterbodies can be monitored using the method?

The PSYM approach is potentially applicable to all still waterbody types (e.g. lakes, ponds, temporary ponds, canals). However, to apply the method, specific data need to be collected from each waterbody type. These data are used both to (i) develop equations which can be used to predict the species which should occur at an undegraded site and (ii) to

1Metrics are variables such as species richness or rarity which can be used to help identify how damaged a waterbody’s community is. They have been shown to have a strong monotonic relationship with degradation. 2RIVPACS. The River InVertebrate Prediction And Classification System, developed by the Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Environment Agency (Wright et al. 1984, Wright 1995).


identify which biotic measures (e.g. species richness, ASPT) are the most effective at tracking degradation in that waterbody type.

So far, the method has been developed for use on two still waterbody types (i) canals (ii) ponds3 and small lakes (up to about 5 ha in area). An extension of the method for temporary ponds is currently being developed independently by PCTPR with support from the Freshwater Biological Association. Methods have not, so far, been developed for assessing the quality of large lakes, ditches or brackish waters.

The baseline dataset used to develop the metrics for ponds was based on survey data from sites with broad coverage of England and Wales from a wide range of altitudes (0-550m), and land types (representative coverage of ITE land classes), so the resulting model is suitable for sites across England and Wales. 2.4 Why assess water quality using both plants and invertebrates?

Ideally, PSYM should use information from both the plant and animal communities present in a waterbody. This is because, together, plants and animal groups span a complementary range of sensitivities to potential degradation factors. Plants are, for example, particularly sensitive to waterbody nutrient status, whereas animals typically exhibit greater oxygen sensitivity.

Matrix analysis suggests that in most waterbodies, the most effective plant group to use for assessment is likely to be either diatoms or macrophytes. The most effective animal groups are likely to be macroinvertebrates and/or potentially fish in large permanent waters. Combining a plant and animal group from these assemblages gives a range of taxa which span a number of trophic levels, occupy a variety of waterbody habitats (e.g. can be found in the littoral zone and open water) and are long-lived, so that they can provide a temporally and spatially integrated measure of the current ecosystem state. Invertebrate, diatom and macrophyte assemblages are also relatively species-rich groups, ensuring that a good cross section of waterbody biodiversity is included in the quality assessment.

In ponds, macroinvertebrates and macrophytes have been chosen as the most practical and effective taxa for quality assessment. In canals, the choice was macroinvertebrates and diatoms, although the method has so far only been developed for macroinvertebrates. Macrophytes were assessed as being less suitable for canal assessment because the high turbidity and artificial banks which characterise most navigated canals often means that very few higher plant species are present, regardless of overall water quality. 2.5 Do you have to use both plant and invertebrates for PSYM pond assessments?

Although PSYM pond quality assessments should be made using both plant and invertebrate assemblages, a partial assessment can be made using just one assemblage if necessary. If this is the case, macroinvertebrates are likely to be the best single choice of organisms for assessing overall waterbody quality. Macrophytes, however, have the advantage of being very quick to survey and can be used, if necessary, as a rapid bio-assessment method. 2.6 How are the plant and invertebrate metrics chosen?

Metrics are biological measures (such as taxa richness) which vary with anthropogenic degradation and can, therefore, be used to measure the extent of ecosystem degradation. The concept underlying multimetric assessment is that by using a number of different measures and summing these together, an overall assessment of environmental degradation can be made. For canals, at present, only an invertebrate option is available.

Metrics are chosen by correlating known degradation gradients (nutrient levels, heavy metal levels, presence of road runoff etc.) with a wide list of possible test metrics e.g. family richness, number of exotic species, EPT (number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families). The ‘test’ list is narrowed-down to a list of viable metrics by looking at the significance of relationships between each potential metric and anthropogenic degradation gradients. For invertebrates, metrics are chosen at the highest taxonomic level i.e. family or order level rather than species-level to reduce effort (although species level information can be derived from the samples if needed for conservation work). In practice, there were generally at least equally strong correlations between family-level macroinvertebrate metrics and degradation as there were between species-level metrics and degradation. This enables family-level macroinvertebrate data to be used for quality assessments in both ponds and canals. Plant metrics are generally based on species level information.

3Waterbodies between 1m2 and 2 ha in area which usually retain water throughout the year (Collinson et al,. 1994). Includes both man-made and natural waterbodies.


Analyses have shown that the most effective metrics for assessing environmental degradation in ponds and canals are:

Ponds Invertebrates • Average score per taxon (ASPT) • Number of dragonfly (Odonata) and alderfly (Megaloptera) families (F_OM) • Number of beetle (Coleoptera) families (F_COL)

Plants: • Number of submerged and emergent plant species (SM_NTX) • Trophic ranking score for aquatic and emergent plants (TRS_ALL) • Number of uncommon plant species ((PL_NUS)

Canals Invertebrates • Average score per taxon (ASPT) • Number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families (F_EPT) • Number of beetle families (F_COL) • Number of invertebrate families (INV_NFA)

Note that in canals methods for assessing the chosen plant group (diatoms) have not yet been developed. In order to calculate predictions for these metrics the PSYM model predicts which taxa will be found at a site. An example of a predicted and observed taxa list is given in the following table. Predicted and observed taxa lists for pond plants and macroinvertebrates for Asham Meads field pond, Oxfordshire.

Species Predicted (probability of

occurrence)

Observed Species Predicted (probability of

occurrence)

Observed

Wetland plants Macroinvertebrates Agrostis stolonifera 0.76 Lymnaeidae 1.00 Juncus effusus 0.75 Planorbidae 1.00 Epilobium hirsutum 0.66 Glossiphoniidae 1.00 Solanum dulcamara 0.64 Coenagrionidae 1.00 Juncus articulatus 0.61 Corixidae 1.00 Alisma plantago-aquatica

0.58 Haliplidae 1.00

Glyceria fluitans 0.54 Dytiscidae 1.00 Typha latifolia 0.52 Hydrophilidae 1.00 Lycopus europaeus 0.52 Notonectidae 0.80 Mentha aquatica 0.50 Baetidae 0.78 Juncus inflexus 0.48 Asellidae 0.76 Galium palustre 0.43 Libellulidae 0.75 Sparganium erectum 0.42 Gerridae 0.64 Eloeocharis palustris 0.39 Leptoceridae 0.61 Deschampsia caespitosa

0.38 Sialidae 0.61

Myosotis scorpioides 0.30 Hydraenidae 0.58 Limnephilidae 0.56 Aquatic plants Aeshnidae 0.53 Lemna minor 0.67 Crangonyctidae 0.49 Callitriche spp. 0.52 Caenidae 0.45 Chara spp. 0.44 Planariidae 0.42 Potamogeton natans 0.32 Erpobdellidae 0.39 Hydrobiidae 0.32


2.7 Which physical and chemical variables are used in the predictions?

As in RIVPACS, the PSYM method assesses quality by comparing actual and predicted quality scores for each waterbody. The predictions of unimpaired waterbody quality are made using physico-chemical data gathered from the waterbody.

In ponds the main predictors of unimpaired community type fall into nine major variable categories. Of these, three are relatively invariant (e.g. grid reference, altitude, base geology) which need only be assessed once. The remaining six categories of variables require on-site field measurement when each assessment is made. These are area, pH, shade, grazing, presence of an inflow and emergent plant cover. In canals, the main predictive variables are grid reference, altitude, alkalinity, substrate and boat traffic. 2.8 How are metrics scored?

When a waterbody is assessed, each individual metric is calculated and compared to the computer predicted score for that metric. The relationship between observed and expected is presented as a percentage of similarity, and then transformed to a 4 point scale e.g. 0, 1, 2 and 3 where 0 represents poor quality, and 3 represents good quality (i.e. no deviation from expected). All metric scores are then summed to give an overall quality index, which is presented as a percentage of the maximum score and, potentially, forms the basis of General Quality Assessment (GQA) categorisation of a site. 2.9 Diagnosis

The main objective of the PSYM method is to assess the overall condition of freshwater ecosystems. The system does not, in itself, diagnose the cause, or causes, of degradation. Indeed it is considered inappropriate for a general quality assessment method to be biased towards the evaluation of a single impact. However, there is considerable potential for data which are collected using the scheme to be re-interpreted to diagnose the causes of degradation. Individual metrics can indicate aspects of water quality and the raw data can be reanalysed to give pollution indices, such as trophic scores or acidification indices.


3. Assessing pond quality using Pond PSYM

3.1 Introduction

Pond PSYM has currently been developed for use in the Summer season (June, July, August), and is based on assessments of both macroinvertebrate and macrophyte assemblages. 3.2 Sites which can be included

Pond PSYM can be used on ponds and small lakes up to about 5 ha in area in England and Wales. The method can, in theory be used to assess the quality of seasonal ponds, but in practice it ‘over-predicts’ for ponds which are highly seasonal (i.e. which dry hard every year), and is best restricted to ponds which are either permanent, or semi-seasonal (i.e. which dry occasionally in very hot years). An extension of the method is currently being developed for use with fully temporary ponds. 3.3 Field data collection

The environmental data which need to be collected from each pond to use Pond PSYM include:

(i) locational and other data used for data processing. This includes: site name and code, county and nearest town, six or eight figure grid reference as necessary to identify the site, survey date, surveyor, site description.

(ii) predictive variables used in the pond PSYM programme to predict the undegraded biota for the pond. This includes: map-based locational information (six figure grid reference, altitude), together with site data describing shade, the presence of an inflow, cover of emergent plants, pond base geology and pH. Collecting predictive variable data

The methods used to collect the main predictive variable data are briefly outlined below.

Grid reference: six figure reference, taken from 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 OS maps, input into the model as Easting and Northing (100 km cell reference followed by 3 figures).

Altitude: in metres above sea level, taken from 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 OS maps.

pH: measured either (i) in the field in a bucket of water taken from a representative area of the pond, or (ii) using a water sample collected in the field and analysed later in the laboratory. For laboratory analysed samples, use acid washed bottles stored in a cool place after collection (e.g. cold box) and analyse within one day of collection.

Pond area: this is the area lying within the outer edge of the pond (see 3.4 below). The pond dimensions can be measured using a tape, or by careful pacing. A small sketch can help to make this estimate. For large ponds it can be easier to use an OS map outline, with the dimensions checked in the field. Note that for the predictions, area data are used as log values so, particularly for large ponds, estimates do not need to be highly accurate.

Pond overhung: the percentage of the pond area which is directly overhung (e.g. by trees, scrub etc.).

% of pond edge grazed by livestock: the percentage of the perimeter of the pond to which livestock have active access. Note that if cattle, sheep, horses etc. are not grazing at the time of the survey, their presence can be detected by other features such as poaching of the ground.

Pond base: the rock type underlying the pond (beneath the sediment). This can often be assessed directly in the field, or be determined using a geology map. In the field, push the handle of the pond net through the sediment into the base. Exact measurement is not necessary, only broad categorization into one of three percentage categories: 1= 0%-32%, 2=33%-66%, 3=67%-100%.

