Wealden Places for People Pilot
Project 2009
Green-winged Orchid - Copyright PAUL MARTEN/Sussex Wildlife Trust.
This report contains confidential information and may not be circulated outside Wealden
District Council and Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre unless all owner contact details have
been removed.
Contents
1.0 Background to Pilot Project ................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Survey Methodology ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Site Selection ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Background Data......................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Recording Forms......................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 Survey Results........................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Site Survey.................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Existing SNCI Site Summaries .................................................................................................. 5
3.2.1 Tollgate Meadow CW11 ....................................................................................................... 5
3.2.2 Hadlow Down Churchyard CW20 ....................................................................................... 6
3.2.3 Hamsell Lake CW53............................................................................................................. 7
3.2.4 Piltdown Common CW59..................................................................................................... 8
3.2.5 Diplocks Wood CW74 ......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.6 Leyswood Rocks CW79...................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Proposed SNCI Site Summaries ............................................................................................. 11
3.3.1 Groombridge Lagoons....................................................................................................... 11
3.3.2 Hempstead Meadows ........................................................................................................ 12
3.3.3 Lower Theobalds Farm ..................................................................................................... 12
3.4
Summary of prioritised biodiversity related recommendations.................................. 13
Existing sites .................................................................................................................................... 13
4.0 NI 197 Implications.............................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Positive Conservation Management. ..................................................................................... 14
4.2 Impact of P4P pilot of Wealden NI 197 Figures ................................................................... 15
5.0 Public Access, Community involvement and Education..................................................... 16
Existing sites .................................................................................................................................... 16
6.0 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................... 18
6.1 Success of the Pilot Project..................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Possible funding for SNCI management and enhancement............................................... 18
6.3 Possible partners for management and public involvement.............................................. 18
6.4 Recommended Tasks for Wealden District Council............................................................. 19
This report was commissioned by Wealden District Council and was undertaken by Sussex
Biodiversity Record Centre working with Kate Ryland of Dolphin Ecological Surveys.
Any enquiries regarding this report can be directed either to Chris Hannington at Wealden
District Council [email protected] or Henri Brocklebank of Sussex
Biodiversity Record Centre on [email protected] .
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre is the Centre for reference for authoritative information
relating to biodiversity in Sussex, working with both data users and data providers for public
benefit. More details can be found on www.sxbrc.org.uk
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1.0 Background to Pilot Project
The Wealden Places for People Pilot Project (P4P) was set up to develop and test a
methodology for a ten-year rolling programme of survey and assessment of existing and
proposed new Local Sites as part of Wealden District Council’s (WDC’s) responsibilities to
identify, select and encourage the management of Sites of Nature Conservation Importance
(SNCIs) (P4P Proposal document – Hannington November 2008).
In addition to trialling a method for assessment of the current ecological value of existing
and new SNCIs, the pilot project aimed to gather information for the Council's future
National Indicator 197 responses and data about each site’s accessibility, management,
potential funding streams, partner organisations and community involvement, value to local
people and usefulness for educational purposes. The P4P project bid document includes
fuller details of this.
.
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2.0 Survey Methodology
2.1 Site Selection
Site selection for the pilot year was carried out by representatives of the partners in the P4P
project; Wealden District Council and the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre (SxBRC) along
with the ecological surveyor from Dolphin Ecological Surveys (DES). The aim was to select a
range of different types and sizes of sites to enable an assessment of the prototype
methodology.
The sites selected for the Pilot Project were:
Existing SNCIs
Tollgate Meadow CW11
Hadlow Down Churchyard CW20
Hamsell Lake CW53
Piltdown Common CW59
Diplocks Wood CW74
Mayfield School Playing Field and Gill CW 76
Leyswood Rocks CW79
Potential new SNCIs
Groombridge Lagoons
Hempstead Meadows, Uckfield
Lower Theobalds Farm,
Heathfield
2.2 Background Data
Wealden District Council and SxBRC provided biodiversity and ownership data that was
available either from old SNCI surveys (circa 1993) or from more recent contact with owners.
SxBRC also produced site maps with inset aerial photographs of the sites to assist with the
survey and assessment process. Dolphin Ecological Surveys contributed data on some of the
sites from previous survey work.
2.3 Recording Forms
Recording forms were designed to capture key ecological data and the potential for
enhanced public access, education and community involvement on SNCIs. These forms were
intended to allow re-assessment of existing SNCIs based on the key features contained in
the SNCI descriptions and their management status. See Appendix for an example of the
recording form, completed recording forms and maps.
Potential new SNCIs were assessed in more detail following the survey methodology of the
original SNCI surveys.
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3.0 Survey Results
3.1 Site Survey
The existing and proposed SNCIs (pSNCIs) selected at the start of the Pilot Project were
visited and surveyed (with two exceptions) at appropriate times of year during the 2009 field
season by Kate Ryland of Dolphin Ecological Surveys.
The two selected sites that were not surveyed during the Pilot Project were Groombridge
Lagoons pSNCI and the Mayfield School Playing Field and Gill SNCI.
The Groombridge Lagoons pSNCI was not surveyed in 2009 because sufficient biodiversity
data was already available and the surveyor knows the site well. Existing information from
recent surveys of the site by Dolphin Ecological Surveys and Barry Kemp Conservation Ltd.
was used to compile site description and pSNCI documentation.
The Mayfield School Playing Field and Gill SNCI (CW 76) was formerly a school but is now
affected by new development. Although housing construction was underway when a survey
visit was attempted, the site was unattended at that time. Further contact with the
developers via WDC is suggested to find out what has happened to the semi-natural habitats
within the SNCI.
Notwithstanding that these two sites were not surveyed the survey work has exceeded the
total of five sites put forward in the proposal document. The P4P pilot has achieved 8 sites
surveyed and an additional site assessed using earlier, recent survey work from other
sources.
Data on all the selected sites that were surveyed is presented below and in the survey record
forms in the Appendix.
3.2 Existing SNCI Site Summaries
3.2.1 Tollgate Meadow CW11
This small meadow was last surveyed in 1990 and at that time had a sward typical of neutral
grassland with a notable abundance of yellow rattle and adder’s tongue. Common spotted
orchids were locally prominent and a single heath spotted orchid was observed. In 1990
management was a hay cut in late June with no grazing.
In 2009 Tollgate Meadow had declined significantly in terms of its botanical interest. Whilst
many of the common plant species recorded as present in 1990 were still there, the relative
abundance of many species had changed. The less common species (yellow rattle and
adder’s tongue) were apparently absent and the meadow sward was very low, with few tall
grasses. The sward was dominated in many areas by a small number of species that are
tolerant of heavy rabbit grazing, including ground-ivy, germander speedwell, barren
strawberry and selfheal. Creeping thistle was also much more widespread across the
meadow than in the past.
The changes at Tollgate Meadow are likely to be due to a combination of factors. The
previous owner died some years ago and her nephew inherited the property. There were
several years when the meadow was unmanaged and although now it is cut annually by a
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local farmer, the hay is very sparse and poor quality so the arisings are left in situ. This tends
to cause an accumulation of thatch and gradual enrichment of the soil, which favours more
coarse plant species and will suppress less competitive plants. It also provides few bare soil
niches for annual plants, such as yellow rattle, to germinate in. The meadow also suffers
from very high levels of rabbit activity and there were numerous scrapes and areas of very
closely cropped turf at the time of the survey.
The woodland and scrub around the meadow provide excellent habitat for a range of wildlife
and the edges of the meadow, where banks of bramble and other scrub adjoin the grassland,
are likely to be valuable ecotones. However, it appears that the extent of the meadow is
gradually shrinking as the scrub encroaches. There is also a small clump of oak trees that
have been planted in the eastern corner and as they mature they too will shade out the
grassland sward.
Recommendations
The current SNCI boundary includes some areas that are not grassland habitat and it is
strongly recommended that the boundary be re-drawn to exclude the areas that fall within
the domestic curtilage (see site map). The drive, a small orchard and an area of garden as
well as a strip of land that was dominated by bramble and has since been cleared by the
current owner and re-seeded, should all be removed from the SNCI.
