the partnership’s vision for avon - avon wildlife · pdf filethe partnership’s...

The Partnership’s vision for Avon

A landscape rich in wildlife,where species and habitats arepart of healthy, functioningecosystems that are well-managed and valued byeveryone; where conservationof biodiversity is integratedwith social, cultural and economic activities

Produced by Jenny Hayward, AvonBiodiversity Partnership Co-ordintor, Avon Wildlife Trust Sponsored by Bristol Water plc.

Contents Introduction 0.1 The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan 0.2 Aims 0.3 The Avon Biodiversity Partnership Chapter 1: Setting the scene 1.1 History of the biodiversity process 1.1.1 The global perspective 1.1.2 The UK perspective 1.1.3 Regional work 1.1.4 Local action 1.2 Why the Avon area?

1.2.1 A consistent approach 1.2.2 Fitting in regionally and nationally 1.3 Links to other plans and processes in the Avon

area

1.3.1 Local biodiversity action plans 1.3.2 Other projects and strategies 1.3.3 Communication with non-partnership members 1.4 The biodiversity of Avon Chapter 2: Implementation Chapter 3: Indicators, reporting back and review 3.1 Indicators 3.2 Reporting back 3.3 Review of the Avon BAP Chapter 4: Cross-cutting issues and actions 4.1 Farming and private ownership 4.2 Development and planning 4.2.1 Community Strategies 4.2.2 The new planning system 4.2.3 Links between Development Frameworks and

Community Strategies

4.3 Water and wetlands 4.4 Other environmental interests 4.5 Invasive and non-native species 4.6 Information and data 4.6.1 Local Records Centres 4.6.2 The NBN/EN SW habitat mapping project

4.6.3 Voluntary Surveying 4.7 Landscape-scale conservation 4.8 Communications 4.9 Recreational activity 4.10 Funding Chapter 5: Habitat and Species Action Plans 5.0.1 Selecting Avon’s priority habitats for the Habitat

Action Plans

5.0.2 Priority species in Avon 5.0.3 Development and structure of the habitat and

species action plans

Habitat action plans 5.1 Species-rich grassland 5.2 Arable farmland 5.3 Purple moor grass and rush pasture action

statement

5.4 Hedgerows 5.5 Woodland 5.6 Wood pasture and parkland 5.7 Standing open water 5.8 Reedbeds and sedgebeds 5.9 Watercourses and floodplain 5.10 Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh 5.11 Estuary Species Action Plans 5a.1 Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Chapter 6: Appendices 6.1 Avon species of local conservation concern audit

criteria

6.2 Latin names for species mentioned 6.3 Abbreviations 6.4 Woodland priority area

Introduction

Introduction

0.1 The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan

The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is the over-arching conservation strategy for the

Avon area. It has been produced on behalf of the Avon Biodiversity Partnership. The

former county of Avon (here simply referred to as Avon and now also known as ‘The West

of England’) encompasses four unitary local authority areas: Bristol City, Bath and North

East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The BAP gives an overview of

nature conservation objectives in Avon as a whole and provides a ten year strategic

framework for management and enhancement of biodiversity, in-line with the UK’s

biodiversity process. It is aimed at all those organisations, groups and individuals wishing

to improve biodiversity in the area, but particularly at partnership and potential new

partnership members. The Avon BAP is the result of extensive involvement by a wide

range of local experts and organisations, ensuring that it is as comprehensive, accurate,

forward thinking and widely supported as possible.

0.2 Aims

The main aims of the Avon Biodiversity Action Plan are to:

• Provide a strategic overview of nature conservation priorities in Avon

• Identify habitats and species that are of particular value in Avon, within the national

context

• Highlight threats and issues affecting these ‘priority’ habitats and species

• Outline objectives, targets and actions to address these threats and issues

• Encourage a common approach to biodiversity conservation and sharing of best-

practice in Avon

• Encourage education and community action as an integral part of the biodiversity

process • Promote the importance of Avon’s biodiversity at a local, regional and national level

• Provide a focus for monitoring biodiversity and biodiversity action

Biological Diversity – ‘biodiversity’ – is the variety of life on earth Biological resources feed and clothe us and provide housing, medicines and spiritual nourishment. The beauty of our surroundings depends in a large part upon their diversity. Imagine the poverty of a sea without fish, a wildflower meadow without bees busy pollinating it or Wordsworth’s world without its ‘host of golden daffodils’. Practically all life forms are mutually inter-dependent. Higher life forms, and especially humans, could not exist without a complex variety of other living creatures. Destroy the ecosphere and we destroy ourselves. We have a responsibility to preserve the ecosphere and its wealth of biodiversity, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

Introduction

0.3 The Avon Biodiversity Partnership The Avon Biodiversity Partnership was formed in 2000 with the setting up of the

steering group. It has developed to encompass a wide range of statutory and non-

statutory bodies and will provide exciting opportunities for collaborative working. The

list of partnership members is not exclusive and new partners are both welcomed and

needed, especially from the business, academic and private sectors.

The Avon Biodiversity Partnership will:

• Drive implementation of the Avon Biodiversity Action Plan

• Champion and promote local biodiversity and its distinctiveness

• Seek opportunities for joint projects

• Monitor biodiversity and biodiversity action

• Facilitate communication and sharing of best-practice and skills • Provide a single point of contact for the many people and organisations with an

interest in nature conservation in Avon

• Support key local conservation projects and activities

• Report back annually on its achievements

• Feed into regional and national BAP processes where necessary

Avon Biodiversity Partnership Members Avon Reptile and Amphibian Group (ARAG)¦ Avon Valley Partnership (AVP) ¦ Avon Wildlife Trust

(AWT) * ¦ Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES)* ¦ Bristol City Council (BCC)* ¦ Bristol

Living Rivers Project (BLR) ¦Bristol Naturalists’ Society (BNS) ¦ Bristol Ornithological Club (BOC) ¦

Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC)* ¦ Bristol Water (BW) ¦ British Waterways

(BWW) ¦ Bristol Zoo ¦ British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) ¦ BTCV (formerly

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) ¦ British Trust for Ornithology (Avon: BTO) ¦ Cotswolds

AONB Partnership (CAONBP) ¦ Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)* ¦

The Duchy of Cornwall ¦English Nature (EN)* ¦Environment Agency (EA)* ¦ Forest of Avon (FoA)¦

Forestry Commission (FC) ¦ Forest Enterprise (FE) ¦ Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)

¦Hawk and Owl Trust (HOT) ¦ HM Prison Service (HMPS) ¦ Joint Strategic Planning and

Transportation Unit (JSPTU)* ¦ Mendip Hills AONB (MHAONB) ¦ National Trust (NT) ¦ North

Somerset Council (NSC)* ¦ North Somerset Levels and Moors Project (NSLMP) ¦ South

Gloucestershire Council (SGC)* ¦Wessex Water (WW)

* Steering group members

Chapter 1: Setting the scene


1.1 History of the biodiversity process 1.1.1 The global perspective In 1992 the UK was one of over 150 countries to sign the Convention on Biological

Diversity at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (The

Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro. This convention importantly requires countries to

develop national strategies for the conservation of biological diversity and the

sustainable use of biological resources. The Earth Summit was the largest ever

gathering of World leaders, demonstrating the high priority of environmental concerns

on the World’s political agenda.

1.1.2 The UK perspective To demonstrate its commitment to the convention, the UK government published the

UK BAP in 1994, aimed at conserving and enhancing biological diversity in the UK and

contributing to the conservation of global biodiversity. As part of this, 45 UK Habitat

and 391 UK Species Action Plans were published by 1999. The UK BAP also

highlighted the importance of increasing public awareness of, and involvement in,

conserving biodiversity.

The UK Biodiversity Process is a dynamic one. Responsibility for implementing the UK

BAP was devolved from the UK to the country level with the establishment of the

Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. In England, the England Biodiversity Group,

facilitated by the DEFRA Biodiversity Policy Unit is implementing the England

Biodiversity Strategy. ‘Working with the Grain of Nature: a Biodiversity Strategy for

England’ was launched in October 2002. It seeks to ensure biodiversity considerations

become embedded in all main sectors of public policy: agriculture, water and wetlands,

woodland, marine and coastal ecosystems, and urban areas. The Strategy also looks

at ways of engaging society as a whole in understanding and acting for the needs of

biodiversity and includes local and regional activity and funding and economics

amongst its cross-cutting themes.

1.1.3 Regional work The South West was the first region to establish a Regional Biodiversity Partnership

and the South West BAP was published in 1997, setting out objectives, targets and

actions for the whole region. Due to the timing of its production before a number of the

UK priority habitats had been defined, it is not well aligned with the UK BAP. A South

West Biodiversity Implementation Plan, which will redress this lack of alignment, and

look at the way forward for the South West, will be published in 2004.


1.1.4 Local action Biodiversity is ultimately lost or conserved at the local level. Local BAPs were identified

in the UK BAP as the means by which national and regional strategy is translated into

effective action at the local level. They provide the opportunity to reflect the values of

local people and to take into account local conditions and distinctiveness. The

progress of Local BAPs has been introduced as a headline indicator to measure the

success of the England Biodiversity Strategy. Despite this there is no direct financial

support for the production, co-ordination or implementation of the plans. The BAP

process as a whole relies on effectiveness gained by working in partnership and

innovative approaches to seeking new resources. Funding is an issue that is currently

on the regional and national agendas (e.g. with the production of a funding strategy for

the England Biodiversity Strategy).

1.2 Why the Avon area? 1.2.1 A consistent approach

The former county of Avon, now also known as ‘The West of England’, was disbanded

in 1995 into four local unitary authority (UA) areas: Bristol City, Bath and North East

Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Development and Transport

planning was, however, left in the hands of a single joint body, the Joint Strategic

Planning and Transportation Unit. Many other organisations still function at an Avon-

wide, or wider, level. For example, the Avon Wildlife Trust, DEFRA, the Forestry

Commission, the Forest of Avon, the Hawk and Owl Trust, Bristol Regional

Environmental Records Centre and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, to name

but a few. Some organisations function at the level of two or three Unitary Authority

areas, for example the Cotswolds AONB Partnership and the Mendip Hills AONB.

Importantly, the Avon BAP will allow these organisations to focus their limited

resources and to pursue, influence and communicate biodiversity objectives in the area

consistently.

There are many other exciting collaborative projects in the Avon area, its partnership

experience is growing and it is making real progress in joint working and developing

strategic decision-making capacity - illustrated for example by the West of England

Strategic Partnership (WESP) and the Avon Valley Partnership. The four universities in

the area - University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England

(UWE) and Bath Spa College – have also entered an exciting new collaborative phase,

working with each other, with industry and with the community. Business West works


at an Avon-wide level to promote business and investment and to ensure that the

growing economy brings greater equality and sustainable growth across the area. The

Avon BAP and Biodiversity Partnership will help to ensure that biodiversity objectives

are consistently represented to and considered by these groups.

1.2.2 Fitting in regionally and nationally

Planning of biodiversity action at the county level is the approach that has been

adopted in most areas of the UK. In areas where there is no county council, as is the

case in Avon, assemblages of UA areas have been grouped successfully by joint BAPs

[for example, Tees Valley (former Clevedon county: 4 UAs), Greater Manchester (10

UAs), North Merseyside, and Birmingham and Black Country]. Many of these

demonstrate the benefits of having a strong biodiversity partnership with a dedicated

co-ordinator in bringing about gains for biodiversity. Each of the counties in the South

West Region has, or is developing, a BAP. The Avon BAP will allow Avon to be

represented on an equal footing with others in regional and national processes. It will

also make it easier to communicate and work with our neighbouring counties of

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset. The Avon Biodiversity Partnership is

represented, through the regional BAP co-ordinators’ group, on the Regional

Biodiversity Partnership, where it informs and engages with regional partners, issues

and activity.

1.3 Links to other plans and processes in the Avon area Many plans and processes in Avon are working towards similar goals and collectively

should achieve a great deal for biodiversity. The relationship between many of these

plans and processes and the Avon BAP is described here. The cascading of actions

from the Avon BAP to more local BAPs and to individual organisational plans and

projects should ensure shared objectives across Avon, flag-up opportunities for joint

projects and reduce duplication of effort in reporting as well as implementation.

1.3.1 Local biodiversity action plans The Avon BAP is an important link between the UK and local BAPs, whether at a UA or

organisational level. It does not, however, replace the need for local BAPs, through

which much of the action will be delivered. There is a great deal of local biodiversity

action planning activity in the Avon area.

Each of the UAs has its own biodiversity action planning process. At the time of writing

this plan, B&NES (the Wildthings Partnership) and NSC had completed BAPs. SGC


and BCC also plan to produce BAPs. The UA and Avon plans are well-aligned. The

UA BAPs and biodiversity processes have informed development of the Avon BAP and

will now act as major delivery mechanisms for it.

The Environment Agency, the British Association of Shooting and Conservation,

Wessex Water and the Highways Agency all have BAPs that operate at a broader

geographical level than Avon. Where possible these plans have been reflected in the

Avon BAP and the plans share a number of common objectives, habitats and species.

Implementation of each of these plans should complement and support implementation

of the others. For example, where land is managed by BASC members their BAP

programme, ‘Green Shoots’, can be incorporated into the actions and objectives set out

in this document and will thus help to achieve their implementation.

British Waterways is in the process of compiling a BAP programme for the Kennet &

Avon Canal. HMP Leyhill also plans to develop a BAP, covering the prison site. The

Avon Biodiversity Partnership co-ordinator attends the HMP Leyhill meetings, thus

ensuring the links between the HMP Leyhill BAP and the Avon BAP are made. These

BAPs will both be important local delivery mechanisms for the Avon BAP.

1.3.2 Other projects and strategies The Avon BAP will enable biodiversity to be more easily and consistently integrated into

other sectors’ plans and processes – for example, through the Local Strategic

Partnerships (LSPs) responsible for developing Community Strategies. Links with

Community Strategies and Local Development Frameworks are explored more fully in

section 4.2. The Avon BAP will also be delivered through the strategies and projects of

many of the individual organisations in the Avon Biodiversity Partnership, such as the

Forest of Avon’s Forest Plan, the Mendip Hills and Cotswolds AONB management

plans, the Bristol Living Rivers Project, and the Avon Wildlife Trust’s 5-year strategic

plan.

1.3.3 Communication with non-partnership members The Highways Agency has, in its corporate documentation, recognised the importance

of the partnership approach to the BAP process, although prefers to be involved in BAP

partnerships at a regional and national, rather than local, level. Similarly, the RSPB is

fully engaged in the BAP process at a regional level but does not have the resources to

be actively involved in local partnerships. Both the RSPB and the Highways Agency,


however, support a number of the objectives of the Avon BAP and Partnership and are

happy to get involved on an ad-hoc basis, as the need arises. The Avon Biodiversity

Partnership will keep them informed of meetings, activities and relevant projects.

Actions for the Internal Drainage Boards in North Somerset are included in the North

Somerset BAP, since their activities are confined to this area of Avon. Their action will,

of course, contribute to the biodiversity of Avon and they will be kept informed of Avon

Biodiversity Partnership activities and invited to attend relevant meetings.

Many other organisations are important deliverers or potential deliverers of biodiversity

action in the area, for example, WESP, Business West, the Universities, and many

businesses, and as such should be approached in future with regards their involvement

with the Avon Biodiversity Partnership.

1.4 The biodiversity of Avon Ecologically, Avon is exceptionally diverse for its size (1332 square km). Avon’s varied

geology results in the occurrence of a wide range of habitats, from the species-rich

calcareous grasslands of the Cotswold and Mendip Hills and the ancient woodlands of

the ridges, steep slopes and scarp faces, to the network of rhynes of the Levels and

Moors and the coastal saltmarshes of the Severn Estuary. There are 28 UK BAP

priority habitats in Avon and the area holds 19 of the 27 broad habitat types found in

the UK, as defined in the UK BAP. UK BAP broad habitats and their associated priority

habitats found within Avon are shown in table 1.1.

Avon supports a large number of plant and animal species that are regarded as

vulnerable nationally. An audit of species of particular local importance (species of

local conservation concern) carried out in 2003 (see appendix 6.1) listed over 1000

nationally important species. Of these, 47 were UK BAP species. The species of local

conservation concern included dormice, water voles, white-clawed crayfish, otters, barn

owls, horseshoe bats and a significant number of butterfly species including brown

hairstreak, chalkhill blue and various species of fritillary. Rare plant species include

round-headed leek (Bristol onion), Bristol rock-cress, the endemic Bristol whitebeam

and nationally notable plants such as lizard orchid, adder’s-tongue spearwort (found in

only two sites in the UK) and Bath asparagus. Otters are recovering across much of

Avon and pole cats are also making a recovery, spreading south from Gloucestershire.

Avon contains a number of designated and legally protected wildlife and geological

areas. These include 86 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and the Gordano


Valley and Leigh Woods National Nature Reserves (NNRs). SSSIs that are also of

European significance include: Chew Valley Lake Special Protection Area (SPA) for

birds; Uphill Cliff, which is part of a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) for

limestone grassland; Brockley Hall Stables, and Combe Down and Bathampton Down

Mines, both of which form parts of cSACs for bats and the Avon Gorge Woodlands

cSAC. The Severn Estuary, and its tributaries, is an especially important wetland,

comprising SSSI, SPA, proposed (p)SAC and Ramsar features (see map 1.2). Many

other wildlife or geological sites are recognised as of local importance and are

protected from development as local authority designated Sites of Nature Conservation

Interest/Importance (SNCIs: in SGC, B&NES and BCC) or Wildlife Sites (WS: in NSC).