Inflow: whether or not the pond has a surface inflow. This can be a direct or indirect inflow from a river, stream, ditch, spring or seepage. The inflow can be dry at the time of the survey.

Emergent plant cover: the percentage of the pond covered by emergent plant species. The term ‘emergent plant species’ includes all species listed as emergents on the wetland plant recording sheet. It includes these species regardless of their habit at the time of the survey (e.g. some emergent species may be growing predominantly under water at the time of the survey). It does not include any other species e.g. terrestrial species or plants specifically defined as ‘submerged’ or ‘floating-leaved’ plant species on the wetland plant recording sheet.

Estimates of the percentage cover of emergent plants should be made for the whole area within the outer edge of the pond, not the current water area. The cover of sparsely growing stands of plants (e.g. occasional bulrush plants with much open water between), should be estimated as if they were growing closely together. The easiest way of doing this is to imagine all emergent plants pushed together on one side of the pond, with an estimate then made of what proportion of the pond this covers.


At present it is recommended that for those variables for which field estimates are made (pH, area, overhanging trees, grazing, base type and emergent plant cover) the objective of measurement should be to obtain estimates that are within 5-10% of the long term mean. It is expected that further work will be undertaken to refine understanding of the effects of variation in measurements in the future. 3.4 Defining the outer edge of the pond

Identifying the ‘outer edge’ of the pond is important for many of the physico-chemical survey assessments and for undertaking the plant survey. In all cases, the definition of pond 'outer edge' is 'the upper level at which water stands in winter’.

In practice, the outer edge is usually readily discernible from one or more site characteristics. The best of these is usually the distribution and/or morphology of wetland plants. For example, it may be marked by a fringe of soft rush (Juncus effusus) or by thick bundles of fine roots growing out of the trunks of willows etc. Alternatively, the line can often be seen as a ‘water mark’ on surrounding trees or walls and is sometimes evident as a break of slope. The outer boundary of the pond will usually, of course, be dry at the time of the survey. 3.5 Plant survey methodology

The aim of plant recording is to make a complete list of wetland plants present within the outer edge of the pond. The field recording sheet gives a definitive list of the plant species regarded as 'wetland'. Terrestrial plants and wetland plants growing outside the outer edge of the pond are not recorded. The wetland plant recording sheet includes submerged macrophytes, floating-leaved species and emergent macrophytes, and these groups are used separately in analysis.

Pond macrophytes are surveyed by walking or wading the entire perimeter of the dry and shallow water areas of the waterbody. Deeper water areas are sampled either using a pond net or by grapnel thrown from shallow water or from a boat.

Most wetland plants are readily identifiable using a hand lens. However, with a few species (especially fine-leaved Potamogeton and Callitriche spp.) it may be necessary to remove a small amount of plant material for later microscopic examination and confirmation.

Record macrophyte species found on the attached wetland plant recording sheet. 3.6 Invertebrate survey methodology

The pond invertebrate survey methods used for PSYM are based on standard three minute hand-net sampling methods developed for the National Pond Survey (Pond Action, 1998).

The NPS invertebrate survey techniques were developed ‘post-RIVPACS’ in 1989-90, and were designed to be closely compatible with the original RIVPACS sampling methods, whilst allowing for differences between river and pond habitat types. The main differences between pond and river sampling methods are that:

• RIVPACS allocates sampling time on an area basis (i.e. more time is spent sampling extensive habitats). In pond PSYM, time is allocated according to mesohabitat types (i.e. if six main habitat types are identified time is divided equally amongst these). This change was made to allow for the fact that many ponds have extensive biologically uniform areas of open water and silt, and narrow but highly diverse marginal zones.

• In Pond PSYM the 3 minute survey subsamples are taken around the entire pond site whereas in RIVPACS samples are collected from an area that can be covered comfortably in three minutes: typically a river length of 5-20 m.

3.7 Selecting mesohabitats for invertebrate surveys

All the main mesohabitats in the pond are sampled so that as many invertebrate species are collected from the site as possible. Examples of typical mesohabitats are: stands of Carex (sedge); gravel- or muddy-bottomed shallows; areas overhung by willows, including water-bound tree-roots; stands of Elodea, or other submerged aquatics; flooded marginal grasses; and inflow areas. As a rough guide, the average pond might contain 3-8 mesohabitats, depending on its size and complexity. It is important that vegetation structure, as well as plant species composition, is considered when selecting mesohabitats: it is better to identify habitats consisting of e.g. soft floating leaves, stiff emergent stems, etc. than to make each different plant species a separate habitat. Mesohabitats are identified during the initial walk around the pond examining vegetation stands and other relevant features (this can be combined with the initial plant survey stage).


Invertebrate sampling method (i) The three-minute sampling time is divided equally between the number of mesohabitats recorded: e.g. for six

mesohabitats, each will be sampled for 30 seconds. Where a mesohabitat is extensive or covers several widely-separated areas of the pond, the sampling time allotted to that mesohabitat is further divided in order to represent it adequately (e.g. into 6 x 5 second sub-samples).

(ii) Each mesohabitat is netted vigorously to collect macroinvertebrates. Stony or sandy substrates are lightly 'kick-sampled' to disturb and capture macroinvertebrate inhabitants. N.B. deep accumulations of soft sediment are avoided, since these areas typically support few species and collecting large amounts of mud makes later sorting extremely difficult. Similarly, large accumulations of plant material, root masses, and the like should not be taken away in the sample: the idea is to dislodge and capture the animals without collecting an unmanageable sample.

The sample is placed in the labelled bucket for later sorting in the laboratory. Note: the three-minute sampling time refers solely to 'net-in-the-water' time, and does not include time moving between adjacent netting areas around the pond.

(iii) Amphibians or fish caught whilst sampling are noted on the recording sheet and returned to the pond. Additional invertebrate sampling A further 1 minute (total time, not net-in-the-water time) is spent searching for animals which may otherwise be missed in the 3-minute sample. Areas which might be searched include the water surface (for whirligig beetles, pond skaters etc.) and under stones and logs (for limpets, snails, leeches, flatworms etc.). Additional species found are added to the main 3-minute sample. 3.8 Processing invertebrate samples

Invertebrate sorting and identification methods follow the standard laboratory techniques. Invertebrate samples are identified to family level for most groups and class level for oligochaetes.

Record findings in the columns on the field sheet as follows. If present and so included in ASPT calculation, record in the “ASPT” column, if a dragonfly or alderfly family also record in the “OM” column, or if a Coleoptera family in the “Cole.” column. 3.9 Data processing and analysis

Biotic data are used by pond PSYM to calculate three plant metrics and three invertebrate metrics:

Plants: • Number of submerged and emergent plant species (PL_NTX) • Trophic ranking score for aquatic and emergent plants (TRS_ALL) • Number of uncommon plant species (PL_NUS)

Invertebrates: • Average score per taxon (ASPT) • Number of dragonfly (Odonata) and alderfly (Megaloptera4) families (F_OM) • Number of beetle (Coleoptera) families (F_COL).

Calculating the pond metrics from taxon lists 1. Number of submerged and emergent plant species This is simply the sum of the number of submerged plant taxa plus number of emergent plant taxa observed at the site. The terms ‘submerged’ and ‘emergent’ taxa refer only to the species listed in these groups on the field sheet - not to plants of any species which happen to be submerged below water or growing round the edge of the pond at the time of the survey.

The calculation does not include the number of floating-leaved species present. This is because the pond data suggest that the number of floating-leaved plants occurring at a site does not decline significantly with increasing degradation. The metric is therefore improved by omitting this plant group.

4 Note that there is only one family of Megaloptera in the UK (the Sialidae) and that the metric F_OM is concerned with the combined total of Odonata and Megaloptera, not the occurrence of the family Megaloptera alone.


2. Trophic Ranking Score (TRS) TRS is a measure of the average trophic rank for the pond. This is calculated by assigning each plant species with a trophic score based on its affinity to waters of a particular nutrient status. The trophic scores used in the present study were based on work undertaken on lakes by Palmer (1989). Plant scores in this system vary between 2.5 (dystrophic i.e. very nutrient poor conditions) and 10 (eutrophic, i.e. nutrient rich conditions).

Unfortunately, not all plants have trophic scores. This situation has arisen because the current TRS values for standing waters (Palmer et al., 1992) are based only on analysis of lake data, and many plant species which are common in ponds occurred at too low a frequency in lakes to give them a score. Nigel Holmes’s Mean Trophic Ranking method, which was developed for assessing the nutrient status of running water communities, cannot be used in the current analysis because trophic values for some plant species can vary between still and running waters (N. Holmes pers. comm.).

The TRS value for a site is calculated as follows: (i) The trophic scores from each plant species present at the site are summed together. (ii) The summed score is divided by the total number of plant species which have a trophic ranking score (NOTE not

the total number of plants at the site) to give the TRS. 3. Uncommon species index Uncommon species are those which have a rarity score of 2 or more. The number of these species is simply summed to give the number of uncommon species.

Uncommon species refers to species which can be described as ‘local’, ‘nationally scarce’ or ‘Red Data Book’. Descriptions of these categories are given below.

Status5 Rarity score Definition Common 1 Recorded from >700 10x10 km grid squares in Britain Local 2 Recorded from between 101 and 700 grid squares in Britain Nationally Scarce 4 Nationally Scarce. Recorded from 15-100 grid squares in Britain At risk 8 Red Data Book: Category “At risk” Vulnerable 16 Red Data Book: Category “Vulnerable” Endangered 32 Red Data Book: Categories “ Endangered” or “Highly Endangered” The rarity score for each species is given on the plant recording sheet so the number of species with a rarity score of 2 or more can be easily calculated. 4. Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) ASPT is calculated, as in RIVPACS, by summing the BMWP6 scores for all taxa present at the site and dividing by the total number of BMWP taxa present. 5. Number of dragonfly and alderfly families This metric is the sum of the number of Odonata and Megaloptera families which occur at the site. 6. Number of beetle families This metric is the sum of the number of Coleoptera families present at the site. The metric has a relationship with bank quality as well as water quality.

5The rarity status values for Scarce and RDB species are based on existing definitions derived from the Red Data Books and other authorities. The definition of ‘local’ has been used to define species which are not uniformly common and widespread in Britain: with plants this refers specifically to species recorded from between 101 and 700 10 x 10 km squares (approximately 25% of all 10 km in England, Wales and Scotland). 6 BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) scores assigned to taxa defined by Maitland (1977), so each is allocated a value from 1 to 10 depending on its known tolerance to organic pollution, a higher score indicates lower tolerance.