Management to restore some of the lost, botanical interest of the meadow would need to
address the problems of rabbit activity, thistle infestation and irregular management. Ideally
the meadow area should be fenced to prevent rabbit access and also to allow livestock
grazing. A consistent, traditional management regime of hay cut with aftermath grazing
would be appropriate for this site. If livestock grazing is not feasible then a light application
of farmyard manure (FYM) every 3-5 years should be considered. Control of the creeping
thistle using glyphosate via a weed wiper is likely to be the most effective technique. Leaving
cut material in place and having bonfires on the meadow area should be avoided. In the first
instance some trial rabbit exclosures could be set up so that the potential recovery of the
sward could be observed.
This site has no public access and is not appropriate for increased visitor pressure due to the
small size and fragility of the habitat.
3.2.2 Hadlow Down Churchyard CW20
Hadlow Down Churchyard was surveyed in 1991 (DES) and again in 1994 (SNCI). It is a small,
rural churchyard with an excellent area of unimproved grassland sward that supports a wide
range of plant species typical of neutral to acid grassland. The PCC has long carried out a
largely appropriate management regime within the churchyard, based on infrequent mowing
of the most species rich areas to the north of the church.
In the past some concern was expressed that bramble, bracken and young trees could
become established and spread within the churchyard at the expense of the unimproved
grassland habitat. This is still a potential problem that could be addressed by targeted
control of these species and young trees. During the 2009 survey it was also noted that
cuttings are not removed during/after mowing. This will eventually lead to deterioration in
the grassland by causing enrichment and reducing germination niches.
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Despite these minor suggested improvements to its management, the site is still in very
good condition and many of the key species noted in the surveys of the 1990s were observed
in 2009 including green-winged orchid, common spotted orchid, lousewort and devil’s bit
scabious.
Recommendations
There is an area of land surrounded by mixed hedges to the west of the SNCI which is the
open/active part of the churchyard. It comprises an area of species-rich grassland, the
eastern part mown with newer graves and the western part unmanaged. The unmanaged
sections support tussocky grassland with bramble and plants noted within the area include
common knapweed, fleabane, common sorrel, bugle, germander speedwell, greater bird’s
foot trefoil, marsh thistle, grey willow, cuckoo flower, meadow vetchling and meadow
buttercup.
Whilst the grassland sward is not as species rich and does not contain many of the less
common species found in the unimproved grassland of the SNCI, the mixture of short
grassland, tussocky areas, young scrub and hedges in this western part of the site provides
good potential habitat for a variety of wildlife including invertebrates, breeding birds, small
mammals, amphibians and reptiles and complements the unimproved grassland. A public
footpath crosses the area. Consideration should be given to extending the SNCI to include
this additional area.
3.2.3 Hamsell Lake CW53
Hamsell Lake is a very undisturbed area of open water (probably an old hammer pond),
surrounded by woodland. Its elderly owner lives nearby and allows a small number of local
residents permissive access to the lake via a mown path around the perimeter. The lake
appears to be little changed since the last survey in 1994 and many of the species and
features noted then are still present.
Management suggested in 1994 included periodic dredging of the lake (to prevent silting up),
rotational dredging of the marginal vegetation at the southern end (to prevent development
into carr) and control or removal of rhododendron. Dredging the lake and the marginal
vegetation has not been carried out and at present there does not appear to be any urgent
need for these actions because although there is some development of mixed willow and
alder carr within the emergent fen vegetation at the southern end of the lake, this is a
valuable habitat that supports a range of species.
A small proportion of the rhododendron is cleared regularly as part of the path maintenance
but to the east of the lake especially it appears that this invasive shrub is spreading further
and in places it overhangs the lake margin. This is likely to cause significant shading of the
water’s edge and the input of rhododendron leaf litter, which is both highly acidic and slow to
decompose, may also be detrimental to lake biota.
Recommendations
Management of the woodland areas surrounding the lake would probably be the most
beneficial activity for biodiversity on this SNCI. All the woodland surrounding Hamsell Lake
SNCI appears on the revised Wealden Ancient Woodland Inventory as either semi-natural
ancient woodland or plantation on ancient woodland site (PAWS).
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The woodland to the east of the lake has areas of planted beech, conifers and dense
rhododendron scrub whilst to the west is an area of mature conifer plantation. Restoration to
mixed, broadleaved woodland using established techniques for PAWS is recommended, such
as gradual removal of conifers, thinning planted beech and rhododendron removal. This
would allow recovery of the woodland ground flora and would also reduce shading of the
lake margins and thus potentially allow the development of a more extensive fringe of
marginal vegetation to compensate for any loss of emergent plants in the southern area.
There are small stands of Indian balsam in the north east and south east of the lake.
Individual plants should be pulled up before they set seed to prevent the spread of this
potentially invasive, non-native species.
Hamsell Lake is not an ideal site for increased levels of community involvement. The habitat
is at present quiet and largely undisturbed so is potentially very valuable for secretive
species such as otter (which could be present in this part of the River Medway catchment).
Breeding and wintering birds may also benefit from the lack of human disturbance on this
site. There are no public rights of way around the lake itself, though there are footpaths
nearby on the edges of the woodland areas and informal access does occur. Any woodland
management work around the edges of the lake should take into account the secluded and
sheltered nature of the waterbody and large-scale clearance in one season should be
avoided.
3.2.4 Piltdown Common CW59
The main parts of this site encompass a golf course that lies on both sides of the minor road
to Shortbridge, south of the A272. In addition there are several small compartments on the
north of the A272 road between Grisling Common in the west and Down Street in the east
(see site map for target note numbers).
Piltdown Golf Course (1) has a rich mosaic of semi-natural habitats away from the closely
mown and improved swards of the greens and tees. Clumps of trees and scrub are present
across the site, some of them with occasional rhododendron shrubs, but generally
containing a mixture of oak, birch, hawthorn, gorse, bramble and honeysuckle.
The most interesting habitat on the golf course is the heathland/acid grassland that occurs
in the areas of rough. Parts of the rough are mown regularly whilst other areas are allowed
to grow taller and there are both wet and dry areas. Ling, cross-leaved heath, bell heather,
purple moor-grass, tormentil, heath bedstraw, devil’s bit scabious, dwarf gorse, sheep’s
sorrel, mouse-ear hawkweed, green ribbed sedge and bracken are just some of the
heathland plants noted in these areas. The wetter zones, often associated with the network
of small mossy ditches and drains, support a variety of sedges along with plants such as
sneezewort, marsh pennywort, greater birds-foot-trefoil and sharp-flowered rush.
A considerable amount of positive management that will benefit biodiversity is underway on
the golf course, including selective thinning of trees, bracken control and grazing with
Hebridean sheep using temporary electric fencing to contain livestock onto small, defined
areas. The mowing regime also appears to be designed to maintain the valuable and
structurally diverse heathland and acid grassland mosaic.
The golf course represents an area of varied habitat that has the potential to support a range
of fauna including reptiles, invertebrates, breeding birds and foraging bats.
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Piltdown Pond (2) in the west of the golf course is owned by the Golf Club but managed by the
Copthorne and District Angling Society. The pond is well used by anglers and presumably
stocked with fish. The water is turbid and there appears to be little submerged aquatic
vegetation, as is typical of stocked waterbodies, though some white water lily is present on
the surface of the pond. There is an area of developing willow carr and fen in the east of the
pond where water feeds into it from the golf course ditches and a wide band of scrub and
trees on its northern and southern sides screens it from the golf course.
The pond margins support a fringe of marginal vegetation, especially in the south and east,
which includes a variety of native wetland plants, such as common bulrush, soft rush,
gipsywort, yellow flag, common marsh bedstraw, water mint, hemlock water-dropwort,
lesser spearwort, branched bur reed, water forget-me-not, nodding bur-marigold, wood
club-rush, skullcap, sneezewort, cyperus sedge, hemp-agrimony and common waterplantain. However, it is the non-native and invasive species present around the pond edges
that are the feature of most concern in this part of the SNCI. New Zealand pigmyweed
Crassula helmsii was noted in the 1989 survey and is still present especially in the east of
the pond, but since that time the pond margins have also been colonised by parrots feather
Myriophyllum aquaticum and by floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides. This latter
species, which occurs along the south side of the pond and especially within the carr and
emergent/fen vegetation in the east, is highly invasive and is a serious threat to the
biodiversity of Piltdown Pond and all nearby waterbodies.
