Moor House - Land Management Plan1. Background information1.1 LocationReference Number 12-150-07-15Date completed July 2015Document author Teresa PotterApplicant Mr Roy BrownAgent Janet Dixon Town PlannersLocation Moor House Farm, Knowle Green, Lancashire, NGR: SD 64637Nearest town or Village Knowle GreenTotal area (ha) 5.661.2 Description of the proposed development in the landscapeThe surrounding land within the boundary of Moor House Farm is located within a rural agricultural landscape. The agricultural land borders neighbouring agricultural land. There is one other privately owned residential property (a converted barn comprising stone building and ornamental garden) located within the boundaries of the proposed development.1.3 History ManagementThe site has previously been used as a small holding however the land and buildings had fallen into decay and disrepair some years prior to it being purchased by the current owner. There is no indication that any previous management or care of the area has been implemented by it’s previous owner.The resulting habitat was poor in it’s diversity and health. Several mature trees have had to be removed due to safety issues and existing hedges have large gaps due to poor management.All of the mature trees were in need of maintenance. The Shrub layer was disjointed and sparse. Ground cover was lacking in biodiversity.

Moor House - Land Management Plan2. Site Information2.1 Areas and Information2.1.1 Designated areasCurrently there are no TPO’s present on the site2.1.2 Rare and important speciesCurrently there are no rare or important species within the site. Ref:- Ecology survey carried out February 2015There are no statutory wildlife sites within 1.5km of the proposed area. Ref:- Ecology survey carried out February 2015There are 8 non-statutory wildlife sites within 1.5km of the proposed site. Ref:- Ecology survey carried out February 20152.1.3 HabitatsHabitats present within the site prior to any management of the area were limited to the minimal high tree canopy, disjointed mixed hedgerows and species poor semi-improved grassland.2.1.4 WaterField drains are present within the site. A clay lined pond filled with rainwater and drainage outfall is present within the site.2.1.5 LandscapeThe surrounding landscape features of the site are all agricultural fields with some residential dwellings within sight.2.2 Site resource characteristicsThe exact age of the grassland is unknown however the reference to the Roman road indicate that the area has been farmed for centuries. It is the intention of the current owner to return the fields to meadow land with a diverse range of native wild flowers. The focus for all habitats is towards creating a biodiverse area with a particular interest in encouraging pollinating insects and nesting birds. Mature and unmanaged hedgerows to the field boundaries offer the opportunity of creating habitat corridors and increasing plant species within the site.Due to the previous use of the land, ground flora is limited to mixed species grassland with some Common nettle, Broad leaf dock, Bramble and Spear thistle .The aspect of the site is generally exposed. Little sheltered habitat is present, a deficiency that the current owner intends to rectify with appropriate new planting.2.3 Site descriptionThe amount of topsoil present is varied. Clay is present beneath all areas. Despite the sloping nature of the site there are areas that are poorly drained, suggesting that in the past the ground has become compacted or that ploughing pans are present.The existing garden area has some stone structures within it but no reference plants to indicate that it was an ornamental garden of particular interest or diversity.