4. Assessing canal quality using Canal PSYM

4.1 Introduction

Canal PSYM has currently been developed for use in the Spring season (March, April, May), and is based on a macroinvertebrate assessment only7. Two canal PSYM models have been developed in response to the potential problem of obtaining bottom samples. The basic model uses combined edge and bottom samples, but where this is not possible, a second model can be used for which only edge samples are taken. 4.2 Sites which can be included

Canal PSYM can be used to assess the quality of any section of canal, including both reinforced and natural bank sections. The term canal, does not however include major navigations (i.e. canalised rivers), such as the Lee Navigation and Stort Navigation, since these were excluded from the canal survey as many sections are essentially riverine in character. 4.3 Field sheet data collection

Field data collected from each canal site include: (i) locational and other data used simply to identify the site and enable the site to be re-found for monitoring

purposes. These data include information on: site name and collection code, canal name, nearest town, six or eight figure grid reference (depending on the degree of accuracy needed to locate the site precisely), survey date, surveyor, description of site.

(ii) predictive variables used in the PSYM programme to predict the minimally impaired biota for the canal. This includes map- or desk-based information (grid reference, altitude, number of boats) and field-based measurements (alkalinity, canal substrate).

Field variables

The environmental data which need to be collected from each site to use Canal PSYM depend on whether (i) only edge samples are taken or (ii) combined edge and bottom samples are used. For (i) Northing, altitude, turbidity, substrate and boat traffic are required. For (ii) Easting, Northing, altitude, alkalinity, substrate and boat traffic are needed. Details are as follows.

Easting: 100 km cell reference followed by 4 figures, from 1:25,000 OS maps.

Northing: 100 km cell reference followed by 4 figures, from 1:25,000 OS maps.

Altitude: in metres above sea level, taken from 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 OS maps.

Turbidity: Secchi depth in cm.

Total Alkalinity: measured as meq l-1. Analysed in the laboratory from a water sample collected in the field.

Canal substrate: a field estimate of the percentage of the canal sediment composition that is sand. Sediment composition often varies across the canal, with the edge area usually coarser than the bottom substrate in deeper water. Where this is the case, two substrate measurements should be made, one in shallow water and one in deep water and the average calculated.

Number of boats: measured in thousands of boat movements per annum. These data can be provided by British Waterways (or other canal authority as appropriate). 4.4 Invertebrate sampling

Canals are steep-sided and relatively deep waterbodies, so the area-related hand-net sampling methodologies appropriate for rivers (e.g. typical RIVPACS sampling) cannot be directly applied to canals. In particular: (i) hand-net methods are difficult to apply to the deepest open-water areas of canals, (ii) most invertebrate species are concentrated in a narrow band at the canal edge, so that an area-based sampling method can considerably under-sample invertebrate diversity.

7Ideally PSYM should also include a plant-based assessment, however this has not yet been developed. In canals, diatoms have been identified as the most suitable plant assemblage for assessing quality, since macrophytes often occur in very low abundance where water is at all turbid and banks are reinforced.


The sampling technique used to collect invertebrate samples for this was developed as a hybrid between the ‘three-minute hand-net sample’ currently used for sampling shallow rivers, and the ‘one-minute hand-net sample + dredge hauls’ method recommended for sampling deep rivers. The method will also be used by CEH in future canal surveys.

The method comprises:

1. A one-minute search.

2. A two-minute semi-continuous hand-net sampling of the canal margin, shallows and any emergent plant habitats present. This sample typically covers a bank length of 5m to 15m.

3. Four net hauls from deeper bottom sediments along a canal length of approximately 10 m, elutriated on site to wash out the bulk of muds and fine sands. These should be taken at c. 3m intervals along the canal sampling length.

Two directly compatible field techniques can be employed to gather the four bottom sediment sample hauls from deeper areas, the choice depending on canal depth and accessibility: (i) where canals are shallow enough to wade, bottom samples can be collected using a hand-net haul (c.3m length) taken perpendicular to the bank, (ii) where canals are too deep to use a hand net, bottom samples are collected using a Naturalist’s dredge with a hand net sub-sample filling ca. one quarter of the pond net then taken from this dredged material. It is recommended that the bank and bottom samples are kept separate, since this makes the samples easier to sort in the laboratory. 4.5 Processing samples

Invertebrate sorting and identification methods follow the standard laboratory techniques used for processing invertebrate samples. Invertebrate samples are identified to family level for most groups and class level for oligochaetes.

Record findings in the columns on the field sheet as follows. If present and so included in ASPT calculation, record in the “ASPT” column, if a dragonfly or alderfly family also record in the “OM” column, or if a Coleoptera family in the “Cole.” column. 4.6 Data processing and analysis

Invertebrate family data are used by PSYM to calculate four metrics:

• Average score per taxon (ASPT) • Number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families (F_EPT) • Number of beetle (Coleoptera) families (F_COL) • Number of invertebrate families (INV_NFA) 4.7 Data interpretation and diagnosis

In analyses it was shown that ASPT and EPT scores both correlated strongly with a wide variety of water quality parameters, including heavy metals, suspended solids and chemical water quality (i.e. the overall chemical quality class based on suspended solids, BOD and ammonia concentrations). These metrics, however, showed few relationships with bank degradation variables.

In contrast, invertebrate family richness, and particularly beetle, bug and snail richness, showed strong relationships with bank structure and boat traffic, but very few relationships with water quality attributes.

These differences in degradation sensitivity make it possible to assess both water quality and bank effects separately. Thus where the main aim of canal assessments is to investigate water quality, then metrics based on ASPT and EPT taxa will be most effective. If boat traffic and hard bank structure effects are of concern, then parameters based on taxon richness or bug and beetle species or family richness can be combined into the final integrity index, i.e.:

A. Canal water quality assessment = ASPT + EPT.

B. Canal bank quality assessment = No. Coleoptera families + No. invertebrate families.

Total canal ecological quality = A + B.


Calculating the canal metrics from taxon lists

1. Average score per taxon (ASPT) ASPT is calculated by summing the BMWP scores for all taxa present at the site and dividing by the total number of BMWP taxa present.

2. Number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families (F_EPT) The sum of the number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families recorded in the sample.

3. Number of Coleoptera families (F_COL) This metric is simply the sum of the number of Coleoptera families present at the site.

4. Number of invertebrate families (INV_NFA) The number of all invertebrate taxa recorded on the survey form. 5. References and additional reading

Maitland, P.S. (1977). A coded checklist of animals occurring in fresh water in the British Isles. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Edinburgh. Palmer, M.A. (1989). A botanical classification of standing waters in Great Britain. Research & survey in nature conservation, 19. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. Palmer, M.A., S.L. Bell and I. Butterfield (1992). A botanical classification of standing waters in Britain - applications for conservation and monitoring. Aquatic Conservation - Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 2, No. 2, 125-143. Pond Action (1998). A guide to the methods of the National Pond Survey. Pond Action, Oxford. Preston, C.D., D.A. Pearman and T.D. Dines (Eds) (2002) New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Wright, J.F. (1995). Development and use of a system for predicting the macroinvertebrate fauna in flowing waters. Australian Journal of Ecology, 20, 181-197. Wright, J.F., D. Moss, P.D. Armitage and M.T. Furse (1984). A preliminary classification of running-water sites in Great Britain based on macro-invertebrate species and the prediction of community type using environmental data. Freshwater Biology, 14, 221-256. More detailed information describing the PSYM methodology is given in the following reports: Williams, P., J. Biggs, L. Dodds, M. Whitfield, A. Corfield and G. Fox (1996). Biological techniques of still water quality assessment. Phase 1 Scoping Study. Environment Agency R&D Technical Report E7. Environment Agency, Bristol. Williams, P., J. Biggs, M. Whitfield, A. Corfield, G. Fox and K. Adare (1998). Biological techniques of still water quality assessment. Phase 2. Method development. Environment Agency R&D Technical Report E56. Environment Agency, Bristol. Biggs, J., P. Williams, M. Whitfield, G. Fox and P. Nicolet (2000). Biological techniques of still water quality assessment. Phase 3. Method development. Environment Agency R&D Technical Report E110. Environment Agency, Bristol.


Pond PSYM Fieldsheet

Site and sample details Site name Code No. Grid ref. ( ) Recording format: (SU)345 678 or (41)345 678 Location Site access details Survey date Surveyor Notes Environmental data Sketch of pond

Altitude (m) pH

Shade: % pond overhung % emergent plant cover

Inflow (absent = 0, present = 1) Pond area (m2)

% of pond margin grazed Pond base: categorise into one of three groups: 1=0%-32%, 2=33%-66%, 3=67%-100% Clay/silt _________ Sand, gravel, cobbles _________ Bed rock _________ Peat _________ Other _________

MACROINVERTEBRATE LIST

Group 1 taxa (BMWP:10) ASPT OM Cole. Group 3 taxa (BMWP:7) ASPT OM Cole. Group 6 taxa (BMWP:4) ASPT OM Cole. Siphlonuridae Caenidae Baetidae Heptageniidae Nemouridae Sialidae Leptophlebiidae Rhyacophilidae (Glossomatidae) Piscicolidae Ephemerellidae Polycentropodidae Potamanthidae Limnephilidae No. of taxa Ephemeridae Taeniopterygidae No. of taxa Group 7 taxa (BMWP:3) Leuctridae Valvatidae Capniidae Group 4 taxa (BMWP:6) Hydrobiidae (Bithyniidae) Perlodidae Neritidae Lymnaeidae Perlidae Viviparidae Physidae Chloroperlidae Ancylidae (Acroloxidae) Planorbidae Aphelocheiridae Hydroptilidae Sphaeriidae Phryganeidae Unionidae Glossiphoniidae Molannidae Corophiidae Hirudinidae Beraeidae Gammaridae (Crangonyctidae) Erpobdellidae Odontoceridae Platycnemididae Asellidae Leptoceridae Coenagriidae Goeridae No. of taxa Lepidostomatidae No. of taxa Brachycentridae Group 8 taxa (BMWP:2) Sericostomatidae Group 5 taxa (BMWP:5) Chironomidae

Planariidae (Dugesiidae) No. of taxa Dendrocoelidae No. of taxa

Mesovelidae Group 2 taxa (BMWP:8) Hydrometridae Group 9 taxa (BMWP:1) Astacidae Gerridae Oligochaeta Lestidae Nepidae Calopterygidae (Agriidae) Naucoridae No. of taxa Gomphidae Notonectidae Cordulegasteridae Pleidae TOTAL NO. OF TAXA Aeshnidae Corixidae Corduliidae Haliplidae TOTAL BMWP SCORE Libellulidae Hygrobiidae Philopotamidae Dytiscidae (Noteridae) ASPT Psychomyiidae Gyrinidae Hydrophilidae (Hydraenidae) NO. OF OM TAXA No. of taxa Dryopidae Elmidae NO. COLEOPT. TAXA