To the north of the A272 there are five main parcels of land within the SNCI. In the east, two
compartments lie on either side of Down Street. The larger block (3) comprises an area of
scrubby and open secondary oak and birch woodland with a mixture of hazel, rowan, alder
buckthorn and elder over a ground flora dominated by bracken with much ground-ivy and
patches of nettle. A wide path is mown through this area along the right of way and on this
sunny ride rabbit grazing is heavy and there are patches of a relict acid grassland flora. This
area is probably derived from grazed acid grassland that has been neglected and there is
potential to restore the open common grassland habitat if grazing could be restored along
with a programme of tree clearance and bracken control.
To the east of Down Street (4) is a narrow strip of what appears to be older woodland of quite
open grown hazel coppice with oak and birch over a ground flora with much bracken. There
is a huge old dead pollard stump within this compartment.
Further west along the roadside is a block of open, scrubby woodland (5) with oak, birch,
willow, hazel, hawthorn and wild cherry over a ground flora that includes nettle, bracken,
enchanter’s nightshade, ground-ivy and dog’s mercury. The ground within this woodland has
been extensively disturbed in the past in association with previous tree planting and
clearance below power lines. In the east of this block is a small glade with a fragment of
heathland vegetation where tormentil, bell heather, ling and common dodder were noted.
Another small copse north of the road (6) is similar open, scrubby secondary woodland that
has developed due to cessation of grazing and/or mowing of the common. However, adjoining
this copse is an area of regularly mown grassland below scattered trees and shrubs along
the road verge that is treated as an extension of the adjoining property. To the west of the
mown area is a small strip of hazel and oak woodland.
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The most western compartment (7) at Grisling Common comprises open oak, birch and
willow woodland with a row of horse chestnuts on the road edge. The central part of this area
has recently been planted with laurel shrubs and garden encroachment between the two
converging tracks within the SNCI is underway.
Fauna noted on this SNCI (mostly on the golf course and pond areas) includes butterflies
(large white, gatekeeper, meadow brown, speckled wood, red admiral and peacock),
dragonflies (common blue damselfly, black-tailed skimmer and azure damselfly) and
waterfowl on the pond including coot, moorhen and ducks (mallards and hybrids).
Recommendations
Piltdown Common SNCI was designated on the basis of the NCC’s1989 Common Land survey
and the SNCI boundary includes several separate parcels of land and encompasses the
entire area that is registered as Common Land. Several amendments to this boundary are
suggested following the 2009 assessment of the site so that the SNCI includes only those
areas of greatest biodiversity interest. Small sections of wooded roadside verge in the north
and south of the site are not of particular interest and in several places of the SNCI boundary
includes domestic properties or hardstanding. There is also a small field of slightly acidic,
species rich grassland at Oak Ferrers Farm in the east of the site that could be considered
for inclusion in the SNCI (see site map).
An effective plan to eliminate the invasive plants from Piltdown Pond is needed urgently.
3.2.5 Diplocks Wood CW74
The diverse ground flora noted in 1994 is still present in Diplocks Wood and several Ancient
Woodland Indicator species were observed in 2009 including goldilocks buttercup, bluebell,
wood sedge and sanicle. In 2006 the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Wealden District was
reviewed and Diplocks Wood was added to the revised provisional inventory.
This urban fringe woodland appeared to be in better condition in 2009 than when it was
surveyed in 1994. At that time there was considerable storm damage still evident from 1987
and several of the adjoining householders to the north of the site were either extending their
gardens into the wood or dumping their garden waste within the site. By 2009 the problems
of “gardenisation” appeared to have been addressed, with just one small area in the north of
the site where it appears there may have been some illicit felling/coppicing adjacent to a
domestic fence. The areas of post-storm tree planting have developed well and most of the
old tree tubes have been removed, leaving areas of mixed, young deciduous species.
Members of The Cranedown Society, which manages the site on behalf of Wealden District
Council, have done a good job of creating an open glade along one of the main rides. This
area of young growth lends valuable structural diversity to the otherwise quite uniform
woodland and was favoured by woodland butterflies, hoverflies and bees at the time of the
2009 survey. Dead hedging around the glade has largely prevented new paths from opening
up around it.
The woodland is a good example of an urban fringe SNCI that in addition to its biodiversity
value is well used by members of the local community.
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Recommendations
The original management suggestions were to re-introduce coppicing throughout the
woodland and whilst this would be beneficial from a wildlife point of view, it may be
incompatible with the amount of public access and could be unpopular with users of Diplocks
Wood. In order to enhance structural diversity across the woodland and increase the amount
of light penetrating the canopy an extended, phased programme of ride widening could be
undertaken.
3.2.6 Leyswood Rocks CW79
The sandstone outcrops that are the centrepiece of this SNCI form part of the gardens of a
group of properties around Leyswood House. Only some parts of the rocks were visited for
this survey since it was not possible to contact all the landowners to obtain access consent.
However, the assessment was sufficient to establish that the main areas of rocks are still
managed as part of an extensive, informal rock garden under the guidance of the same
gardener, even though ownership of Leyswood House has changed since the original survey
in 1995.
A specialist lower plant survey would be necessary to establish whether the full range of
rare and uncommon species of liverworts and lichens are still present on the site, but it was
possible to observe that many of the rock faces remain clear of scrub and that extensive and
diverse lower plant assemblages still occur on the rocks, along with a variety of ferns and
occasional other vascular species.
This site has no real potential for community involvement since it is entirely within private
gardens.
Recommendations
Some additional rhododendron scrub could probably be cleared to enhance the rocks for
lower plants and the presence of the non-native and invasive plant parrots feather
(Myriophyllum aquaticum) was noted in the small pond within the main rock garden area.
However, there are few other management recommendations to be made for this habitat.
The main recommendation for Leyswood Rocks SNCI is that the site boundary should be
reviewed. At present it includes extensive areas of mown lawn, driveways, houses, gardens
and impenetrable scrub dominated by rhododendron and other exotic shrubs. A suggested
new boundary is shown on the site map, which reduces the SNCI to the sandstone outcrops
alone and removes all the domestic areas.
3.3 Proposed SNCI Site Summaries
3.3.1 Groombridge Lagoons
The Groombridge Lagoons site is of extremely high biodiversity importance for its
assemblage of amphibians and reptiles. It is owned by Southern Water but is managed on
their behalf by the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG) in accordance with a
management plan (for the lagoon site and the surrounding areas also owned by Southern
Water) that was written in 2008 by Dolphin Ecological Surveys.
The proposed SNCI encompasses the core, breeding habitat for the amphibians within the
old sludge lagoons site, but there is considerable scope to increase the area to cover
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adjoining habitats that are also of high biodiversity value. These include areas of tussocky
wet grassland and wet woodland to the north and west of the lagoons between the railway
line and the River Grom. There is an area of proposed new wet woodland creation along the
northern edge of the River Grom that may in future become a valuable addition to the site.
Southern Water owns all these areas and biodiversity information is held by Dolphin
Ecological Surveys.
To the south of the lagoons is an additional area of very good amphibian and reptile habitat
including a large pond, woodland and tussocky, herb-rich grassland within an abandoned
tree nursery. This land is currently changing ownership but could also be considered for
inclusion in future in a larger SNCI.
The extent of the new SNCI at this stage will largely depend on political/ownership
considerations more than biodiversity factors. The 2008 management plan that was written
for Southern Water has never been formally adopted and some important recommendations
have not been carried out. The most significant of these recommendations was for habitat
creation on an area of over-grazed, improved grassland to link the lagoons to the nearby
areas north of the railway line. It is understood that there is a possibility that the company
will sell this vital strip of land so it is important that SNCI designation does not cause
antagonism with Southern Water.
Ideally the whole habitat complex should be included within a new SNCI, but at this stage it
may be better to restrict the initial designation to the fenced lagoon compound (where the
presence of large populations of protected species is confirmed) with a view to extending the
boundary in future when ownership of the old tree nursery is confirmed and by negotiation
with Southern Water to secure better management of the linking areas.
3.3.2 Hempstead Meadows
Hempstead Meadows is an urban fringe site in the south of Uckfield. It comprises a series of
wet grassland, fen and carr habitats in the floodplain of the River Uck. There is public access
throughout the site and the western section has been designated a Local Nature Reserve
(LNR) by its owners Uckfield Town Council. The site has excellent town centre access and its
paths are potentially suitable for disabled use though they are not surfaced. There are
benches, bins and interpretation boards already on the site.