Avon also holds parts of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in the

Cotswolds and the Mendip Hills (see map 1.1). Other sites are designated as Local

Nature Reserves (LNRs) and, in B&NES, BCC and SGC, have dedicated ‘Wildspaces’

officers.

Table 1.1: UK BAP broad and priority habitats found within Avon. The UK Biodiversity Group has divided the whole land surface of the country and surrounding marine environment into 27 broad habitat types. These were further divided and the sub-habitats of particular importance nationally were defined as UK priority habitats. This table lists those broad and priority habitats that exist in Avon. UK BAP broad habitat UK BAP priority habitat

Lowland beech and yew woodland Upland mixed ashwoods Mixed deciduous woodland Wet woodland

Broad-leaved, mixed and yew woodland

Lowland wood pasture and parkland Arable and Horticulture Cereal field margins Boundary and Linear Features Ancient and / or species-rich hedgerows Acid Grassland Lowland dry acid grassland Calcareous Grassland Lowland calcareous grassland Neutral Grassland Lowland meadows Dwarf Shrub Heath Lowland heathland Improved Grassland Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

Purple moor-grass and rush pastures Fens

Fen, Marsh and Swamp

Reedbeds Standing Open Water and Canals Eutrophic standing water Rivers and Streams Bogs Lowland raised bog Supra Littoral Rock Maritime cliff and slopes

Coastal sand dunes Supra Littoral Sediment Coastal vegetated shingle Seagrass (Zostera) beds Coastal saltmarsh

Littoral Sediment

Mudflats Sabellaria spinulosa reefs Inshore Sublittoral Rock Tidal rapids Maerl beds Saline lagoons

Inshore Sublittoral Sediment

Mud in deep Water Urban - Built Up Areas and Gardens -

Map 1.2: Designated sites in Avon


13

Chapter 2: Implementation


Much work and collaboration has gone into the preparation and production of the Avon BAP.

However, its value will be proven in the implementation phase. This chapter provides a

framework for implementation of the Avon BAP. The proposed partnership structure set out

here is a provisional one and is flexible.

One of the most valuable outcomes of developing the plan has been bringing people

together, making others aware of current activities and ideas for future collaborative

projects. An essential part of the plan’s implementation is to build upon this contact.

The Partnership’s model for implementation is that topic working groups should be set up

for each of the five topics set out in the England Biodiversity Strategy: Agriculture; Water

and Wetlands; Woodland; Marine and Coastal Ecosystems; and Urban (section 1.1.2).

Implementation of the Habitat and Species Action Plans will be co-ordinated and driven by

these groups. The topic working groups will meet annually, or as required, to:

•••• Prioritise actions for the coming year

• Discuss possible new actions and collaborative projects

• Share knowledge, experience and best-practice

• Report back on achievements

A funding sub-group will look strategically at funding the BAP process and possible joint

projects. A communications sub-group may be set up to develop the awareness-raising,

education and community aspects of the Avon BAP, as well as to look at marketing and

media. A monitoring group will look strategically at Avon’s data needs and mechanisms of

filling them. Formation of other sub-groups will also be explored, for example a geology

group to develop the geological side of the BAP.

Since it is very difficult to separate the work of each group cleanly good communication

between groups is essential. Chairs from each topic and sub-group will attend steering

group meetings, thus ensuring all are aware of, and can influence, each other’s actions. It

may also be beneficial for the whole partnership to meet annually.

In this way future action will be based on past success and the relevance and priority of

actions will be continually reviewed, keeping the implementation process, and thus the

action plans, alive.


Proposed Partnership Structure

Steering Group Meetings: 2-4 times per year

Topic and Sub-Group Meetings: 2 times per year or as required

Chairs for each of the topic and sub-groups will attend steering group meetings and will be able to influence

the activities of other groups. Partnership members and other relevant organisations will be invited to

attend any relevant meetings. Details of those organisations involved in each topic or sub-group will be

available on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk, as well as the most up-to-date partnership structure.

Steering Group

Topic Working

Groups Agriculture

Water and Wetlands Coastal and Marine

Woodland Urban

Communications Sub-Group

Funding Sub-Group

Monitoring Sub-Group

Chapter 3: Indicators,reporting back and

review

Chapter 3: Indicators, reporting back and review

3.1 Indicators and targets Monitoring progress and measuring success is a vital part of the biodiversity process. In order to

aid this process, the Avon BAP has adopted those indicators from the England Biodiversity

Strategy that are most relevant to the Avon situation, and for which a measuring mechanism is

already in place (see table 3.1). The indictors are:

• The populations of wild birds

• The condition of SSSIs

• Area of land under agri-environment agreement

• Biological quality of rivers

• Progress of Avon Habitat/Species Action Plans (HAPs/SAPs)

The first four indicators above were originally derived from the Government Quality of Life Counts

indicators, used for measuring progress with sustainable development in the UK. The England

Biodiversity Strategy simply adopted those that were most relevant to biodiversity. Thus, the

Avon BAP indicators are aligned with both the England and the UK processes.

This set of indicators will only indicate success of certain aspects of the Avon BAP, not of the

whole plan. The indicators chosen reflect those that are measured currently, meaning that

monitoring them does not divert valuable resources away from on-the-ground action for

biodiversity. Development and monitoring of a more comprehensive set of indicators would

require considerable resource input and may be considered in future.

Quantified, time-limited targets in line with the UK targets have been set where possible for each

Avon HAP/SAP. Additional targets may be developed by the topic working groups where

appropriate/required.

Chapter 3: Indicators, reporting back and review

Table 3.1: Organisations responsible for measuring indicators for the Avon BAP Indicator Organisation responsible for

co-ordinating measurement Frequency

The populations of wild birds* BTO, BOC, AWT (through BirdWatch), BNS

annual

The condition of SSSIs EN SSSIs are individually assessed at least once in 6 years as part of a rolling programme. Annual reports give the numbers of SSSIs which are in favourable or unfavourable condition.

Area of priority habitat and total land under agri-environment agreement

DEFRA annual

Biological quality of rivers EA 3 year rolling programme Progress of Avon habitat/species action plans

Relevant Topic or Sub-Group annual

*This indicator will be further refined and details will be available on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk

3.2 Reporting back The Avon Biodiversity Partnership has a responsibility to report back

on progress both locally and nationally. The Avon Biodiversity

Partnership Co-ordinator will produce an annual progress report for

the Avon BAP on behalf of the partnership. This will include

information from the topic working groups and the other partnership

sub-groups as well as information gained from monitoring the

indicators. The Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) will be

used to report back on action, as soon as it comes on-line.

3.3 Review of the Avon BAP The Avon BAP is a working document which, given its ten year time-scale, must adapt to

changing circumstances and respond to lessons learned through the process of implementation

and monitoring. The plan has been produced in a ring-binder format to allow changes and

additions to be made easily. A mid-term review of the whole plan will be carried out in

consultation with all partners in 2009, in the light of the results of monitoring, and in the context of

changing issues and threats. A further review, to include recommendations for the future of the

process, will be carried out in 2014, at the end of the life of the plan.

The Biodiversity Action Reporting System is a

national, web-based reporting system. This is

due to come on-line in 2004. It should provide a facility for writing progress

reports for local BAPs. This system should

therefore aid local, as well as national, reporting.

Chapter 4: Cross-cutting issues

and actions

Chapter 4: Cross-cutting issues and actions

In addition to the specific actions described in the individual Habitat and Species Action Plans,

there are cross-cutting issues and actions that lie across several plans. This section outlines

these cross-cutting actions and should be read in conjunction with each Habitat and Species

Action Plan.

This section is not intended to be a complete summary of each issue. Rather, it provides a

structure for strategic action and a guide to the major issues.

The Partnership has identified 10 cross-cutting themes:

• Farming and private ownership

• Development and planning

• Water and wetlands

• Other environmental interests

• Invasive and non-native species

• Information and data

• Landscape-scale conservation

• Communications

• Recreational activity

• Funding

4.1 Farming and private ownership Much of Avon is farmland and/or is in private ownership. Many of our important species and

valuable semi-natural habitats occur on this land. Species-rich grassland, ponds, hedges and

ditches are all inextricably linked to the farming systems within which they exist and many rely

on traditional farming practices to maintain them.

Only by working with farmers and landowners is it possible for many of the biodiversity

objectives in this plan to be met. Good relationships exist between many farmers and

landowners and the Biodiversity Partnership members that work with them in Avon, such as

FWAG, DEFRA, AWT and BASC membership (much of the land in private ownership has

shooting interest and influence from BASC members). The Partnership is committed to

remaining sensitive to the needs of farmers and landowners and to working with them to

achieve gains for biodiversity.

Agri-environment schemes and other funding of conservation work are major mechanisms that

enable landowners to manage their land favourably for biodiversity.


2004 will see DEFRA starting to introduce the new Environmental Stewardship agri-

environment scheme, with first agreements in 2005. With two levels (Higher and Entry) it is

designed to bring 80% of farmers in the UK into Stewardship compared with 20% in the current

Countryside Stewardship scheme, which it replaces. The new scheme is expected to bring

major benefits for biodiversity and will help to achieve the DEFRA PSA target to reverse the

long-term decline of farmland birds by 2020.

English Nature’s Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES) is a funding source for works on

SSSIs. It can also be used to improve surrounding land, where this is conducive to favourable

condition of the SSSI. EN/DEFRA have a PSA target to bring 95% of SSSIs into favourable

condition by 2010. With many of these SSSIs in private ownership, this funding is an essential

mechanism for achieving the target.

The Forestry Commission is finalising details of the new England Woodland Grants Scheme

(EWGS), to be launched in April 2005. This grant will provide funding for management and

creation of woodland. Under EWGS, as was the case under the old Woodland Grant Scheme,

landowners who create woodland on improved agricultural land may be eligible for annual

payments in lieu of income from agriculture. Funding for woodland creation and management

in the Community Forest is also available from the Forest of Avon.

There will be ongoing debate nationally in the lifetime of this plan on the future of rural delivery

in the wake of the Haskins Report. The key proposal for a single ‘integrated agency’ to take

over some or all the delivery functions of DEFRA’s Rural Development Service, English Nature,

Countryside Agency and the Forestry Commission has significant long-term implications for the

Avon BAP Partnership.

Table 4.1: Cross-cutting actions for farming and private ownership

Action Time Implementors Seek enhancement and conservation of BAP priority habitats and species through agri-environment schemes and EWGS

ongoing DEFRA, EN, FC, FWAG, AWT, CAONBP, NSLMP, FoA

Seek creation of BAP priority habitats through agri-environment schemes and the EWGS

ongoing DEFRA, EN, FC, FWAG, AWT, CAONBP NSLMP, FoA

Seek enhancement and conservation of BAP priority habitats and species through Biodiversity Action Grants and similar funding mechanisms

ongoing UAs, EN, BTCV

Seek the creation of BAP priority habitats through Biodiversity Action Grants and similar funding mechanisms

ongoing UAs, EN, BTCV


Protect SSSIs through consent procedures & positive payments (including WES)

ongoing EN

Use WES to improve management of land surrounding SSSIs where it is conducive to favourable condition

ongoing EN

Facilitate the pooling of specialist machinery and knowledge throughout Avon

ongoing DEFRA, EN, AWT, NSLMP, FWAG

Promote sustainable farming techniques throughout the farming community

ongoing DEFRA, EN, AWT, NSLMP, FWAG

Target agri-environment schemes and other funding sources to particularly important areas of priority habitat and areas not currently in favourable biodiversity management

ongoing DEFRA, FWAG, AWT, CAONBP, MHAONB NSLMP, UAs, FC, FoA, EN

Make owners of SNCIs with priority habitat and species aware of their value, favourable management and possible sources of funding for doing this

ongoing UAs, NSLMP, AWT, FWAG

Provide advice and/or training on the creation, management and restoration of priority habitats and management for priority species

ongoing UAs, DEFRA, EA, NSLMP, BTCV, AWT, FWAG

4.2 Development and planning Development has caused extensive loss of wildlife habitat, particularly in the last fifty years.

With high demand for new housing and economic development, the Avon area is under

particular pressure. However, with increasing emphasis on sustainable development, with

biodiversity as a key component, the needs of biodiversity should, increasingly, be taken into

consideration when planning development. The Partnership recognises that biodiversity must

be given full consideration in the planning process, and work will be needed to ensure that this

is the case, given current reform of the planning system. Opportunities to enhance biodiversity

through the planning process and initiatives such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

should be maximised.

4.2.1 Community Strategies Local Authorities have a duty under the Local Government Act 2000 to promote the

environmental, social and economic well-being of their areas. Section 4 requires them to

prepare Community Strategies the over-arching strategy identifying the key priorities for action

in a council's area. Guidance issued as part of DETR Circular 4/2001 makes clear that local

BAPs are among the elements local authorities should build upon when preparing these

Community Strategies. Local authority planning for biodiversity should be firmly linked into

Community Strategies to provide a framework to ensure biodiversity is embedded into all

activities. Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) lead development and implementation of these

strategies. The four UA LSPs in Avon are at different stages in production and development of

Community Strategies and work is still needed to ensure biodiversity is fully represented in

these. A useful recent brochure ‘Life-Support – incorporating biodiversity into community

strategies’ (DEFRA) shows how LSP objectives can benefit from local biodiversity. It challenges

partnerships to ask the right questions and find those with the answers.

4.2.2 The new planning system


The Government’s Planning Green Paper, ‘Planning – delivering a fundamental change’,

published in December 2001 announced that the Government intended to review all its

planning policy guidance. The Government confirmed in July 2002 that the planning system

would be reformed, including the introduction of Local Development Frameworks to replace

local plans and unitary development plans. The local development framework will comprise

development plan documents, which will form part of the statutory development plan, and

supplementary planning documents (replacing Supplementary Planning Guidance), which

provide further detail of policies and proposals in development plan documents. The

Partnership is committed to ensuring that biodiversity is fully considered in all development

plans and other locally produced policies, plans and programmes, including Community

Strategies, the Regional Spatial Strategy, Local Development Frameworks and Supplementary

Planning Documents, and in development control decisions.

4.2.3 Links between Development Frameworks and Community Strategies The Government wishes to develop effective linkages between community strategies and local

development frameworks given that both are concerned with the achievement of sustainable

development objectives. The local development framework will be a key component in the

delivery of the community strategy, setting out its spatial aspects where appropriate. In

particular, core policies in local development documents will need to take full account of the

land-use consequences of other policies and programmes relevant to the community strategy

including education, health, waste, biodiversity, recycling and environmental protection.

Table 4.2: Cross-cutting actions for development and planning Action Time Implementor Seek to ensure biodiversity is fully incorporated into Community Strategies, Development Frameworks and other locally produced policies, plans and programmes

ongoing UAs, AWT, EN, EA, JSPTU

Produce supplementary planning documents to support planning policies including recommendations for BAP priority habitats and species

ongoing UAs

Protect BAP priority habitats and species and SSSIs, SNCIs/WSs from loss and damage through development plan policies (including waste and mineral plans) and development control decisions

ongoing JSTPU, UAs, BRERC EN, EA, AWT

Seek positive enhancement for BAP priority habitats and species through the planning process, including planning agreements


Seek the creation of BAP priority habitats through the planning process including planning agreements


Produce Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)* to back up policies in existing Local Plans

various* UAs

Protect BAP priority habitats and species, SSSIs and SNCIs from loss and damage through legislation such as the EIA Regs, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) etc.

ongoing DEFRA, EN, AWT, UAs

Ensure that when considering the need for, and scope of, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment, the needs of BAP priority habitats and species are fully taken into account

ongoing JSPTU, UAs

Ensure that developers provide suitable information about priority species as appropriate to assess the impact of development, help with determination and, if there is no alternative to development, inform mitigation measures

ongoing UAs, EA, EN, AWT

Where appropriate, designate BAP priority habitat sites as SNCI/SSSI/WS ongoing EN, UAs, BRERC Investigate the possibility of monitoring planning conditions and planning agreements to ensure they are being fulfilled

2004/5 UAs


Promote sustainable urban drainage systems and sustainable water technology in new development

ongoing UA, EA, BLR, BWW, BW, WW

Seek to sustain hedgerow lines in new developments as natural green corridors

ongoing UAs

* SGC produced a biodiversity SPG for BAP species and habitats in 2003. B&NES will produce an SPG on priority species 2004/5 and NSC will produce a biodiversity SPG for BAP species and habitats in 2004/5. The Forest of Avon, in partnership with the UAs, amongst others, is producing an SPG to cover the whole of the community forest area (2004/5).

4.3 Water and wetlands Water and wetland habitats included in this plan are standing open water, reedbeds and

sedgebeds, watercourse and floodplain, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, and estuary.

Many of these habitats represent different successional states of the same thing. Many

floodplain ditches are considerably bigger than 1m2, so would qualify as standing open water in

the definition at some times, as watercourses at others, and as reedbeds later in the

management cycle. Whilst some actions relate to specific habitats and are thus included in the

appropriate individual HAPs, other actions apply to all water and wetland habitats.