Moor House - Land Management Plan3. Design Information3.1 Design BriefThe brief for the design was specific in the need to integrate the proposed new property into the wider landscape whilst providing the building with it’s own setting.3.1.1 OverviewTo expand on the brief the following areas were considered 3.1.2 Land managementThe area surrounding the property that is within the control of the client comprises 5.66 hectares of agricultural land. The garden curtilage within this area by comparison, is relatively small. It was therefore considered that the overall garden design should adopt a more informal style and that the surrounding agricultural land should be managed to be more visually pleasing with an increased environmental value.3.1.3 Visual impact of the developmentThe visual impact of the development is of utmost importance and the landscape design has addressed this. It is anticipated that the new property will be partially visible from a small number of properties on both Stoneygate Lane and Clitheroe Road.3.1.4 Driveway and approachThe long driveway and area in front of the proposed garages has the potential to create a beautiful approach and setting for the architectural design of the property. With a need from the clients point of view to be able to use the garages with space to turn cars and receive visitors. The design of this space is critical for the practical and safe management of vehicles. It is also important that the property sits comfortably within this setting and the wider landscape.3.1.5 Garden areaEach part of the development performs a role within the whole and it is important that the immediate landscape design addresses this by providing appropriate hard paths and terraces along with soft landscaped areas to integrate the structure with it’s surroundings.The garden to the main entrance needs to compliment as well as soften the architecture. It is important that the property be set within some areas of soft landscaping to link it with the surrounding rural landscape.The garden area to the rear of the property needs to provide an opportunity to enjoy outdoor dining and entertaining. A link to the wider landscape that the architecture has been designed to provide must also be utilised to make the best use of the site.Other areas of landscaping support the main areas of use, linking them together using softly structured ornamental planting schemes.3.2 Design StatementThe landscape design as been conceived whilst taking all of the above points into consideration. The fields and hedgerows now have a management and development plan in place in which wild flowers are being encouraged. New planting schemes will ensure that new varieties are introduced as appropriate to increase the availability of nectar so encouraging pollinating insects.The visual impact of the development will be addressed by the planting of shelter belts along specific field boundaries. This in turn links in with the increase in the shrub layer required to increase the habitat for nesting birds. This sort of landscape management goes far beyond anything that can be achieved within a garden curtilage and shows a commitment to the overall well being of the site.Specimen trees line the driveway to enhance the sense of arrival whilst taking the opportunity to plant native trees in a location in which they will easily have the space to reach maturity. This site offers a rare opportunity to plant trees in this way and this has been exploited to both the clients and the environments best interest.

Areas within the immediate vicinity of the property are largely hard landscaped to provide access to the property, parking and entertaining. The design of these areas incorporates a need to use the site with a desire to create a beautiful setting.

Moor House - Land Management Plan4. Long term vision, management objectives and strategy4.1 Long term visionThe long term vision is to manage and develop each habitat within the site, in a sympathetic and sensitive way. This will be achieved by the introduction of:-4.1.1 Shelter belts & ScreeningThe planting of several areas of mixed age class, predominately native species of broad leaved shelter belts. Shrub, field and ground cover layers will be introduced to broaden the type of habitat available within the curtilage of the proposed new property. This will be done with particular focus on increasing the habitat available to nesting birds4.1.2 Specimen tree plantingThe planting of a significant number of native species at semi-mature size, in positions that allow them to mature to specimen size throughout the site.4.1.3 Meadows & Wild FlowersThe management of the fields back to mixed meadows with a focus towards providing for pollinators. Achieved with the inclusion of native wild flowers.4.1.4 HedgerowsThe introduction of new hedgerows and the renovation of old ones to re-establish wildlife corridors through the improvement of existing and creation of new habitat.4.1.5 Water managementA clay lined pond filled with rainwater and drainage outfall is being managed to increase the diversity of the habitat available within the site.4.1.6 Ornamental plantingOrnamental varieties of native species are to be introduced to enhance the driveway adjacent to the proposed new house.4.1.7 Habitat developmentThe inclusion of nesting boxes, hibernation boxes and habitat piles will increase the variety of native birds, insects and small vertebrates within the site. 4.1.8 Garden areasTo manage and develop the garden area in a manner that compliments the rural aspect of the site.4.1.9 Management methodsWhere possible and practicable the site will be managed using organic methods and substances to improve biodiversity.4.2 Management objectivesNo. Objective1 Protect, maintain and improve the ecological integrity of the grassland and hedgerows in the long term.2 Improve structural diversity of the shrub, field and ground cover layers.3 Look after the soil and microclimate.4 Encourage wildlife, especially pollinating insects and songbirds.

5 Improve the amenity value of the site.6 Control invasive ground flora to improve diversity of species present.7 Control pests if they are out of balance with the habitat and affect the achievement of the objectives.4.3 Strategy

The strategy is tied in with the objectives and can be summarised by the following points;1 The site will be managed on a continuous basis, in the future regenerating areas;2 Through the regeneration of existing hedgerows and planting of new ones

Through the planting of shelter belts and creation of mixed layer and age habitat.Through the planting of native tree varieties with a view to allowing them to mature to their full potential.Enhance the existing planting with new planting that compliment the objectives of the project.