There is considerable recreational use of the site and new development extends to the very
edge of the floodplain, but this site still retains some valuable and uncommon wetland
habitats.
The suggested boundary of the pSNCI includes all the grassland, wetland, woodland and
scrub habitats between the housing to the north and the railway line/river as far as the end
of the woodland in the east.
3.3.3 Lower Theobalds Farm
Lower Theobalds Farm lies on the southern edge of Heathfield, adjacent to the Cuckoo Trail.
It is a typical, small Wealden farm with a mixture of ancient woodland, hedgerows, a stream
and small grassland fields. Some biodiversity data has been gathered in the past when there
was a threat of development on an adjoining piece of land. The farm is in HLS and the semi12
improved grassland fields are due to be enhanced in the near future under the guidance of
the Weald Meadows Initiative.
There are 3 public footpaths across the site. The pSNCI would include the whole landholding
apart from the farmhouse, garden and entrance drive. Whilst there are several records of
protected species present on the site as well as ancient, semi-natural woodland and old
hedgerows, this is at best a borderline case for SNCI designation. There is nothing
particularly outstanding about the semi-natural habitats, and probably the strongest case for
its designation would be as an urban fringe site.
3.4
Summary of prioritised biodiversity related recommendations
Existing sites
Site
Tollgate Meadow
Recommendations
Revise boundary to exclude domestic areas
Install trial areas where rabbits are excluded
Thistle control by weed wipe
Fence whole meadow
Hay cut and aftermath grazing/FYM application
Hadlow Down
Churchyard
Hamsell Lake
Piltdown Common
Not recommended for increased access
Extend SNCI to include additional area of
grassland and scrub
Woodland restoration management
Control of Indian balsam
Not recommended for increased access
Revise boundary to exclude domestic areas
and low value habitats and include additional
species rich grassland
Control invasive species on Piltdown Pond,
especially floating pennywort
Carry out phased programme of ride widening
Pond management could be enhanced
Mayfield School Playing Wealden DC to contact site developers
Field and Gill
Additional rhododendron clearance
Leyswood Rocks
Review site boundary to remove domestic
areas and include only sandstone outcrops
Diplocks Wood
Priority
High
Medium
High
High
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Very high
Medium
Medium
High
Medium
Medium
Proposed sites
Groombridge Lagoons
Hempstead Meadows
Lower Theobalds Farm
Recommended as a new SNCI with
surrounding areas to be considered as site
extensions in future
Recommended as a new SNCI
Not recommended as a new SNCI
13
High
High
Low
4.0 NI 197 Implications
The Single Set of 198 National Indicators (the National Indicator Set – NIS) was announced by
the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in October 2007, and
represents the only set of indicators on which central government will performance manage
local government, with results being published annually by the Audit Commission.
National Indicator (NI) 197 measures the performance of Local Authorities for biodiversity by
focusing upon Local Sites. By assessing the implementation of positive conservation
management (which serves as a widely accepted and cost effective proxy for identifying
improvements in biodiversity) at the Local Site level, this will indicate the wider performance
for biodiversity of each Local Authority. This will in turn contribute to wider environmental
quality, whilst further benefits from the assessment may include the encouragement of
wider public access to Local Sites and their promotion for educational purposes.
A Local Site is “a defined area, identified and selected locally for its substantive nature
conservation value, taking into consideration the most important and the most distinctive
species, habitats, geological and geomorphological features within a national, regional and
local context. It may also have an important role in contributing to the public enjoyment of
nature conservation.” (DEFRA revised guidance note, Dec 2008).
Within East Sussex, Local Sites include Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs),
and Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS). There are a total of 111
local sites in Wealden District. This report takes a detailed look at 6 of these sites.
4.1 Positive Conservation Management.
Positive conservation management is that which contributes to maintaining or enhancing the
features of interest for which a Local Site has been selected. Documented evidence of
appropriate management activities must exist, and will usually be defined within one or more
of the following:
•
Site management plan – where a plan has been written and has been/is being
implemented.
•
Management schemes – where a site is being managed in accordance with an
environmental management scheme (such as Countryside Stewardship (CSS),
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), Environmental Stewardship (appropriate ELS
options only/HLS), Woodland Grant Scheme, etc.).
•
Relevant Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) – where the site has been managed in
accordance with specific targets set in a current local/regional BAP, or a specific
Habitat or Species Action Plan.
•
Management guidance and advice – where advice on appropriate conservation
management of the site has been provided to landowners/managers and has/is being
acted upon.
14
4.2 Impact of P4P pilot of Wealden NI 197 Figures
The indicator is a simple calculation, expressing the percentage of Local Sites within a Local
Authority area where positive conservation management has taken place up to five years
prior to the reporting date (for reporting 31st March 2009, evidence collected between April
2004 and March 2009 may be used). This includes all Local Sites and not just those
controlled by the Local Authority. The final figure is quoted as a whole percentage.
Site Name.
Site Code.
Washwell Lane Scrub
CW01
Barnet Wood Complex
CW02
Furnace Lane Meadow
CW03
Foster's Meadow
CW04
Newick Lane Meadow
CW07
Upper Old Mill Meadows
CW08
Hastingford Meadow
CW09
Sheffield Park and Meadows
CW12
Cantersand Meadows & Gillhope Bank Wood Gill
CW13
Combe Wood
CW16
Hadlow Down Churchyard
CW20
Monkyn Pin
CW21
Pound and Furzefield Wood
CW24
Shortbridge Stream Meadow
CW25
Three Cups Corner Meadow
CW26
Beatons Wood
CW28
Friston Forest
CW32
Lakestreet Wood and Devil's Gill
CW36
Lake Wood
CW44
Wilmington, Deep Dean and Ewe Dean
CW46
Willingdon and Home Bottom
CW47
Snape House Meadow
CW50
West Park
CW56
Piltdown Common
CW59
Plashett Park Lakes and Woodland
CW62
Southern Part of Hadlow Deep Wood
CW64
Clays Wood
CW70
Jarvis Brook Country Park
CW71
The Warren and Broadwater Forest
CW73
Entryhill Wood Complex
CW75
Ridgewood Clay Pit
CW82
Bewl Water Reservoir
CW83
Sheffield Forest Complex
CW85
Chantlers Farm Meadows
CW90
Abbots and Wilmington Wood and Milton Hide
CW92
Tilton Wood
CW93
Land at Isfield Church
CW95
Jarvis's, Nobody's Wood & Park Wood Complex
CW97
Hope Gap Steps-Cuckmere Haven
TV59/10a
Rocks Park, Uckfield
TQ42/02
High Rocks, Frant
TQ53/02
Eridge Rocks
TQ53/09
Rockswood, near Groombridge
TQ53/42
Coastal section: Birling Gap
TV59/09
Coastal section: Seven Sisters
TV59/10b
Lake Wood Rocks, Uckfield
TQ42/35
Coastal section: Belle Tout-Birling Gap
TV59/10c
Total number of Local Sites meeting NI197 = 47 out of 111 (=42.3%).
1
2
CSS – Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
WMI – Weald Meadows Initiative
15
Site Type.
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
SNCI
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
RIGS
Main reason(s) for NI197
qualification.
1
CSS
CSS
2
Management advice given for WMI
Management advice given for WMI
Confirmed by Kate Ryland
Management advice given for WMI
Management advice given for WMI
WGS3, NT
Management advice given for WMI
WGS3, EWGS
Management advice given for WMI
Management plan
WGS3
CSS
Confirmed by Kate Ryland
WGS3, EWGS
FC, management plan
WGS3
WGS3, EWGS, WT
ESA, management plan
ESA
Management advice given for WMI
LNR, management plan & advice
CSS
WGS3, EWGS
EWGS
WGS3, EWGS
Management plan
ESS, WGS3, RSPB
WGS3
Managed Millennium Green
Confirmed by Kate Ryland
FC
EWGS
FC
WGS3
Confirmed by Kate Ryland
Management plan, WGS3
SSSI (fav)
LNR
SSSI (fav)
WGS3, SWT
WGS3, EWGS, SSSI (fav)
ESA + NT + SSSI (fav) combined
SSSI (fav)
WGS3, EWGS, WT
SSSI (fav)
42.3% of sites in Wealden meet NI197 Criteria. With only two of the sites considered in this
report being included. The following sites were not included.