Table 4.3: Cross-cutting actions for water and wetlands Action Time Implementor Encourage development and implementation of sympathetic water abstraction, water level and flood management policies and of appropriate coastal zone management plans in order to protect, enhance and create BAP priority habitats

ongoing EA, UAs, WW, EN

Complete and implement Water Level Management Plans and ensure they achieve desired conservation objectives

ongoing EA, EN, AWT, NSLMP

Seek the maximisation of environmental benefits in all flood defence schemes

ongoing EA, UAs, BLR, AWT, EN

Ensure that routine flood management does not adversely impact on BAP priority habitats

ongoing EA

Monitor water levels to allow appropriate water level management to sustain conservation value

ongoing EA, AWT

Ensure that the overall effect of abstraction is not detrimental to aquatic habitats and biodiversity

ongoing BW, EA, WW

Restore more dynamic processes to re-establish the river floodplain function and habitats wherever feasible

ongoing EA

Ensure that water quality objectives under the Water Framework Directive are met in all rivers and streams

ongoing EA

Ensure that discharge activities do not significantly impact on aquatic habitats and biodiversity

ongoing EA, DEFRA, FWAG, AWT, NSLMP, BLR (Operation Streamclean), WW

Identify main diffuse pollution issues and sources for each catchment EA, DEFRA, BRERC Target farm visits to high risk areas (identified by DEFRA/EA) to prevent diffuse pollution through improved farm practices

ongoing EA, AWT, FWAG, NSLMP, DEFRA

Encourage farmers to prepare and implement Farm Waste Management Plans

ongoing EA, DEFRA, NSLMP, AWT, FWAG

Provide advice to fish farms and angling clubs on biodiversity/pollution ongoing EA, NSLMP, AWT Raise awareness of sustainable water issues and promote water saving devices

ongoing BW, WW, EA, AWT, UAs

4.4 Other environmental interests Avon’s prime wildlife sites often have other conservation interests. There are strong links

between archaeological, wildlife, geological, landscape and heritage values. Geology

underpins all biodiversity. Geological exposures often occur in sites of importance for industrial

archaeology e.g. quarries and mine workings, which can also be key wildlife sites. Many


priority habitats are underlain by important archaeological features. Historic buildings, which

may be of local, regional or even national importance for their architecture, can provide habitats

for rare bats and barn owls. Management for wildlife conservation should not compromise

these other conservation interests and opportunities should be taken to protect and enhance

geological, landscape and archaeological values wherever possible. Equally, opportunities to

enhance biodiversity should be sought when land is managed for its geological, archaeological

and/or landscape interest. Occasional conflicts of interest may arise, and these are best dealt

with on an individual site basis. Given the importance of geology to biodiversity it may be

appropriate to develop the geological/earth science aspect of the Avon BAP in future.

Table 4.4: Cross-cutting actions for other environmental interests Action Time Implementor Ensure that wildlife conservation measures take account of geological, archaeological, historical and landscape values

ongoing Avon Biodiversity Partnership

Approach local RIGS groups to discuss the possibility of developing the geological aspect of this plan

2004/5 Avon Biodiversity Partnership co-ordinator

4.5 Invasive and non-native species Invasive and non-native species are rather like weeds – they are identified as pests only when

unwanted. There is a long list of species which have been considered a threat to biodiversity in

Avon over the years - Rhododendron, sycamore, beech, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan

balsam, Australian stonecrop, deer, squirrels, bramble, signal crayfish etc. The issues behind

control of these species can be complex. For example, bramble scrub can be regarded as an

invasive species on species-rich grassland and heath and yet it is increasingly recognised as a

very valuable wildlife habitat in its own right, supporting important populations of birds and

dormice, amongst other species. Action to control invasive and non-native species should be

considered only when they are thought to be currently threatening the biodiversity value of a

key habitat or species and, importantly, when control is likely to be cost-effective. For some

species, particularly those which regenerate or breed freely over a wide area, such as

Japanese knotweed along watercourses, there are opportunities for increasing effectiveness by

co-ordinating programmes across ownerships and areas.

Table 4.5: Cross-cutting actions for invasive and non-native species Action Time Implementor Encourage and/or implement control and eradication of invasive or non-native species where appropriate/possible

ongoing EA, AWT, EN, UAs, FWAG, BRERC, BTCV, NSLMP, BLR, AVP, FC, FE, FoA

Publicise the threats concerning the sale and subsequent escape of invasive plants and animals

ongoing EA, AWT, UAs, BRERC

Raise the profile of the problems of, and issues surrounding, invasive and non-native species

ongoing EA, BRERC, AWT, UAs, FWAG, BLR, BTCV, BNS

4.6 Information and data


Up-to-date, accessible information is essential for conservation and enhancement of

biodiversity. Without accurate, reliable knowledge of location, quality and quantity of different

habitats and species, action cannot be properly focussed.

4.6.1 Local Records Centres In the south west of England we are particularly fortunate to have full coverage of Local

Records Centres (LRCs). BRERC is an active member of the Avon Biodiversity Partnership.

Central collation, storage, manipulation and dissemination of data, such as that carried out by

the records centre, maximises its potential use. The Partnership recognises the need to

support BRERC and to provide it with biological records when possible.

4.6.2 The National Biodiversity Network/EN SW habitat mapping pilot project The National Biodiversity Network (NBN)/EN pilot habitat mapping project in partnership with

LRCs has, for the first time, GIS mapped many of the BAP priority habitats in the South West.

The NBN maps have been extremely useful in the development of the Avon BAP. They

provide our best measure of current extent of saltmarsh, Sabellaria reefs, heath, grassland and

woodland priority habitats. Habitat is mapped in four classes, depending on how closely it

matches the NBN definition of priority habitat and how old the data is:

• Definitely the priority habitat (Data less than 5 years old)

• Definitely present but unmappable (Data less than 5 years old but habitat exists as a

mosaic with another habitat in units too small to map accurately)

• Probably the priority habitat but some difficultly in interpretation (Data more than 5 years

old or some uncertainty as to whether data matches definition of habitat)

• No priority habitat but close to the definition

These classes mean that the data can be judged and used to prioritise action (for example

survey can be prioritised to ‘probably’ areas). The NBN habitat data has been combined, in a

pilot project in Avon, with information about land management in Countryside Stewardship,

AWT reserves and SSSIs, to allow an estimate of how much and where mapped priority habitat

in Avon has known favourable management. The NBN project will come to an end in 2004

and it is unclear how the maps will be updated in future. If they are updated, however, they will

become increasingly valuable and accurate and will be a very useful monitoring tool. The NBN

habitat definitions have been adopted, where possible, by the Avon BAP as they are more

detailed than those in the UKBAP.

4.6.3 Voluntary Surveying


Avon has a large number of expert voluntary wildlife surveyors and monitoring groups. Without

their expertise and enormous commitment our knowledge of habitats and species in the area

would be far poorer. The Partnership recognises the great value of volunteer surveyors and is

committed to supporting them where possible.

Table 4.6: Cross-cutting actions for data and information Action Date Implementor

Add new survey information to BRERC database and, where appropriate and possible, to NBN habitat mapping project

ongoing BRERC and all Avon Biodiversity Partnership members

Seek landowner’s consent to put agri-environment scheme application survey data onto BRERC database

ongoing DEFRA, AWT, FWAG, NSLMP

Submit or encourage submission of ecological records derived from planning applications/EIA to BRERC

ongoing UAs

Record the amount of BAP priority habitat surveyed, managed, restored, created or lost

ongoing BRERC, AWT, DEFRA, UAs, EN, FWAG, BTCV, CAONBP, FoA, NSLMP, EA, BWW

Calculate amount of habitat in all new agri-environment scheme applications and renewals

ongoing DEFRA

Calculate the amount of BAP priority habitat covered under WES

ongoing EN

Measure and report amount of woodland with Woodland Grant Scheme

annually FC

Promote and/or implement survey for priority species ongoing EA, BRERC, AWT, UAs, BLR, EN, BNS, BASC, NSLMP, BWW, DEFRA, FWAG

Provide training and support for voluntary surveyors ongoing BRERC, AWT, NSC, SGC, B&NES, CAONBP, BASC, NSLMP, BWW

Continue to encourage submission of invasive plant records and use these to identify problem areas and chart spread

ongoing BRERC, EN, EA, AWT, UAs, NSLMP, BNS, BWW

Disseminate research and survey information to policy makers where possible

ongoing BRERC, UAs, BNS, BTO

Where possible measure and report on amount and condition of priority habitat on AWT reserves

ongoing AWT

Measure and report on bird populations ongoing BTO, BNS, BOC, AWT (Bird Watch)

4.7 Landscape-scale conservation There is increasing emphasis on the need for provision of biodiversity at the landscape scale,

to address issues of fragmentation, and the long-term viability of wildlife populations.

Landscape-scale working also addresses the needs of wide-ranging species that use different

landscape elements, such as horseshoe bats.

Batscapes is an exciting landscape-scale project working, in South Gloucestershire and

B&NES, to improve whole landscapes for bats, including many priority habitats such as

hedgerows, arable farmland, watercourses and species-rich grassland.

The South West Wildlife Trusts’ Rebuilding Biodiversity Initiative (RBI) is a landscape scale

project that set out, in its first year (2003-2004), to identify core areas of habitat, capable of

supporting self-sustaining wildlife populations and conserving them in conjunction with the

wider landscape. The Wildlife Trusts are currently seeking funding to carry this project


forwards. Another such landscape-scale project is the SW Regional Biodiversity Partnership’s

development of a Nature map, identifying the existing priority habitat resource and potential

areas for restoration in the whole of the South West. The Partnership is committed to

addressing habitat restoration and creation at a landscape scale where possible. To this end,

information from RBI was used when developing the Avon Habitat Action Plans and targeting

action for the Avon priority habitats. The role of BRERC in information management will be

particularly important to the success of landscape-scale initiatives.

4.8 Communications Avon is the most populated ‘county’ in the South West. Effective communication with local

people is fundamental to the success of the Avon BAP. Public support and community

involvement are essential if solutions to conserving biodiversity that are sustainable in the long-

term are to be found.

It appears that there is a lack of understanding of the importance of biodiversity in our lives,

despite increasing awareness of the damage human activities cause globally. For this action

plan to be effective, it must contribute to closing this gap in our learning experiences.

Biodiversity education is therefore a key ingredient in the Avon BAP, encouraging individuals to

become environmentally aware and skilled in taking environmental decisions.

There must be opportunities for people to enjoy and appreciate both the common and the

special wildlife features of their immediate environment, and to become involved in looking after

them. Practical help given to communities wishing to participate in action for biodiversity can

take the form of small grants (such as Biodiversity Action Grants or awards like the ‘Millennium

Awards’ administered by Bristol Zoo 1999-2002), advice and materials.

There is currently a great deal of activity to educate and involve the public in nature

conservation in Avon. Activities include guided walks, open days, themed events,

environmental education activities with the formal education sector and practical workdays.

There is a wealth of experience and expertise in Avon and across the UK in the field of

communicating biodiversity issues to the public. The Partnership recognises the need to tap

into this resource and develop new and innovative mechanisms to ensure that everyone in

Avon has a real opportunity to experience, understand and participate in biodiversity

conservation and the Biodiversity Action Plans.

The Partnership's communications sub-group will deal with issues of education, involvement

and community action and possibly also marketing and media and develop this aspect of the

Avon BAP. This sub-group may develop a strategic framework for involving local communities


in nature conservation in Avon and increasing public understanding of the issues surrounding

biodiversity.

Table 4.8 Cross-cutting actions for communications Action Date Implementer Explore scope for a more strategic approach to improving communication and increasing community involvement in and action for biodiversity in Avon (making use of existing communications networks where possible)

2004/ 2005 Communications sub-group

Increase public awareness of ecological, social and economic value of priority habitats and species and involvement in their conservation

ongoing CAONBP, FWAG, DEFRA, BTCV, UAs, AWT, FoA, FC, EN, EA, BRERC, NSLMP, BWW

Investigate the possibility of organising an Avon-wide biodiversity week or campaign, linking events run by partnership organisations and engaging as wide an audience as possible.

2004/5 Communications sub-group

Investigate the possibility of linking with the Festival of Nature (launched 2004 and expected to become an annual event) to help with education, awareness-raising and community action

2004/5 Communications sub-group

Produce and implement a delivery plan for AWT’s awareness-raising work in the context of the Avon BAP’s priorities.

2004/5 AWT

Provide training and advice for landscape architects to ensure they are aware of best-practice in biodiversity-friendly design

ongoing AWT, UAs, BLR

Publicise relevant partnership activities and achievements, and issues flagged up by the partnership, as widely as possible e.g. through press releases

ongoing Communications sub-group

4.9 Recreational Activity Recreational activities are a significant way in which many people can interact with wildlife in its

natural environment. Enjoyment and appreciation of open spaces is essential for promoting an

understanding of the natural world, fostering a sense of ownership of the environment around

us and reducing any unintended loss or damage to biodiversity. Open public access to wild

areas is thus welcome in many ways; it brings people closer to wildlife and stimulates interest in

and support for biodiversity measures. However, not all habitats and species are equally

robust. For instance, human disturbance can result in trampling of fragile vegetation and

disruption to breeding birds or animals. These problems can almost always be avoided with

knowledge and forethought - for example attractive routes can be provided around wildlife

refuges rather than through them; access can be to one riverbank rather than both. The

partnership recognises the importance of managing recreational use of priority habitats in order

to minimise adverse impact on the biodiversity whilst increasing people’s appreciation of nature

conservation.

Table 4.9 Cross-cutting actions for recreational activity Action Time Implementor Promote appropriate and sympathetic recreational use priority habitats, in accordance with duties/interests

ongoing Avon Biodiversity Partnership

Feed into Joint Local Access Fora (BCC, B&NES, SG) about issues surrounding recreational use of priority habitats

ongoing Topic working groups

4.10 Funding


The Avon biodiversity action planning process, whilst ambitious and aspirational, should be

based on the achievable. Although much can be done to implement biodiversity action by

working within existing and shared resources, there is no doubt that many individual actions will

require additional, external funding. A strategy may be required to set out a framework that

prioritises actions that need external funding and sets out mechanisms for funding co-

ordination of the process. This strategy would propose ways of increasing funding availability

through current and new agencies, as well as sponsorship and partnership. It would require

regular review as new sources of funding became available and new actions plans are

produced.

The Partnership expects that this strategic approach will help to enable projects in many parts

of Avon, thereby also increasing the resources available to more local biodiversity partnerships

and projects.

Table 4.10 Cross-cutting actions for funding Action Date Implementor Investigate the possibility of developing a funding strategy for the Action Plans and for the whole Avon BAP process

2004/5 Funding sub-group

Chapter 5: Habitat and Species Action Plans

Chapter 5: Habitat and Species

Action Plans


5.0.1 Selecting Avon’s priority habitats

The UK Biodiversity Group has divided the

whole land surface of the country and

surrounding marine environment into 27

broad habitat types. These were further

divided and the sub-habitats of particular

national importance were defined as UK

priority habitats. Avon contains 19 of the 27

broad habitat types and 28 UK priority

habitats.

Avon HAPs are presented here for 22 (see table 5.0) of the 28 (see table 1.1) UKBAP priority

habitats found in Avon. A number of other habitats considered by local experts to be of particular

importance in Avon are also included in the HAPs (see table 5.0). These local priority habitats are:

• The whole arable field (not just cereal field margins)

• Sedgebeds

• All hedgerows (not just those which are ancient and/or species-rich)

• All watercourses and the floodplain

• All (not just eutrophic) standing water

The Action Plans contained in this document will no doubt increase in number as new priorities

arise and opportunities occur. In time, we hope to produce plans for all of Avon's main habitats,

including dry-stone walls, post-industrial sites and urban areas.

UK priority habitats were selected using one or more of the following criteria: • Habitats for which the UK has international obligations • Habitats at risk, such as those which are rare or have a high rate of recent decline • Habitats which are functionally important for species inhabiting wider environments • Habitats important for species of particular conservation concern.