Hydropsychidae Tipulidae Simuliidae No. of taxa


Plant recording sheet (score through each species present) RS = Rarity Score, TRS = Trophic Ranking Score RS TRS Emergent plants RS TRS RS TRS RS TRS Submerged plants 1 Achillea ptarmica 1 Epilobium hirsutum 1 7.3 Phragmites australis 2 6.3 Apium inundatum 1 Acorus calamus 1 Epilobium obscurum 4 5.5 Pilularia globulifera 1 Aponogeton distachyos 1 Agrostis canina 1 Epilobium palustre 2 Pinguicula lusitanica 1 Cabomba caroliniana 1 LP Agrostis stolonifera 1 Epilobium parviflorum 1 Pinguicula vulgaris 2 Callitriche brutia

32 Alisma gramineum 2 Epilobium tetragonum 1 Potentilla erecta 1 6.3 Callitriche hamulata 2 Alisma lanceolatum 2 Epipactis palustris 1 5.3 Potentilla palustris 2 8.5 Callitriche hermaphroditica 1 9 Alisma plantago-aquatica 1 LP Equisetum fluviatile 1 Pulicaria dysenterica 2 Callitriche obtusangula 2 Alopecurus aequalis 1 Equisetum palustre 16 Pulicaria vulgaris 2 Callitriche platycarpa 4 Alopecurus borealis 1 Erica tetralix 1 Ranunculus ficaria 1 7.3 Callitriche stagnalis 1 Alopecurus geniculatus 1 2.5 Eriophorum angustifolium 1 LP Ranunculus flammula 4 Callitriche truncata 2 Anagallis tenella 16 Eriophorum gracile 2 10 Ranunculus hederaceus 1 C. stagnalis/platycarpa agg. 2 Andromeda polifolia 2 Eriophorum latifolium 2* Ranunculus lingua 1 C. hamulata/brutia agg. 1 Angelica archangelica 1 Eriophorum vaginatum 2 Ranunculus omiophyllus 1 Callitriche sp. (undet.) 1 Angelica sylvestris 1 Eupatorium cannabinum 32 Ranunculus ophioglossifolius 2 10 Ceratophyllum demersum 2 Apium graveolens 1 Filipendula ulmaria 32 Ranunculus reptans 2 Ceratophyllum submersum 1 10 Apium nodiflorum 2 Galium boreale 1 10 Ranunculus sceleratus 2 7.3 Chara sp.

32 Apium repens 8 Galium constrictum 2 Rhynchospora alba 1 Egeria densa 2 Baldellia ranunculoides 1 Galium palustre 4 Rhynchospora fusca 4 7 Elatine hexandra 2 10 Berula erecta 2 Galium uliginosum 2 Rorippa amphibia 4 Elatine hydropiper 2 Bidens cernua 1 Geum rivale 8 Rorripa islandica 2 Eleogiton fluitans 1 Bidens connata 2 Glyceria declinata 2 10 Rorippa microphylla 1 Elodea callitrichoides 1 Bidens frondosa 1 LP Glyceria fluitans 1 10 Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum 1 7.3 Elodea canadensis 2 Bidens tripartita 1 10 Glyceria maxima 1 10 Rorippa (undet.). 1 10 Elodea nuttallii 2 Blysmus compressus 2 Glyceria notata 1 Rorippa palustris 8 Eriocaulon aquaticum 2 Bolboschoenus maritimus 1 Gnaphalium uliginosum 2 10 Rumex hydrolapathum 1 6.3 Fontinalis antipyretica

2* Butomus umbellatus 1 LP Hydrocotyle vulgaris 2 Rumex maritimus 2 Groenlandia densa 2 Calamagrostis canescens 2 Hypericum elodes 2 Rumex palustris 2 7.7 Hippuris vulgaris 2 Calamagrostis epigejos 1 Hypericum tetrapterum 1 Sagina procumbens 2 Hottonia palustris 8 Calamagrostis purpurea 4 Hypericum undulatum 1 Sagittaria subulata 4 Isoetes echinospora 8 Calamagrostis stricta 2 Impatiens capensis 2 Samolus valerandi 2 5 Isoetes lacustris

16 Calamogrostis scotica 1 Impatiens glandulifera 2 7.7 Schoenoplectus lacustris 1 Lagarosiphon major 1 Calla palustris 4* Impatiens noli-tangere 32 Schoenoplectus pungens 2 6.7 Littorella uniflora 1 7 Caltha palustris 1 LP Iris pseudacorus 2 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani 2 5 Lobelia dortmanna 1 Cardamine amara 1 Isolepis setacea 32 Schoenoplectus triqueter 8 Ludwigia palustris 1 Cardamine pratensis 1 Juncus acutiflorus 16 Schoenus ferrugineus 1 6.7 Myriophyllum alterniflorum 2 Carex acuta 1 Juncus articulatus 2 Schoenus nigricans 1 Myriophyllum aquaticum 1 10 Carex acutiformis 1 Juncus bufonius agg. 16 Scorzonera humilis 2 9 Myriophyllum spicatum 4 Carex appropinquata 1 5.3 Juncus bulbosus 1 Scrophularia auriculata 4 Myriophyllum verticillatum 2 Carex aquatilis 2 Juncus compressus 1 Scutellaria galericulata 4 Najas flexilis 2 Carex curta 1 Juncus conglomeratus 1 Senecio aquaticus 2 6.7 Nitella sp. 2 Carex diandra 1 LP Juncus effusus 1 Senecio fluviatilis 2 Oenanthe fluviatilis 1 Carex disticha 2 Juncus foliosus 32 Senecio paludosus 16 Potamogeton acutifolius 1 Carex echinata 1 Juncus inflexus 4 Sium latifolium 2 5.5 Potamogeton alpinus 2 10 Carex elata 32 Juncus pygmaeus 1 10 Solanum dulcamara 2 7.3 Potamogeton berchtoldii 4 Carex elongata 2 Juncus subnodulosus 4 Sonchus palustris 4 Potamogeton coloratus 1 Carex flacca 4 Lathyrus palustris 1 8.5 Sparganium erectum 4 Potamogeton compressus 1 Carex hostiana 32 Leersia oryzoides 1 Stachys palustris 1 10 Potamogeton crispus 2 Carex laevigata 32 Liparis loeselii 2 Stellaria palustris 16 Potamogeton epihydrus 2 4 Carex lasiocarpa 1 Lotus pedunculatus 1 Stellaria uliginosa 4 10 Potamogeton filiformis 2 4 Carex limosa 1 Luzula luzuloides 1 Symphytum officinale 2 10 Potamogeton friesii 1 5 Carex nigra 2 Luzula sylvatica 16 Teucrium scordium 2 7 Potamogeton gramineus 1 Carex oedocarpa 1 Lychnis flos-cuculi 2 Thalictrum flavum 2 10 Potamogeton lucens 1 Carex otrubae 1 Lycopus europaeus 4 Thelypteris palustris 8 Potamogeton nodosus 1 Carex panicea 1 Lysimachia nummularia 2 Tofieldia pusilla 2 8 Potamogeton obtusifolius 2 10 Carex paniculata 1 Lysimachia terrestris 1 Trichophorum cespitosum 1 10 Potamogeton pectinatus 1 Carex pendula 4 Lysimachia thyrsiflora 1 Triglochin palustre 2 7.3 Potamogeton perfoliatus 2 10 Carex pseudocyperus 2 Lysimachia vulgaris 2 10 Typha angustifolia 2 8.5 Potamogeton praelongus 1 Carex pulicaris 16 Lythrum hyssopifolium 1 8.5 Typha latifolia 2 9 Potamogeton pusillus 1 10 Carex riparia 2 Lythrum portula 2 Valeriana dioica 8 Potamogeton rutilus 1 5.3 Carex rostrata 1 Lythrum salicaria 1 Vallisneria spiralis 4 10 Potamogeton trichoides 2 Carex spicata 1 7.3 Mentha aquatica 1 Veronica anagallis-aquatica 2 10 Ranunculus aquatilis 2 Carex vesicaria 16 Mentha pulegium 1 10 Veronica beccabunga 2 10 Ranunculus baudotii 1 Carex viridula 1 5.3 Menyanthes trifoliata 2 Veronica catenata 2 10 Ranunculus circinatus

16 Carex vulpina 1 Mimulus guttatus 1 5.5 Veronica scutellata 2 Ranunculus fluitans 1 Carex sp. 1 Mimulus luteus 1 Veronica sp. (undet.) 2 7 Ranunculus peltatus 2 Catabrosa aquatica 16 Minuartia stricta 1 Viola palustris 2 8.5 Ranunculus penicillatus 4 Cicuta virosa 1 Molinia caerulea 32 Viola persicifolia 2 8.5 Ranunculus trichophyllus 2 Cirsium dissectum 1 Montia fontana 1 Unknown exotic 16 Ranunculus tripartitus 1 Cirsium palustre 1 7.7 Myosotis laxa 1 Ranunculus sp. (undet.) 2 Cladium mariscus 1 9 Myosotis scorpioides Floating-leaved plants 1 Sagittaria latifolia 1 Conium maculatum 1 Myosotis secunda 1 Azolla filiculoides 1 Sagittaria rigida 1 Crassula helmsii 4 Myosotis stolonifera 2 Hydrocharis morsus-ranae 2 Sagittaria sagittifolia 1 Crepis paludosa 1 Myosotis sp (undet.). 1 Hydrocotyle ranunculoides 2 4 Sparganium angustifolium

16 Cyperus fuscus 2 Myosoton aquaticum 2 Lemna gibba 1 10 Sparganium emersum 4* Cyperus longus 1 Myrica gale 1 9 Lemna minor 2 Sparganium natans 2 Dactylorhiza sp (undet.) 1 Narthecium ossifragum 1 Lemna minuta 1 2.5 Sphagnum sp.

32 Damasonium alisma 2 Oenanthe aquatica 1 10 Lemna trisulca 4* Stratiotes aloides 1 Deschampsia cespitosa 1 Oenanthe crocata 4 Luronium natans 2 4 Subularia aquatica 2 Drosera anglica 2 Oenanthe fistulosa 1 Menyanthes trifoliata Tolypella sp. 1 Drosera binata 2 Oenanthe fluviatilis 1 Nuphar advena 2 Utricularia australis 1 Drosera capensis 2 Oenanthe lachenalii 2 8.5 Nuphar lutea 2 4 Utricularia intermedia 2 Drosera intermedia 2 Oenanthe pimpinelloides 4 7 Nuphar pumila 2 4 Utricularia minor 1 Drosera rotundifolia 4 Oenanthe silaifolia 2* 6.7 Nymphaea alba 2 5 Utricularia vulgaris 16 Dryopteris cristata 2 Osmunda regalis 1 Nymphaea sp. (exotic) 1 Vallisneria spiralis 2 Eleocharis acicularis 2 Parnassia palustris 4* Nymphoides peltata 2 10 Zannichellia palustris 8 Eleocharis austriaca 1 Pedicularis palustris 1 9 Persicaria amphibia 2 Eleocharis multicaulis 1 10 Persicaria hydropiper 1 LP Potamogeton natans Number of emergent & 1 LP Eleocharis palustris 1 Persicaria maculosa 1 3.7 Potamogeton polygonifolius submerged species 2 Eleocharis quinqueflora 2 Persicaria minor 2 Riccia fluitans Number of uncommon species 2 Eleocharis uniglumis 4 Persicaria mitis 2 Ricciocarpus natans (with a rarity score of 2 or more) 2 Epilobium alsinifolium 1 Petasites hybridus 2 Spirodela polyrhiza Trophic Ranking Score 2 Epilobium anagallidifolium 1 Petasites japonicus 4 Wolffia arrhiza 1 Epilobium brunnescens 4 Peucedanum palustre * = uncommon species often introduced to sites LP = species exhibiting little nutrient 1 Epilobium ciliatum 1 8.5 Phalaris arundinacea (see Preston et al. 2002 for details), if so score preference species as 1.


