Bridgend County Borough Council
Upper Garw Valley Reclamation
Scheme: Management Plan and
Habitat Creation
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
January 2006
Report no: NE02560-NER-01
Bridgend County Borough Council
Upper Garw Valley Reclamation
Scheme: Management Plan and
Habitat Creation
Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Author:
P.Sturgess
Checker:
D.Hounslow
Approver:
P.Hopper
Report no:
NE02560-NER-01
Date:
January 2006
This report has been prepared for Bridgend County Borough Council in accordance with the terms and conditions of
appointment for Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey dated 18th July 2005. Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd (2212959) cannot
accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.
Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd
2212959
HCL House, St Mellons Business Park, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)870 000 3001 Fax: +44 (0)870 000 3901 www.hyderconsulting.com
Contents
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
2
Survey method .......................................................................................................... 2
3
Survey findings ......................................................................................................... 3
4
3.1
Desk study.................................................................................................................... 3
3.2
Habitat survey .............................................................................................................. 4
Assessment............................................................................................................. 37
4.1
Habitat assessment.................................................................................................... 37
4.2
4.3
Species assessment .................................................................................................. 38
Summary assessment and map ................................................................................. 40
5
Management possibilities ...................................................................................... 42
6
Recommendations for further survey work.......................................................... 44
7
Summary.................................................................................................................. 45
8
References............................................................................................................... 46
Figures
Figure 1 Phase 1 Habitat Survey maps 1 & 2
Figure 2 Phase 1 Habitat Survey with location of Target Notes
Figure 3 Preliminary Assessment of Nature Conservation Value
Appendices
Appendix 1. Plant species list
Appendix 2. Incidental fauna records
Appendix 3. Responses from consultees
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1
Introduction
Hyder Consulting Ltd were commissioned by Bridgend County Borough Council to
prepare a management plan for the Upper Garw valley. A general overview survey of
the existing habitats was undertaken as an initial step in this process. The survey took
the form of an ‘Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey’ (IEA, 1995) and was carried out
during the late summer of 2005.
The survey was supported by a desk-based
consultation of local wildlife recording groups.
The consultation involved contacting the following groups and individuals:
Bridgend County Borough Council County Ecologist
Countryside Council for Wales
Environment Agency
Glamorgan Wildlife Trust
Glamorgan Bird Club
Glamorgan Moth Recording Group
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBREC)
The purpose of the habitat survey and desk study was to provide a general overview of
the habitats, and assess the potential for protected species, features of biodiversity
significance or other ecological factors that might affect the management possibilities
for the area.
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2
Survey method
The fieldwork was carried out by an experienced ecologist on 22nd July, 20th August
and 23rd August 2005. Weather conditions for the survey were mainly warm and
sunny. The survey involved mapping of the site using standard Phase 1 Habitat Survey
techniques (JNCC, 1993), but recording the habitats in more detail, as an ‘extended
Phase 1 habitat survey’ as described in ‘Guidelines for Baseline Ecological
Assessment’ (Institute for Ecological Assessment, 1995).
The Phase 1 Habitat Map is presented as Figure 1. A list of the plant species recorded
during the survey is presented in Appendix 1, and animals observed incidentally or by
field-signs are listed in Appendix 2. Due to the nature of a single walk-through the lists
should not be regarded as comprehensive and further surveys would undoubtedly add
more records.
The mapping symbols on Figure 1 generally follow standard methodology (JNCC,
1993). However, the scale has been enlarged to allow mapping in much greater detail
than the 1:10,000 scale used for standard Phase 1 Surveys. A few of the habitats were
not easy to classify and the target notes should be referred to for the best description of
each area. The locations of the ecological features have been mapped by eye and
should not be regarded as completely accurate. The boundaries of areas of scrub and
grassland are particularly vulnerable to mapping variation. Some areas contain patchy
mixes of different habitats, e.g. acid grassland, heath, marshy grassland and Bracken.
The classification of these habitats has been fairly arbitrary, based on the dominant
communities.
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3
Survey findings
3.1
Desk study
The responses from the consultees are summarised below:
Bridgend County Borough Council County Ecologist
The County Ecologist confirmed that there was little existing data from the site, but did
describe some of the restoration processes and previous objectives of the scheme.
These included seeding of some of the lakes with dredged material from other
wetlands, and the objective to gradually replace the dominance of conifers with native
broadleaved species. However, some conifers would remain to provide habitat for
Crossbill and Goshawk. The possible objective of increasing the amount of fish
spawning habitat in the new streams was also suggested.
Countryside Council for Wales
CCW provided a copy of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey for the area (presented in
Appendix 3) and suggested that there may be some biodiversity interest in the
grassland communities. It was also suggested that the valley-sides might support
reptiles and Violet-feeding Fritillary butterflies. A protected bird species nest record
was also provided (this is excluded from the report to keep it confidential). CCW
suggested that the best opportunities for biodiversity gains would be on the reprofiled
colliery spoil, and might include an attempt at heathland creation. CCW also
commented that the industrial archaeology of the site might have some value, and
suggested contacting GGAT or Cadw for further advice on this.
Environment Agency
The agency provided fisheries data from the Garw River and sites downstream of the
study area. They also commented on the possible biodiversity interests of the site,
including the potential for Otter and Water Vole. Several management possibilities
were also suggested, including grazing control, and reducing the area of coniferous
plantation. The Agency’s response is presented in full in Appendix 3.
Glamorgan Wildlife Trust
No response received to date.
Glamorgan Bird Club
No formal response received. However, since August 2005 requests for Bird Club data
have generally been via SEWBREC. A conversation with a bird-club member in
November clarified that the delayed response is due to administrative changes in the
bird club. It was also confirmed that some additional bird data may be available, but
this would require several weeks before it could be collated. The data is therefore not
included in this report.
Glamorgan Moth Recording Group
The Moth Recording Group wrote to say that their data is now made available by
SEWBREC.
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBREC)
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SEWBREC provided data from a range of existing data sources from up to 500m from
the study area boundary. The data included several records of protected and locally
significant species. An extract from a Phase 1 survey map was provided. SEWBREC
also confirmed that no nationally or internationally important sites lie within the study
area. The data provided are presented in full in Appendix 3.
3.2
Habitat survey
The Target Notes are presented in Table 1 below. Each one provides a description of a
habitat, lists the dominant plant species, and notes any other features of possible
nature conservation significance. Initial management suggestions are included for
each target noted area.
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Table 1. Target Notes and related initial management suggestions
Target
Note
Description
Site specific management suggestions
AREA 1
1.1
Wet heathy slope. A mosaic of damp acid grassland and wet heath Maintain existing low-intensity grazing.
on a west-facing slope. The main species include Purple Moorgrass, Bilberry and Heather, with locally abundant Sphagnum.
Other plants include Wavy Hair-grass, Tormentil, Marsh Bedstraw,
Star Sedge, Common Cotton-grass, Meadowsweet, Heath-grass,
Sheep’s Fescue, Mat Grass. A narrow stream at the northern end
supports flushy sides, mainly overshadowed by Bracken and Softrush, but also including Sphagnum, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil,
Tufted Hair-grass, Lady-fern and Lemon-scented Fern. The upper
part of the slope grades into the dry heath and Bracken at TN1.2.
1.2
Dry heathy slope. The upper part of the slope supports patches of Maintain existing low-intensity grazing.
Bracken, with acid grassland and heath. Bell Heather, Common Remove Rhododendron.
Heather and Bilberry are locally common, with occasional Foxglove
and young Rhododendron. The main grass species include Wavy
Hair-grass, Sweet Vernal-grass, Yorkshire Fog, Common Bent,
Sheep’s Fescue and Heath Grass.