•
•
•
•
Tollgate Meadow, CW11
Hamsell Lake, CW53
DIplocks Wood CW74
LeyswoodRocks CW79
If the management recommendations of this report are appropriately forwarded to the
landowners of these sites, 51 of 111 sites will be considered to be in positive management
and the NI 197 Indicator figure for Wealden District will increase from 42.3% to 45.9%.
5.0 Public Access, Community involvement and Education
The survey work for this project also included an assessment of access, education,
interpretation and the potential for community involvement. Observations were made in the
recording sheets, found in the Appendix of this report. However the key observations are
outlined in the table below with observations that could be actioned by Wealden District
Council highlighted.
Existing sites
Site
Tollgate Meadow
Hadlow Down
Churchyard
Hamsell Lake
Recommendations
No Public Access
No Potential Access
Not Suitable for education
Priority
No Action
No Action
No Action
Not suitable for public quiet enjoyment
No interpretation required
No Action
No Action
Unrestricted open access with a public
footpath through the churchyard
Existing access includes a small carpark
and surfaced paths
Churchyard adjoins school and has good
potential for informal education about
wildflower meadow management and
biodiversity
An interpretation board explaining the
value of the grassland and its
management woud be very valuable and
would replace an old generic ‘Living
Churchyard’ sign in the church porch.
Community Group already involved
Very Low key informal use by a small
number of local residents
No Action
16
No Action
Recommendation
Recommendation
No Action
No Action
Increased informal access will bring with No Action
it the risks of misuses including
unauthorised angling, and disturbance
so may not be appropriate. Elderly owner
is not able to oversee.
Only low level school use would be
No Action
appropriate and hazards associated with
open water could be a problem.
Limited need or potential for more
No Action
interpretation.
Piltdown Common
Diplocks Wood
Leyswood Rocks
Public Footpaths across the golf course
and open access around the pond.
Reasonable diabled access around much
of the pond. Access could be enhanced
on the surfaced tracks of the golf course
by agreement with the club.
Some educational opportunities but both
the pond and golf course pose hazards to
children.
Good Potential for enhanced
interpretation of wildlife and
management to users of pond and golf
course
Interpretation relating to the spread of
invasive species between Piltdown Pond
and other water bodies recommended.
Open access and a network of well used
paths
Any improvements in access could
damage woodland habitat. Paths are
accessible to people with limited
mobility, particularly when the ground is
dry.
Site is within 500m of a school and has
good potential as an outdoor classroom.
The Cranedown Society are responsible
for the management of the site on behalf
of Wealden DC So community
involvement already exists
Much used for quiet enjoyment and dog
walking by locals.
Strictly Private, no access
17
No Action
Recommendation
No Action
Recommendation
Recommendation
No Action
No Action
Recommendation
No Action
No Action
No Action
6.0 Conclusions
6.1 Success of the Pilot Project
The 2009 P4P Pilot Project has developed an effective mechanism to revisit and review SNCIs
that may not have been surveyed for in excess of 15 years. The project has found some sites
largely unchanged since their initial designation whilst others have either deteriorated or
improved in their value for biodiversity. Assessing the potential for community involvement,
education and access to the SNCIs has added depth to the information available about these
sites.
Two new SNCIs are recommended for designation and some modifications to the boundaries
of existing sites are suggested.
Overall the Pilot Project has been very successful in meeting the aims of Wealden P4P and
the review should be carried forward in future years to cover the entire Wealden SNCI series.
This project has also developed a simple prototype that could be extended to other Local
Authority areas to help monitor and make the best of their Local Wildlife Sites.
6.2 Possible funding for SNCI management and enhancement
Some of the recommendations for enhanced management of the SNCIs will have cost
implications. There are several possible sources of funding for such work, which include but
are not limited to the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heritage Lottery Fund
Landfill tax funding (only sites that fall within the catchment area of landfill sites)
Natural England Communities Fund
The High Weald AONB Unit Sustainability Fund
East Sussex County Council
Piltdown Common is in the Ouse and Western Streams Biodiversity Opportunity Area
(BOA) and there is a possibility that some funding may be available in future for
Biodiversity enhancements within BOAs.
6.3 Possible partners for management and public involvement
Practical help with the implementation of management recommendations and contacts to
promote community involvement may be forthcoming from some of the following:
For help with practical management tasks
• British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
• South Downs Joint Committee volunteers
Advice on habitat management techniques:
• Sussex Wildlife Trust - WildCall
• High Weald AONB Unit
• ?Weald Meadows Initiative?
• Forestry Commission
• Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group
18
Advice and practical help with pond management, creation and control of invasive aquatic
weeds:
• Environment Agency
• Sussex Wildlife Trust ‘WildCall’
• Sussex Pond Project (Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre)
Community involvement
• East Sussex County Council
• Town and Parish Councils
6.4 Recommended Tasks for Wealden District Council
1. Redraw the boundaries of the current SNCIs as recommended in this report.
2. Contact Landowners with relevant management advice.
3. Support Landowners in addressing the highest priority management issues.
4. Follow up access, education and interpretation recommendations where applicable.
5. Create new SNCIs informing landowners of any relevant observations from this report.
6. Maintain a rolling programme of P4P annually, but extend the scope to be double the
amount covered in this report. Covering only a handful of sites each year will take a
minimum of 16 years to complete all Wealden SNCIs. A 10 year program is
recommended which implies that at least ten existing sites should be covered each year
and several proposed ones.
19
APPENDICES
•
Confidential Contact details
•
Example of blank recording form
•
Full set of completed recording forms with Site maps
•
Draft SNCI citations for proposed new sites (below)
•
SNCI citations for existing sites
20
Confidential
Wealden P4P SNCIs Owners and Contact Details
Site name
SNCI
No.
Owner
21
22
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
SITE NAME
:
GROOMBRIDGE LAGOONS
GRID REF.
:
TQ 545376
AREA
:
2.35 ha
DATE
:
Compiled from data from 2007/8
SURVEYORS :
BARRY KEMP & KATE RYLAND
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The site is owned by Southern Water and consists of six former sewage treatment lagoons,
areas of rough grassland, tall herbs and scrub. It has not been used as an operational site
by Southern Water for at least a decade and consequently has been colonised by a range of
wildlife.
The site was first recognised as being an important one for herpetiles following surveys in
2005 as part of a proposed decontamination programme.
Further surveys by the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group, SARG on behalf of Southern
Water revealed that all species of herpetile native to Sussex are present on the site, most of
which can be found in unusually high numbers. Species include Adder, Grass snake, Slow
worm, Common lizard, Great crested newt, Palmate newt, Smooth newt, Common toad and
Common frog as well as several species of small mammal such as Field vole, Bank vole,
Common shrew, Pigmy shrew and Water shrew.
To illustrate the value of the site 24 visits during 2007 recorded a total of 972 separate reptile
encounters. The most commonly encountered reptiles were Slow worms with 706
encounters. Grass snakes were encountered a total of 175 times and Adders were
encountered 84 times. Common lizard were encountered a total of 7 times.
The highest numbers of each reptile species recorded on any one day was 110 Slow worms,
24 Grass snakes, 10 Adders and 3 Common lizard.
The old lagoons are unmanaged and whilst some contain standing open water, others are
becoming colonised by emergent vegetation and willow scrub.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
SARG volunteers have been managing the site on behalf of Southern Water since 2005. Paths
are mown around the tops of the lagoons to allow access and periodic clearance of bramble
and other coarse vegetation on south facing slopes in the lagoons is cleared twice a year to
provide good basking habitat.
The site is a valuable asset for education. SARG uses the site to provide its members and
Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteers with training in reptile survey and has also held reptile
awareness events for local District Council planning teams.
47
Due to the abundance of herpetiles on the site, Professor Trevor Beebee, of the University of
Sussex, one of the UK’s foremost herpetologists and author of many scientific papers and
books including New Naturalist “Amphibians and Reptiles” has visited the site with his
students and intends to continue to use the site to see amphibians and reptiles in the field.
COMMENTS
This site is recommended for adoption as a new SNCI.
48
49
SITE NAME
:
HEMPSTEAD MEADOWS
GRID REF.