Canal PSYM Fieldsheet Site and sample details Site name Code no. Grid ref.( ) Recording format: (SU)3450 6780 or (41)3450 6780

Easting Northing Canal

Location

Survey date Surveyors Which bank sampled

Environmental data

(a)(b) Altitude (m):

(a) Turbidity (Secchi depth in cm):

(a)(b) % sand in substrate:

(b) Alkalinity (meq l-1):

(a)(b) Boat traffic:

(1000’s of movements per year) (a) required if edge samples only taken

(b) required for combined edge and bottom samples

Macroinvertebrate list

Group 1 taxa (BMWP:10) ASPT EPT Cole. Group 3 taxa (BMWP:7) ASPT EPT Cole. Group 6 taxa (BMWP:4) ASPT EPT Cole. Siphlonuridae Caenidae Baetidae Heptageniidae Nemouridae Sialidae Leptophlebiidae Rhyacophilidae (Glossomatidae) Piscicolidae Ephemerellidae Polycentropodidae Potamanthidae Limnephilidae No. of taxa Ephemeridae Taeniopterygidae No. of taxa Group 7 taxa (BMWP:3) Leuctridae Valvatidae Capniidae Group 4 taxa (BMWP:6) Hydrobiidae (Bithyniidae) Perlodidae Neritidae Lymnaeidae Perlidae Viviparidae Physidae Chloroperlidae Ancylidae (Acroloxidae) Planorbidae Aphelocheiridae Hydroptilidae Sphaeriidae Phryganeidae Unionidae Glossiphoniidae Molannidae Corophiidae Hirudinidae Beraeidae Gammaridae (Crangonyctidae) Erpobdellidae Odontoceridae Platycnemididae Asellidae Leptoceridae Coenagriidae Goeridae No. of taxa Lepidostomatidae No. of taxa Brachycentridae Group 8 taxa (BMWP:2) Sericostomatidae Group 5 taxa (BMWP:5) Chironomidae

Planariidae (Dugesiidae) No. of taxa Dendrocoelidae No. of taxa

Mesovelidae Group 2 taxa (BMWP:8) Hydrometridae Group 9 taxa (BMWP:1) Astacidae Gerridae Oligochaeta Lestidae Nepidae Calopterygidae (Agriidae) Naucoridae No. of taxa Gomphidae Notonectidae Cordulegasteridae Pleidae TOTAL NO. OF TAXA Aeshnidae Corixidae Corduliidae Haliplidae TOTAL BMWP SCORE Libellulidae Hygrobiidae Philopotamidae Dytiscidae (Noteridae) ASPT Psychomyiidae Hydrophilidae Gyrinidae NO. OF EPT TAXA No. of taxa Dryopidae Elmidae NO. OF COLEOPT.

Hydropsychidae Tipulidae Simuliidae No. of taxa

27

Annex D

2011 Lancashire Pond Biodiversity Survey Forms

LANCASHIRE POND BIODIVERSITY RECORD FORM

POND LOCATION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Recorder Name(s)

Mike Head

Site Name Pond 1

Landowner

Grid Ref (8 fig) SD 3253 4524 Vice County: vc 59 South Lancaster

Altitude` 5m or under vc 60 West Lancaster �

Survey Date(s) 25/05/11 & 21/06/11 vc 63 South-west Yorkshire

vc 64 Mid-west Yorkshire

Depth of Water <0.5m � Depth of Sediment<0.5m Does the pond appear to dry up:

>0.5m >0.5m � every year?

% Pond Shaded Nature of only in a drought? �

by Trees 5 Sediment and mud/silt never?

Water pH 6.7 Pond Base not known?

Is the pond unknown Are the margins Size: Width 35

fished? grazed? no Length 38

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE

Special Protection Area

˟

Local Nature Reserve ˟ Other

Ramsar site ˟ Biological Heritage Site

˟

Special Area of Conservation

˟ Other Local Wildlife Site ˟ Fleetwood Farm Fields BHS approximately 0.1km south of pond. Rossall Lane Wood and Pasture BHS approximately 0.3km southeast of pond.

Site of Special Scientific Interest

˟ Country/Urban Park � Pond situated within Farmer Parrs Animal World (Wyrefield Farm).

National Nature Reserve ˟

DESCRIPTION Large pond within wildlife park (Farmer Parrs Animal World (Wyrefield Farm)), partially enclosed by a fence. Pond choked with Bulrush, Branched Bur-reed and Yellow Iris, with a small area of open water in the centre. Pond banks were dominated by Bramble scrub with Great Willowherb and Hemp-agrimony. Water quality appeared moderate. Pond surrounded by improved pasture adjacent to a main road (A585).


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref

SD 3253 4524 Survey Date

25/05/11 & 21/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Pond situated within Farmer Parrs Animal World (Wyrefield Farm), but partially fenced-off. It appeared the pond is not included as part of the public attraction. Pond is connected to a ditch which runs to the A485; it is likely that the waterbody functions as a balancing pond.

ADJACENT HABITATS 0-10M 11-1OOM ADJACENT HABITATS 0-10M 11-1OOM

Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

� Other Ponds

Unimproved Grassland

Ditch

Semi-improved Grassland

Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

� � Hedge

Grassland Management

Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay

Hedge + Ditch + Bank

Pasture

� � Road �

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

� Other:

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

�

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

AMPHIBIANS Records of species made: in water Date of amphibian Survey

on land (use separate form for each

(use separate form for each) timed visit)

Species Adult/ Imm’s

Method Metam’s Method Tadpoles Method Eggs/ Spawn

Method Dead Dead on

Common Frog Rana temporaria

Common Toad Bufo bufo

Natterjack Toad Bufo calamita

Smooth Newt Triturus vulgaris

Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus

Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus

Toad Species

Newt Species

Tadpoles/Eggs, Species Unknown

Smooth/Palmate Newt Eggs

Other Species

Total number of Amphibian Species

Counting Methods: visual count (V), netting (N), bottle trap (B), pitfall trap (P)

PRESENCE / ABSENCE SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN AT POND 1 IN 2009 – REFER TO

APPENDIX 9.11 OF VOLUME 1B


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.

VAL SCIENTIFIC NAME FREQ.

4453 1 Achillea ptarmica

2640 1 Agrostis stolonifera

2101 1 Alisma plantago-aquatic.

3834 1 Alnus glutinosa

2659 8 Alopecurus aequalis

2657 1 Alopecurus geniculatus

3703 1 Angelica sylvestris

3669 4 Apium inundatum

3666 1 Apium nodiflorum

2090 1 Azolla filiculoides

2686 2 Berula erecta

4354 2 Bidens cernua

4355 2 Bidens tripartita

2108 2 Butomus umbellatus

3619 2 Callitriche hamulata

3617 2 Callitriche platycarpa

3616 1 Callitriche stagnalis

3615 1 Callitriche agg.

2691 1 Caltha palustris

2873 1 Cardamine amara

2875 - Cardamine flexuousa

2872 1 Cardamine pratensis

2431 1 Carex acutiformis

2470 1 Carex disticha

2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra

2467 2 Carex otrubae

2436 1 Carex panacea

2464 2 Carex paniculata

2483 - Carex remota

2426 1 Carex rostrata

2419 1 Carex viridula ssp. Oedo.

2761 2 Ceratophyllum demersu.

4491 1 Cirsium palustre

4639 1 Crassula helmsii

4578 1 Crepis paludosa

2327 1 Dactylorhiza fuchsii

2335 2 Dactylorhiza incarnata

2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza

praetermissa/purpurella

2621 1 Deschampsia cespitosa

2397 1 Eleocharis palustris

2400 2 Eleocharis uniglumis

1 Eleocharis sp.

2113 1 Elodea canadensis

2115 1 Elodea nuttallii

3557 1 Epilobium ciliatum

3536 1 Epilobium hirsutum F

3580 1 Epilobium obscurum

3584 1 Epilobium palustre

3544 1 Epilobium parviflorum

2016 1 Equisetum fluviatile

2018 1 Equisetum palustre

4446 1 Eupatorium cannabinum F

3316 1 Filipendula ulmaria

4313 1 Galium palustre

4317 1 Galium uliginosum

2505 1 Glyceria declinata

2502 1 Glyceria fluitans

2507 1 Glyceria maxima

2504 1 Glyceria notata

4411 1 Gnaphalium uliginosum

3614 2 Hippuris vulgaris

3932 2 Hottonia palustris

3633 1 Hydrocotyle vulgaris

2963 1 Hypericum tetrapterum

3189 1 lmpatiens glandulifera

2269 1 Iris pseudacorus F

2390 1 lsolepis setacea

2230 1 Juncus acutiflorus

2231 1 Juncus articulatus

2217 1 Juncus bufonius

2234 1 Juncus bulbosus

2222 1 Juncus conglomeratus

2221 1 Juncus effusus O

2220 1 Juncus inflexus

2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

2357 1 Lemna trisulca

3260 1 Lotus pedunculatus

3003 1 Lychnis flos-cuculi

4206 1 Lycopus europaeus

3934 1 Lysimachia nemorum

3936 1 Lysimachia vulgaris

3524 1 Lythrum salicaria

4198 1 Mentha aquatica

3976 2 Menyanthes trifoliata

42403 1 Mimulus spp. or hybrids

3074 1 Montia fontana

4008 1 Myosotis laxa

4005 1 Myosotis scorpiodes

4006 2 Myosotis secunda

3610 4 Myriophyllum alterniflor.

3608 1 Myriophyllum spicatum

2758 1 Nuphar lutea

2757 1/2 Nymphaea alba

3694 4 Oenanthe aquatica

3693 1 Oenanthe crocata

3689 4 Oenanthe fistulosa

3692 2 Oenanthe lachenalii

3752 1 Persicaria amphibia

3755 1 Persicaria hydropiper

3754 1 Persicaria lapathifolia

3753 1 Persicaria maculosa

4387 1 Petasites hybridus

2669 1 Phalaris arundinacea O

2497 1 Phraqmites australis

2557 - Poa trivialis

2140 2 Potamogeton berchtoldii

2144 2 Potamogeton crispus

2126 1 Potamogeton natans

2146 2 Potamogeton pectinatus

2134 2 Potamogeton perfoliatus

2127 2 Potamogeton polygonifo.