1.3
Marshy grassland and ditch. Damp rushy ground where a drainage
channel overflows across the riverside terrace. Soft Rush is
dominant. Other plants include Marsh Thistle, Marsh Bedstraw,
Creeping Buttercup, Oval Sedge, Bulbous Rush, Marsh Bedstraw
and Philonotis fontana. In the channel to the west side there is
shallow standing water, and the flora includes Bog Pondweed,
Lesser Spearwort and Floating Sweet-grass.
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Periodic clearance of the ditch (every 5 years?).
It may be possible to incorporate local deepening and widening to
increase the amount of standing water (or form a pond, provided
that is acceptable near a children’s playground?).
Control Indian Balsam.
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The shallow ditch running along the foot of the slope is locally
dominated by Indian Balsam and Bramble, and overhung by
Bracken from the adjacent slope. However, a few more open areas
support Sharp-flowered Rush, Meadowsweet, Marsh Bedstraw,
Flag Iris, Star Sedge and Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil.
1.4
Stream. A sparsely vegetated channel approximately 3m wide,
lined and edged with rock. The banks support occasional young
plants of Grey Willow and Gorse. Other plants include Rose-bay
Willowherb, Angelica, Water Figwort, Marsh Thistle, Colt’s-foot and
Bramble. Algae and aquatic moss (Leptodictyum riparium?) are
present locally within the channel bed.
The relatively featureless channel would benefit from minor
modification to form small-scale meanders e.g. by strategic
placement of boulders to encourage variation in channel bed
characteristics, localised retention of silts and development of
aquatic vegetation. (Subject to consultation with hydrologist/
engineer?)
1.5
Bracken-covered slope. A damp slope mainly covered by dense
Bracken, but with small pockets of acid grassland and several
patches of wetland vegetation including Indian Balsam,
Meadowsweet, Tufted Hair-grass, Lady Fern, Soft Rush, Yorkshire
Fog and Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage.
Difficult slope to manage due to gradient. May benefit from periodic
local strimming to prevent over-dominance by tall herbs and to
encourage grazing animals back to the slope.
1.6
Control Indian Balsam.
Reclamation grassland. A short sward apparently grazed by Reduce proportion of grazing by sheep. Low intensity horse-grazing
Sheep and Horses. It is dominated by Red Fescue, Common Bent, is likely to be less selective and create variation within the sward.
White Cover and Crested Dog’s-tail, with associated species
including White Clover, Marsh Thistle, Yorkshire Fog, Common
Mouse-ear, Meadow Buttercup, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Soft Rush,
Slender Rush, Jointed Rush Calliergonella cuspidata and
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus.
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1.7
On the east side of the stream the foot of the slope is damp and Reduce proportion of grazing by sheep. Low intensity horse-grazing
supports a sparsely vegetated track with mosses, ephemeral plants is likely to be less selective and create variation within the sward.
and a high proportion of bare ground. The main species here
include Sphagnum, Polytrichum juniperinum, Oval Sedge, Star
Sedge, Yellow Sedge, Lesser Spearwort, Small Cudweed, Fairy
Flax, Silver Hair-grass, Jointed Rush, Toad Rush and Soft Rush
and Heather and Willow seedlings.
1.8
Amenity grassland. A playing field with improved grassland and No change proposed.
several young standard trees (Silver Birch, Ash, Field Maple and
Alder).
AREA 2
2.1
Reclamation grassland on slope. The slope between the terrace
and the conifer plantation has sparsely vegetated stony ground
dissected at intervals by rock-filled drainage runs. The flora
includes a mix of plants indicating a mix of dry and damp
conditions. Bog Pimpernel and Soft Rush are locally prominent.
Other species include Male Fern, Yellow Sedge, Bird’s-foot Trefoil,
Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, New Zealand Willowherb, Teasel,
Tufted Hair-grass, Procumbent Pearlwort and Polytrichum
juniperinum. The upper edges grade into the heathy plantation
edge, and include Purple Moor-grass, Heather, Heath Woodrush,
Sweet Vernal-grass and self-sown seedlings of Larch and Pine.
Several young Alders appear to have been planted near the ditch
at the western end of the slope.
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Good potential for management as reptile habitat by allowing
limited colonisation by self-seeding trees and grassland at
plantation edge.
Removal of the drainage runs on the slope would probably result in
development of some interesting flush communities. The rocks
could be re-used to form piles for reptile hibernation sites near the
woodland edge (subject to consultation with engineer?)
The ditch at the foot of the slope might be locally deepened and
widened to increase the amount of standing water habitat (subject
to consultation with engineer?)
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2.2
Reclamation grassland. Two recently formed plateaux with a
species-poor grassland sward. The grassland still has a moderate
proportion of bare ground, especially where motorcycles have
crossed the area. The main plant species here are Perennial Ryegrass, White Clover, Yorkshire Fog, Slender Rush, Red Fescue,
Timothy, Common Bent and Creeping Bent. Other less abundant
ones include Daisy, Autumn Hawkbit, Toad Rush, Marsh Cudweed,
Oval Sedge, Lesser Trefoil, Sweet Vernal-grass, Self-heal,
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Calliergonella cuspidata. Soft
Rush and Hard Rush are associated with the ditches. One damp
flushy slope in this area is locally dominated by Philonotis fontana.
Marsh Woundwort also occurs nearby.
2.3
Amenity grassland. A football pitch with a regularly mown species- No changes proposed.
poor grassland sward. The pitch is fenced, and a shallow ditch runs
around its margins. The southern edge of the pitch is bordered by
a steep bank of acid grassland and wet heath that appears to be
regularly mown (possibly for spectators?). The sward here includes
Purple Moor-grass, Heather, Bilberry, Tormentil and Cross-leaved
Heath. The drain at the foot of the slope includes Lemon-scented
Fern, Lesser Spearwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Jointed Rush and Soft
Rush.
2.4
Ditch. A recently constructed stone-lined channel with very shallow Channel modification to allow local siltation/ form pools/ encourage
water and little vegetation. The flora within the channel bed marginal aquatic vegetation (subject to consultation with
included Yorkshire Fog, Field Horsetail, Water-cress and Creeping hydrologist/ engineer?)
Bent.
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A young sward with negligible value for nature conservation,
although it will probably improve slowly with age. It could be
considered as a site for development or for localised tree-planting,
or for heathland creation.
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AREA 3
3.1
Stream and narrow valley. The slopes adjoining a small stream are
largely dominated by stands of marshy grassland and dense
Bracken with scattered Hawthorn, Grey Willow and Rowan scrub.
The stream is mainly overshadowed by the dense tussocky
grasses and Bracken. The marshy grassland is dominated by
Purple Moor-grass; other plants include Tufted hair-grass, Lady
Fern, Marsh Thistle, Angelica, Foxglove, Heather, Bilberry, Crossleaved Heath, Bell Heather, Sorrel, Rose-bay Willowherb, Lesser
Spearwort, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Marsh Bedstraw and
Sphagnum and Polytrichum commune mosses.
Maintain existing grazing intensity.
Remove self-sown conifers.
Investigate possibility of grazing by cattle rather than (or in addition
to) sheep.
The dense Bracken stands include scattered young trees of Larch,
Rowan, Hawthorn and Ash. The Bracken merges gradually into the
adjacent grassland habitats.
Further down the valley the stream flows through dense Grey
Willow scrub beside the neighbouring plantation. Here, the shaded
stream falls steeply over a rocky bed, fringed by Lady Fern and
Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, also accompanied by Herb
Robert and Angelica.
3.2
Rock exposure and eroding spoil. An unvegetated, steep-sided Investigate water source to clarify if there is a long-term problem
rock face, with an accumulation of damp sediment at the foot of the (requires consultation with engineer / geo-hydrologist).
eroding slope. The damp silty material supports a stand of Soft Consider a hazard sign or fence at the top of the slope.