Table 5.0: Links between Avon HAPs and the UK BAP priority habitats. Avon HAPs are indicated in bold with modifications to allow for local distinctiveness indicated in italics underneath. Avon contains only a very small amount of purple moor-grass and rush pasture. Despite its scarcity a brief action statement, although not a full action plan, is included for purple this habitat because of its national importance. Avon HAP UK BAP priority habitat

Lowland dry acid grassland Lowland calcareous grassland Lowland meadows

Species-rich grassland Including actions for the grassland types and heathland

Lowland heathland Arable farmland Including the whole arable field

Cereal field margins

Purple moor-grass and rush pasture *action statement* Purple moor-grass and rush pastures Hedgerows Including actions for all hedgerows

Ancient and / or species-rich hedgerows

Lowland beech and yew woodland Mixed deciduous woodland Upland mixed ashwoods

Woodland

Wet woodland Wood pasture and parkland Lowland wood pasture and parkland Standing open water All standing open water, not just that which is eutrophic

Eutrophic standing water

Fens Reedbeds and sedgebeds Including actions for sedgebeds as well as reedbeds Reedbeds Watercourses and Floodplain All watercourses and associated floodplain

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh Maritime cliff and slopes Coastal sand dunes Coastal saltmarsh Mudflats Sabellaria spinulosa reefs

Estuary

Sabellaria alveolata reefs

5.0.2 Priority species in Avon An audit of Avon’s species of local conservation concern was carried out in 2003 by BRERC, in

collaboration with the Avon BAP Partnership and local experts (for details of criteria used to select

species see Appendix 6.1). This identified over 1000 Avon species, of which 46 were UK BAP

species (for annually updated audit see www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk). Whilst the majority of

species can be accommodated for by habitat level action, some transcend the bounds of single

habitats, require very specific management or are under particular threat and so warrant a separate

species action plan. These are the Avon BAP Priority Species. One of the priority species is

dormouse, a SAP for which is presented here (5a.1). Other such species, for which SAPs will be

written in future, include water vole, white-clawed crayfish, great crested newt, otter, and bat

species. This list is likely to be altered in future with changing threats and issues.


5.0.3 Development and structure of the habitat and species action plans Extensive consultation with and involvement of local experts and all organisations identified as

implementors has aimed to ensure that each action plan is as comprehensive, accurate, forward

thinking and widely supported as possible. Importantly, any action that was assigned to a particular

organisation has been agreed with that organisation in 2003/2004. The plans all follow a standard

format, similar to that of the national plans (see box 5.0).

Box 5.0: HAP/SAP layout Current status: Habitat definition and biological status of the habitat/species at the time of writing

(2003/2004). Where feasible, priority areas for action (where survey, management, restoration or re-creation is most needed) have been outlined in this section.

Current threats: Threats seen as most pertinent in 2003/4. Objectives addressing these threats are

also referenced, ensuring that the relationship between threats, objectives, targets and actions is clear.

Objectives, targets and actions: Objectives and targets with actions needed to achieve them.

Where possible a specific time has been allocated to a particular action. Targets are not included for each objective. Additional targets may be set by topic working groups where appropriate/necessary. Actions will be further prioritised on an annual basis by the topic working groups. Actions are sometimes necessarily general, giving organisations the flexibility to implement and interpret them in a way that suits them. Organisations that have agreed to implement each action are identified. The list of implementors is not exclusive and other partners are both welcomed and needed.

Species-rich grassland action plan 5.1

5.1 Species-rich grassland


5.1.1 Current status 5.1.1.1 Definition For the purposes of this action plan the term species-rich grassland encompasses the three UK

priority grassland habitats that are present in Avon. These are: lowland calcareous grassland (and

associated lowland heath), lowland meadows (neutral grassland) and lowland dry acid grassland.

Lowland grasslands occur at altitudes of approximately 300 m or less in the UK. The whole of

Avon is below this level, with the highest point being Dundry Downs at 233m. Related Avon Plans:

Woodland, Wood Pasture and Parkland.

Lowland calcareous grasslands develop on shallow lime-rich soils (pH 6.5-8.5) generally

overlying limestone rocks, including chalk. In Avon, lowland calcareous grassland is found mainly

on the Mendip Hills and northward extending ridges as well as in the Avon Gorge and the

Cotswolds (see table 5.1.1 and map 5.1.1 for estimated amount). The Avon Gorge in particular is

known for rare plants such as Bristol rock-cress and round-headed leek. Importantly, Avon (at

Uphill, Purn Hill and Hellenge Hill) and parts of neighbouring Somerset hold the full extent of the

Somerset hair-grass sub-community (CG1e) of the characteristic sheep’s fescue-carline thistle

(CG1) community within the UK1.

Lowland heath is vegetation with more than 25% cover of dwarf shrubs including heathers,

bilberry and western gorse. Patches of sandy acidic soil within the species-rich grasslands

support lowland heath in parts of North Somerset (for example Goblin Combe and Dolebury

Warren). There are also some fragments on spoil heaps in South Gloucestershire and at Siston

Common and Troopers Hill in Bristol (see table 5.1.1 and map 5.1.1 for estimated amount).

Lowland meadows (neutral grassland) are found on soils (pH 5-6.5) that are deeper and less

free-draining than the limestone soils and are generally richer in nutrients. This means that

grasses, such as sweet vernal-grass, tend to be more abundant than the herbs, which can include

pepper-saxifrage and green-winged orchid. There is some very rich neutral grassland in Avon. It

occurs mainly on the hills around the Chew Valley, the lower slopes of the Cotswold and Mendip

Hills, and in South Bristol, for example at Hawkfield Meadows. In some parts of Avon, however, it

is limited to roadside verges (see table 5.1.1 and map 5.1.1 for estimated amount). Variations in

soil chemistry, moisture and management are reflected in the diversity of sward types and faunal

communities in Avon.

Lowland dry acid grasslands usually occur on soils (pH < 5) overlying acid rocks such as

sandstones and acid igneous rocks and on superficial deposits such as sands or gravel. The

sward is usually dominated by grasses and may be naturally species-poor. More diverse swards 1 Defined by the UK Biodiversity Group using the National Vegetation Classification.


are associated with sparse soils on steeper slopes. Lowland dry acid grasslands in Avon occur

over sandstone rock to the North and to the East of Bristol (see table 5.1.1 and map 5.1.1 for

estimated amount). Acid grassland has also developed on slag heaps close to Pensford and at

Troopers Hill in Bristol.

The amount of mapped habitat with known favourable management is also included in table 5.1.1

with more details on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk. Table 5.1.1: Number of hectares of lowland calcareous, neutral or dry-acid grassland and lowland heath found in Avon compared with the estimated total national resource and the proportion of the resource held in SSSIs, AWT reserves, countryside stewardship agreements, LNRs and NNRs and so determined to have known favourable management. Number of hectares of each habitat falling into three mapped habitat categories* in the NBN/SW pilot habitat mapping project are given (see section 4.6.2 for details). Data* was taken from the NBN habitat map in July 2003. The estimated UK national resource data2 was taken from the UK BAP website in July 2003. Numbers are correct to one decimal place. calcareous

grassland (ha)#

neutral meadows (ha)

dry-acid grassland (ha)

heath (ha)

Definitely the priority habitat* 31.9 35.3 0 6.1 Definitely present but not mappable* 503.1 272.3 61.8 11.9 Probably the priority habitat but difficulty in interpretation*

584.5 650.1 29.2 18.5

% With known favourable management (2003) 38% 26% 25% 80% Estimated national UK resource2 33000– 41000 15 000 30 000 58 000

5.1.1.2 Priority areas for action Priority areas for survey, maintenance, restoration and re-creation (see table 5.1.2 and map 5.1.2)

were identified by a panel of experts on grassland in Avon and through consultation with Avon

Map 5.1.1: Species-Rich Grasslands and Heath


Biodiversity Partnership members. Priority areas for habitat re-creation/management identified in

the Rebuilding Biodiversity project were taken into account. Habitats mapped in the NBN SW pilot

project (July 2003) were taken as the base line for the extent of grassland in Avon. Table 5.1.2: Priority areas for survey, maintenance, restoration and re-creation of calcareous, neutral and dry-acid grassland and lowland heath within Avon (2003). *Survey inside these priority areas should be targeted to areas mapped on the NBN priority habitat map with unknown management and classed as being ‘probably the habitat but some difficulty in definition’ (SEE WEBSITE for location). *1 Restoration classed as conversion of semi-improved to unimproved habitat. Re-creation is from arable, woodland or brown or greenfield to unimproved habitat. Priority Area survey* maintenance restoration/re-creation*1 Calcareous Grassland

Mendip Fringes

Cotswolds Aimed at extending sites/linking up existing fragments

Heath - All areas where this habitat is known to occur

Linking up existing fragments

Neutral Grassland Mendip Fringes and the Cotswolds

Mendip Fringes and the Lower Woods area (Inglestone/Hawksbury Commons)

Aimed at linking important sites

Dry Acid Grassland

- All areas where this habitat is known to occur

-

Mendip Fringes

Cotswolds

Lower Woods Area

Map 5.1.2 Priority areas


5.1.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting action section numbers (shown in italics)

• Lack of continuous management, resulting in scrub-encroachment and eventual succession to

woodland Objective 1

• Agricultural intensification over the past 50 years, including addition of fertilisers, ploughing and

re-seeding, and conversion to arable Objectives 1,2 and section 4.1

• Tree planting (particularly small-scale tree planting outside of grant-aid, which falls below EIA

thresholds - 5 ha generally, or 2 ha in AONB in 2004. Over these thresholds tree planting can

be prevented or undone) Objectives 1,2

• Habitat fragmentation Objectives 1,2 and section 4.7

• Pressure from development (direct and indirect effects) Objective 1 and section 4.2

• Lack of knowledge of extent/location of habitat (indirect) Objective 3 and section 4.6

• Lack of awareness of habitat’s value Objective 4 and section 4.8

• Local provenance seed paucity Section 4.1

• Lack of viability of livestock systems needed to graze species-rich grassland Objective 1 and

section 4.1

5.1.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions

Objective 1: Maintain and enhance quality and extent of existing known resource through appropriate management and protection

Target: *No net loss in the extent of the existing known habitat resource *Secure favourable condition on all significant stands in SSSIs by 2010

*Aim to secure favourable management of 30% of habitat outside SSSIs which currently has unknown management by 2010 (200ha LCG, 230 ha LM, 30 ha DAG and 2 ha LH)

Objective 2: Restore / create BAP habitat on appropriate sites Target: *Initiate re-establishment of 28ha LCG, 34 ha LM and 3 ha LH by 2009

Action Date Implementors Encourage and/or implement proper management of all species-rich grassland and lowland heath, taking into account the needs of priority species (including urban fringe and UA-owned grassland and that on reserves, including LNRs)

ongoing UAs, AWT, BTCV, CAONBP, MHAONB, EN, DEFRA, FWAG, NSLMP, BW, AVP, NT

Work with volunteer groups to manage grassland and heath, targeting important unmanaged areas

ongoing AWT, BTCV, UAs, HMPS, MHAONB, CAONBP, AVP

Prioritise agri-environment scheme care and maintenance visits to particularly important areas, such as those of SSSI quality which are not designated SSSI, of which DEFRA should be made aware in applications

ongoing DEFRA, AWT, FWAG

Designate roadside verges as roadside nature reserves 10/ yr B&NES Protect species-rich grassland through area-based projects such as Wildspaces (LNRs) and the Avon Gorge Project

ongoing B&NES, BCC, SGC, AWT, NT

Investigate the possibility of a landscape-scale grasslands/grazing animals project in Avon

2004/5 EN and topic working group

Ensure that Woodland Grant Scheme applications are not accepted where they impact on important areas of heath or grassland

ongoing FC, AWT, CAONBP

Investigate the possibility of exposing lowland heath currently under plantation or early succession secondary woodland in order to link up important fragmented patches of heath e.g. in the Goblin Combe area

AWT


Objective 3: Monitor condition and extent of resource Target: *Aim to survey 25% of ‘probably’ land by 2006 and 50% by 2009 Action Date Implementors

Target SNCI/WS survey to priority areas (table 5.1.2) and NBN mapped areas of grassland/heath that have unknown management and are mapped as ‘probably the priority habitat’ (table 5.1.1)

ongoing UAs

Use co-incidence mapping of important indicator species to identify new areas which may contain species-rich grassland

2004/5 BRERC

Investigate the possibility of setting up a road verge database 2004/5 BRERC, B&NES, SGC, NSC, BNS

Objective 4: Increase awareness of ecological and social value of species-rich grassland

and promote knowledge of best practice in its wildlife-friendly management Action Date Implementors Distribute grassland management guides to be produced by CAONBP to relevant people in Avon

2004/5 CAONBP, AWT, UAs, BRERC, NSLMP, DEFRA, BTCV, FWAG, BNS

Make suitable landowners aware of the Traditional Breed Scheme in order to encourage proper grazing on important grassland sites

ongoing EN, AWT, FWAG, CAONBP, UAs, NSLMP

5.2 Arable farmland

Arable farmland action plan 5.2

5.2.1 Current status 5.2.1.1 Definition The UK BAP habitat of cereal field margins has been broadened for the context of Avon to

include the whole arable field, where it is utilised by key species. Related Avon Plans:

Hedgerows, Species-Rich Grassland, Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh.

5.2.1.2 Biological status Well-managed arable farmland provides nesting and feeding sites for declining farmland birds

such as the skylark and grey partridge. Many species of butterflies, grasshoppers, plant bugs

and other invertebrates rely on arable farmland, some breeding in crops and spending the

winter in grassy banks and at the interface of crops, hedges and other features.

Even more dependent on arable farmland are the rare arable plants. Overall, some 300

species of plants can occur in arable fields. Avon has regionally important species of arable

flowers, including broad-leaved spurge, night-flowering catchfly, corn parsley, shepherd’s-

needle and narrow-fruited cornsalad. Some of these arable wild flowers are of conservation

concern because of enormous national declines in their distribution and abundance. There is

also much evidence of widespread declines in populations of farmland birds. In 2003 there

were 656 arable landholdings in Avon, with an estimated 5506 ha of arable land (DEFRA,

personal communication). The Cotswold plateau is particularly valuable for arable biodiversity,

providing an important reservoir for arable species.

5.2.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting action section numbers (shown in

italics) • Intensification of arable production, including the use of broad-spectrum agrochemicals,

larger machines and high applications of fertiliser Objectives 1,3 and section 4.1

• Inappropriate arable reversion Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Development Objective 1 and section 4.2

• The shift from spring to autumn sown crops and the associated loss of winter stubbles

Objectives 1,3 and section 4.1

• The reduction in rotation of cereal crops with other land covers Objectives 1,3 and

section 4.1

• Lack of awareness of habitat’s value as a wildlife habitat Objective 3 and section 4.8

•••• Lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of important arable farmland for wildlife Objective

2 and section 4.6

Arable farmland action plan 5.2

5.2.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain and enhance quality of sites that are important for arable biodiversity

and where possible restore sites Targets: *Halt decline in farmland birds by 2020

*Improve/restore arable biodiversity on 7.5 % arable farmland (~400 ha) by 2014 *Increase number of farmers participating in agri-environment schemes on a yearly basis

Action Date Implementors Promote and/or implement biodiversity-friendly management of arable farmland ongoing AWT, DEFRA, FWAG, CAONBP,

B&NES, BCC, SGC, BASC Target arable farmland for agri-environment schemes, particularly focussing on ‘hotspot’ areas (see objective 2 actions, below)

2004 + ongoing

DEFRA, AWT, FWAG, CAONBP

Promote the use of crops that are frequently used by farmland birds ongoing FWAG, AWT, DEFRA, BASC Review SNCI criteria to ensure sites important for key arable species are identified and designated where appropriate

By 2006 BCC, SGC, B&NES, BRERC

Ensure that inappropriate arable reversion to grassland is avoided on sites where arable wildlife interest is high (i.e. ‘hotspots’)

2004 + ongoing

DEFRA, AWT, FWAG

Ensure field margins in hotspot areas (see monitoring) under agri-environment schemes are left as cultivated during year 1 of agreement, only allowing grassy margins where year 2 survey (see monitoring) shows no arable weeds to be present

ongoing DEFRA, FWAG, AWT

Objective 2: Monitor extent and quality of resource Action Date Implementors Identify hotspot areas for arable biodiversity by plotting co-incidence map of important arable species (list provided by DEFRA) and using in combination with local knowledge of the land

2004 BRERC, DEFRA

Target survey for agri-environment schemes to hotspot areas ongoing FWAG, AWT Survey cultivated margins in agri-environment schemes in year 2 of agreements in hotspot areas.

ongoing DEFRA, FWAG, AWT

Survey for farmland birds ongoing AWT, BOC, BNS, BTO Objective 3: Increase awareness of value of arable farmland and its biodiversity-friendly

management Action Date Implementors Promote biodiversity benefits of organic farming (including allotments) and sale of local produce through initiatives that link local food to the Avon landscape

ongoing FWAG, AWT, UAs, CAONBP

Promote best practice and encourage active management of arable and setaside land to provide benefits for arable biodiversity, e.g. wild bird cover or nectar/food crops for invertebrates

ongoing DEFRA, FWAG, CAONBP, AWT, UAs, BRERC, NSLMP

Promote environmentally appropriate game management ongoing BASC

5.3 Purple moor-grassand rush pasture

Purple moor-grass and rush pasture action statement 5.3

Purple moor-grass and rush pastures occur on poorly drained, usually acidic soils in lowland areas

of high rainfall in South West England, South West Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their

vegetation consists of various species-rich types of fen, meadow and rush pasture. Purple moor-

grass and rushes, especially sharp-flowered rush, are usually abundant. Key species associated

with purple moor-grass and rush pastures include meadow thistle, curlew and snipe. There is

estimated to be 56 000 ha of purple moor-grass and rush pasture in the UK.

Purple moor-grass and rush pasture is uncommon in Avon. The sites where it is favourably

managed are Clapton, Weston and Walton moors in the Gordano Valley and Max and Yanal Bog

SSSIs. Sites with unknown management in Avon are Caswell, Tickenham, Nailsea and Kenn

Moors and some patches on Webb’s heath. Only small areas of the listed sites support this

specific habitat type. Despite its scarcity it was felt that an action statement, although not a full

action plan, was required for this habitat in Avon, due to its national importance. Related plans:

Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh, Watercourse and Floodplain.