3 Re-cycling compostable waste into soil improvers to be re-used on site.To manage the site organically where possible.

4 Plant new varieties to prolong flowering seasons and increase food availability.Through the development of meadowsThe provision of Nesting, roosting and hibernation boxes.Deadwood to be used in the provision of habitat piles.

5 Planting of varieties that provide Fruit, nectar and other foods along with habitat currently not available.6 Control weeds using cultural/organic methods where ever possible.7 Control pest, diseases and disorders only when required and using only organic methods whenever possible

Moor House - Land Management Plan5. Management prescriptions/operations5.1 Phased development and restructuring of the siteIt is envisaged that the flora and fauna of the site will be managed and developed over a period of years with the initial 5 year plan set out in support of the planning application for a proposed new development.5.2 New PlantingThe initial planting plan to be actioned within the 1st year of the project.Ref plan number 12-150-06b Landscape Planting plan (Year One)All stock will be planted to BS 4428, 1989 with stock complying to BS 3936 (part 1) 19925.3 Establishment and restockingAll planting to be assessed against initial planting scheme to identify losses.All losses to be replaced in the next planting season.Cultural conditions to be assessed twice a year and problems identified to be rectified within the same season.5.3 Weed managementIdentification of invasive weeds to be carried out within the growing season of each year.All invasive weed varieties to be eradicated from the site as soon as they are identified.The only use of chemicals on site would be for the control of Japanese knotweed. This is not currently present.An area of Nettles and Brambles will be maintained on site for their value as part of the habitat.Control of other weeds will be carried out mechanically or by handInvasive beneficial woodland ground cover will be cultivated to smother unwanted floraThe use of mulches as a weed control will also be employed to help establish beneficial flora.5.4 Pest and disease managementIdentification of pests and diseases present on the site will take place twice a year.Pests and diseases will only be treated if deemed necessary to the health and welfare of the habitat.If required diseased trees/plants will be removed from site.Chemicals will only be used to eradicate pests and diseases if no other alternatives are available.A record of the operational details of this will be kept by the owner of the site.5.5 Protecting and enhancing landscape, biodiversity and special featuresAll existing standing dead trees, stumps and deadwood to be retained (with the exception of any trees identified as dangerous to neighbouring properties or infected with a notifiable disease)The management of the area to follow organic methods as set out by the soil association. However this does not require registration of the site. It is a way of measuring the methods against an identifiable industry standard.All organic waste to be composted on site for reuse as a soil improver within the planting areas.Nesting, roosting and hibernation boxes/habitat to be provided for Hedgehogs, Birds, Bats and Insects.

Moor House - Land Management Plan6. Monitoring plan summaryRef Table 1. Monitoring plan summary7. Work programmesRef Table 2 Short-term work Programme 2015 to 20198. MapsPlan number Plan Name12-150-03b Existing site - photographic record of views12-150-04b Location plan overlay12-150-05b Landscape Development proposal12-150-06b Landscape Planting plan (Five year)12-150-07b Landscape Planting plan (Year One)12-150-08c Landscape proposal - Front garden and Driveway12-150-09b Landscape proposal - Rear garden area

Table 1 Management Objectives Monitoring Plan Summary (5 years 2015 to 2019)No. Objective Indicator Method of

assessmentMonitoring period

Responsibility How information will be used

1 Protect, maintain and improve the ecological integrity of the woodland in the long term.

Health of existing trees and new planting

Assess losses Annually in June

Site owner Feedback into planting plan and need for replacement and improvement projects.

2 Improve structural diversity of the shrub, field and ground cover layers.

Regeneration of each layer

Fixed point photography

Annually in June

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan and need for replanting, feeding and pruning of stock

3 Look after the soil and microclimate.

Success of composting area

Assess quantity generated

Annually in October

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan. Compare year on year to assess success of maintenance schedule.