Rush with Marsh Thistle, Common Cotton-grass, Toad Rush,
Bristle Club-rush, Bog Stitchwort, a Willowherb and a locally
abundant Pellia liverwort. The water that apparently contributes to
the erosion emerges as a strong flow from a hole in the ground to
the north of the exposure.
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3.3
Scrub. A dense stand of damp Grey Willow scrub overlying some No intervention proposed.
old, largely shaded-out tussocks of Purple Moor-grass. Bramble is
locally abundant. The flora includes Broad Buckler-fern, Lady
Fern, Male Fern, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Wood Sorrel,
Angelica, Tufted Hair-grass, Wavy Hair-grass, Herb Robert,
Eurhynchium praelongum, Lophocolea bidentata and Fissidens
bryoides.
The adjacent marshy grassland is dominated by Soft
Rush, and also includes Yellow Sedge, Tufted hair-grass, Ragged
Robin, Angelica, Marsh Bedstraw, Yorkshire Fog, Colt’s-foot and
Calliergonella cuspidata.
3.4
Reclamation grassland. Sloping ground with species-poor, sheepgrazed grassland, formed from reprofiled colliery spoil that has
been divided into terraces. There are several shallow drains
feeding a central stone-lined channel. The grassland is fairly open,
with frequent patches of bare stony ground. The main plant
species include Common Bent, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dog’s-tail
and White Clover with Creeping Thistle, Ribwort Plantain, Greater
Plantain, Silver hair-grass, Fairy Flax, Slender Rush, Thyme-leaved
Speedwell and mosses including Polytrichum juniperinum,
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Ceratodon purpureus. In the
depressions between terraces and in small flushes, the species
include Soft Rush, Creeping Bent, Hard Rush, Jointed Rush,
Nettle, Marsh Thistle, Cratoneuron filicinum and Calliergonella
cuspidata.
3.5
The area has little existing ecological value and could be
considered for several types of habitat creation, e.g. heathland
creation or tree planting.
Reduction in grazing pressure from sheep may help the area to
develop a more diverse flora by natural processes. Exclosure
experiments could be set up to investigate this. The tighter sward
that would result from sheep exclosures would probably be
beneficial for ground nesting birds.
Dry heath and acid grassland mosaic. This sward appears to Maintain existing grazing intensity.
comprise long-established vegetation that pre-dates the Investigate possibility of grazing by cattle rather than (or in addition
reclamation scheme.
to) sheep.
Several dry ditches within the area support heathland vegetation
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and appear to have been dug many years ago. The most dominant
species are Purple Moor-grass, Wavy Hair-grass, Heather and
Bilberry. Associates include Tormentil, Bell Heather, Common
Bent. Mat Grass, Heath Bedstraw, Yorkshire Fog, Sweet Vernalgrass, Green-ribbed Sedge, Sheep’s Fescue, Hypnum jutlandicum
and Pleurozium schreberi.
3.6
Marshy grassland. Tussocky grassland dominated by Purple Moor- Maintain existing grazing intensity.
grass with Wavy Hair-grass, Bilberry and Heather, and local stands Investigate possibility of grazing by cattle rather than (or in addition
of Bramble. The vegetation becomes heathier towards the north to) sheep.
and eventually grades into the dry heath and acid grassland
described in 3.5. Other species found in this community include
Foxglove, Nettle, Broad Buckler-fern, Tormentil, Compact Rush,
Mat Grass and Sheep’s Fescue. The presence of the Bramble,
Foxglove and Nettles near to areas of uneven ground appears to
indicate that the vegetation has been subject to disturbance.
3.7
Marshy grassland. A species-poor stand of dense Soft Rush with No intervention proposed.
Nettles, Creeping Thistle and Foxglove.
3.8
Bracken covered valley. A former stream valley and adjacent hill- Maintain existing level of grazing.
side now mostly covered by dense Bracken. There is no longer a Consider warning signs about the fissures and vertical quarry
stream in the valley and the bed is mainly dry, although there is a edges.
very old Alder standard near the bottom of the valley that may have
once been a water-side tree. There are also several old Sessile
Oak trees within the Bracken stand. The presence of several deep
fissures in the bed suggest that surface water now goes
underground as a result of the past mining activity. There are two
rock exposures in the north side of the valley, with a level area
between them, which was possibly formed at the same time as the
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larger quarry in the plantation. Part of the former river bed also
appears to have been quarried away, leaving a vertical drop of
several metres. Other common plants within this area include
Purple Moor-grass, Marsh Thistle, Bramble, Yorkshire Fog, Wavy
Hair-grass, Bilberry, Heather, Heath Bedstraw, Tormentil, Wood
Sorrel, Common Bent, Sweet Vernal-grass and False Oat-grass.
3.9
Marshy grassland. A damp area draining towards one of the No intervention proposed.
terraced drains. The main species here are Soft Rush, Marsh
Thistle, Greater Willowherb, Tufted Hair-grass, Cratoneuron
filicinum, Philonotis fontana and Brachythecium rutabulum. Other
include Marsh Willowherb, Hoary Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog,
Creeping Bent and Green-ribbed Sedge.
The small area of marshy grassland adjoining the north-western
corner of the plantation is a species-poor stand of tussocky Purple
Moor-grass.
AREA 4
4.1
Coniferous plantation. A narrow belt of mature Sitka Spruce beside No intervention proposed.
the perimeter track.
4.2
Marshy grassland. An area of tussocky Purple Moor-grass, with No intervention proposed.
Soft Rush and scattered Grey Willow and Bramble scrub. The
vegetation also includes Common Bent, Velvet Bent, Marsh Thistle,
Foxglove, Tufted Hair-grass and Rose-bay Willowherb.
4.3
Reclamation grassland. An extensive area of reprofiled colliery The area has little existing ecological value and could be
spoil supporting species-poor grassland. The area is divided into considered for several types of habitat creation, e.g. heathland
terraces, divided by shallow drains that feed into stone-lined creation or tree planting.
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4.4
channels. Small Gorse bushes occur through much of the area,
and these are kept short by the heavy grazing of sheep. The sward
is fairly open, with little soil development and frequent patches of
bare stony ground, especially where there has been erosion or
motorcycling. The most abundant species on dry ground are
Common Bent, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dog’s-tail and White
Clover. Others include Creeping Thistle, Ribwort Plantain, Greater
Plantain, Rough Hawkbit, Early Hair-grass, Silver hair-grass, Fairy
Flax, Slender Rush, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Procumbent
Pearlwort and mosses including Polytrichum juniperinum and
Ceratodon purpureus. In damper areas, such as the depressions
between terraces and small flushes, the species include Creeping
Bent, Soft Rush, Hard Rush, Jointed Rush, Nettle, Marsh Thistle,
Cratoneuron filicinum and Calliergonella cuspidata.
Reduction in grazing pressure from sheep may help the area to
develop a more diverse flora by natural processes. Exclosure
experiments could be set up to investigate this. The tighter sward
that would result from sheep exclosures would probably be
beneficial for ground nesting birds.
Marshy grassland ditches. The toe drains along the foot of the
reprofiled slopes are mainly simple ditches, although the larger
ones have stone-lined channels. The ditch vegetation is dominated
by Soft Rush. In some sections the ditch passes through marshy
grassland dominated by Soft Rush, Purple Moor-grass and Tufted
Hair-grass. The ground appears to have been disturbed recently as
several ruderal plants are present.
Other species in this
community include Fleabane, Foxglove, Yorkshire Fog, Bramble,
Ragwort, Hairy Sedge, Sharp-flowered Rush, Jointed Rush,
Angelica, Greater Willowherb, Grey Willow seedlings and, very
locally, Greater Tussock-sedge. A few parts support standing or
slowly flowing water, and the plants here occasionally include
Lesser Spearwort, Marsh Bedstraw and, locally, Bulrush.