Objective 1: Ensure no loss and maintain and enhance the quality of purple moor-grass and rush pasture in Avon

Target: Aim for 80% purple moor-grass and rush pasture to be positively managed by 2010 Objective 2: Expand the area of purple moor-grass and rush pasture in Avon Action Time Implementors Continue to manage purple moor-grass and rush pasture in Clapton, Weston and Walton moors and Max and Yanal Bogs

ongoing AWT, EN

Survey Tickenham, Nailsea and Kenn Moors to measure the extent of the habitat 2010 NSLMP, EN, FWAG, NSC

Encourage further uptake of agri-environment schemes on Tickenham, Nailsea and Kenn Moors

ongoing NSLMP, FWAG, NSC, DEFRA, AWT, EN

Investigate potential to create this habitat in the Max Bog area. A possible site is fields adjacent to the AWT reserve, at least some of which are NSC owned. This would require a detailed feasibility study

2006/7 NSC, NSLMP, AWT

5.4 Hedgerows

Hedgerows action plan 5.4

48

5.4.1 Current status 5.4.1.1 Definition For the purpose of this action plan, hedgerows are defined as any linear boundary composed of

native trees and shrubs. This includes ancient hedgerows in existence before the Enclosure Acts

(passed mainly between 1720 and 1840 in Britain) which tend to be those that support the greatest

diversity of plants and animals. It also includes hedgerows with a recent origin, whether species-

rich, containing five or more native woody species on average in a 30 m length, or species-poor.

Related Avon Plans: Arable Farmland, Dormouse, Woodland and Coastal and Floodplain Grazing

Marsh.

5.4.1.2 Biological status Hedgerows are a primary habitat for many species of conservation concern in the UK. They are

especially important for invertebrates, birds, bats, dormice, reptiles and amphibians, such as great

crested newt and provide an essential refuge for a great many woodland and farmland plants.

Hedgerows may also act as wildlife corridors for many species, allowing dispersal and movement

between other habitats. The South West has one of the highest concentrations of hedgerows in

the UK and Avon has lost fewer hedges than many parts of Britain because it is largely pastoral. In

urban areas hedges can also have other important functions such as landscape screening and

decreasing pollution. In Avon, hedgerows are particularly important in North Somerset and the

Cotswolds for dispersal of and as foraging sites, for bats and dormice and are an integral part of

the landscape character.

5.4.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in italics) • Lack of wildlife-friendly management including too frequent or badly timed cutting and use of

herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers right up to the bases of hedgerows Objectives 2,3,5

• Neglect Objectives 2,3

• No replacement of hedgerow trees Objectives 3,4

• Increased livestock stocking rates Objective 2 and section 4.1

• Removal for agricultural and development purposes, and incorporation in new developments,

particularly as garden curtilages, since the hedgerow regulations do not apply to hedges round

private houses Objectives 1,5 and sections 4.1 and 4.2

•••• Loss of traditional hedge management skills Objective 5 •••• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts of species-rich hedgerows Objective 4 and section 4.6 •••• Lack of awareness of the value of hedgerows Objective 5 and section 4.8 •••• Fragmentation and lack of connectivity Objective 3 and section 4.7

Hedgerows action plan 5.4

49

5.4.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Minimise loss of hedgerows in Avon

Targets: *Aim for a net gain of hedgerows that fall under hedgerow regulations by 2009 Objective 2: Maintain and enhance quality of existing known resource through appropriate

management and protection. Targets: * Achieve favourable management of 10-25 km hedgerow per year Objective 3: Restore and plant hedgerows on appropriate sites Targets: *Plant/Restore 4 km species-rich hedgerow per year Action Date Implementors Promote and/or implement biodiversity-friendly management, restoration and creation of hedges around Avon as appropriate (including UA-owned hedges and those on reserves e.g. LNRs and AWT reserves)

ongoing DEFRA, UAs, FWAG, AWT, EN, NSLMP, BTCV, BW, AVP, FE (Batscapes*)

Promote and/or implement the use of buffer strips that reduce the application of fertilisers and pesticides into the base of hedges (to be considered in conjunction with the Arable Farmland Action Plan).

ongoing DEFRA, AWT, FWAG, UAs, NSLMP, FE

Promote and/or implement the use of locally appropriate, locally provenance native species in planting schemes

ongoing AWT, EN, UAs, BRERC, DEFRA, FWAG, BTCV, CAONBP, NSLMP, FE

Promote and/or fund provision and management of hedgerow trees ongoing FC, DEFRA, FoA, UAs, FWAG, BTCV, FE

Make sure road verge cutting is sensitive to hedgerow needs (to be considered in conjunction with Species-Rich Grassland Action Plan)

ongoing UAs, FE

Work with volunteer groups to manage important hedges ongoing AWT, SGC, B&NES, CAONBP, BTCV, MHAONB

Apply hedgerow regulations, tree preservation orders and FC licenses for felling hedgerow trees throughout Avon

ongoing UAs, FC

Take account of priority species when managing hedgerows/assessing hedgerow removal notices

ongoing UAs, DEFRA, BRERC, AWT, EN, BTCV, FWAG, NSLMP, AVP, FE

* Batscapes – A HLF-funded partnership project encouraging improved management for bats running 2003-2006 in South Gloucestershire and B&NES

Objective 4: Monitor condition and extent of hedgerows in Avon

Targets: *Aim to have a comprehensive knowledge of whereabouts of hedgerows in Avon by 2008

Action Date Implementors Extend survey of Gordano valley to the bat consultation zone ? NSC, AWT, NSLMP Assess and record condition of hedgerows on AWT reserves 1in 5

years AWT

Provide training to improve hedgerow survey skills to relevant groups ongoing BRERC, FWAG, AWT, UAs, MHAONB Identify ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows, key hedgerows and networks and, if possible, GIS map their distribution

ongoing BRERC, AWT, FWAG, UAs, BNS

Measure losses through Hedgerow Removal Notices ongoing UAs Objective 5: Increase awareness of the ecological and social value of hedgerows and their

wildlife-friendly management Action Date Implementors Support and develop Field Boundary Project** ongoing B&NES, SGC, BRERC, MHAONB Promote management and planting of hedgerows around houses e.g. through a householder pack including information about funding these activities

ongoing AWT, UAs

** Field boundary project running in South Gloucestershire and B&NES, surveying and raising awareness of hedgerows

5.5 Woodland

Woodland action plan 5.5

5.5.1 Current status 5.5.1.1 Definition This action plan is for all semi-natural woodland found in Avon, both recent (over 5 years old) and

ancient (having been continuously wooded since at least 1600). It encompasses the UK priority

habitats of wet woodland, upland mixed ashwoods and lowland beech and yew woodland. It also

includes lowland mixed deciduous woodland. These woodland types frequently occur in mosaic with

each other, as well as with other habitat types such as heath and species-rich grassland. Related

Avon plans: Wood Pasture and Parkland, Species-Rich Grassland, Watercourse and Floodplain.

Lowland mixed deciduous woodland is a very rich habitat for wildlife with great variety in the

species composition of the canopy, understorey and ground flora layers. Trees of particular interest

found in mixed deciduous woodland in Avon include the wild service-tree, Bristol whitebeam, Wilmott’s

whitebeam, the rare whitebeam, Sorbus eminems, large-leaved lime and small-leaved lime. The

nationally rare purple gromwell and notable plants including wood vetch, herb-paris, toothwort, broad-

leaved helleborine and bird’s-nest orchid are among the species that live in this type of woodland. The

understorey also provides important habitat for dormice and old hollow trees make important roost

sites for bats and homes for saproxylic invertebrates, fungi, lichens and birds. Lowland mixed

deciduous woodland forms the majority of woodland in Avon (see table 5.5.1 and map 5.5.1 for

estimated amount). Fine examples include the ancient woodlands of Lower Woods in South

Gloucestershire, Leigh Woods in Bristol and Weston Big Wood in North Somerset.

Upland mixed ashwoods occur on base-rich soils. Ash is typically a major species, although locally

oak, birch, elm, small-leaved lime and even hazel may be the most abundant species. Mixed

ashwoods are amongst the richest habitats for woodland wildlife, notable for a rich invertebrate fauna

and lichen flora, and flowers such as herb-paris, Goldilocks buttercup, purple gromwell, bluebell,

primrose and wild garlic. In Avon upland mixed ashwoods occur on the ridges around the Gordano

Valley and on the Mendips (see table 5.5.1 and map 5.5.1 for estimated amount)

Lowland beech and yew woodland spans a variety of distinctive vegetation types reflecting

differences in soil and topographical conditions. The association of beech with yew tends to be most

frequent on calcareous sites. Extraordinary sessile yews are found in Goblin Combe. Characteristic

uncommon or rare plants found in beech and yew woodland in Avon include bird`s-nest orchid. In

Avon examples of lowland beech and yew woodland can be found in the Avon Gorge and Goblin

Combe (see table 5.5.1 and map 5.5.1 for estimated amount).


Wet woodland occurs on a variety of poorly drained or seasonally wet soils, usually with alder, birch

and willows as the predominant tree species, but sometimes including ash, oak, pine and beech on the

drier riparian areas. Wet woodland is important for many taxa. The high humidity favours bryophyte

growth. The number of invertebrates associated with alder, birch and willows is very large. In Avon

there are important pockets of wet woodland on many sites including Leigh Woods, parts of the

Gordano Valley and in three SNCIs in South Gloucestershire: Roundhouse Wood, Tockington Park

Wood and Groves Gully (see table 5.5.1 and map 5.5.1 for estimated amount).

The amount of mapped habitat with known favourable management is also included in table 5.1.1 with

more details on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk. Table 5.5.1: Number of hectares of lowland beech and yew, wet or mixed deciduous woodland and upland ashwood found in Avon compared with the estimated total national resource and the proportion of the resource held in SSSIs, AWT reserves, countryside stewardship agreements, LNRs and NNRs and so determined to have known favourable management. Number of hectares of each habitat falling into the four mapped habitat categories* in the NBN/SW pilot habitat mapping project are given (see section 4.6.2 for details). Data* was taken from the NBN habitat map in July 2003. The estimated UK national resource data2 was taken from the UK BAP website in July 2003. Numbers are correct to one decimal place. Wet

woodland Beech and yew

Upland ash

Mixed decid.

Definitely the priority habitat* (ha) 1.0 - 38.2 127.9

Definitely present but not mappable*(ha) 17.8 25.2 80.1 1323

Probably the priority habitat but difficulty in interpretation* (ha) 2.2 2.2 364.1 2774

Not the habitat but close to it* (ha) - - - 24.3

% With known favourable management (2003) 12% 72% 25% 21%

Estimated national UK resource2 (ha) 50000-70000 c.30 000 c.67 500

5.5.1.3 Priority areas for action Priority areas for survey, maintenance, restoration and re-creation (see table 5.5.2) were identified by a

panel of experts on woodland in Avon and through consultation with Avon Biodiversity Partnership

members. Priority areas for habitat re-creation/management identified in the Rebuilding Biodiversity

project were taken into account. Habitats mapped in the NBN SW pilot project (July 2003) were taken

as the base line for the extent of woodland in Avon.

Table 5.5.2: Priority areas for action Priority areas for survey, maintenance and woodland creation were identified by a panel of experts on woodland in Avon and through consultation with Avon Biodiversity Partnership members. Action Priority area survey Mendip Fringes (see map 5.1.2) and Doddington. More refined information on target areas for survey

will come from desktop study comparing FC, BRERC and UA data (see actions). Survey should be linked to attempts to get the woodland into favourable management.

management/maintenance

Mendip Fringes (see map 5.1.2) and Doddington. Any other areas which are not managed and fall within the Community Forest are priorities (to be identified, as above)


woodland creation

The whole of the Forest of Avon area (see appendix 6.4), with particular emphasis placed on linking and extending existing woodland sites, where it does not interfere with other BAP priority habitats such as grassland or heath or archaeological or other landscape features

5.5.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objectiveor cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in italics)

Factors affecting all types of woodland include:

• Browsing by deer leading to changes in woodland structure, ground flora impoverishment and

difficulties for regeneration Objective 1 and section 4.5

• Grey squirrels which strip bark from many native trees, including ash, oak, beech, birch, wych elm

and field maple, leading to difficulties for regeneration and changes in woodland structure. This

may also influence the choice of species used for re-stocking Objective 1 and section 4.5

• Neglect and lack of favourable management for biodiversity Objectives 1,4

• Invasion by non-native species (including turkey oak and Japanese knotweed) reducing the

diversity of ground flora Objective 1 and section 4.5

• Dutch elm disease which has changed the structure and composition of many woods since the

early 1970s No actions for this as difficult to control

• Intensive management for game rearing (although when well managed this can be beneficial in

providing the woodland with an economic value – see threat below) Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Stock sheltering in woodland leading to the poaching of the ground, nutrient enrichment and some

direct damage to trees Objectives 1 and section 4.1

• Habitat fragmentation Objective 2 and section 4.7

• Local nutrient enrichment and herbicide drift leading to changes in soils and ground flora from

spray drift or runoff from adjacent agricultural land Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Development: directly, for example through urban growth and quarrying and indirectly, for example

through pollution, increased intensive unmanaged recreational use and trampling, and proximity of

housing to woodland edges Objectives 1, 4 and section 4.2

• Lack of perceived value of woodland as a resource for health and wellbeing but also due to

decreased demand for wood products Objective 4 and section 4.8

Factors affecting wet woodland alone include:

• Lowering of water-tables through drainage or water abstraction, resulting in change to drier

woodland types Objective 1 and section 4.3

• Flood prevention measures, river control and canalisation, leading to loss of dynamic disturbance-

succession systems and invertebrate communities, as well as possible reductions in the extent of

individual sites Objectives 1 and section 4.3

• Poor water quality leading to changes in ground flora composition and invertebrate communities

Actions found within Watercourse and Floodplain Action Plan and section 4.3


5.5Ob

ActProimpSeesemManProengProdormCondeaProProsquEncdeeProthe Ob yeaActProtheshabprop
Map 5.5.1 Priority woodland habitats inA
.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions jective 1: Increase the area of woodland managed well for biodiversity in Avon Targets: *Ensure no net loss in the extent of the existing known habitat resource

*Ensure 70% of woodland within the FoA area is well managed for public access, biodiversity and/or woodland economy by 2010 *Ensure 100% of semi-natural woodland within SSSIs, SACs, SPAs, AWT reserves, LNRs and NNRs is well managed by 2010 (~800 ha)

ion Date Implementors duce supplementary planning guidance for developments that might act directly or indirectly on woodland in the Community Forest

2004/5 FoA, FC, UAs

k to ensure FC fully consulted on planning applications near ancient i-natural woodland

ongoing UAs, FC

age woodland favourably on all reserves, including LNRs ongoing AWT, EN, UAs, BTCV, NT mote the management of existing native woodland by working to age key landowners

ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, AWT, UAs

mote and/or implement woodland management that is favourable to ice where this species is known to occur

ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, AWT, UAs, BTCV, FE, NT

tinue to promote and/or implement management for ancient trees and d wood habitat in woodland sites (in line with UK Forestry Standards)

ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, AWT, EN, UAs, BTCV, NSLMP, FE, NT

mote sustainable management of native woodlands for game ongoing BASC mote and/or implement current best-practice in the control of grey irrel

ongoing FC, FE

ourage effective deer management through initiation and support of r management groups

By 2008 FC, FoA, AWT, FE

mote the restoration of Ancient Woodland where appropriate, through restructuring of plantation woodland

ongoing FE, FC, FoA

jective 2: Extend range of existing woodland, focusing on priority areas (3.2.5.1) Target: * Plant 600ha of deciduous woodland (representing 70ha per year in FoA and 30 ha per r in rest of Avon) and 16 ha of wet woodland by 2010 ion Date Implementors mote the creation of and/or create new native woodlands (ensuring that e do not adversely affect landscape character or other priority itats, such as species rich grassland), including as part of restoration osals for mineral extraction sites

ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, AWT, UAs, BTCV, CAONBP, FE


Promote and/or implement the use of local provenance tree stock in landscape schemes and grant applications

ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, AWT, UAs, BTCV, CAONBP, FE

Promote and/or implement the creation of further wet woodland ongoing FC, FoA, EA, UAs, FE

Objective 3: Monitor condition and quality of resource Action Date Implementors

Collate information from FE, FC, NBN and UAs and use to produce a map of surveyed and/or managed woodland in Avon, thus identifying sites about which least is recorded and which are not managed

2004/5 BRERC, FC, FoA, UAs, FE

Focus further survey effort and management work on the sites identified above

2004+ ongoing

FoA, FWAG, FC, AWT, UAs

Objective 4: Increase awareness of ecological, social and economic value of woodland and promote knowledge of best practice in woodland management Action Date Implementors Promote and if necessary enforce current forestry management policies and protection

ongoing FC, UAs, FE

Contact owners and managers of ancient woodland sites to ensure they are aware of their status and value, advising on the availability of grants for management, restoration, re-creation

ongoing FoA, FWAG, FC, AWT

Encourage communication and cooperation between woodland managers to increase the viability of woodland operations

ongoing FoA, FoA co-op

Provide technical seminars for woodland owners and managers ongoing FoA, FC, FWAG, UAs Promote the use of locally produced wood and wood products e.g. through co-operatives, farmers markets and biomass fuel production, facilitated by standard logo for approved products

ongoing FoA, CAONBP, AWT, FE

Disseminate management guidelines to woodland owners and managers ongoing FC, FWAG, AWT, FoA, BTCV, CAONBP

Establish regular liaison with all advisers to achieve consistency of advice ongoing FC

Wood pasture, parkland and veteran trees action plan 5.6

5.6 Wood pasture, parklandand veteran trees


5.6.1 Current status 5.6.1.1 Definition Lowland wood pastures and parkland are the products of historic land management systems, and

represent a vegetation structure rather than being a particular plant community. Typically this

structure consists of large, open-grown or high forest veteran trees (often pollards) at various

densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland floras. This plan includes:

• parks derived from medieval ‘forests’, some with 16th -19th century landscaping superimposed

• 19th century parkland with much older trees derived from earlier landscape

• 19th century parkland close to areas with very old trees and where conditions exist to ‘create’

veteran trees in 50-250 years

• under- or un–managed wood pasture with veteran trees

• parkland or wood pasture converted to other uses but with veterans surviving

This plan does not include parklands with 19th century or later origins with none of the above

characteristics. Related Avon plans: Species-Rich Grassland, Woodland.