:
TQ 478212
AREA
:
? ha
DATE
:
15th May 2009
SURVEYORS :
KATE RYLAND, DOLPHIN ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The western section of the LNR is predominantly tussocky grassland and tall herbs with
mown paths. Small groups of trees and shrubs including willows, oak, hazel, birch and ash,
are present in the east of the area. Around the edges of this part of the site there are bands
of scrub, bramble banks and large nettle beds, all of which are of potentially high value to
invertebrates.
In the eastern part of the LNR the grassland sward is generally lower and more diverse,
especially around the wet flush where there are fewer coarse grasses and more wetland
species. The greater tussock sedge that occurs in this part of the site (and further to the
east) under a group of alder trees is of particular interest. Native black poplars have been
planted at several locations within the LNR
From the eastern end of the LNR to the recreation ground there is another area of wet
grassland with a row of alder trees between the grassland and adjacent housing.
Within the wet grassland scattered trees and shrubs are becoming establishing in the
unmanaged sward, which has much hemlock water-dropwort, meadowsweet, rushes, broadleaved dock and nettle. Indian balsam is prominent here along with occasional common
figwort and square-stalked St Johns-wort. There is a stream along the northern edge of the
wet grassland with a footbridge and boardwalk alongside.
The stream contains various aquatic and marginal plants including common water-starwort,
floating sweet-grass, yellow flag, water mint, a water crowfoot, brooklime, common water
plantain, greater tussock sedge and large bittercress with young alders and grey willow on
the banks.
Further eastwards there is an area of tall herb fen that contains a good range of wetland
plant species including greater tussock sedge, yellow flag, reed canary grass, reed sweet
grass, water horsetail, marsh thistle, crack willow, ragged robin, wild angelica, cuckoo
flower, common bulrush, bog stitchwort, marsh marigold, rushes, common marsh bedstraw
and gipsywort. The non-native and invasive species Indian balsam is present in this area in
some quantity.
On a dry, south-facing bank to the north of the boardwalk there is an unmanaged mosaic of
relict species-rich grassland, blackthorn scrub and woodland habitats. Oak, male fern,
bramble, holly, bluebell, ramsons and dogs mercury are typical of the woodland parts whilst
50
species such as pignut, meadow buttercup and marsh thistle characterise the grassland
fragments. Anthills are scattered across the grassy slope. There are noticeable signs of
badger activity and a possible sett entrance on this bank.
An area of dense, mixed scrub marks the transition from fen to woodland habitat to the south
of the recreation ground. To the east of the recreation ground an informal path runs through
an area of mixed scrub and unmanaged, tussocky but herb-rich grassland with scattered
large anthills. Wildflowers noted in this grassland include greater birds-foot-trefoil, common
knapweed, wild carrot, common sorrel, creeping cinquefoil, red clover, common vetch,
meadow buttercup, goats-beard, ox-eye daisy, cowslip and agrimony. The scrub contains
much bramble, hawthorn and blackthorn with increasing amounts of bracken to the east.
The eastern part of the site lies on a steep, south east-facing slope with the railway
embankment marking its southern extent. There is a band of dense scrub between the path
and an area of relict alder carr at the bottom of the slope.
The wet alder woodland has a varied ground flora that includes several plants characteristic
of ancient, semi-natural woodland. Yellow archangel is locally frequent along with
meadowsweet, bramble, remote sedge, honeysuckle, wood avens, pendulous sedge,
hemlock water-dropwort, ramsons, various ferns and some Indian balsam. Alder, oak, goat
willow, grey willow, hawthorn, hazel and sycamore form the canopy and shrub layer of the
woodland on the valley bottom and the embankment slope.
The alder carr is a largely inaccessible area and represents a valuable undisturbed refuge
for wildlife.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Within the LNR paths should continue to be mown regularly to allow easy public access. In
the eastern, more diverse wet area the grassland should be mown annually in early autumn
and cuttings removed. An annual, rotational cut of sections of the western tussocky
grassland should be instituted to maintain structural diversity across the area and prevent
eventual succession to scrub. Cut material should be removed.
There is some garden encroachment into the LNR and low-level signs of urban abuses. The
occasional garden shrubs that have been planted adjoining fences in the east of the LNR and
on the nearby dry bank should be removed.
To the east of the recreation ground the area of herb-rich grassland would benefit from an
annual, late season mowing regime to restrict further spread of bramble. Cut material
should be removed.
Management of the fen would formerly have been by livestock, but although grazing this area
would be beneficial, it is likely to be impractical in this urban fringe setting. Indian balsam
should be controlled within the whole site by pulling plants up before seed is set.
COMMENTS
The whole of the area is recommended as a SNCI since it represents a rich mosaic of
habitats as well as a valuable link between the town and open countryside. The site has the
potential to act as an important wildlife corridor and the combined habitats potentially
51
support high levels of biodiversity, for instance breeding birds, invertebrates, herpetofauna
and small mammals. Wetland, wet woodland, relict species rich grassland, dry woodland,
scrub and tussocky grassland are all present. The fen area is a particularly uncommon
habitat and is of particularly high interest.
52
53
SITE NAME
:
LOWER THEOBALDS FARM
GRID REF.
:
TQ 579203
AREA
:
? ha
DATE
:
19th June 2009
SURVEYORS :
KATE RYLAND, DOLPHIN ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Lower Theobalds Farm is a small farm to the south of Heathfield. It supports a typical
Wealden mixture of ancient woodland, grassland and hedgerow habitats that lie along a
small headwater stream of the Waldron Gill, which eventually flows into the River Cuckmere.
Along the wooded stream valley there are stands of both semi-natural and re-planted
ancient woodland. These include areas of hornbeam and hazel coppice over a ground flora
rich in ancient woodland indicator species such as bluebell, wood anemone, ramsons, pignut
and wood sorrel.
The grasslands have been agriculturally improved in the past and have swards that are
generally dominated by grasses and buttercups, but there are still some wildflowers present
such as common knapweed, lesser stitchwort and birds-foot-trefoils. Stands of rushes and
marsh thistle are present in the damper parts of the fields. Occasional anthills are present in
the grassland to the west of the stream.
Old hedgerows with a mixture of trees and shrubs such as oak, holly, hazel and hornbeam
separate the fields to the east of the gill. The eastern edge of the site adjoins the Cuckoo
Trail disused railway which is now a cycle path and right of way.
The farm is known to support a range of wildlife including legally protected species such as
dormouse, great crested newt, adder and slow worm as well as a variety of woodland birds,
amphibians and farmland butterflies. The uncommon dingy skipper and wall butterflies have
been recorded on the site and there is a brown long-eared bat roost in the farmhouse roof
that may also be frequented by pipistrelles.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Lower Theobalds Farm has been entered into a Higher Level Environmental Stewardship
Scheme agreement that will support management of the farm to enhance its wildlife. The
grassland areas are in the process of being enhanced under the guidance of the Weald
Meadows Initiative.
Further management to enhance the farm could include control of invasive rhododendron in
the ancient woodland and removal of the accumulated debris in and around the stream.
54
COMMENTS
This site is typical of small Wealden farms and does not have any outstanding biodiversity
features, however, it is close to the urban fringe and there is good public access via footpaths
and the Cuckoo Trail. There is some potential to encourage community involvement in
management of the site and to provide interpretation of the wildlife and farmland
management.
This site is not recommended as a new SNCI.
55
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Tollgate Meadow
Site Ref:
CW11
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Laughton
National Grid
Ref:
TQ503137
Size (ha):
0.9
Date:
1990
Surveyors:
G Steven
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This small forb-rich meadow is surrounded by woods and tall hedges. The sward is
uniform and species-rich throughout with a typical natural grassland community. Yellow
Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is abundant and of particular note is a large population of
Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) scattered through much of the sward. The
meadow is rich in invertebrates and has a large population of Common Blue Butterflies.
SITE NOTES
The grassland sward of this field is fairly uniform. Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum
odoratum) and Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris) are the most frequent grasses. Bird'sfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Ribwort Plantain
(Plantago lanceolata), Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris), White Clover (Trifolium repens) and
Bugle (Ajuga reptans) all occur very frequently, and there are patches of Adders Tongue
Fern scattered over much of the site. The meadow slopes very gently to the south-east,
and is slightly more damp towards the lower margin where there is a large population of
Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). Ox-eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum) is locally abundant near the south corner and Heath Spotted Orchid
(Dactylorhiza maculata) occurs near the south-west margin.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
This field is appropriately managed as a hay meadow.