Soil analysis Assess worm activity

Annually in June

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan. Compare year on year to assess success and improve best practice.

4 Encourage wildlife, especially songbirds.

Number of birds present on site. General wildlife activity observed.

Assess species and numbers seen in a one hour period.

Annually in April

Site owner Feedback into habitat plan and need for additional nesting, roosting and hibernation boxes.

5 Improve the amenity value of the site.

Condition of planting

Fixed point photography

Every 6 months. In June and December

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan and need for replanting, feeding and pruning of stock. Identify areas of new planting and improvement projects

6 Control invasive ground flora to improve diversity of species present.

Number of unwanted varieties present.

Walkover survey of area.

Once a month from March to October

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan. Record all weed control activities in a separate log.

Success of field and ground cover planting.

Walkover survey of area

Once a month from March to October

Site owner Feedback into planting plan and need for replacement and improvement projects.

7 Control pests if they are out of balance with the woodland and affect the achievement of the objectives.

Identification of Pest, diseases and disorders in the area

Walkover survey of area

Once a month from March to October

Site owner Feedback into maintenance plan. Record all pest control activities in a separate log.

Table 2 Short-term work programme (2015 to 2019)Overall site Activity Year

2015 2016 2017 2018 20191 Implement year one planting plan. All planting to conform to BS Standards2 Assess success of previous years planting. Identify maintenance tasks to be

carried out.Carry out. Pruning and adjustment of stakes and ties to all treesReview planting plan, assess site conditions and prepare additional planting plan for each years improvement project.Implement planting improvement. All stock will be planted to BS 4428, 1989 with stock complying to BS 3936 (part 1) 1992

3 All organic waste produced during the maintenance of the area to be composted. Separate leaf mould from weeds and compost in separate bins.Mulch all planted areas with 100 mm composted bark to conserve water and supress weedsMulch all planted areas will 100 mm compost produced from waste management on site. Substitute this material with composted bark if insufficient material produced to complete the task.

4 Leave all ground clearance and pruning until end of February beginning of March to prevent the site becoming too tidy.Clean out all habitat boxes and re-secure if required.Identify new nesting sites and provide new boxes as required.Maintain and improve deadwood log piles.Leave designated areas of nettles and brambles.Increase stocks of bulbs to extend season of nectar supply.

5 Increase variety and diversity of species available to maximise production of flowers, fruits, nectar and habitat cover. Use both evergreen and deciduous varieties of tree, shrubs, ground cover and climbing plants.

6 Identification of weed vegetation. Control growth by removing by handIdentification of weed vegetation. Control growth using mechanical methodsIdentification of weed vegetation. Control growth using chemical methods

7 Identification of pest, diseases and disorders to be removed using organic methods.Identification of pest, diseases and disorder to be recorded and monitored

Table 2

Assessments Maintain all logs and assessment records separately. Recording all information stated in Table 1 along with actions to be taken to remedy problems and improve the site.

Records All logs and assessments to be recorded in a diary format with plan references for new planting. Work sheets to be issued to maintenance contractors with remedial tasks detailed. All work to be monitored on a monthly basis to ensure actions identified are carried out.

Short-term work programme (2015 to 2019)Table 2

Moor House - Land Management Plan2. Appendix A - Site Information - Ongoing projects2.1 Areas and Information2.1.3 HabitatsHabitat present following management of the land to encourage wild flowers within the hedgerows with all gaps re-planted with mixed native whips.

2.1.4 WaterThe clay lined pond is being fed by field drains. This area is being managed in a sensitive manner to encourage a diverse habitat suitable for both plant and wildlife.

2.1.5 LandscapeThe surrounding landscape features of the site are all agricultural fields with some residential dwellings within sight.

Landscape planting proposals detail planting to the boundary post and wire fence, just visible at the change from meadow grass to managed farm land. A screening shelter belt planting scheme of mixed native trees such as Field maple, Hawthorne, Birch, Alder and Holly will form a link between the existing hedgerows that are managed to encourage nesting birds.

Images of how the one other privately owned residential property (a converted barn comprising stone building and managed garden) located within the boundaries of the proposed development, sits within the site.