5.6.1.2 Biological status The floral and faunal composition of lowland wood pasture and parkland varies depending on the

levels of grazing and canopy cover, and the habitat types present. While oak and beech are often

considered the typical trees of wood pasture and parkland, a wide range of other tree and shrub

species may occur as part of this habitat. Older and veteran trees along with decaying timber

support extremely rich assemblages of epiphytic lichens, fungi, mosses and ferns (particularly the

common polypody fern). They also provide habitats for many saproxylic invertebrates and some

bats and birds. In Avon, fine examples of wood pasture and/or parkland are found at Ashton Court

SSSI and in the deer park of the Badminton Estate.

5.6.1.3 Priority areas for action Wood pasture and parkland and veteran trees are a priority wherever it occurs in Avon, due to

their scarcity and diffuse distribution.

5.6.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in

italics)

• Lack of younger generations of trees and no recruitment producing a skewed age structure

Objective 1

• Lack of favourable management including inappropriate grazing and lack of pollarding

Objective 1


• Loss of veteran trees through disease, physiological stress, such as drought damage, and

competition for resources with surrounding trees Objective 1

• Removal of veteran trees and dead wood through development, health and safety issues on

sites with public access, perceptions of tidiness, forest hygiene, the supply of firewood or

vandalism Objective 1 and section 4.2

• Damage to veteran trees and roots from soil compaction and erosion caused by car parking

and trampling by livestock and people Objective 1 and section 4.9


• Pasture loss through conversion to arable or other land-uses and agricultural improvement

Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Veteran trees may be at risk from felling because fellings for safety reasons are exempt from

felling licences normally required from the Forestry Commission (FC) and single trees may be

below licensing limits Objective 1 (although difficult to solve this problem)

• Lack of awareness of the value of wood pasture and parkland Objective 3 and section 4.8

• Lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of the habitat Objective 2 and section 4.6 5.6.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain and enhance quality of existing known wood pasture and parkland

and restore BAP habitat on appropriate sites Target: *Ensure no net loss in the extent of the existing known habitat resource

*Initiate programme to restore and manage 12.5% of total resource by 2010 *100% of habitat in SSSIs to be in favourable condition by 2010 Action Date Implementors Provide grant aid for work on veteran trees within a woodland setting, and for those types of wood pasture which can be classified as woodland

ongoing FC

Encourage sensitive pasture management and stock control in wood pastures and parklands, for example through agri-environment schemes

ongoing DEFRA, EN, AWT, FWAG

Promote and/or implement management of veteran trees and dead wood habitat and encourage the development of subsequent generations of veteran trees where possible

ongoing FOA, FC, FWAG, AWT, UAs, EN, UAs, DEFRA, BTCV, BW, FE, NT

Support the removal of plantation and secondary woodland around remnant wood pasture where appropriate

ongoing FC, EN, FE

Consider the making of Tree Preservation Orders on privately owned veteran trees if the trees are considered to be endangered and are of sufficient amenity value

ongoing UA

Objective 2: Monitor extent and quality of resource and disseminate results Action Date Implementors Encourage survey with owners and managers of ancient wood pasture, parkland and veteran tree sites

ongoing UAs, BRERC

Survey for veteran trees and collate results ongoing BRERC, BNS, NT Feed information on whereabouts of veteran trees from FE landholding GIS veteran tree register into BRERC

2004/5 FE, BRERC

Objective 3: Increase awareness of ecological and social value of wood pasture and parkland

No specific actions proposed. See section 4.8

5.7 Standing open water

Standing open water action plan 5.7

5.7.1 Current status 5.7.1.1 Definition Standing open water in Avon includes: natural features such as oxbow lakes and ponds and

artificial features over 1 square metre in size, such as large water supply reservoirs, canals,

ornamental lakes, fish ponds, garden and farm ponds, dew and stock ponds such as those on the

Mendips, borrow pits and balancing ponds. Related plans: Watercourse and Floodplain, Reedbeds,

Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh.

5.7.1.2 Biological status Standing open water in Avon is important for wintering and breeding birds, particularly wildfowl, and

as a migration stopover point for a variety of birds. The open water habitats at Chew Valley Lake

(SSSI and Natura 2000 site) support, particularly in the late summer and autumn, internationally

important numbers of shoveler and nationally important numbers of gadwall, coot, teal, tufted duck

and great-crested grebe. Both Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes have large populations of water

plants. Many invertebrate and amphibian species rely on open water, for example ruddy darter and

great-crested newt. Areas of standing open water in Avon also support UK BAP mammals such as

water vole and otter. For example, the Kennet and Avon canal supports one of the few water vole

populations left in Avon.

5.7.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section number (shown in italics)

• Pollution from both diffuse and point sources Objectives 1,3 and section 4.3

• Loss through infilling Objectives 1-3 and section 4.1

• Neglect and inappropriate management, for example causing loss of habitat variety or shading

of water surface Objectives 1,4 and section 4.1

• Water abstraction section 4.3

• Recreation pressure creating disturbance and destroying marginal habitat Objective 4 and

section 4.9

• Inappropriate introductions, e.g. of fish stocks or non-native plant species such as Australian

stonecrop, water fern or signal crayfish Objectives 2,4 and section 4.5


• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and extent of standing open water and associated species


•••• Lack of awareness of the value of standing open water and associated species Objective 4 and

section 4.8

Standing Open Water Action Plan 5.7

5.7.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain and enhance the condition of all standing open water

Targets: *Minimise net loss of known extent of standing open water Action Date Implementors In accordance with other duties/obligations, seek to bring standing open waters into good condition by encouraging/implementing positive management and restoring degraded standing open waters: for example by implementing site-specific management plans for large water bodies (e.g. SSSIs), through agri-environment schemes or by continuing to manage standing open water favourably on all reserves including LNRs

ongoing AWT, EN, UAs, DEFRA, FWAG, EA, BTCV, NSLMP, BW, BWW, WW

Promote the creation of buffer zones and sympathetic management of land adjacent to standing open waters e.g. through agri-environment schemes

ongoing DEFRA, EA, FWAG, AWT, UAs, BTCV, NSLMP, FE, BWW

Maintain or introduce appropriate fishery management ongoing EA, BW Ensure that ecological status under the Water Framework Directive is met in relevant standing open water sites*

ongoing EA, WW**

Seek to protect, and if possible increase, populations of priority species associated with standing open waters

ongoing EA, AWT, UAs, DEFRA, EN, BTCV, BRERC, FWAG, BW, FE, BWW

*A sample of waterbodies to be monitored under the water framework directive has been selected on a national basis. In Avon, Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake will be monitored. **at the discretion of EA Objective 2: Promote creation and restoration of standing open water sites such as farm and garden ponds and ensure new ponds created are designed and managed favourably for wildlife Targets: * Create or restore at least 5 water bodies per year Action Date Implementors Promote the provision of wildlife features in all new fishing pools (i.e. promote creation of smaller, non-stocked pools adjacent to the main pool to benefit wildlife where appropriate)

ongoing EA, AWT, UAs, FWAG, NSLMP

Promote creation/restoration of wildlife-friendly standing open water including ponds e.g. through agri-environment schemes, Biodiversity Action Grants and other grants and in mitigation for development, particularly in areas with priority species, such as great crested newt metapopulations

ongoing DEFRA, UAs, EA, AWT, FWAG, EN, ARAG, BTCV, NSLMP

Objective 3: Monitor extent and condition of standing open water Targets: * Survey at least 10 ponds a year for great crested newt * Determine full extent and distribution of standing open water in Avon by 2010 Action Date Implementors Promote and/or implement survey for priority species such as great crested newts ongoing ARAG, AWT,

BRERC, EA, UAs, NSLMP, BLR, BWW

Monitor condition of selected standing open water sites regularly ongoing EA, AWT, BRERC, BLR

Establish a programme for monitoring the ecological status of Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes* in line with Water Framework Directive requirements

2005 EA

Investigate the possibility of conducting a desk-top study to establish the current distribution of standing open water in Avon using aerial photos, GIS and OS maps

2004/5 BRERC, UAs, BLR

Identify potential areas for pond creation to provide suitable habitat for great crested newts 2005 BRERC, ARAG, AWT, BLR

Objective 4: Raise awareness and appreciation of the wildlife importance of standing open water and its good management Action Date Implementors Ensure adequate training of waterway (e.g. Kennet and Avon Canal) staff to raise awareness on biodiversity planning and key species and habitats

ongoing EN, B&NES, BCC, SGC, AWT, BWW

Provide advice to landowners on plant species to use in new ponds ongoing EA, DEFRA, UAs, AWT BTCV, FWAG

Offer advice on sympathetic fisheries management to angling clubs and fishing organisations, encouraging traditional mixed coarse fisheries compatible with existing nature conservation interests

ongoing EA

Promote the value of garden ponds, e.g. as part of a householders pack or by holding a publicised pond information and advice day every year

ongoing AWT, UAs, ARAG, EA

Promote the study of pond life as a resource for the national curriculum ongoing AWT, BNS, BLR

Standing Open Water Action Plan 5.7

5.8 Reedbeds and sedgebeds

Reedbeds and sedgebeds action plan 5.8

5.8.1 Current status 5.8.1.1 Definition This plan is for the UK BAP priority habitat of reedbeds but also includes actions for the locally

important sedgebed habitat. Reedbeds and sedgebeds are wetlands dominated by stands of

common reed, or lesser or greater pond-sedge wherein the water table is at or above ground level

for most of the year. Reedbeds tend to incorporate areas of open water and ditches, and small

areas of wet grassland and carr woodland may be associated with them. In some cases there may

be conflict between these and other priority habitat types, e.g. management for open water may

involve removal of reedbeds. Sedgebeds are found in moderately eutrophic substrates on the

margins of slow-moving or standing lowland waters in open water transitions, in wet hollows within

flood meadows, in ditches and alongside sluggish streams and rivers. Related Avon Plans:

Watercourse and Floodplain, Standing Open Water, Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh.

5.8.1.2 Biological status Reedbeds are amongst the most important habitats for birds in the UK. In Avon they support

nationally rare red-listed bittern and provide roosting and feeding sites for migratory species. Rare

invertebrates associated with reedbeds in Avon include the horsefly Haematopota grandis (Red

Data Book 3) and the soldier beetle Silis ruficollis (nationally scarce). National BAP species

associated with both reedbed and sedgebed include water vole as well as bittern. Other important

species that find shelter in these habitats are water shrew, harvest mouse, reed warbler, sedge

warbler, southern marsh-orchid, early marsh-orchid, common spotted-orchid and yellow-sedge

sspp.

The most extensive area of reedbed in Avon (11 ha) is round Chew Valley Lake SPA. Blagdon

Lake holds patches of reedbed and smaller areas occur in Littleton Brick Pits, Lawrence Weston

Moor, Priory Farm, Blake’s Pools, and Midgell Pits. Reedbeds are often also found in Avon as

linear features in ditches. There are about 5000 ha of reedbed in the UK, but only 50 sites are over

20 ha. Sedgebeds are found in Avon in small quantities on Congresbury Moor, Lawrence Weston

Moor and Nailsea Moor.

5.8.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section number (shown in italics)


• Agricultural improvement/intensification including heavy grazing/poaching and increased

drainage Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Infilling Objective 1 and section 4.1

Reedbeds and sedgebeds action plan 5.8

• Neglect/abandonment e.g. scrub encroachment and succession to woodland Objective 1 and

section 4.1

• Development Section 4.2

• Water abstraction Section 4.3

• Fly tipping Section 4.8

• Lack of or inappropriate management and lack of management advice Objectives 1,4 and

section 4.1

• Lack of knowledge of occurrence and distribution of the smaller reedbeds Objective 3 and

section 4.6

• Lack of awareness of value (indirect) Objective 4 and section 4.8

• Lack of traditional market for reed no actions proposed

• Conflict with other land uses Objectives 4.3 and 4.7

5.8.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain and enhance the quality of the habitat and restore where appropriate Target: *No further net loss of the existing known habitat resource

*All significant reedbeds (those over 0.5 ha) in Avon to be under favourable management by 2008

Action Date Implementors Manage reedbeds/sedgebeds favourably (including on all reserves) ongoing AWT, UAs, EN, BTCV,

BW Work with land managers to encourage appropriate management of reedbeds and sedgebeds

ongoing EA, DEFRA, AWT, FWAG, BTCV, NSLMP

Objective 2: Create new reedbed on land of low nature conservation interest

Target: *Reedbeds will be created on an ad-hoc basis when the opportunity arises. Creation of a very large area of reedbed in Avon is not the Avon Biodiversity Partnership’s highest priority, in part due to the large areas recently created in neighbouring Wiltshire and Somerset.

Action Date Implementors Look for opportunities to expand and create reedbeds/sedgebeds with biodiversity value particularly near existing habitat: for example as part of development, through SUDS and for tertiary treatment, in overflows for pumping stations, as an element of coastal re-alignment, as a mechanisms to combat point source pollution etc

ongoing AWT, EA, , UAs, FWAG, BW

Objective 3: Monitor condition of existing resource Action Date Implementors Survey bird numbers in reedbeds/sedgebeds ongoing BTO, BNS, BOC,

BRERC, AWT Objective 4: Raise awareness of the importance of reed and sedge beds and their wildlife-friendly management No specific actions proposed. See section 4.8

5.9 Watercourse and Floodplain

Watercourse and floodplain action plan 5.9

5.9.1 Current status 5.9.1.1 Definition In response to concerns that current water policy is fragmented, a single piece of framework

legislation, the EC Water Framework Directive, has been developed. The new legislation will be

based on the management of river catchments and nearshore coastal water as natural

geographical and hydrological units, traversing administrative and /or political boundaries. The

Watercourse and Floodplain Action Plan therefore includes action for all linear watercourses

(channel and banks) from source to sea and for the whole floodplain. It was felt that coastal and

floodplain grazing marsh, whilst it is part of this system, warranted special attention due to its

particular value in Avon. Therefore a separate plan dealing with this habitat is included. The

estuary action plan is also very closely related to this one. Other related plans: Reedbeds and

Sedgebeds, Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture, and Woodland Action Plans. 5.9.1.2 Biological status Avon’s watercourses are a widespread and important resource, varying in character from the high

quality Frome to degraded urban watercourses (see map 5.9.1). They support a diverse range of

species. Many of these are nationally threatened, such as white-clawed crayfish and water vole.

Other important species include the dipper, a rich diversity of invertebrate species, and brown trout,

brook lamprey and salmon. One formerly nationally threatened species, the otter, is now returning

to much of its former range in Avon and is also returning to watercourses nationally.