56
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Hadlow Down Churchyard
Site Ref:
CW20
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Hadlow Down
National Grid
Ref:
TQ530242
Size (ha):
0.3
Date:
August 1994
Surveyors:
Marion Finch & Louise Clark
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The church lies just to the west of Hadlow Down adjacent to the A272. Part of the
churchyard is managed formally, with closely-mown grass and planted trees and shrubs.
The area to the rear of the church is mostly left long, and supports extremely species-rich
grassland, including large patches of acid grassland and heather. There are large old
anthills in this area, indicating no recent disturbance. The churchyard therefore supports
an important remnant of unimproved grassland which is species-rich and is also being
managed with conservation objectives. The only problem is the spread of Brambles (Rubus
fruticosus), Dog-rose (Rosa canina) and young trees, which will pose a threat to the
grassland in the future.
A past survey by Pat Donovan and Kate Ryland records 132 species on this site.
SITE NOTES
1. Between the boundary hedge and the path is a narrow strip of closely-mown grassland
with gravestones and tombs. Common herbs, such as Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris),
Burnet-Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Oxeye Daisy
(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Mouse-ear
Hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella), Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus) and Bird's-Foot
Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) are abundant. The moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus is also
abundant. Hydrangea, Laurel, young Sycamore and Rhododendron grow in beds around
the church.
2. This area has been mown less recently, and parts have been left uncut, especially
around gravestones. The shorter grassland is similar to that of 1, with Sorrel (Rumex
acetosa) and Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra). The longer grassland is dominated
by Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and Bent
(Agrostis spp), with some Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata). Common Knapweed, Burnetsaxifrage, Rough Hawkbit, Ribwort Plantain, Oxeye Daisy and Bird's-Foot Trefoil are
again abundant, with some Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor), Ploughman's Spikenard
(Inula conyza) and Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii).
57
3. Most of this area has been left long, with paths cut through and the vegetation cut
under the trees. Most of the species are similar to those recorded before, but there are
also quite extensive patches of acidic or heathy grassland. Tormentil (Potentilla erecta),
Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Lousewort
(Pedicularis sylvatica) characterise these areas. Some of the Heather clumps are large,
forming woody bushes. These generally occur around gravestones, presumably because
these areas are difficult to cut. Other species include Eyebright (Euphrasia nemorosa),
Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) and Quaking Grass (Briza media). This area has obviously
not been disturbed (with the exception of digging graves) for many years, as there are
very large old anthills scattered about. The thin soil on the graves has abundant mosses.
The grassland has not been cut for conservation reasons, but the result has also been to
encourage the spread of Bramble (Rubus spp) and Dog-rose (Rosa canina) and the
regeneration of Oak, Willow, Birch and Hawthorn.
The churchyard has several scattered Yews which appears to be of considerable age.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The part of the churchyard which fronts the road is managed quite formally, with the grass
mown short and flowering shrubs planted around the church. The rest is managed to
promote the exceptional richness of the vegetation, with paths being cut throughout the
year, but the main bulk of the grassland being cut in September, after the plants have
flowered and set seed. The cuttings are removed.
We agree with this regime, but are worried by the spread of Brambles, young trees and
shrubs. We would therefore recommend that the Brambles are cut back several times a
year, and the young trees are cut down and the stumps poisoned to prevent regrowth.
Brambles and trees are useful sources of food and shelter for birds, mammals and
insects, but the grassland is by far the rarer and more specialised habitat, so needs to be
protected.
58
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Hamsell Lake
Site Ref:
CW53
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Rotherfield
National Grid
Ref:
TQ537343
Size (ha):
0.2
Date:
June 1994
Surveyors:
Marion Finch & Louise Clark
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The lake is a large area of open water surrounded by woodland. It was probably associated
with the old ironworks, and may have been a hammer pond. There is very little floating
vegetation, but a well-established area of tall herbs, Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)
and Reedmace (Typha latifolia) occurs at the southern end. The lake is surrounded by
mixed woodland, but some Willow and Rhododendron scrub on the margins.
SITE NOTES
1. The causeway is covered in mown grassland and has a wall with cut-down Alder and a
small amount of Goat Willow along it on the lake side. Common Valerian (Valeriana
officinalis), Water Figwort (Scrophularia aquatica), Hemlock Water dropwort (Oenanthe
crocata), Hairy Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria),
Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Bittersweet
(Solanum dulcamara). Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) and Opposite-leaved
Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) grow by the wall or at the margins of
the lake, and some Rigid Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) and Curled Pondweed
(Potamogeton Crispus) occur in the water. There is a small amount of Red Valerian
(Centranthus ruber), False-brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Hemp-Agrimony
(Eupatorium cannabinum), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale agg.), Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla
reptans) and Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula) grow on the wall or on the landward side
of the wall.
2. The muddy margins of the lake support species such as Opposite-leaved Golden
Saxifrage, Great Willowherb, Wavy Bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa), Nettle (Urtica
dioica), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre), Enchanter's
Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), Meadow Grass (Poa trivialis) and Giant Fescue (Festuca
gigantea).
3. At the southern end is a solid mass of vegetation consisting of a mixture of Marsh
Willowherb (Epilobium palustre), Great Willowherb, Water Mint, some Branched Bur
59
reed and frequent but scattered, Reedmace (Typha latifolia). Hemlock Water Dropwort is
common on the edges, and Meadowsweet also occurs here. The central part appears
much wetter, as Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and Reedmace are dominant. The
swampy area is surrounded by Willow Scrub and Rhododendron.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The lake provides a valuable and sizeable area of open water, and will need maintenance
(i.e. periodic dredging) to prevent silting up. The area of marginal vegetation at the
southern end is also a valuable feature but this too will need management to prevent it
developing into scrub. It will also require dredging periodically, but it would be best to only
work on a quarter of this area at any one time and to allow several years between
management in any one area. Rhododendron on the waters edge is not ideal (as it prevents
the existence of native wildlife beneath it), and removal should be considered. It is however
attractive at certain times of the year and so may well be welcomed to provide an
ornamental feel to the lake.
The lake has a path all around it within the woodland, and the causeway is mown.
60
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Piltdown Common
Site Ref:
CW59
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Fletching
National Grid
Ref:
TQ446223
Size (ha):
80.1
Date:
August 1989
Surveyors:
Marion Finch
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The site is a complex mosaic of habitats which includes heathland, grassland, scrub,
woodland and a large pond. The majority of this land forms a golf course which is well
managed.
SITE NOTES
Piltdown Common is an extensive area of a range of habitats. To the north of the A212 in
the south western part of the common is a small area of Oak woodland with Birch and
Bramble (Rubus fruticosus). A line of Horse Chestnut trees is backed by Hazel and
Willow scrub. An area of rough False-oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) grassland and
unimproved Perennial Rye-grass (Lolium perenne) sward occurs adjacent to the trees.
North West of the main block of common is an area of scrubby Oak woodland. Within
here there is an area of rough open grassland composed of Yorkshire Fog (Holcus
lanatus), Thistles (Cirsium spp.), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium),
Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) surrounded by Hazel,
Blackthorn and Bramble.
The northern arm of the common is an area of relict heath, covered in Bracken, with
scattered Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Gorse (Ulex
europaeus), Dwarf Gorse (Ulex minor) and Birch scrub. The North Eastern edges are
wooded and a derelict pond is present.
The main bulk of the common lies south of the A272. There is a large pond here which is
apparently good for water beetles and provides habitat for a healthy population of Toads.
Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), Branched Burreed (Sparganium erectum), Marsh Bed-straw (Gallium palustre), Water Mint (Mentha
aquatica), Nodding Bur-marigold (Bidens cernua), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Marsh
St. John's-Wort (Hypericum elodes), Greater Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus uliginosus), Lesser
Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula), Gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Water-pepper
(Polygonum hydropiper), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), Sedges (Carex spp.)
and Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus) can be found around the margins. On the edges of
61
the pond can also be found the rarely occurring Six-stamened Waterwort (Elatine
hexandra), Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequajis) and the invasive weed Crassula helmsii.
Behind the pond is a scrub fringe of Hawthorn and Grey Willow.