Allow Willow scrub to develop naturally.
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Possible site for new pond creation by widening and deepening of a
ditch (subject to consultation with engineer hydro-geologist to check
if this would be permitted on colliery spoil).
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4.5
Marshy grassland. A small patch of tussocky Purple Moor-grass No intervention proposed.
and Soft Rush with scattered Bramble. Associated species include
Creeping Buttercup, Oval Sedge, Nettle, Marsh Thistle, Tufted
Hair-grass, Knotted Pearlwort, Procumbent Pearlwort and Common
Sorrel.
4.6
Marshy grassland. An area of damp reclamation grassland with a This sward has little value at present. It might be suitable for tree
high proportion of Soft Rush. The soil is thin and the sward is planting or an experimental attempt at creating a wet heath
relatively open with a high cover by low-growing herbs. Plants in community, perhaps by localised exclusion of sheep.
this community include Creeping Buttercup, Yorkshire Fog,
Creeping Bent, Common Bent, Sharp-flowered Rush, Oval Sedge,
Marsh Bedstraw, Tormentil, Crested Dog’s-tail, Selfheal,
Procumbent
Pearlwort,
Rhytidiadelphus
squarrosus
and
Scleropodium purum. One unusual feature of the Creeping
Buttercup in this stand is that many of the flowers have 9 or 10
petals (instead of the usual 5).
4.7
Flush. A seepage area dominated by Didymodon tophaceus and No intervention proposed.
Cratoneuron filicinum, with calcareous encrustations. Other plant
species are sparse but include Jointed Rush, Creeping Bent, Toad
Rush, Hairy Sedge and algae.
AREA 5
5.1
Coniferous plantation. A mature stand with blocks of Larch, Spruce
and Pine, with Western Red-cedar and occasional willows at the
plantation edge. The ground flora is very variable, but mainly
sparse. There are local areas of Bracken, and occasional Wavy
Hair-grass, Common Bent, Broad Buckler-fern, Male Fern,
Bramble, Wood Sorrel and Bilberry.
Thinning to promote better development of ground flora, and
regeneration of native species.
Remove self-sown young Larch, but retain self-sown native
broadleaved trees.
Allow some trees to become over-mature.
Create a few standing dead trees (e.g. by ring-barking rather than
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felling) where safe to do so.
5.2
Acid grassland and scrub. A sheltered area within the forestry No intervention proposed.
area, supporting a coarse acid grassland flora with scattered scrub.
The main plant species include Purple Moor-grass, Yorkshire Fog,
Bramble, Soft Rush, Lady Fern, Male Fern, Marsh Thistle and
Rose-bay Willowherb.
5.3
Young Larch. A thicket of self sown young Larch in a forestry ride. Clear the ride periodically to provide a more sheltered strip with a
The ground flora is a mix of typical acid grassland species, but is diverse ground flora (provided that sheep-fencing around the
relatively species-poor due to the increasing shading. The upper plantation is repaired and maintained).
part of the ride is more open and has a wider range of ground flora
over a substratum of colliery spoil. The vegetation includes
Yorkshire Fog, Wavy Hair-grass, Common Cat’s-ear, Soft Rush,
Red Fescue, Silver Hair-grass, Carline Thistle, Green-ribbed
Sedge, Purple Moor-grass, Heather, Common Dog-violet and
Tormentil.
5.4
Coniferous plantation. Mature Scots Pine. The ground flora is
variable, very sparse in some areas but well developed in others,
particularly where the canopy is lighter, near paths, felled areas
and on slopes. The main ground flora species include Wavy Hairgrass, Common Bent, Broad Buckler-fern, Bilberry, Yorkshire Fog
and occasionally Wood Sorrel, Hard Fern and Rose-bay
Willowherb. Holly seedlings are locally prominent. Several mature
Lodgepole Pines and a few Corsican (?) Pines are present near the
top of the slope, mainly beside the ride.
Gradual thinning to promote ground flora, shrub-layer and
regeneration of native species. Retain self-sown native broadleaved
trees.
Allow some Scots Pines to become over-mature.
Create a few standing dead trees (e.g. by ring-barking rather than
felling) where safe to do so.
Consider placing hazard notices to warn about the deep fissures/
quarry edges?
The topography within the wood is very variable, probably reflecting
the quarrying and mining history of the site. There are several deep
fissures within the ground.
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5.5
Scrub and young conifers. A mix of Goat Willow, Grey Willow and Removal of conifers and scrub, retaining self-sown native
Silver Birch scrub, Bracken, Heather and self-sown young Larch broadleaved trees.
and Pine. The ground flora includes a mix of typical acid grassland
species, but is relatively sparse due to the shading by trees and
Bracken. Some of the other more prominent plants included Wavy
Hair-grass, Bilberry, Bell Heather Sessile Oak, Pedunculate Oak,
Rowan, Purple Moor-grass, Rose-bay Willowherb, Foxglove, Sweet
Vernal-grass, Marsh Thistle, Foxglove, Soft Rush, and Pleurozium
schreberi.
5.6
Coniferous plantation. A small, isolated stand of mature Larch that Retain these trees to become over-mature.
was not included in the adjacent clear-felling work.
5.7
Disused quarry. A relatively large, sheltered former quarry with
steep rocky back-wall, and piles of large boulders. The vegetation
on the boulders is a mix of heathland and scattered young trees
and ferns. Bilberry with Heather, Bell Heather and scattered
Bracken occupies much of the eastern side of the quarry margins
and extends from the ground flora of the plantation. Other common
species within the quarry include Male Fern, Lady Fern, Wavy Hairgrass, Wood Sage, Heath Bedstraw, Goldenrod, Sheep’s-bit,
Polypody, Pleurozium schreberi and Hypnum jutlandicum. Tree
species within the quarry include Larch, Sessile Oak, Scots Pine
and Lodgepole Pine. Much of the rock is only sparsely vegetated
and supports a good cover by lichens. Sheep graze within the
quarry, even accessing high up the back wall.
Localised removal (or ring-barking) of some larger self-sown trees
to minimise shading of ground flora.
Consider placing hazard notices to warn about the quarry edges
and fissures?
A narrow unforested fringe along the top edge of the back wall
supports a mix of acid grassland and heath, with Bilberry, Heather,
Wavy Hair-grass, Tormentil, Green-ribbed Sedge, Pleurozium
schreberi, Foxglove, Early Hair-grass, Bell Heather, Common Bent
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and Sheep’s Fescue. The grassland includes some large anthills.
There are some very deep fissures in the ground in this area.
The quarry appears to be good potential habitat for reptiles, though
none were seen during the survey. Both Peregrine and Raven were
noted over the quarry.
5.8
Coniferous plantation. A dense canopy of mature Spruce with Gradual thinning to promote more diverse woodland structure.
virtually no ground vegetation other than sparse Wavy Hair grass Allow some conifers to become over-mature.
and mosses including Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans, Hypnum
jutlandicum and Plagiothecium undulatum. The narrow track
through this part of the plantation supports a species-poor grassy
flora with Common Bent, Sweet Vernal-grass and Polytrichum
formosum, with occasional Tormentil and Bilberry.
5.9
Coniferous plantation. A belt of mature Larch extending around the
western side of the plantation.
The ground flora generally
comprises a sparse cover of Wavy Hair-grass with occasional
Purple Moor-grass, Common Bent and Broad Buckler-fern. Purple
Moor-grass, Common Bent, Sweet Vernal-grass and Soft Rush
form the ground cover in the southern part of the ride. The fence
around the plantation edge is broken is many places.
No thinning or woodland management in short term, but gradual
diversification in medium to long term.
Repair plantation fence to exclude livestock and allow better
development of ground flora.