5.9.1.3 Priority areas for action Table 5.9.1: Priority areas for action Priority areas for survey, maintenance and restoration were identified by a panel of experts on watercourses in Avon and through consultation with Avon Biodiversity Partnership members. Action Priority area

SURVEY • Lengths of river without sensitive management (flood defence or IDB plans, identified in a desk-top study)

•••• Survey for non-native species •••• Survey for priority species

MAINTENANCE •••• Key areas for maintenance should be highlighted by the above desktop study and subsequent survey

•••• Areas which are not already managed but are flagged up by co-incidence mapping as having a good flora/fauna

RESTORATION • Degraded urban watercourses. Restoration should include restoration of natural features such as oxbows, swamp and banks and also litter removal and should take into account the needs of key species associated with the habitat


5.9.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting issues section numbers (shown in italics)

• Pollution through industry, domestic and agricultural sources Objective 1 and section 4.3

• Ground and surface water abstraction Section 4.3

• Unsympathetic water level/catchment/ riparian management Section 4.3

• Engineering and regulation of flows (including flood defence works) Objective 1 and section 4.3

• Invasive non-native species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, mink, noble

crayfish and signal crayfish Section 4.5

• Increased recreational use Section 4.9


• Lack of knowledge of extent and quality of watercourse and floodplain habitats and species


• Lack of awareness of the importance of watercourse and floodplain habitats and species


Map 5.9.1: Watercourses in Avon (with SSSIs)

Watercourses


5.9.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain and enhance water quality and the characteristic biological diversity and natural features of all rivers and streams and where necessary restore habitat to encourage expansion of key species

Targets: *Aim for no net loss of length and character of watercourses except by natural processes

*Maintain and where necessary restore favourable condition of 95% SSSI watercourses by 2010

*Restore 30 km degraded river channel by 2010 *Reduce diffuse pollution to all river catchments

Action Date Implementors Manage watercourses sympathetically for wildlife in a manner that provides a mosaic of habitat types, protecting and managing margins alongside watercourses as important wildlife corridors and buffer zones

ongoing AWT, UAs, EA, EN, FWAG, DEFRA, CAONBP, NSLMP, BTCV, AVP, FE

Promote sympathetic management of watercourses by riparian owners ongoing EA, AWT, FWAG, NSLMP, BLR Provide a framework to co-ordinate the activities of different groups working on degraded urban watercourses

ongoing BLR (in Bristol)

Promote favourable management of urban watercourses ongoing BLR, AWT, EA, BTCV, BCC, SGC, B&NES, NSLMP

Work with contractors to ensure sensitive management of watercourses ongoing EA, BLR, AWT, AVP, FE Where possible, implement watercourse and bankside restoration schemes where these will result in significant improvements in their wildlife value

ongoing EA, EN, AWT, UAs, BTCV, BLR, AVP, WW

Encourage the opening-up of watercourses and aim to restrict the use of culverts to a minimum

ongoing EA, FE

Objective 2: Continue to conduct research and monitoring to improve our knowledge and understanding of riverine habitats and species, their distribution and management

Objective 3: Provide opportunities for education, access and awareness-raising initiatives at appropriate sites No specific actions proposed see section 4.8 and 4.9

Action Date Implementors Commission rapid River Corridor Surveys on watercourses potentially affected by EA flood defence works, where necessary

ongoing EA

Identify, map and prioritise key areas for conservation and restoration on each catchment using water quality data and co-incidence mapping of key river/stream species

2004/5 EA, BRERC, AWT, DEFRA, BLR

5.10Coastal and

floodplain grazing marsh

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh action plan 5.10

2

5.10.1 Current status 5.10.1.1 Definition Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh is a landscape rather than a vegetation type. It is defined as

seasonally inundated permanent pasture or meadow within a level area with ditches which maintain the

water levels, containing standing fresh or brackish water. The ditches are especially rich in plants and

invertebrates and are a feature of key importance for biodiversity in the landscape. Almost all sites are

grazed and some are cut for hay or silage. The grassland can be improved or unimproved,

agriculturally speaking, and can be species-rich or species-poor. Sites may contain seasonal water-

filled hollows and permanent ponds with small areas of emergent swamp plant communities. Grazing

marsh usually occurs in river valley floodplains or behind coastal sea defences. Related Avon plans:

Estuary, Standing Open Water, Reedbeds and Sedgebeds, Species-Rich Grassland, Purple Moor-

grass and Rush Pasture.

5.10.1.2 Biological status The ditches in this landscape type are particularly valuable wildlife havens. In Avon, the flora and

fauna of ditches includes hairy dragonfly, great silver beetle, rootless duckweed and frogbit.

Floodplain grazing marshes are important for breeding waders such as snipe, lapwing and redshank

and for wintering birds such as jack snipe. Important mammal species associated with this habitat in

Avon include water voles. A fine example of floodplain grazing marsh in Avon is at Clapton Moor

where 18 ha of grassland standing in a network of species-rich ditches is periodically flooded. Other

examples may be found at Bathampton Oxbow, Weston Moor and the Gordano Valley NNR.

Historically, much of the North Somerset Levels and Moors and similar areas of landscape that extend

north into South Gloucestershire would have been floodplain grazing marsh.

5.10.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in italics)

• Inappropriate water level management Objective 1 and section 4.3

• Agricultural intensification including land drainage and inappropriate ditch management, ploughing

and reseeding, cropping for silage, herbicide and fertilizer use, pasture conversion into maize, and

reversion to arable Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Neglect in the form of a decline in traditional management Objective 1 and section 4.1

• Water abstraction Section 4.3

• Development causing direct loss of habitat and also altered hydrological regimes, especially the

(large scale) development threats around Weston-super-Mare and on the levels inland from

Severnside. Objective 1 and section 4.2

• Recreational disturbance Objective 3 and section 4.9

Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh action plan 5.10

3

• Modification of natural floodplain regimes, especially as a result of past intensive flood defence

works and the isolation of floodplains from river flows Section 4.3

• Pollution of floodwater Section 4.3

• Site fragmentation e.g. reduction of ditch connectivity Objectives 1 and section 4.7

• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts of good quality habitat Objective 2 and section 4.6

• Lack of understanding of, and lack of awareness of, the importance of coastal and floodplain

grazing marsh Objective 3 and section 4.8

• Tree/hedge planting (see Woodland Action Plan)

• Managed retreat Objective 1

• Invasive plants Objective 1 and section 4.5

• Culverting (see Watercourses and Floodplain Action Plan)

• Compaction on clay soils Objectives 1,3

5.10.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting

actions

Objective 1: Maintain and enhance the quality (characteristic biological diversity and natural features) of the habitat and restore biodiversity interest where possible to degraded areas

Action Date Implementors Promote management and/or manage and enhance coastal and floodplain grazing marsh where appropriate e.g. through agri-environment schemes or on reserves

ongoing FWAG, DEFRA, EN, NSLMP, AWT, NSC, BCC, SGC

Look for opportunities to restore grazing marsh which has become too dry, or is intensively managed to encourage expansion of key species where possible

ongoing AWT, NSC, BCC, SGC, BRERC, FWAG, EA, NSLMP

Provide and/or promote controlled water level management in winter for wintering waterfowl and in spring for breeding waders and prevent low water levels in ditch systems during winter

ongoing EA, EN, AWT, NSLMP

Objective 2: Monitor condition of existing resource Action Date Implementors Quantify the remaining known extent, distribution and quality of grazing marsh in Avon

ongoing BRERC, AWT

Audit existing monitoring programmes running in Somerset and learn from these when assessing the need for or designing monitoring programmes in Avon

ongoing Topic working group

Objective 3: Raise awareness of the importance of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh Action Date Implementors Produce and/or disseminate guidance on the sustainable management of coastal and floodplain grazing marsh

ongoing EN, FWAG, AWT, NSLMP

5.11 Estuary

Estuary action plan 5.11

5.11.1 Current status 5.11.1.1 Definition All of the coastal areas of Avon lie within the Severn Estuary. The estuary is one of the largest in

Britain and supports a range of distinctive communities intimately linked together by coastal

processes. A number have been identified as UK BAP priority habitats. In Avon these are

mudflats, maritime cliff and slopes, saltmarsh, coastal sand dunes, and Sabellaria reefs (see box

5.11.1 for definitions). The estuary is designated as a SPA under the EC Birds Directive. It is a

proposed (p)SAC under the EC Habitats Directive and has also been notified a Ramsar site (a

wetland of international importance). The first two designations relate to intertidal features such as

saltmarsh, mudflats and associated birds. The pSAC would relate to the whole estuary, including

the sub-tidal zone. It is also a SSSI. The estuary is defined as extending to the tidal limit of rivers.

This plan covers the whole of the SSSI and the tidal Avon beyond the SSSI designation.

The Severn Estuary as an ecological unit extends outside the boundaries of Avon and so cannot be

considered in isolation within the former county. This Habitat Action Plan aims to closely integrate

its objectives with those of other initiatives operating throughout the estuary, in particular the

objectives of the SSSI, SPA, pSAC (see below) and those of the Severn Estuary Strategy.

Related Avon Plans: Watercourses and Floodplain, Reedbeds and Sedgebeds, Coastal and

Floodplain Grazing Marsh.

5.11.1.2 Biological status

The Severn Estuary is an internationally important conservation area. Its funnel shape and

second-largest tidal range in the world create a unique, highly dynamic environment. Over 80

species of fish have been recorded in the Severn Estuary. These include several migratory

species such as salmon, sea trout, sea and river lampreys and in particular the UK priority species,

allis and twaite shad. The estuary supports internationally important wildfowl and wader

populations, in particular resident shelduck, winering dunlin, white-fronted goose, gadwall, and

redshank, and Bewick’s swan, and provides a key staging ground during migration for species such

as ringed plover and whimbrel.

The extensive intertidal mudflats found in Avon are home to species of worms, snails and

crustaceans, which provide food for the large numbers of migratory wildfowl, wading birds and

migratory fish. Saltmarsh is a significant and threatened habitat distributed all along the estuary’s

fringes in Avon (see map 5.11.1). Saltmarsh vegetation holds sediment from the Estuary, in some

cases maintaining a natural intertidal buffer for coastal protection and flood defence. The

saltmarshes support significant populations of nationally scarce plant species including slender

hare’s-ear, sea clover and bulbous foxtail, and are used for feeding by ducks and roosting by


waders. Maritime cliffs, such as those found at Steepholm, Middlehope, Battery Point, Aust and

between Clevedon and Portishead, contribute to the habitat diversity and provide roosting areas for

birds, including nesting peregrines. A number of sites along the estuary are of national importance

for their geology, including the Aust cliffs. There are several extensive Sabellaria reefs offshore

(see map 5.11.1), which provide habitat for a wide diversity of invertebrates. The Severn Bore is a

natural phenomenon of note, and the largest of its kind in Europe. The estuary is also well known

for the wealth of archaeological and historic interest features, as well as its high quality historic

landscape.

Map 5.11.1: Coastal saltmarshes and Sabellaria reefs


Mudflats are sedimentary intertidal habitats created by deposition in low energy coastal environments such as estuaries. They are intimately linked by physical processes to, and may be dependent on, other coastal habitats such as saltmarshes. Mudflats are characterised by high biological productivity and abundance of organisms, but low diversity with few rare species. The surface of the sediment is often apparently devoid of vegetation, although mats of benthic microalgae are common. The total UK estuarine resource has been estimated as c588000 ha. Coastal saltmarshes in the UK comprise the upper, vegetated portions of intertidal mudflats, lying approximately between mean high water neap tides and mean high water spring tides. For the purposes of this action plan, however, the lower limit of saltmarsh is defined as the lower limit of pioneer saltmarsh vegetation and the upper limit as one metre above the level of highest astronomical tides to take in transitional zones. The development of saltmarsh vegetation is dependent on the presence of intertidal mudflats. Saltmarsh vegetation consists of a limited number of halophytic (salt tolerant) species adapted to regular immersion by the tides. The estimated UK total saltmarsh resource is 45,500 ha (see map 5.11.1 for estimated amount in Avon). Maritime cliffs and slopes comprise sloping to vertical faces on the coastline where a break in slope is formed by slippage and/or coastal erosion. There appears to be no generally accepted definition of the minimum height or angle of slope which constitutes a cliff. The zone defined as cliff-top (also covered in this plan) should extend landward to at least the limit of maritime influence (i.e. limit of salt spray deposition), which in some exposed situations may continue for up to 500 m inland. This plan may therefore encompass entire islands or headlands, depending on their size. On the seaward side, the plan extends to the limit of the supralittoral zone and so includes the splash zone lichens and other species occupying this habitat. Approximately 4000 km of the UK coastline has been classified as cliff. Coastal sand dunes develop where there is an adequate supply of sand (sediment within the size range 0.2 to 2.0 mm) in the intertidal zone and where onshore winds are prevalent. The critical factor is the presence of a sufficiently large beach plain whose surface dries out between high tides. The dry sand is then blown landwards and deposited above high water mark, where it is trapped by specialised dune-building grasses which grow up through successive layers of deposited sand. There are estimated to be 11,897 ha of sand dune in England Sabellaria alveolata reefs are formed by the honeycomb worm S. alveolata, a polychaete which constructs tubes in tightly packed masses with a distinctive honeycomb-like appearance. Over time seaweeds and animals colonise so that older reefs may increase the biodiversity of what would otherwise be sand abraded rocks and boulders. In England, S. alveolata is only found on shores with strong to moderate wave action in the South and West (see map 5.11.1 for estimated amount). Sabellaria spinulosa reefs comprise dense subtidal aggregations of this small, tube-building polychaete worm. S. spinulosa can act to stabilise cobble, pebbles or gravel, providing a consolidated habitat for epibenthic species and many other associated species. Box 5.11.1: Definitions of UK BAP priority habitats in the estuary


5.11.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in italics)

• Sea level rise and other natural processes leading to changes in coastal processes, erosion

and coastal squeeze Objective 1 and see note below

• Development in the estuary and its hinterlands, including the Severn Barrage and land claim

for industry and housing Objective 5 and section 4.2

• Coastal protection works including inappropriate coastal defence Objectives 1,5

• Dredging (navigational and aggregate) and disposal of dredged material Objective 2

• Inappropriate management Objectives 2-4

• Inappropriate and increased recreational use Objective 8 and section 4.9

• Angling Objective 8

• Poor water quality – diffuse and point source pollution and historical contamination


• Litter Objective 8

• Lack of knowledge of extent and quality of habitats Objective 7 and section 4.6

• Lack of awareness of marine and coastal issues Objective 8 and section 4.8

• Mechanical beach clearance Objectives 2, 4

Note: Natural processes, such as sea level rise, erosion and accretion, have an enormous effect

on the estuary. It is a very dynamic system and in an unrestrained situation interconversion of

mudflats, sandflats and open water is expected. Increases in sea level and storminess due to

global warming are expected to affect these processes. The best we can hope to do is respond to

these changes in a way that is best for biodiversity.

A recent study by English Nature predicted a net accretion of sand over the next 50 years, which

may mean a natural increase in sand dunes. In general, the total area of mudflats is expected to

remain the same, although their position constantly moves. The only intertidal area that can

feasibly be created in the estuary within Avon is saltmarsh. With predicted sea level rise, however,

this may mean moving back over other habitat types, such as grazing marsh. Such conflicts of

interest between habitat types will have to be assessed and balanced on a case-by-case basis.

The objectives and actions of this plan are tailored in accordance with these facts.


5.11.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions The work of the Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA), which seeks to ensure that relevant authorities fulfil their statutory obligations in respect to the nature conservation designations on the Estuary, will help to achieve some of the objectives in this plan Objective 1: Encourage the use of managed realignment as a viable and attractive option for coastal defence, to permit the creation of further areas of priority habitat in order to offset predicted losses to sea level rise Objective 2: Encourage management of the foreshore and surrounding hinterlands that is favourable to coastal wildlife and priority habitats Objective 3: Enhance the quality of the existing saltmarsh in terms of community and species diversity and, where necessary, restore the nature conservation interest through appropriate management Objective 4: Protect the existing sanddune resource and encourage accretion by active management

Action Time Implementors

Support the activities of the Severn Estuary Conservation Group, working towards a holistic view of the estuary

ongoing BCC, SGC, NSC AWT

Support the development of an estuary-wide coastal habitat management plan and defence management plans, which will feed into shoreline management plans, ensuring that they take account of available mechanisms for the management and creation of priority habitat and identify potential areas for managed realignment

ongoing Severn Estuary Coastal Group, DEFRA, EA, AWT

Support the establishment of the Severn Estuary European Marine Site Management Scheme and related projects

ongoing EN BCC, SGC, NSC, ASERA

Develop recommendations for positive work where realignment has occurred to progress the creation of priority habitats, publicising and disseminating them

ongoing EA EN, NSC

Encourage and/or implement appropriate management of priority habitats and look for opportunities to enhance, restore and create intertidal habitats

ongoing BCC, SGC, NSC, FWAG, ASERA, EA, EN, AWT, ASERA

Give due consideration to applications for dredging licences to ensure no adverse effects on biodiversity interest in the estuary

ongoing EA, BCC, NSC, SGC, DEFRA

Discourage mechanical beach cleaning close to dunes ongoing NSC, EN, EA Make use of the potential provided by existing estuary management partnerships in taking forward the actions in this plan

ongoing ASERA , SEP, AWT, NSC

Objective 5: Where possible ensure that new developments affecting the estuary, whether directly or indirectly, do not have an adverse impact on biodiversity interest. Where development is proposed, an Environmental Statement is likely to be required because of the environmental sensitivity of the area. In addition, plans and projects likely to have a significant effect on priority habitats within the Severn Estuary SPA and pSAC will require an appropriate assessment.


Use the planning system and development control processes to prevent development in areas which could be used for coastal realignment or in areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion or where development will have an adverse effect on priority habitats or exacerbate flood risk elsewhere and to protect and enhance existing resource

ongoing BCC, NSC, SGC, JSPTU, AWT

Where possible ensure that coastal defence or other construction works do not lead to a loss of, or damage to, estuarine priority habitats and where possible enhance them

ongoing BCC, NSC, SGC EN, EA, AWT

Objective 6: Improve estuarine water quality to ensure that existing priority habitats fulfil their important ecological and conservation role The water quality in the estuary should be improved through the application of a number of EU directives. Notable among these are the Dangerous Substances, Shellfish (waters), Bathing Waters, Integrated Pollution Control, Urban Waste Water Treatment and Water Framework Directives. The Oslo and Paris (OSPAR) Convention and North Sea Conference Declaration are also significant as these provide for the regulation of discharges to the sea and incorporate targets and quality standards covering a range of pesticides, metals and other toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative substances. The EA regulates discharges into the estuary.