3349 1 Potentilia erecta

3338 1 Potentilla palustris

4401 1 Pulicaria dysenterica

2731 2 Ranunculus aquatilis

ss.

39979 1 Ranunculus aquatic agg.

2734 4 Ranunculus baudotii

2718 1 Ranunculus flammula

2722 1 Ranunculus hederaceus

2717 ¼ Ranunculus lingua

2723 1 Ranunculus omiophyllus

2738 4 Ranunculus peltatus

2709 - Ranunculus repens

2721 1 Ranunculus sceleratus

2727 2 Ranunculus trichophyllus

3409 1 Rorippa microphylla

2894 1 Rorippa nasturium-aquat.

2897 2 Rorippa palustris

41561 - Rorippa sp.

2896 2 Rorippa sylvestris

3797 1 Rumex conglomeratus

3789 - Rumex crispus

3791 - Rumex obtusifolius

3044 1 Sagina procumbens

2105 2 Saqittaria sagittifolia

3871 - Salix cinerea

3861 - Salix fragilis

2388 2 Schoenoplectus taberna

4079 1 Scrophularia auriculata

4259 1 Scutellaria galericulata

4365 1 Senecio aquaticus

4037 1 Solanum dulcamara

2366 1 Sparganium emersum

2361 1 Sparganium erectum F

4234 1 Stachys palustris

3038 1 Stellaria uliginosa

2110 1/8 Stratiotes aloides

2378 2 Trichophorum cespitosus

2370 2 Typha angustifolia

2369 1 Typha latifolia A

4345 1 Valeriana dioica

2118 1 Vailisneria spiralis

4097 2 Veronica anagallis-aquat.

4096 1 Veronica beccabunga R

4099 2 Veronica catenata

4101 2 Veronica scutellata

2939 1 Viola palustris

2150 2 Zannichellia palustris

Other Species

- Filam. Algae (when Freq)

- Plank. Algae (when Dom)

The Value column gives the individual species scores for the application of Guideline Ponds (Po1) in Biological Heritage

Sites Guidelines for Site Selection LCC,

LWT 1998


Recorder Name

Jeff Robinson Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.

TRICLADIDA: (Flatworms)

Dugesia lugubris/polychroa

13184 Dugesia tigrina

Polycelis tenuis/nigra

HIRUDINEA: (Leeches)

22374 Erpobdella octoculata

22373 Erpobdella testacea L

13205 Glossiphonia complanata

13204 Glossiphonia heteroclita L

22371 Haemopis sanguisuga L

13208 Helobdella stagnalis 71

13202 Theromyzon tessulatum

MOLLUSCA: (Molluscs)

6652 Acroloxus lacustris

6639 Anisus leucostoma

6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista

6615 Bithynia tentaculata

6645 Gyraulus albus L

6647 Hippeutis complanatus L

6634 Lymnaea auricularia L

6632 Lymnaea palustris

6635 Lymnaea peregra

6633 Lymnaea stagnalis

6630 Lymnaea truncatula

6625 Physa fontinalis

41651 Pisidium spp

6649 Planorbarius corneus

6638 Planorbis carinatus

6613 Potamopyrgus antipodarum

6786 Sphaerium corneum

6790 Sphaerium lacustre

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)

8589 Asellus aquaticus 183

8591 Asellus meridianus

13808 Crangonyx pseudogracilis 244

13800 Gammarus pulex

EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)

10902 Caenis luctuosa L

10874 Cloeon dipterum

PLECOPTERA: (Stoneflies)

22424 Nemurella picteti

10374 Nemoura cinerea

MEGALOPTERA: (Alderflies)

10795 Sialis lutaria

ODONATA: Dragonflies &

Damselflies)

5625 Aeshna grandis L

5606 Coenagrion puella

5602 Enallagma cyathigerum

5600 Ischnura elegans

5599 Pyrrhosoma nymphula

5645 Sympetrum striolatum

HEMIPTERA: (Aquatic Bugs)

10389 Callicorixa praeusta

10393 Corixa punctata

10369 Gerris lacustris

39894 Gerris spp (nymphs)

10366 Gerris thoracicus

10396 Hesperocorixa linnaei

10397 Hesperocorixa sahlbergi

10358 Hydrometra stagnorum

10362 Microvelia reticulata

10374 Nepa cinerea

10378 Notonecta glauca

10382 Plea leachii

10411 Sigara concinna L

10404 Sigara distincta

10402 Sigara dorsalis 2

10405 Sigara falleni

10407 Sigara fossarum

10409 Sigara lateralis

10412 Sigara limitata L

10410 Sigara nigrolineata

10359 Velia caprai

40171 Velia sp (nymphs)

TRICHOPTERA: (Caddis

Flies)

8512 Athripsodes aterrimus

Limnephilus-Flavicornis

group

8483 Limnephilus lunatus

8494 Limnephilus vittatus

Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)

7626 Acilius sulcatus

7588 Agabus bipustulatus 1

7598 Agabus nebulosus

7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri

7708 Anacaena globulus

33265 Anacaena limbata

7710 Anacaena lutescens

8316 Anisosticta 19-punctata L

7699 Cercyon ustulatus Nb

8290 Coccidula rufa

7675 Coelostoma orbiculare

7618 Colymbetes fuscus

7734 Cymbiodyta marginella L

7632 Dytiscus marginalis

7515 Dytiscus spp (larvae)

7725 Enochrus coarctatus L

7733 Enochrus testaceus L

7643 Gyrinus substriatus

42271 Haliplus spp

7502 Haliplus immaculatus L

7508 Haliplus ruficollis

7511 Haliplus wehnckei L

7658 Helophorus brevipalpis

7662 Helophorus grandis

7667 Helophorus minutus 10

10907 Hydrobius fuscipes 1

7534 Hydroporus angustatus

7538 Hydroporus erythrocephalus

7542 Hydroporus gyllenhalii

7548 Hydroporus memnonius

7554 Hydroporus palustris

7555 Hydroporus planus

7556 Hydroporus pubescens

7559 Hydroporus striola L

7560 Hydroporus tessellatus L

7562 Hydroporus umbrosus

7526 Hygrotus inaequalis

7521 Hyphydrus ovatus

7606 Ilybius ater

7608 Ilybius fuliginosus

7609 Ilybius guttiger Nb

7610 Ilybius quadriguttatus

7714 Laccobius bipunctatus

7517 Laccophilus minutus L

7513 Noterus clavicornis L

11168 Phaedon armoraciae

24186 Scirtes hemisphaericus L

Scirtidae (larvae) spp 10

COLEOPTERA

Dytiscidae

Agabus spp larvae

3

Corixidae

Nymphs indet

18

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Ceratopogonidae

6

Culex pipiens grp 16

Dolichopodidae 1

Ephydridae 1

Tipula spp 1

Syrphidae 2

Ptychoptera lacustris 16

OLIGOCHAETA 55

HYDRACARINA 1

OSTRACODA 90

NEMATODA 2

Nb = Notable b, occurring in 31-100 km squares

L = Local, as defined by JNCC


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS

˟ Sightings (count) ˟ Footprints (presence) Identified plants from feeding remains:

˟ Latrines (count) ˟ Pathway in Vegetation (presence)

˟ Burrows (count) ˟ Feeding remains (presence)

˟ Cropped Grass around tunnel entrance (presence)

N/A

INCIDENTAL SPECIES RECORDS

N/A


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

SITE PLAN

Indicate North and give approximate scale.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


25/05/11 & 21/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 22

Landowner


Altitude` Between 10-15m vc 60 West Lancaster �

Survey Date(s) 19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11.

vc 63 South-west Yorkshire


Depth of Water <0.5m Depth of Sediment<0.5m � Does the pond appear to dry up:

>0.5m � >0.5m every year?

% Pond Shaded Nature of only in a drought?

by Trees 20 Sediment and silt never? �


Is the pond fished?

Yes, including nine-spined stickleback

(Gasterosteus aculeatus).

Are the margins Size: Width 25

grazed? yes Length 30

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟ Morecambe Bay SPA

0.5km west of Pond 22.


Ramsar site ˟ Morecambe Bay Ramsar 0.5km west of Pond 22.

Biological Heritage Site

˟


˟ Other Local Wildlife Site

˟ Clods Car Lane Fields BHS approximately 0.1km northeast of Pond 22. ICI Salt Pools BHS approximately 0.2km east of Pond 22.


˟ Wyre Estuary SSSI


Country/Urban Park ˟


DESCRIPTION Large field pond surrounded by improved pasture. Pond relatively deep, with moderate to poor water quality and turbid. Pond supported limited marginal/emergent vegetation. Signs of grazing and poaching at the pond edges. Pond shaded at one end, the remainder was open. Fish and waterfowl recorded.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds �


Ditch �


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge � �


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other:

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable

� �


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.



2640 1 Agrostis stolonifera O

2101 1 Alisma plantago-aquatic. R














3616 1 Callitriche stagnalis O








2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.




3536 1 Epilobium hirsutum




2016 1 Equisetum fluviatile A


4446 1 Eupatorium cannabinum


4313 1 Galium palustre R












2269 1 Iris pseudacorus


2230 1 Juncus acutiflorus O







2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor




4206 1 Lycopus europaeus O




4198 1 Mentha aquatica R




4008 1 Myosotis laxa O





2758 1 Nuphar lutea











2669 1 Phalaris arundinacea




2144 2 Potamogeton crispus O









ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.















2361 1 Sparganium erectum R






2369 1 Typha latifolia




4096 1 Veronica beccabunga R




2150 2 Zannichellia palustris F

Other Species

- Filam. Algae (when Freq) F




LWT 1998


Recorder Name



19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista



6647 Hippeutis complanatus L 1




6633 Lymnaea stagnalis 17



41651 Pisidium spp



6613 Potamopyrgus antipodarum 36



Sphaeriidae

Rhadix baltica 63

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)



13808 Crangonyx pseudogracilis


EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)


10874 Cloeon dipterum 61







Damselflies)



5602 Enallagma cyathigerum 3




Coenagrionidae

nymphs indet

3











10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii




10405 Sigara falleni 19





10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

41


Flies)



group



Small sand case

Mystacides longicornis 3

Limnephilidae

larvae/pupae indet

4

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)


7588 Agabus bipustulatus


7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri

7708 Anacaena globulus 6





8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp




7658 Helophorus brevipalpis 8



10907 Hydrobius fuscipes











7526 Hygrotus inaequalis 3


7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

18

OLIGOCHAETA 4

OSTRACODA 58




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS


� Latrines (count) � Pathway in Vegetation (presence) � Burrows (count) � Feeding remains (presence)

� Cropped Grass around tunnel entrance (presence)

N/A

INCIDENTAL SPECIES RECORDS N/A


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 23

Landowner



Survey Date(s) 19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11



Depth of Water <0.5m � Depth of Sediment<0.5m � Does the pond appear to dry up:

>0.5m >0.5m every year?