Consider installing gates that can be used by motorcyclists to deter
them from cutting the fences.
5.10
Coniferous plantation. Small unfelled block of mature Larch and Retain these trees to become over-mature.
Spruce.
One or two could be ring-barked to provide standing dead timber.
5.11
Clear-felled plantation.
An area of stumps and brash with Remove regenerating conifers, and allow regenerating broadleaved
regenerating young trees, scrub and Bracken. The young trees trees to form new canopy.
include Scots Pine, Rowan, Sessile Oak, Larch, Grey Willow with Consider limited re-stocking with Sessile Oak.
local Bramble and Heather. Young Larch locally form dense
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thickets. The most common ground vegetation includes Wavy Hairgrass, Yorkshire Fog, Common Bent, Rose-bay Willowherb,
Foxglove, Lady Fern and Broad Buckler-fern. One part of this area
is a rocky slope mostly colonised by Heather, with Bracken at its
base. The slope also includes young, apparently self-sown trees of
Rowan, Oak and Scots Pine.
5.12
Clear-felled plantation. A clear-felled plot now supporting a dense Remove regenerating Larch, but retain self-sown native broadthicket of young self-sown Larch and Silver Birch. The ground in leaved species.
this area is damp, with locally abundant Sphagnum and Consider limited re-stocking with Sessile Oak
Polytrichum commune. Other prominent plants in this area are
Wavy Hair-grass and Bramble.
5.13
Coniferous plantation. A stand of mature Larch with some Spruce
and Scots Pine and a relatively light canopy. The ground flora
dominated by Wavy Hair-grass and patchy Bracken. Other species
here include Purple Moor-grass, Broad Buckler-fern, Common
Dog-violet, Foxglove and Bilberry, and occasional young
Rhododendron. Bracken and Bramble are locally dominant in the
rides.
5.14
Clear-felled plantation. An area of regenerating young trees with
dense Bramble scrub and local thickets of young Larch, Grey
Willow and Silver Birch. The clearing has been partially replanted
by broad-leaved trees including Sessile Oak, Beech, Sycamore,
Rowan and Red Oak. A few Rhododendrons also occur. The flora
also supports acid grassland and heath species, including Purple
Moor-grass, Wavy Hair-grass, Heather and Bell Heather, and ferns
including Lady Fern, Male Fern, Broad Buckler-fern and Hard Fern.
A bench is positioned beside the path at the west of the cleared
area, over-looking a slope dominated by Purple Moor-grass,
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Gradual thinning to promote heathy ground flora, shrub-layer and
regeneration of native tree species. Retain self-sown native
broadleaved trees.
Allow some conifers to become over-mature.
Create a few standing dead trees (e.g. by ring-barking) where safe
to do so.
Remove regenerating conifers, to allow broadleaved trees to form
new canopy.
Also recommend
Rhododendron.
removal
of
non-native
Red
Oak
and
Localised felling of regenerating trees to maintain the viewpoint
area as a permanent heathland clearing.
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Bilberry, Bell Heather, Heather and Bramble. This would have been
a good view-point after the trees were felled but the view has
become obscured by regenerating trees. Several nest boxes have
been installed within the plantation.
AREA 6
6.1
Bracken-covered slope.
An extensive area covered by tall
Bracken. A few track-sides and steeper banks within the Bracken
support acid grassland and heath, with some of the commoner
species including Common Bent, Purple Moor-grass, Wavy Hairgrass, Sweet Vernal-grass, Heather, Bell Heather, Bilberry and
Tormentil. A steeper flushy bank at the western side of the area
supports a wet heath community with Sphagnum, Purple Moorgrass, Wavy Hair-grass, Cross-leaved Heath, Bilberry and
Pleurozium schreberi.
Currently under-managed, only grazed by stray sheep. Consider
introducing low intensity cattle or horse-grazing to reduce
dominance of Bracken and scrub and favour heathland and marshy
grassland plants.
6.2
Covered reservoir (according to base map). An area of level
ground with a marshy grassland flora. The area is locally
dominated by Purple Moor-grass and Yorkshire Fog, with Greenribbed Sedge, Oval Sedge, Common Sedge, Soft Rush, Sharpflowered Rush, Jointed Rush, and developing Grey Willow scrub.
Other plants in this area include Mat Grass, Common Bent, Sweet
Vernal-grass, Heath Wood-rush, Slender Rush, Marsh Thistle,
Yellow Sedge, Angelica, Marsh Bedstraw, Compact Rush,
Sphagnum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus.
Currently under-managed, only grazed by stray sheep. Consider
introducing low intensity cattle or horse-grazing to reduce risk of
encroachment by scrub and favour heathland and marshy
grassland.
Remove self-sown Rhododendron.
If this reservoir is no longer in use, consider re-fitting it as a
hibernation site for bats.
The steeper slope at the eastern margin supports heath and
marshy grassland vegetation dominated by Bilberry, Bell Heather,
Wavy Hair-grass and Heather, with Purple Moor-grass, Crossleaved Heath, Bell Heather, Sphagnum mosses, Sheep’s Fescue,
Tormentil, Red Fescue, Lady Fern and Male Fern.
The bank at the western margin has a mix of wet heath and marshy
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grassland vegetation, mainly dominated by Purple Moor-grass.
Occasional self-sown Rhododendrons are present.
6.3
Amenity grassland. A rugby pitch with a short sward of improved Maintain existing vegetation management.
grassland. The eastern side is supported by a retaining wall which Reduce dominance of Rhododendron on upper slopes to reduce
has heath vegetation including Bilberry, Bell Heather, Wavy Hair- seeding into surrounding heath and grasslands.
grass and Heather, with Purple Moor-grass, Sheep’s Fescue,
Tormentil, Red Fescue and Grey Willow scrub. Ferns in the wall
include Lady Fern, Polypody, Male Fern, Hart’s-tongue and
Maidenhair Spleenwort. The western side is a damp rocky cutting,
with a high proportion of ferns including Lady Fern, Hard Fern,
Male Fern and Lemon-scented Fern. The upper banks are planted
with occasional Rhododendron, Holly and Willow, while the ground
vegetation is mostly kept short (by cutting).
6.4
Field with acid grassland/ marshy grassland and Bracken. Mainly Maintain existing grazing and cutting regime in main field.
semi-improved acid grassland with patches of Bracken and scrub Reintroduce grazing, preferably by horses, to the small field north of
and occasional anthills. The grass is generally long and has a high the track, to increase the diversity of grassland species.
proportion of tall herbs, especially in damper areas. The main
species are Common Bent, Yorkshire Fog and Crested Dog’s-tail,
Common Sorrel, Yarrow and Tormentil, with Soft Rush, Tufted
Hair-grass and Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil in damper areas. The
eastern side of the field borders several small, scrubby-hedged
paddocks, one of which has manure heap and tall herbs such as
Nettle, Great Willowherb and Bittersweet. There is a small, rushdominated area near to the road, with Soft Rush, Purple Moorgrass and Bramble. The eastern part of the field appeared to have
been mown before the time of the survey.
The vegetation of the small field to the north of the access road is
similar but with a higher proportion of Willow and Bramble scrub.
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Part of the area is damp and supports Soft Rush, Bramble, Purple
Moor-grass, Tufted Hair-grass, Creeping Buttercup, Rose-bay
Willowherb, Marsh Thistle, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Angelica.
A large-leaved (but unidentified) garden escape occupies several
square metres of this damp area.
6.5
Field with acid grassland/ marshy grassland and Bracken. A Maintain existing grazing regime.
horse-grazed field with several mature Birch, Grey Willow and Remove Rhododendron (but probably not from the private garden).