Many industrial discharges contain organic compounds and heavy metals. Many fall under the Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) Regulations which require continued reductions in specific contaminants released.


Maintain and where possible improve estuarine water quality (linked to discharge and dredging consents)

ongoing EA, BCC, NSC, SGC, DEFRA, WW

Investigate, monitor and take action on pollution events ongoing EA, NSC, SGC, BCC

Objective 7: Monitor condition and extent of priority habitats in the estuary Action Time Implementors Monitor status of birds in the estuary ongoing BTO (WeBS)

Objective 8: Increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of the estuary’s

biodiversity and its favourable management Action Time Implementors Raise awareness of the importance of and threats to estuary habitats ongoing ASERA, EMS

advisory group, AWT, EA, EN, NSC

Review, collate and publicise guidance material on estuary habitat management ongoing AWT, NSC, ASERA, EN, EA

Disseminate information about whereabouts of priority habitats and their sensitivities

ongoing AWT, EA, BRERC, SEP*, DEFRA, EN

*SEP has contract to have GIS-mapped habitats overlain with recreational activities. BRERC is a partner on the working group associated with this.

Terms: Sea and tidal defence: Defence to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea or tidal rivers Coastal protection: protection of the land from erosion and encroachment by the sea

In some cases it is not economical to maintain the existing line of defence and the defence is set back to a more sustainable location. This is often known as managed realignment, set-back or coastal realignment.

Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius action plan 5a.1

5a.1 Dormouse


5a.1.1 Current status Dormice live in a variety of different habitats, including hazel coppice but also many other types of

woodland with a thick understorey, hedgerows, and even in bramble scrub. Usually dormice will only

travel arboreally and therefore require blocks of habitat to be connected. In some cases, however,

they have been observed crossing up to 6-7m of open ground. Their habitat size varies with an

average of 300-400m2 in woodland and 500-800m in hedgerows. Dormice eat a wide range of food

including aphids, pollen, fruit and nuts, their diet changing throughout the year with the availability of

different foodstuffs. Dormouse populations are thought to have declined by around 50% in the last

100 years. The dormouse does not occur in Scotland or Northern Ireland and its core British

population is Southern England and Wales. Avon is roughly in the centre of this. Good populations

of dormice in Avon exist in the Cotswolds, Lower Woods (South Gloucestershire), the Broadfield

Down/Kings Wood complex and the Mendip Hills in North Somerset. Recent evidence suggests

there may also be good populations in the Gordano Valley and surrounding ridges. Dormice are

subject to strict legal protection under the Habitat Regulations meaning that a licence is needed for

any work handling them or as a last resort for developments that affect them.

5a.1.2 Current threats Each is linked with the relevant objective or cross-cutting actions section numbers (shown in italics)

• Habitat loss for example due to development or agriculture Objective 1 and section 4.2

• Habitat fragmentation, leaving isolated, non-viable populations Objective 2and section 4.7

• Changes in habitat structure due to poor management (e.g. understorey shading or decreased

species diversity in hedges/poor hedgerow management e.g. annual trimming) Objective 2

• Housing development, particularly associated with increased domestic cat numbers Section 4.2

• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and value of dormice Objectives 3,4 and sections 4.6 and 4.8

5a.1.3 Objectives, targets and actions to be read in conjunction with cross-cutting actions Objective 1: Maintain dormouse populations in areas where they still occur Action Date Implementors Ensure dormice are a central consideration when assessing removal proposals for hedges, and that licences are applied for where appropriate

ongoing UAs, DEFRA, BRERC, AWT, EN

Objective 2: Enhance dormouse populations in areas where they still occur and encourage the spread of dormice through habitat creation to expand and link existing sites


Action Date Implementors Manage woodlands and hedgerows on reserves (including LNRs) and SSSIs to maintain current dormouse populations and prevent further habitat fragmentation

ongoing AWT, UAs, EN, NT

Consider using scrub belts, hedgerows and other mechanisms for linking important habitat fragments

ongoing Topic working group

Promote and/or implement dormouse-friendly woodland/scrub management in areas where this species is known to occur (see also Woodland Action Plan)

ongoing FC, FoA FWAG, AWT, UAs, EN, BTCV, FE, MHAONB, NT

Support training in conservation of dormice and/or provide advice to land managers on appropriate management of sites supporting dormice

ongoing FWAG, AWT, DEFRA, FC, UAs, BRERC, NSLMP

Disseminate and use dormouse information to guide recommendations for agri-environment schemes, reserve management, planning conditions etc

ongoing AWT, FWAG, UAs, BRERC, DEFRA, NSLMP

Recognise scrub as a natural component of woodland and grassland systems, in woodland grant schemes, agri-environment schemes etc

ongoing UAs, FC, DEFRA, EN, FE

Use the results of survey to target effort for habitat management, restoration and re-creation including land management under agri-environment schemes

ongoing AWT, DEFRA, FWAG, UAs, NSLMP, FE

Objective 3: Monitor dormouse populations Action Date Implementors Survey for dormice in Avon, targeting areas of good habitat where dormice have not yet been found

2004 ongoing

EN, BRERC, AWT, UAs, NSLMP, NT, MHAONB

Collate and disseminate results of Avon-wide dormouse survey 2003/4 AWT, BRERC Promote the great nut hunt ongoing EN, AWT, UAs,

BRERC, FWAG Objective 4: Raise awareness of dormouse ecology and value No specific actions proposed. See section 4.8

Avon species of locaconcer

Appendix 6.1:l conservationn audit criteria

Appendix 6.1: Avon species of local conservation concern audit criteria

The species of local conservation concern audit (found on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk) includes

species found in the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre database that fulfil one or more

of the following criteria (in 2004 – criteria and definitions may change and these changes will be noted

on www.avon-biodiversity.org.uk):

1. Have a UK Biodiversity Action Plan,

2. Are listed as a UK Species of Conservation Concern,

3. Are listed as Rare in the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre area (Avon: see

table 1)

4. Have national status Rare, Scare or Red Data Book (see table 2)

5. Have legal protection (see table 3)

Species Group Definition of ‘rare’ in the BRERC area Amphibians and Reptiles No formal definition Beetle The BRERC area status has been adapted using Duff, A. (1993) and no

strict status definitions are given. Birds Less than annual; many years may pass between records for the BRERC

area. Bug Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly

assessed. Butterfly Less than 10 colonies in the BRERC area Caddis Flies and Mayflies Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly

assessed. Dragonfly These species have been recorded in less than 10 separate sites or

watercourses in the BRERC area Fish Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly

assessed. Grasshopper, Cricket and Earwig

These species have been recorded in less than 5 sites in the BRERC area.

Lacewings, Alder Flies, Sponge Flies and Scorpion Flies

Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly assessed.

Macro Moths Species recorded in 1-3 one kilometre squares in the BRERC area during the 1990s

Micro Moths Due to lack of records held at BRERC, the area status can only be sensibly assessed for the paralid moths, with status definition rare meaning that the species has been recorded in 1-3 one kilometre squares in the BRERC area.

Mammals These species have been recorded in 10 or less one kilometre squares in the BRERC area

Plants These species have been recorded in 7 or less one kilometre squares in the BRERC area

Snails and Slugs Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly assessed.

True Flies Lack of records held at BRERC means area status cannot be sensibly assessed.

Table 1: Definition of ‘rare’ status in the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) area for different species groups


Species Group Definition of ‘rare’, ‘scarce’ or Red Data Book National Status Amphibians and Reptiles No formal definition Beetle RDB 1; RDB 2; RDB 3; RDB K; N; Na; Nb. Birds RDB - Species appear in the Red Data Book and are given as rare in

Great Britain. Bug RDB 3; Na; Nb Butterfly RDB2; RDB3; Nb Caddis Flies and Mayflies RDB 3; N Dragonfly RDB 3; Nb Fish No formal definition Grasshopper, Cricket and Earwig

RDB2; Na; Nb

Lacewings, Alder Flies, Sponge Flies and Scorpion Flies

N

Macro Moths RDB 1; RDB 2; RDB 3; N; Na; Nb Micro Moths pRDB 1; pRDB 2; pRDB 3; N; Na; Nb. Mammals National status of the species taken from the ‘Atlas of Mammals in Britain’

(Arnold, 1993), where status definitions are not given. Plants 1) Red Data Book (RDB) – species appear in the British Red Data Book 1

Vascular Plants (3rd edition, 1999) and have been recorded in 15 or fewer ten kilometre squares throughout Great Britain. RDB sub-categories have been adopted using revised IUCN Criteria as follows: CE – Critically Endangered; E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; Ex – Extinct; ExW – Extinct in the Wild; NrT – Near Threatened (Lower Risk). 2) Scarce – these species have been recorded from 16 – 100 ten kilometre squares in Great Britain 3) Rare – these species have been recorded in less than 16 ten kilometre squares in Great Britain

Snails and Slugs RDB 1; RDB 2; RDB 3; N; Na; Nb; Rare – no strict definition True Flies RDB 1; RDB 2; RDB 3; N; Nb. Table 2: Rare, scarce or Red Data Book national status definitions for different species groups. Explanation of codes used for insects and molluscs given below: RDB 1 – species appear in the Red Data Book and are categorised as endangered; RDB 2 – species appear in the Red Data Book and are categorised as vulnerable; RDB 3 – species appear in the Red Data Book and are categorised as rare; RDB K – species appear in the Red Data Book but the status is unknown, although they are thought to be rare; pRDB 1 – species are likely to appear in the Red Data Book and be categorised as endangered; pRDB 2 – species are likely to appear in the Red Data Book and be categorised as vulnerable; pRDB 3 – species are likely to appear in the Red Data Book and be categorised as rare; N – species are nationally notable and have been recorded in 16-100 ten kilometre squares in Great Britain. Na – species are nationally notable and have been recorded in 16 – 30 ten kilometre squares in Great Britain; Nb – species are nationally scarce and have been recorded in 31 – 100 ten kilometre squares in Great Britain


Legal Protection? Species

Ber

n

Bon

n

ECH

D

Sch

1 W

&C

A 1

981

Sch

5 W

&C

A 1

981

1998

Sch

5 W

&C

A

1981

Sch

5* W

&C

A 1

981

Sch

6 W

&C

A 1

981

Sch

8 W

&C

A 1

981

1998

Sch

8 W

&C

A

1981

No

info

rmat

ion

Amphibians and Reptiles X X X X Beetle X X X Birds X X X X Bug X Butterfly X X X Caddis Flies and Mayflies X Dragonfly X Fish X X X Grasshopper, Cricket and Earwig X Lacewings, Alder Flies, Sponge Flies and Scorpion Flies

X

Macro Moths X Micro Moths X Mammals X X X X X X Plants X X X Snails and Slugs X True Flies X Table 3: Legal protection applying to audit species: An X indicates which forms of legal protection apply to a particular species group. Definition of the Legal Protection Codes Shown in Row 1 is given below: Bern – those species having legal protection under the Bern Convention; Bonn – those species having legal protection under the Bonn Convention; ECHD – those species having legal protection under the European Community Habitats Directive; Sch 1 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Sch 5 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; 1998 Sch 5 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 after the 1998 review; Sch 5* W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection against sale only under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Sch 6 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Sch 8 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; 1998 Sch 8 W&CA 1981 – those species having legal protection under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 after the 1998 review; No Information – those species for which no information as to legal protection was given in the BRERC legal protection summary at the time of writing.

Appendix 6.2: Latin names of species referred to in the text

Appendix 6.2: UK BAP species associated with priority habitats in Avon

Common name Scientific name adder’s tongue spearwort Ranunculus ophioglossifolius alder Alnus glutinosa allis shad Alosa alosa ash Fraxinus excelsior Australian stonecrop Crassula helmsii barn owl Tyto alba Bath asparagus Ornithogalum pyrenaicum beech Fagus sylvatica Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus birch Betula pendula bird’s-nest orchid Neottia nidus-avis bittern Botaurus stellaris bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta bramble Rubus spp. Bristol rock-cress Arabis stricta Bristol whitebeam Sorbus bristoliensis broad-leaved helleborine Epipactis helleborine broad-leaved spurge Euphorbia platyphyllos brook lamprey Lampetra planeri brown hairstreak Thecla betulae brown trout Salmo trutta bulbous foxtail Alopecurus bulbosus carline thistle Carlina vulgaris chalkhill blue Lysandra coridon common polypody fern Polypodium vulgare common reed Phragmites australis common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii coot Fulica atra corn parsley Petroselinum segetum curlew Numenius arquata dipper Cinclus cinclus dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius dunlin Calindris alpina early marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata elm Ulmus procera field maple Acer campestre frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae gadwall Anas strepera Goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus auricomus great silver beetle Hydrophilus piceus great-crested grebe Podiceps cristatus great-crested newt Triturus cristatus greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum greater pond-sedge Carex riparia green-winged orchid Orchis morio grey partridge Perdix perdix hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense harvest mouse Micromys minutus hazel Corylus avellana herb-paris Paris quadrifolia Himalayan balsam Impatiens grandulifera


jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica lapwing Vanellus vanellus large-leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros lesser pond-sedge Carex acutiformis lizard orchid Himantoglossum hircinum meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum mink Mustela vison narrow-fruited cornsalad Valerianella dentata night-flowering catchfly Silene noctiflora noble crayfish Astacus astacus oak Quercus robur otter Lutra lutra pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus peregrine Falco peregrinus pole cat Mustela putorius primrose Primula vulgaris purple gromwell Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea redshank Tringa totanus reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis rootless duckweed Wolffia arrhiza round-headed leek Allium sphaerocephalon ruddy darter Sympetrum sanguineum salmon Salmo salar sea clover Trifolium squamosum sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus sea trout Salmo trutta sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus sheep’s fescue Festuca ovina shelduck Tadorna tadorna shepherd’s needle Scandix pecten-veneris shoveler Anas clypeata signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus skylark Alauda arvensis slender hare’s-ear Bupleurum tenuissimum small-leaved lime Tilia cordata snipe Gallinago gallinago Somerset hair-grass Koeleria vallesiana southern marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum sycamore Acer pseudoplatinus teal Anas crecca toothwort Lathraea squamaria tufted duck Aythya fuligula turkey oak Quercus cerris twaite shad Alosa fallax water fern Azolla filiculoides water shrew Neomys fodiens


water vole Arvicola terrestris western gorse Ulex gallii whimbrel Numenius phaeopus white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes white-fronted goose Anser albifrons wild garlic Allium ursinum wild service-tree Sorbus torminalis willow spp. Salix spp. Wilmott’s whitebeam Sorbus wilmottiana wood vetch Vicia sylvatica wych elm Ulmus glabra yellow-sedge sspp. Carex viridula spp yew Taxus baccata

Appendix 6.3: Abbreviations


AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ARAG Avon Reptile and Amphibian Group ASERA Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities AVP Avon Valley Partnership AWT Avon Wildlife Trust B&NES Bath and North-East Somerset Council BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BARS Biodiversity Action Reporting System BASC British Association of Shooting and Conservation BCC Bristol City Council BLR Bristol Living Rivers Project BNS Bristol Naturalists’ Society BOC Bristol Ornithological Club BRERC Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre BTCV formerly British Trust for Conservation Volunteers BTO British Trust for Ornithology BW Bristol Water BWW British Waterways CAONBP Cotswolds AONB Partnership CG Calcareous Grassland cSAC Candidate Special Area of Conservation DAG Dry Acid Grassland DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DETR Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions EA Environment Agency EC European Community EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMS European Marine Site EN English Nature EU European Union EWGS England Woodland Grants Scheme FC Forestry Commission FE Forest Enterprise FoA Forest of Avon FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group GIS Geographical Information System ha Hectares HAP Habitat Action Plan HLF Heritage Lottery Fund HMP Her Majesty’s Prison HMPS Her Majesty’s Prison Service HOT Hawk and Owl Trust JSPTU Joint Strategic Planning and Transport Unit LCG Lowland Calcareous Grassland LH Lowland Heath LM Lowland Meadows LNR Local Nature Reserve LRC Local Records Centre LSC Learning Skills Council LSP Local Strategic Partnership MHAONB Mendip Hills AONB NBN National Biodiversity Network NNR National Nature Reserve NSC North Somerset Council NSLMP North Somerset Levels and Moors Project


NT National Trust OSPAR Oslo and Paris (Convention) PPC Pollution Prevention Control PSA Public Service Agreement pSAC proposed Special Area of Conservation RBI Rebuilding Biodiversity Initiative RIGS Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SAP Species Action Plan SEP Severn Estuary Partnership SGC South Gloucestershire Council SNCI Site of Nature Conservation Interest/Importance SPA Special Protection Area SPG Supplementary Planning Guidance SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SUDS Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems SW South West UA Local Unitary Authority UK United Kingdom WeBS Wetland Birds Survey WES Wildlife Enhancement Scheme WESP West of England Strategic Partnership WS Wildlife Site WW Wessex Water