Birch, Hazel and Gorse scrub occurs in a number of areas fringed by improved
grassland. A number of large greens surrounded by mown semi-improved acid
grassland with Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and Heather scattered areas of
bracken, Oak/Birch scrub and trees with Scot's Pine and Rosebay Willowherb, gorse,
Blackthorn and Willow scrub occur throughout the site.
The fairways and roughs of the golf course are composed of closely mown acid grassland
dominated by Fescue (Festuca spp) and Common Bent Grass (Agrostis capillaris) with
Heather, Gorse and Purple Moor-grass.
A number of small areas of woodland are dotted about the site, generally composed of
Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Bracken, Gorse and Purple Moor-grass and most have heathy
fringes. The rarely occurring Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) can also be found here.
One area of Oak and Ash woodland supports a large patch of the invasive weed, Japanese
Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum).
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Much of the golf course is mown, with decreasing frequency from the greens, fairways to
the roughs. Parts of the grassland, mainly the greens, have been improved. Some of the
rougher areas are grazed by Rabbits. Parts of the woodland were storm damaged in 1987
and scattered tree planting and clearance has taken place. The pond is used for fishing.
The main priority should be to maintain the remaining acid grassland and heath. No
further improvement should take place. Mowing should continue. Any further tree planting
should be of native species. Scrub should continue to be controlled.
62
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Diplocks Wood
Site Ref:
CW74
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Polegate
National Grid
Ref:
TQ576042
Size (ha):
5.1
Date:
April 1994
Surveyors:
Dolphin Ecological Surveys
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Diplocks Wood (formerly known as Wannock Coppice) lies on the urban fringe of Polegate,
East Sussex. The woodland does not appear on the Ancient Semi-natural Woodland
Inventory (i.e. woods which have had continuous woodland cover since 1600 A.D.), as it
does not appear as woodland on the First Edition Ordnance Survey Map of the early
nineteenth century. However, despite its apparent, relatively recent origin, Diplocks Wood
has a rich ground flora, which contains a number of species strongly associated with
ancient woodlands, including Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Bluebell
(Hyacinthoides non-scriptus), Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Primrose (Primula
vulgaris), Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus), Sanicle (Sanicula europaeus),
Soft Shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) and Hartstongue (Phyllitis scolopendrium.)
The species composition and structure of the wood indicate a history of fairly intense
management, based on coppicing with standards. The main coppice species are Hazel,
Hornbeam and Sweet Chestnut, with standard trees of Ash and Oak. The standards are
scattered throughout the woodland and none appear to be of great age. There is abundant,
natural regeneration of young, Elm suckers, which would suggest the past presence of
larger Elm trees, prior to the effects of Dutch Elm Disease. The shrub layer includes
Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Holly, Hazel, Field Maple, Spindle and Dogwood.
A small number of Scots Pines are present in the north-eastern part of the wood and a few
Horse Chestnuts also occur. Coppiced Lime trees are found along one path and regrowth
is occurring from a couple of standard Lime, which have been felled and windthrown.
Storm damage has led to a broken canopy and an abundance of fallen and standing
deadwood within the woodland.
The ground flora is very species rich considering the woods relatively recent origin and
lack of active coppicing. Of particular note is the abundance of Hartstongue and Goldilocks
Buttercup amongst the coppice and Sanicle, Violets (Viola spp.) and Moschatel (Adoxa
moschatellina) along path edges. Wetter parts of the wood contain Pendulous Sedge
(Carex pendula), with patches of Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa),
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Wood Sedge (Carex sylvatica) and Common Figwort
(Scrophularia nodosa.)
63
Some replanting of mostly Oak and Field Maple has occurred within the most storm
damaged areas, in the south and west of the wood. Coarse species, such as Creeping
Thistle, (Cirsium palustre), Willowherbs and Grasses are becoming dominant in the field
layer of the largest of the planted areas.
The Wood is dissected by a number of well-used, muddy paths, blocked drainage ditches
and fragments of boundary banks.
Two ponds are present in the wood, both of which contained water at the time of survey.
These were otherwise in a poor condition, being largely shaded and full of organic debris.
These waterbodies could however support an interesting fauna, especially if restored, as
the water in them may well be derived from the chalk downland nearby.
The eastern edge of the wood which borders the road and the north-eastern edge that
adjoins domestic gardens, is affected by the dumping of rubbish and garden refuse. Nonnative plants, such as Rose and Irises occur near the gardens and have presumably been
planted by householders. A row of Wayfaring trees and a clump of Snowberry have been
planted on the roadside edge.
A number of birds use the wood, notably a rookery in one of the larger Oak trees.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Diplocks Wood would have originally been planted with the intention of supplying mixed
coppice materials and was clearly managed as a coppice woodland for many years. The
rich ground flora has arisen as a result of this management regime. Without coppicing the
canopy becomes more dense and less light penetrates it. This will lead to decline in the
species diversity of the ground flora. To ensure that this does not happen, it is advisable to
reintroduce a rotational coppicing regime, which only manages small compartments at
any one time. Rotational coppicing also provides structural diversity to the woodland, as
there are always areas at a different stage of growth. An area which remains permanently
unmanaged and undisturbed could also be retained.
The woodland contains fairly large quantities of deadwood, both fallen and standing. This
should be retained as it provides habitat for many species, including some kinds of fungi,
invertebrates and hole nesting birds. However, where leaning dead trees or hanging
branches are close to paths, they should be made safe.
Most of the paths within the wood are fairly narrow and shaded. Many invertebrates such
as butterflies and bees, thrive in more open, sunny rides where nectar-rich flowering
plants occur. Restructuring a main pathway, by making it wider and more open would
create a woodland ride.
The wood contains two ponds. Improving the pond habitat also adds ecological interest to
the woodland. Both ponds contain a deep layer of organic debris and could be dug out, or,
dredged in order to increase the volume of water the pond is capable of containing. Spoil
should be disposed of off site, if possible. Shrubs around the edge can be periodically
coppiced to allow light to reach the water surface, reduce leaf litter input and encourage
the growth of marginal plants.
Informing the local community about management activities and the problems with
rubbish and garden refuse may help to foster understanding of and encourage involvement
in, the woodland.
COMMENTS
64
Diplocks Wood is owned by Wealden District Council, is located on the urban fringe and is
well used by local people. A community group has been set up, who undertake
management tasks in the wood, following a strategy that has been written for it.
65
SITE OF NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE (SNCI)
East Sussex
Site Name:
Leyswood Rocks
Site Ref:
CW79
District:
Wealden
Parish:
Withyham & Rotherfield
National Grid
Ref:
TQ528352
Size (ha):
4.6
Date:
January 1995
Surveyors:
Simon Davey, Ben Benatt & Bob Antonini
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
These rocks are situated in the garden of Leyswood House, on either side of the main drive
to the house, and in a circular coombe to the north of the house. They are of great
geological interest. Encroaching vegetation has been kept clear of them and they form
part of an informal rock garden. They are consequently in an excellent condition for
bryophytes and support one of the richest assemblages in Sussex. Apparently, these rocks
support 5 species of Liverworts which are confined to these rocks as far as we know. The
surrounding woodland is mixed with a preponderance of conifers and is of limited
ecological interest.
SITE NOTES
The rocks support a range of interesting sandrock Lichen species, such as Cladonia
incrassata, Porpidia albocaerulescens and the scarce Baeomyces roseus.
Mosses of note include woodland species such as Dicranum majus. The introduced
species Orthodontium lineare, is also present on the rocks.
The site also boasts an exceptional range of unusual Liverworts such as the rare
Blepharostoma trichophyllum which is only found at 2 or 3 other sites in Sussex.
Lophozia bicrenata is also located here and it too is extremely rare in Sussex, in fact this
may be the only location for it now. The same also applies to the species Mylia anomala.
Marsupella emarginata has also been identified here, and until recently this species was
thought to be extinct on sandrock sites in the south-east. Other interesting and scarce
Liverworts species found here include Kurzia sylvatica and Jungermannia pumila Less
rare, but still of interest are Odontoschisma denudatum (of which there is a strong
population), Scapania gracilis, Barbilophozia attenuata, Calypogeia longistipitata and
Gymnocolea inflata (normally thought of as a bog species).
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
It would seem appropriate to maintain the gardening regime presently in effect, which has
cultivated the rocks as an informal rock garden. This management has prevented
66
excessive shading by vegetation but as Rhododendron is present, there is constant threat
of scrub encroachment.
67