Rowan trees. The presence of colliery spoil mounds and anthills
indicates that this vegetation pre-dates the recent reclamation
works. The sward is mainly heavily-grazed dry acid grassland with
patchy Bracken, although there are also disturbed flush areas with
Soft Rush and Jointed Rush. The most common ground flora
species are Common Bent, Perennial Rye-grass, Crested Dog’stail and White Clover. Others include Heather, Sheep’s Sorrel,
Tormentil, Heath Bedstraw, Selfheal, Sweet Vernal-grass,
Yorkshire Fog, Lady Fern, Foxglove and Bell Heather. There is a
high proportion of bare ground due to trampling and grazing by
horses. Several young Rhododendrons are present, and there is a
dense thicket of Rhododendron surrounding a small stream at the
northern end of the plot. Two small pools are present in the
damper, northern part of the area. They are fed by a piped water
supply. They appear recently formed, but support a small amount
of Soft Rush and Marsh Speedwell at the margins. Several
Rhododendrons have been planted around the edge of the
adjoining garden.
6.6
Heath, acid grassland and scrub on colliery spoil. Old spoil heap Maintain low intensity grazing.
with sparse grasses and heath, and patchy Bracken. The main Remove Rhododendron and Larch.
species include Heather, Wavy Hair-grass, Yorkshire Fog, Gorse,
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Bilberry, Tormentil. Several self sown Rhododendrons and Larch
are present.
6.7
6.8
Cricket Club and adjoining grassland and scrub. The pitch is an
improved grassland sward. The east and northern edges are
bordered by a belt of dense scrub on a slope of colliery waste. The
dominant species is Gorse on the upper slopes with occasional
patches of Heather and acid grassland and saplings of self-sown
Larch, Silver Birch and Scots Pine. The western side supports a
damp, fern-rich rocky bank (with Male Fern, Lady Fern, Scaly Malefern and New Zealand Willowherb), with mature Rhododendron,
Willow and Privet on the upper slopes. The slope above the
bushes is mown, possibly as a vantage point for spectators, and
supports short, damp acid grassland. The plants in this mown area
include Purple Moor-grass, Yorkshire Fog, Common Bent,
Tormentil, Heather, Marsh Violet, Field Woodrush, Bog Pimpernel,
Heath Bedstraw and Mouse-ear Hawkweed.
Remove Rhododendron (replace with native species?)
Heath, acid grassland and rock outcrop. An area of rocky shallow
soil with a mix of acid grassland, heath and scattered scrub. The
flora includes several stands of Bristle Bent, with Bell Heather,
Heather, Bilberry and occasional Western Gorse. There are also
several self-sown young Larch trees. Other plants in this
community include Common Bent, Wavy Hair-grass, Sweet Vernalgrass, Silver Hair-grass, Early Hair-grass, Tormentil, Heath
Bedstraw, Green-ribbed Sedge, Common Cat’s-ear, Green-ribbed
Sedge, Hypnum jutlandicum, Pleurozium schreberi, Scleropodium
purum, Ceratodon purpureus, Polytrichum piliferum and P.
juniperinum. A Peregrine was noted on the edge of the rock
outcrop several times during the survey. The presence of anthills in
Minimal intervention.
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Maintain existing cutting regime on banks.
Litter removal.
Minimal intervention on main Gorse-covered slope.
Maintain existing grazing regime within fenced section.
Remove (or ring-bark) young Larch trees to reduce shading of
ground flora.
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the acid grassland areas and piles of moss and lichen covered
rocks indicate that this was not directly affected by the recent
colliery reprofiling work.
6.9
Horse-grazed fields with acid grassland, marshy grassland, Maintain existing grazing regime.
Bracken and scrub. The flora here is a mosaic of several mainly Remove Rhododendron.
damp, acid soil habitats. The flora includes damp, mossy ground
often dominated by Purple Moor-grass, Soft Rush, Sharp-flowered
Rush and bryophytes including Cratoneuron filicinum, Sphagnum
and Pellia. Other plants include Bog Pimpernel, Marsh Pennywort,
Ivy-leaved Bellflower, Trailing St John’s-wort, Ragged Robin,
Greater Tussock-sedge, Hard Rush, Jointed Rush, Lady Fern and
Yellow Sedge. Scrub species include Grey Willow, Silver Birch,
Gorse, Bramble, Dog Rose and Rhododendron.
The drier parts of the area support reclamation grassland and acid
grassland, and several parts appear to have been disturbed
recently, possibly for the diversion of a small stream. The dry
grassland over much of the area is relatively species poor, and
similar to the sward in 6.11. The main species are Common Bent,
Yorkshire Fog, Sheep’s Fescue, Red Fescue, White Clover, Soft
Rush and Selfheal. A few small plants of Bristle Bent were noted
on a mound of former colliery spoil.
6.10
Marshy grassland. A mix of Purple Moor-grass and Soft Rush Maintain existing grazing regime.
dominated damp grassland and Grey Willow scrub that appears to
pre-date the adjoining reclamation grassland. It is grazed by sheep
and goats. The willows are tall and dense enough to provide
shade over several parts of the grassland. Associated species
include Meadowsweet, Greater Tussock-sedge, Sharp-flowered
Rush, Jointed Rush, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Water Mint and
Yellow Sedge.
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6.11
Reclamation grassland. A series of fields on terraces formed from The fields have little existing ecological value. A slight reduction in
reprofiled colliery spoil. The fields have a short grassy sward and grazing intensity may allow the sward to diversify naturally.
are grazed by sheep and horses. The main vegetation comprises
Perennial Rye-grass, White Clover, Yorkshire Fog and Crested
Dog’s-tail, with smaller amounts of Self-heal, Common Mouse-ear,
Creeping Thistle and Sheep’s Sorrel. Gorse occurs as small
bushes in some parts. Several damp flushy areas on the slopes,
and the depressions between the terraces support a different range
of species, including Soft Rush, Jointed Rush, Yellow Sedge,
Creeping Bent, Marsh Thistle, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lesser
Spearwort, Hairy Bittercress, Water-pepper, Round-leaved
Crowfoot, Marsh Bedstraw, Philonotis fontana and Cratoneuron
filicinum. Locally, the drains support shallow standing water.
6.12
Marshy grassland. A species-poor stand of Purple Moor-grass with Repair fencing, and include gates that can be used by
occasional Soft Rush and Marsh Thistle beside a path through the motorcyclists.
plantation. The fence has been broken down and the track is
becoming eroded by motorcycling.
6.13
Rock outcrops with heath and scrub. A former quarried face with Maintain existing grazing intensity.
rock exposures and large boulders, now partially vegetated. The Removal self-sown Conifers.
dominant vegetation is Heather, Bell Heather, Bilberry and Wavy
Hair-grass, and Bracken in a few patches. Self-sown trees of
Larch, Spruce and Rowan occur among the boulders. A few plants
of Bristle Bent are also present. Associated species include
Sheep’s Fescue, Sweet Vernal-grass, Common Bent, Purple Moorgrass, Heath Grass, Pill Sedge, Heath Bedstraw, Common Dogviolet, Heath Milkwort, Hard Fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Lady
Fern. Bryophytes are locally prominent, particularly Dicranum
scoparium, Diplophyllum albicans, Racomitrium lanuginosum,
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Pleurozium schreberi, Hypnum jutlandicum and Scleropodium
purum.