% Pond Shaded 30 Nature of only in a drought? �

by Trees Sediment and silt never?


Is the pond Are the margins Size: Width 25

fished? no grazed? yes Length 40

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE




Local Nature Reserve

˟ Other

Ramsar site ˟ Morecambe Bay

Ramsar 0.7km west of Pond 23.


˟



˟ Clods Car Lane Fields BHS approximately 0.05km north of Pond 23. ICI Salt Pools BHS approximately 0.1km east of Pond 23.




Country/Urban Park

˟

National Nature Reserve



DESCRIPTION Shaded field pond surrounded by improved pasture, with moderate to poor water quality and turbid. Pond choked with Brooklime and Common Reed. No evidence of fish recorded and little obvious invertebrate activity observed. Partially shaded by Hawthorn scrub. Evidence of past encroaching at pond edges.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds �


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

�

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.










3666 1 Apium nodiflorum O








3616 1 Callitriche stagnalis R





2872 1 Cardamine pratensis O



2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra R




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.




3536 1 Epilobium hirsutum O








4313 1 Galium palustre O














2230 1 Juncus acutiflorus F





2221 1 Juncus effusus F


2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor








4198 1 Mentha aquatica O









2758 1 Nuphar lutea












2497 1 Phraqmites australis A












ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.









2388 2 Schoenoplectus taberna F






2361 1 Sparganium erectum R










4096 1 Veronica beccabunga F





Other Species





LWT 1998


Recorder Name



19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






Sphaeriidae 427

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)

8589 Asellus aquaticus




EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)







10795 Sialis lutaria 15


Damselflies)







Coenagrionidae

nymphs indet

2



10393 Corixa punctata 1








10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii


10404 Sigara distincta 11

10402 Sigara dorsalis






10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

37

Corixa spp nymph 3


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp




















7606 Ilybius ater

7608 Ilybius fuliginosus 7








Scirtidae (larvae)

COLEOPTERA

Agabus spp larvae

8

Helophorus obscurus 8

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Ceratopogonidae

10

Chironomidae 1520

OLIGOCHAETA 146

OSTRACODA 98




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS





N/A

INCIDENTAL SPECIES RECORDS

Reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and moorhen (Gallinula chloropus).


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 19/05/11, 23/05/11 & 23/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 26

Landowner


Altitude` 6m vc 60 West Lancaster �




>0.5m >0.5m every year? �

% Pond Shaded Nature of only in a drought?

by Trees 5 Sediment and silt never?




Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE





˟ Other

Ramsar site ˟ Morecambe Bay Ramsar 0.25km west of Pond 26.


˟



˟ Clods Car Lane Fields BHS approximately 0.4km northeast of Pond 26. ICI Salt Pools BHS approximately 0.5km northeast of Pond 26.




Country/Urban Park

˟

National Nature Reserve

˟

DESCRIPTION Small circular pond in an arable field. Banks of pond dominated by Reeds, tall herbs and grasses and Common Nettle, with a couple of small shrubby Willow trees. Pond supported limited aquatic vegetation, with small amounts of marginal Branched Bur-reed and Soft-rush recorded. The water quality appeared moderate to poor and turbid. Wildfowl recorded.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch �

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable

� �


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.








3703 1 Angelica sylvestris O


















2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.













4037 1 Solanum dulcamara O


2361 1 Sparganium erectum O






2369 1 Typha latifolia R




4096 1 Veronica beccabunga





Other Species



Persicaria maculosa R



LWT 1998


Recorder Name



11/05/11 & 23/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.













Erpobdellidae

egg cocoons

Pre-sent




6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






Rhadix baltica 26

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii






10409 Sigara lateralis 15


10410 Sigara nigrolineata 2

10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

220

Corixa spp nymph 7

Notonectidae

nymph indet

15


Flies)



group

8483 Limnephilus lunatus 1


Small sand case

Limnephilidae

larvae/pupae indet

10

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp



















7521 Hyphydrus ovatus 1

7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Agabus sp larvae 9

Rhantus sp larvae 1


Hygromia hermani 1

Scirtidae

Scirtes spp larvae

2

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Ceratopogonidae

1000

OLIGOCHAETA 80

OSTRACODA 300




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS





N/A



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 23/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 37

Landowner


Altitude` Between 5 & 10m vc 60 West Lancaster �






by Trees Sediment and silt/mud never?




Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟


˟ Other Local Wildlife Site ˟


˟ Country/Urban Park ˟


DESCRIPTION Small field pond heavily grazed and poached by cattle. Pond did not support any aquatic/wetland vegetation and was turbid. Pond surrounded by improved pasture, with adjacent hedge and ditch. Pond covered in Algae at the time of the second survey (21/06/11).


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds �


Ditch �


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch �

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.































2221 1 Juncus effusus


2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.















2361 1 Sparganium erectum















Other Species

- Filam. Algae (when Freq) A




LWT 1998


Recorder Name



27/04/11 & 21/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)














10397 Hesperocorixa sahlbergi 1



10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

300


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp





7662 Helophorus grandis 21















7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Cercyon convexiuculus 1

Helophorus aequalis 2

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

2000

OLIGOCHAETA 500

CLADOCERA 3000

OSTRACODA 500




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS





N/A



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 38

Landowner


Altitude` Between 5 & 10m vc 60 West Lancaster �






by Trees Sediment and silt/mud never?


Is the pond fished?

Yes, including nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius

pungitius)


grazed? yes Length 25

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟






DESCRIPTION Small open, unshaded field pond. Heavily poached by cattle and very turbid. Some emergent Soft-rush, Branched Bur-reed and floating Redshank recorded. Surrounded by improved pasture.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

� Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds �


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch �

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road �

Unmanaged

Buildings �

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.























2872 1 Cardamine pratensis R



2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.
































2220 1 Juncus inflexus R

2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea









3753 1 Persicaria maculosa O















ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.






























Other Species





LWT 1998


Recorder Name



27/04/11 & 21/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.












13202 Theromyzon tessulatum 1




6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

31


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp




















7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Agabus spp larvae 3


OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Ceratopogonidae

3

Chironomidae 258

Syrphidae 9

OLIGOCHAETA 7

CLADOCERA 19

OSTRACODA 50

NEMATODA 3




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS





N/A



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 21/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 45

Landowner


Altitude` 5m or under vc 60 West Lancaster �






by Trees Sediment and mud never?

Water pH 9 Pond Base not known?

Is the pond fished

Yes, including three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus

aculeatus) and

nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius

pungitius).


grazed? no Length 60

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟


˟ Other Local Wildlife Site � Pond situated within Piling Moss – Eagland Hill BHS




DESCRIPTION Large man-made pond. Shallow and open, with clumps of Soft-rush at the pond margins. Appeared to be used for wildfowl. Pond supported scattered Amphibious Bistort and abundant submerged Fine-leaved Pondweed. Surrounded by a man-made bund and improved pasture.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Appeared to be used for wildfowl


Woodland

Gardens �

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch �


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

� Buildings �

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.



2640 1 Agrostis stolonifera F























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.
























2269 1 Iris pseudacorus R


2230 1 Juncus acutiflorus O







2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea






3752 1 Persicaria amphibia O


















ss.









2721 1 Ranunculus sceleratus O





41561 - Rorippa sp.





























2150 2 Zannichellia palustris A

Other Species





LWT 1998


Recorder Name



11/05/11 & 22/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.






22374 Erpobdella octoculata 1










6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp



6613 Potamopyrgus antipodarum 70



Sphaeriidae 270

Rhadix baltica 900

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)







Coenagrionidae

nymphs indet

21




10369 Gerris lacustris 1







10374 Nepa cinerea

10378 Notonecta glauca 3

10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

380

Notonectidae

nymph indet

10


Flies)

8512 Athripsodes aterrimus 7


group



Small sand case

Mystacides longicornis 2

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa


7618 Colymbetes fuscus 1


7632 Dytiscus marginalis 1

7515 Dytiscus spp (larvae) 5




42271 Haliplus spp




















7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Hydrporus pubescens 2

Hydrporus palustris 1


OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

1000

OLIGOCHAETA 220




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 51

Landowner











fished? no grazed? no Length 33

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟






DESCRIPTION Small pond situated in a small fenced copse, dominated by semi-mature Alder. Heavily shaded and full of leaf litter and detritus. Pond did not support any aquatic/wetland vegetation. Dead wood and several semi-mature Alder trees recorded in the pond. Bittersweet and Remote Sedge recorded on the banks of the pond. Pond surrounded by improved pasture. Fencing around pond prevents access by livestock. Pond had nearly dried-up at the time of the second survey (22.06.11).


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Farm pond in broad-leaved plantation woodland


Woodland

� � Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge �


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

� � Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name



11/05/11 & 22/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota F*









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.













4037 1 Solanum dulcamara O*

















Other Species



* recorded on banks of

pond



LWT 1998


Recorder Name



11/05/11 & 22/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai



Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp






7667 Helophorus minutus














7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Hydrporus pubescens 1

Hydrporus palustris 2

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

3000

Chaoborus crystalinus 86

Syrphidae 6

OLIGOCHAETA 30

CLADOCERA 8000

OSTRACODA 96




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 52

Landowner





Depth of Water <0.5m Depth of Sediment<0.5m Does the pond appear to dry up:

>0.5m � >0.5m � every year?

% Pond Shaded 70 Nature of only in a drought?

by Trees Sediment and mud never? �




Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟






DESCRIPTION Large pond on edge of broad-leaved plantation woodland surrounded by trees (including Alder and Sycamore). Water column appeared deep and of moderate water quality. Pond did not support aquatic/wetland vegetation. Waterfowl and fish observed. Improved pasture adjacent to pond.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Farm pond in broad-leaved plantation woodland


Woodland

� � Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge �


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

� � Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.






























Other Species





LWT 1998


Recorder Name



26/05/11 & 22/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.








13205 Glossiphonia complanata 1






6652 Acroloxus lacustris 1


6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






Sphaeriidae 88

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

16

Gerridae

nymphs indet

1


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp




















7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Hydrporus spp larvae 3

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

700


OLIGOCHAETA 220

NEMATODA 10




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond 58

Landowner








by Trees Sediment and mud never? �




Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟






DESCRIPTION Small pond within a copse comprised of young trees. Pond surrounded and shaded by Sycamore, Alder and Horse-chestnut. Pond did not support any aquatic vegetation. Pond turbid, full of leaf litter, and with moderate to poor water quality. Improved pasture adjacent to pond.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Pond enclosed in a copse comprised of young trees, which indicates pond was probably a field pond 20-30 years ago


Woodland

� � Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge � �


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

� � Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.






