Mature planting screens the view of the proposed development from the seating area. Dense planting of ornamental grasses mixed with semi-mature native tree species and ornamental shrubs, provide an established screen along the walled boundary.

An open aspect to the field boundary makes the most of the view. This is situated on the opposite side of the property and facing away from the proposed new development.

2.2 Site resource characteristicsThe current owner is working towards returning the fields to meadow land with a diverse range of native wild flowers. Mowing of grassland is being delayed to enable flowers to set seed. Mature trees are managed to ensure they continue to thrive. New hedges have been planted to link the mature hedgerows that were quite thin and of poor quality to create wildlife corridors. The focus for all habitats is towards creating a biodiverse area with a particular interest in encouraging pollinating insects and nesting birds.

Moor House - Land Management Plan4. Appendix B - Long term vision - Completed planting and ongoing projects4.1 Long term visionThe long term vision is to manage and develop each habitat within the site, in a sympathetic and sensitive way. The images within Appendix B support the work that has taken place already with regard to the development of a diverse habitat and the encouragement of wildflowers.4.1.1 Shelter belts & ScreeningThe shelter belt planned for the boundary line pictured below, addresses the screening required to reduce the impact of the proposed new development along this elevation. Ref plan 12-150-05b for further detail.

Landscape planting proposals, detail planting to the boundary post and wire fence, just visible at the change from meadow grass to managed farm land. A shelter belt planting scheme of mixed native trees such as Field maple, Hawthorne, Birch, Alder and Holly will form a link between the existing hedgerows that are managed to encourage nesting birds.

Views from the field boundary towards the area of the proposed new development are largely screened by the levels around the pond. This has been utilised within the landscape design to provide further screening and soften the elevation of the pond sides. Ref plan 12-150-05b for further details

4.1.2 Specimen tree plantingSemi-mature trees are being planted throughout the site. Trees planted to date include 28 Lime trees along the length of the driveway along with 2 Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’ flanking the entrance at the roadside. 10 Carpinus betulus edge the drive as it splits at the bottom with 1 Fagus sylvatica at the entrance to the yard next to the agricultural building.

4.1.2 Specimen tree plantingAdditional planting of semi-mature specimens has taken place to the sides of the driveway as it divides into two. 10 Carpinus betulus now flank these areas along with 1 Fagus sylvatica.

4.1.3 Meadows and Wild flowersVarieties present following management of the land to encourage wild flowers within the field margins and grassland.Some of the varieties in flower at time of visit are recorded in the images below. Foxglove, Cow parsley, Common Nettle, Dock, Thistle,

Mixed grasses and banks of various thistle, nettle and dock are encouraged to line field margins and rough ground. Foxglove, Oxeye daisy and red campion are all present within banks of plants left to flower and set seed.Boggy areas of ground are left for marsh grasses and other varieties that prefer wet ground conditions.

4.1.4 HedgerowsHabitat present following management of the land to encourage wild flowers within the hedgerows with all gaps re-planted with mixed native whips.Varieties in flower at time of visit are recorded in the images below. Foxglove, Cow parsley, Honeysuckle (white/pink), Blackberry brambles, Rose, Honeysuckle (white/yellow), Elderberry, Hawthorne

4.1.5 Water managementThe clay lined pond is being fed by field drains. This area is being managed in a sensitive manner to encourage a diverse habitat suitable for both plant and wildlife. The images below record some of the plant and wildlife present at time of visit. In addition there are many birds and insects using the area that have not been caught by the camera.

4.1.6 Ornamental plantingOrnamental varieties of native species are being used to enhance the driveway adjacent to the proposed new development.The centre section of the driveway has been returned to a woodland planting scheme. Currently it has been planted with 91 birch at 3.5m in height. The area has been mulched with a 150 layer of bark mulch to manage water retention and reduce weed growth. As soon as the canopy has matured an understory of bluebells will be established to further increase the environmental value of the site to pollinating insects.This planting scheme offers screening of the development from the neighbouring converted barn and Clitheroe road at the top of the driveway.