6.14
Acid grassland, heath, Bracken and scrub. A strip of mixed Maintain existing grazing intensity.
vegetation between the track and the adjoining plantation with Remove self-sown Conifers and Rhododendron.
interlinked patches of semi-improved acid grassland, heath,
Bracken and scrub, on a coal-spoil based soil. A shallow rock-lined
channel runs beside the track. The more grassy areas mainly
support Common Bent, Red Fescue, Sweet Vernal-grass, False
Oat-grass and Crested Dog’s-tail, and have a high proportion of
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. They tend to have a moderately high
diversity of plant species, including Marsh Thistle, Selfheal, Heath
Speedwell, Glaucous Sedge, Fairy Flax, Eyebright, Common
Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Procumbent Pearlwort, Mouse-ear Hawkweed,
Lesser Trefoil, Sorrel, White Clover, New Zealand Willowherb and
Daisy. Towards more heathy areas the species include Heather,
Soft Rush, Purple Moor-grass, Heath Grass, Heath Bedstraw,
Tormentil, Common Dog-violet, Heath Woodrush, Green-ribbed
Sedge, Yellow Sedge, Bell Heather, Sheep’s Fescue and Pill
Sedge. Marsh-orchid seed heads were noted in damp areas, with
Common Valerian, Cratoneuron filicinum and Calliergonella
cuspidata. The scrub species include Grey Willow, Bramble, and
Pine and Rhododendron seedlings occur in some places. Bracken
is locally dominant, often with scattered Bramble. Bluebells are
present in the Bracken nearest to the plantation edge. In the
western part of the strip there is a level area with small rock-piles
and encroaching Bracken that appears to have high potential to
support reptiles.
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6.15
6.16
Bracken-covered slope. A stand of dense Bracken with Bramble
and tall herbs scattered throughout, and occasional young Willow
and Birch trees. The foot of the slope near to the track has the
highest proportion of herbs, these include Angelica, Hemp
Agrimony, Creeping Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Foxglove, Greater
Willowherb and Lady Fern. Purple Moor-grass, Soft Rush and Hard
Rush also occur near to the track.
Without intervention this would probably develop into scrub
woodland.
Scrub woodland. A dense stand of mature Silver Birch with Goat
Willow, Alder, Rowan and occasional Rhododendron on a bank of
old colliery spoil. There is a ground flora of Bilberry, Heather,
Wavy Hair-grass, Common Bent and Bramble. Locally the Bramble
and Bracken form dominant patches.
Generally minimal intervention to main canopy, to allow natural
succession to broad-leaved woodland.
Maintain as mix of Bracken and scrub by periodic cutting of scrub or
grazing.
Consider maintaining a few clearings in heather-dominated patches
as sheltered sunny places for invertebrates and reptiles.
Remove Rhododendron.
AREA 7
7.1
Reclamation grassland. The recently reprofiled ground surface still
includes a moderate proportion of bare soil and little organic
material. The main plants in the sward include Yorkshire Fog, Red
Fescue, Common Bent, Perennial Rye-grass and Crested Dog’stail. Other more localised species include Creeping Thistle,
Ragwort, Broad-leaved Dock, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill, Common
Cat’s-ear, White Clover and Bird’s-foot Trefoil. In flushes / slightly
wetter patches the mix is different, with Marsh Thistle, Water
Figwort, Great Willowherb, Procumbent Pearlwort, Cratoneuron
filicinum and Philonotis fontana.
There is little variation or existing ecological value within this young
sward, although it will undoubtedly increase in ecological value with
age. It could be considered as a site for further, localised treeplanting, or for heathland creation.
7.2
Young plantations. Several fenced young plantations with mainly
broadleaved trees. The species mix is generally very similar in
each plot. The main trees and shrubs include Hawthorn, Silver
Birch, Rowan, Field Maple, Hazel, Alder, Cherry, Ash, Sessile Oak,
Goat Willow, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose and Gorse. There is no
Plantations still too young and small for thinning to be beneficial.
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Consider introducing appropriate locally sourced woodland ground
flora species (provided that sheep-fencing will be retained long
enough for them to establish).
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distinct woodland ground flora, the ground vegetation is similar to At TN7.2A Fence plantation to allow recovery of trees and prevent
the reclamation grassland at 7.1.
further damage.
The area at TN7.2A is a small, very heavily grazed paddock with Speak to horse owners to suggest they mainly keep their animals in
two ponies in at the time of the survey. The young plantation trees areas that are currently under-grazed and where horse-grazing
are being damaged by grazing. The trees include Alder, Ash, would be beneficial.
Rowan, Field Maple, Hawthorn, and Hazel and there is a small
Control Indian Balsam.
population of Indian Balsam at the field margins.
7.3
7.4
Stream. A rock-lined channel descending a series of steps as a
cascade. There is little vegetation in the channel, although a few
young Grey Willows and Alders are present at the edges, with
occasional Water-cress and an aquatic moss in the channel. Other
plants on the banks include Great Willowherb, Bird’s-foot Trefoil,
Tormentil, Early Hair-grass, Colt’s-foot, Black Medick, Soft Sowthistle, Common Mouse-ear, Lesser Trefoil, Nipplewort, Male Fern,
Field Horsetail and Polytrichum juniperinum. There has been
localised tree planting of Leyland Cypress on the upper banks.
The relatively featureless channel would benefit from minor
modification to form small-scale meanders e.g. by strategic
placement of boulders to encourage variation in channel bed
characteristics, localised retention of silts and development of
aquatic vegetation. (Subject to consultation with hydrologist/
engineer?)
Remove Leyland Cypress.
Lake. A shallow lake with gravely margins, locally fringed by Reed The entire margin of the lake is subject to disturbance by people
Canary-grass. The open-water area mainly supports a dense bed and dogs. Options to reduce this effect might include:
of Nuttall’s Water-weed. Other plants around the banks include Soft
• Creation of a small central island to provide nesting habitat
Rush, Slender Rush, Jointed Rush, Compact Rush, Toad Rush,
for some water birds, and increase the area of undisturbed
Water Figwort, Angelica, Lesser Spearwort, Marsh Bedstraw, New
fringing vegetation.
Zealand Willowherb, Red Clover, Tufted Hair-grass, Indian Balsam,
• Planting a small number of Willows/ Alders at the water’s
Colt’s-foot, Creeping Bent, Flag Iris, Gypsywort, Gorse, Osier and
edge (they will probably colonise naturally).
Crack Willow.
• Establishing an area of fringing reed-bed.
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7.5
Marshy grassland. Damp grassland either side of a stone-lined
channel.
It is dominated by Yorkshire Fog and becoming
encroached upon by Bramble scrub and scattered Bracken. Other
plants in this community include Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Rose-bay
Willowherb, Tufted Hair-grass, Timothy, Angelica, Soft Rush,
Marsh Bedstraw, Self-heal, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle and
Meadow Vetchling.
Periodic scrub control, e.g. by strimming or low-intensity grazing,
would be required to maintain this vegetation in a diverse state.
Alternatively it could be allowed to develop into scrub, but it is
recommended that self-sown Larch be removed to favour native
species.
7.6
Stream. A rock-lined channel as described in TN7.3, but with Channel improvements as for 7.3.
Butterfly Bush and Alder forming dense belts along the upper Local coppicing of trees and shrubs would help to maintain variation
banks.
in age structure of trees and allow views to the water from the
stream-side path.
7.7
Ditch and scrub. A shallow, dry, rock-lined ditch bordered by rough
grassland with Greater Willowherb and patchy Japanese Knotweed
at its northern end. Further south it runs beside buildings where it is
shaded by dense scrub including Bramble, Willow and Butterfly
Bush. The water quality in the ditch appeared poor and smelled of
sewage.
Currently a young sward with negligible value for nature
conservation, although it will probably improve slowly with age. It
could be considered as a site for development or for localised treeplanting.
Control Japanese Knotweed.
Investigate water quality problem in ditch (including consultation
with engineers?).
7.8
Disturbed ground. Most of this area is bare stony ground used for Negligible existing value, so could be considered for further treecar-parking. Its northern edge is a slope covered by willow and planting around car-park.
Butterfly Bush scrub. A mature Ash tree is situated at the southern
edge of the disturbed area.