Other Species





LWT 1998


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.











13208 Helobdella stagnalis





6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

86


Flies)



group



Small sand case

Limnephilidae

larvae/pupae indet

2

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp




















7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

2000

Syrphidae 10

OLIGOCHAETA 66

CLADOCERA 800

OSTRACODA 10




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 22/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 22/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond NP14

Landowner



Survey Date(s) 19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11.






by Trees Sediment and silt never?


Is the pond Are the margins Size: Width

fished? no grazed? no Length

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟

Local Nature Reserve ˟

Other

Ramsar site ˟

Biological Heritage Site ˟

Special Area of Conservation ˟

Other Local Wildlife Site ˟

Site of Special Scientific Interest ˟

Country/Urban Park ˟


DESCRIPTION Small pond shaded on one side with Sycamore trees. The bank on the opposite side of the pond supported Soft-rush, Marsh Valerian, Great Willowherb and Common Reed. Pond held deep silt and was turbid. Water quality appeared moderate to poor. Pond bordered by a farm track and improved pasture. Ducks recorded in small numbers.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Farm pond


Woodland

Gardens �

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds �


Ditch � �


Stream

Improved Grassland

� � Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge � �


Hedge + Ditch � �

Silage

� Hedge + Bank � �

Hay

Hedge + Ditch + Bank � �

Pasture

� � Road �

Unmanaged

Buildings �

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

�

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

�

Arable

�


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species



PRESENCE / ABSENCE SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN AT POND NP14 IN 2011 – REFER TO



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11.

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.




2101 1 Alisma plantago-aquatic. R






















2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.






























Other Species



Persicaria maculosa O



LWT 1998


Recorder Name



27/04/11 & 20/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

300

Notonectidae

nymph indet

20


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa


7618 Colymbetes fuscus 1







42271 Haliplus spp












7554 Hydroporus palustris 56


7556 Hydroporus pubescens 2





7521 Hyphydrus ovatus 1

7606 Ilybius ater

7608 Ilybius fuliginosus 4








Scirtidae (larvae)

Hygrotus(Coelambus)impre

ssopunctatus

7

Rhantus suturalis 2

Hydroporus spp larvae 19

Cercyon convexiuculus 2


Tipula spp 1

Ptychoptera lacustris 8

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

2000


OLIGOCHAETA 1500




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


19/04/11, 26/04/11, 27/04/11, 17/05/11, 18/05/11 & 20/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond NP24

Landowner






>0.5m >0.5m every year? �






Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟ Morecambe Bay SPA 0.03km west of Pond

NP26.


˟ Other

Ramsar site ˟ Morecambe Bay

Ramsar 0.03km west of Pond NP26.


˟



˟



National Nature Reserve ˟ Wyre Estuary SSSI

0.03km west of Pond NP26.

DESCRIPTION Small field pond in arable field, choked with Bulrush. Pond held little water of poor quality. Pond partially shaded by one shrubby Grey Willow.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 21/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

Road

Unmanaged

Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

�

Swamp/Marsh

River �

Bare Ground

Salt marsh �

Arable

� �


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 21/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 21/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.
































2220 1 Juncus inflexus O

2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea
























ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.





















2369 1 Typha latifolia A









Other Species



Persicaria maculosa



LWT 1998


Recorder Name



26/05/11 & 21/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.
















6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

















10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet


Flies)



group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp












7554 Hydroporus palustris 4








7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

Agabus spp larvae 18

Helophorus aequalis 1

Scirtidae

Scirtes spp larvae

26

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

250

Dolichopodidae 1

Ephydridae 5

OLIGOCHAETA 100




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


26/05/11 & 21/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 20/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


27/04/11 & 20/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km




Mike Head

Site Name Pond NP26

Landowner


Altitude` 15m vc 60 West Lancaster �



Depth of Water <0.5m Depth of Sediment<0.5m � Does the pond appear to dry up:

>0.5m � >0.5m every year?


by Trees Sediment and silt never? �



fished? yes grazed? no Length 35

Other Comments

N/A

RECORDED VALUE


˟



˟




˟ Country/Urban Park


DESCRIPTION Small circular field pond supporting marginal Hawthorn and Bramble scrub with tall herbs and grasses. Pond appeared to be fished. Occasional marginal reeds and Soft-rush and floating Redshank and Broad-leaved Pondweed recorded. Dumped rubble was observed in the pond. Pond was surrounded by ungrazed improved pasture and a caravan park. Water quality appeared moderate and relatively turbid. Small numbers of wildfowl observed.


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11

HISTORY AND USE

Field pond


Woodland

Gardens

Dense Scrub

� Other Ponds


Ditch


Stream

Improved Grassland

Wall

Amenity Grassland

Hedge � �


Hedge + Ditch

Silage

Hedge + Bank

Hay


Pasture

Road �

Unmanaged

� � Buildings

Amenity Mowing

Other: Embankment

Tall Herbs

�

Swamp/Marsh

Bare Ground

Arable


Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11






Method Dead Dead on







Toad Species

Newt Species



Other Species






Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11

WETLAND PLANTS REF.

NO.


























2441 1 Carex flacca

2460 1 Carex nigra




2483 - Carex remota









2341/ 2342

2 Dactylorhiza





1 Eleocharis sp.

































2359 2 Lemna gibba

2358 1 Lemna minor

















2758 1 Nuphar lutea



3693 1 Oenanthe crocata F






3753 1 Persicaria maculosa O


2669 1 Phalaris arundinacea R





2126 1 Potamogeton natans O








ss.














41561 - Rorippa sp.





















2369 1 Typha latifolia F









Other Species



Persicaria maculosa



LWT 1998


Recorder Name



11/05/11 & 21/06/11

INVERTEBRATES Ref.

No.

Species Freq.






22374 Erpobdella octoculata 1


13205 Glossiphonia complanata 1








6640 Anisus vortex

6646 Armiger crista










41651 Pisidium spp






Sphaeriidae 26

Rhadix baltica 5

MALACOSTRACA:

(Shrimps & Hoglice)





EPHEMEROPTERA:

(Mayflies)









Damselflies)

5625 Aeshna grandis L 1



5600 Ischnura elegans 3



Aeshna spp 3

Coenagrionidae

nymphs indet

6











10374 Nepa cinerea


10382 Plea leachii









10359 Velia caprai


Corixidae

nymphs indet

144

Notonectidae

nymph indet

16

Gerridae

nymphs indet

15


Flies)

8512 Athripsodes aterrimus 6


group



Small sand case

COLEOPTERA: (Water

Beetles)




7601 Agabus sturmii

11274 Altica lythri






8290 Coccidula rufa









42271 Haliplus spp






7667 Helophorus minutus














7606 Ilybius ater









Scirtidae (larvae)

OTHER ORDERS

DIPTERA

Chironomidae

350

OLIGOCHAETA 1925

CLADOCERA 2000

OSTRACODA 73




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11

WATER VOLE SIGNS




N/A




Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11

SITE PLAN



Recorder Name

Mike Head Grid Ref


11/05/11 & 21/06/11

LOCATION PLAN N

1km


29

Annex E

UK BAP Criteria for Ponds

31

UK Biodiversity Action Plan

Priority Habitat Descriptions

Ponds Correspondence with existing habitat/s

• UK BAP broad habitat: Standing open waters and canals

• Phase 1: G1 Standing water

• NVC: Various aquatic, swamp and fen communities; OV28-OV35; and others

• Annex I: Includes H3170 Mediterranean temporary ponds; H3110 Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains (Littorelletalia uniflora) (part); H3130 Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea (part); H3140 Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp. (part); H3150 Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation (part); and H3160 Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds (part)

Description

Ponds, for the purpose of UK BAP priority habitat classification, are defined as permanent and seasonal standing water bodies up to 2 ha in extent which meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Habitats of international importance: Ponds that meet criteria under Annex I of the Habitats Directive.

• Species of high conservation importance: Ponds supporting Red Data Book species, UK BAP species, species fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Schedule 5 and 8, Habitats Directive Annex II species, a Nationally Scarce wetland plant species, or three Nationally Scarce aquatic invertebrate species.

• Exceptional assemblages of key biotic groups: Ponds supporting exceptional populations or numbers of key species. Based on (i) criteria specified in guidelines for the selection of biological SSSIs (currently amphibians and dragonflies only), and (ii) exceptionally rich sites for plants or invertebrates (i.e. supporting ≥30 wetland plant species or ≥50 aquatic macroinvertebrate species).

• Ponds of high ecological quality: Ponds classified in the top PSYM category (“high”) for ecological quality (i.e. having a PSYM score ≥75%). [PSYM (the Predictive SYstem for Multimetrics) is a method for assessing the biological quality of still waters in England and Wales; plant species and / or invertebrate families are surveyed using a standard method; the PSYM model makes predictions for the site based on environmental data and using a minimally impaired pond dataset; comparison of the prediction and observed data gives a % score for ponds quality].

• Other important ponds: Individual ponds or groups of ponds with a limited geographic distribution recognised as important because of their age, rarity of type or landscape context e.g. pingos, duneslack ponds, machair ponds.

Priority habitat ponds can be readily identified by standard survey techniques such as those developed for NVC, Common Standards Monitoring, the National Pond Survey or for specific species groups. Ponds will need to be distinguished from other existing priority habitat types. The general principle to be applied is that where the standing water element is functionally a component of another priority habitat and that priority habitat definition takes account of the standing water element then it should be treated as part of that habitat. For example small waterbodies within blanket bog should be considered as part of the blanket bog priority habitat, but ponds in heathland (which are not dealt with through the heathland HAP) should be considered under the pond priority habitat. Agreement has been reached with the lake HAP group that the pond priority habitat will cover most water bodies up to 2 ha while the lake priority habitat will cover most water bodies greater than 2ha. As with other potentially overlapping priority habitat types a small proportion of cases will need to be individually assessed to decide how they are best dealt with.

Ponds are widespread throughout the UK, but high-quality examples are now highly localised, especially in the lowlands. In certain areas high quality ponds form particularly significant elements of the landscape, e.g. Cheshire Plan marl pits, the New Forest ponds, pingos of East Anglia, mid-Wales mawn pools, the North East Wales pond landscape, the forest and moorland pools of Speyside, dune slack pools, the machair pools

32

in the Western Isles of Scotland, and examples of Habitats Directive Annex I pond habitats across Northern Ireland.

Estimates, based on the relatively small pond data sets currently available, suggest that around 20% of the c.400,000 ponds outside curtilage in the UK might meet one or more of the above criteria.

An inventory of ponds, including many high quality sites, has been established as part of the National Pond Monitoring Network and work is in progress to add further known sites to this database. This is publicly accessible (for non-sensitive sites/species) at www.pondnetwork.org.uk. Currently about 500

lancashire pond biodiversity surveys - planning inspectorate · 2016-05-03 · 2 pond np10 was not...

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