7.9
Scrubby bank. The lower part of this slope is a rocky strip parallel
with the riverside path, with a sparse scrubby vegetation of
Butterfly Bush and Willows. A few plants of Japanese Knotweed
are present at the southern end of this area. Further up the bank
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Rocky area at foot of slope has good potential for management as
reptile habitat, by control of encroaching scrub to allow
development of grassland and heath vegetation.
Control Japanese Knotweed.
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the scrub gives way to a mix of marshy grassland and patchy
Bracken. The plants here include Purple Moor-grass, Bilberry,
Wavy Hair-grass, Lady Fern, Angelica and Flag Iris.
7.10
Amenity grassland over culvert. Short-mown grassland between No changes proposed to existing grassland management.
built up areas, over the top of a culvert. A few scrub bushes of Install bat-boxes within roof of culvert.
Elder and Willow are present at the edges. The area was heavily
used by children as a play area on each day of the survey.
7.11
Grassland on west-facing slope. The slope behind the industrial Minimal intervention.
estate supports a mix of acid grassland, reclamation grassland and Occasional litter collection.
scrub, with occasional patches of Heather and Bracken. The
reclamation grassland is mainly in the south of the plot, and has a
typical mix of Common Bent, Red Fescue, Crested Dog’s-tail and
Bird’s-foot Trefoil. This grades into an older sward with False Oatgrass, Cock’s-foot, Hairy Sedge, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Fairy-flax,
Heather, Dog Violet, Hogweed, Nettle and Rose-bay Willowherb.
The main scrub plants include Goat Willow, Grey Willow Silver
Birch, Gorse, Alder and Broom. Dog-rose and Traveller’s-joy occur
beside the estate boundary fence. Small amounts of litter appear
to be thrown over the fence from the estate.
7.12
Stream. This section of the stream appears to be is a less recently Control Indian Balsam and Japanese Knotweed.
modified channel than its adjoining sections. The channel bed
appears to have a more natural stony/ gravely nature and the
banks have better developed scrub. The banks support some
dense stands of Alders and relatively large Grey Willow, and locally
these provide shade for the stream. These older banks also
support Bramble, Bracken, Sweet Vernal-grass, Wood meadowgrass, Common Bent, Indian Balsam and Japanese Knotweed.
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Occasional shingle bars are present in the channel, and these
support vegetation, including Greater Willowherb, Monkey-flower,
Water-cress, Japanese Knotweed and Indian Balsam.
7.13
Ditch, grassland and scrub beside track. A narrow strip of land Potential to deepen and widen ditch to form a small pond.
between the stream-side track and the fields. The grassland is Control Indian Balsam.
relatively diverse (compared with the other reclamation grassland
swards), with Common Bent, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dog’s-tail,
Timothy, Sweet Vernal-grass, Tall Fescue, Cock’s-foot, Slender
Rush, Wild Parsnip, Yarrow, Colt’s-foot, Toadflax, Field Horsetail,
Rose-bay Willowherb, White Clover, Creeping Thistle, Meadow
Vetchling, Black Medick, Silver hair-grass, Ribwort Plantain and
Red Bartsia. A narrow strip of damper ground within this area
includes some standing water, and the flora includes several
wetland plants. Here the vegetation includes Water Figwort,
Round-leaved Water-crowfoot, Remote Sedge, Greater Tussocksedge, Lady Fern, Fleabane, Soft Rush, Marsh Orchid (seed
heads), Hard Rush, Angelica, Greater Willowherb, Common
Duckweed, Calliergonella cuspidata and Cratoneuron filicinum.
Bracken, Bramble and Indian Balsam occur beside the fence.
7.14
Lake. A shallow lake locally fringed by narrow bands of Common
Reed and Reed Canary-grass. Trout are present. The only
aquatic plants noted were Nuttall’s Water-weed, which forms
extensive stands over most of the lake, and algae. The marginal
vegetation includes Soft Rush, Lesser Spearwort, Water-cress,
Jointed Rush, Greater Willowherb, Square-stalked Willowherb, Soft
Rush, Floating Sweet-grass, Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Marigold
and Flag Iris. The latter three species appear to have been planted.
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Creation of a small central island to provide nesting habitat for
some water birds.
Allow trees to grow at the water’s edge (they will probably colonise
naturally).
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7.15
Reclamation grassland. A relatively tall sward of reclamation Remove or repair vandalised picnic area.
grassland, part of it includes disturbed ground used for car-parking, Periodic mowing or grazing to maintain as grassland.
a vandalised picnic area and several planted standard trees. A
rock-filled toe-drain at the foot of the adjoining slope may be a good
habitat for reptiles. The sward includes Red Fescue, Yorkshire
Fog, Black Medick, Common Bent, White Clover, Fairy Flax,
Creeping Cinquefoil, Colt’s-foot, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Trailing
Tormentil, Meadow Vetchling and Grass Vetchling, with the
mosses Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Scleropodium purum.
Bracken and Bramble form fringes to the adjoining scrub.
7.16
Marshy grassland. A small, mainly sloping area of damp ground Probably too small to be of much significance for wildlife. With
dominated by Purple Moor-grass and Soft Rush, with Creeping minimal intervention the scrub will develop into cover for nesting
Bent, and Tufted hair-grass. The foot of the slope has been birds.
planted with standard trees of Ash, Alder, Field Maple and Silver
Birch. Other plants in this area include Bramble, Tormentil, Oval
Sedge, Star Sedge, Green-ribbed Sedge, Heather, Greater Bird’sfoot Trefoil and mosses including Sphagnum, Scleropodium purum
and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus.
7.17
Stream. This section of the stream has steep banks with species- Minimal intervention required.
poor reclamation grassland and patches of dense young Alders scrub.
and Bramble.
7.18
Reclamation grassland. A level area of species-poor recently Negligible existing ecological value and could be a potential area
formed grassland. Vegetation includes Common Bent, Creeping for development or for new tree planting.
Bent, Yorkshire Fog, Red Fescue, Perennial Rye-grass and
Crested Dog’s-tail, with occasional Slender Rush, Creeping Thistle,
Ragwort, Broad-leaved Dock, White Clover and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.
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Will eventually develop cover by
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7.19
Ornamental planting. The grounds around the new Co-op and its Weeds should become less of a problem as shrub cover increases.
car-park are fringed by recently planted trees and ornamental Regular litter collection.
shrubs. These include Ash, Cotoneaster, Hedge Veronica, Box,
Red-osier Dogwood and Barberry. The planted areas are weedy
and accumulate litter. Other species in these areas include
Yorkshire Fog, Common Bent, Ragwort, Creeping Thistle, Wild
Parsnip and Perennial Rye-grass.
7.20
Derelict ground. An area of disturbed, weedy ground between a Investigate sewage smell and clarify whether there is a problem.
road and the stream. There is scattered scrub of Butterfly Bush, Consult Environment Agency/ local authority.
Gorse and Bramble. Other vegetation includes False Oat-grass, Control Indian Balsam.
Yorkshire Fog, Red Fescue, White Clover, Mouse-ear Hawkweed,
Wild Strawberry, Hemp Agrimony, Hogweed, Common Bird’s-foot
Trefoil, Common Cat’s-ear, Fleabane and Perennial Rye-grass.
The old wall beside the road had plants growing out from gaps in
the crumbling mortar. These included Butterfly Bush, Bramble,
Maidenhair Spleenwort, Rustyback Fern, Herb Robert, Wild
Strawberry, False Brome, New Zealand Willowherb, Ivy-leaved
Toadflax and the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.
The adjacent river, downstream from the bridge, has a stony bed
and is bordered by vertical retaining walls. There is no significant
aquatic vegetation but a high proportion of algae. The smell of
sewage was evident at the time of the survey. Plants growing at
the edges include Fool’s Water-cress, Greater Willowherb, Elder,
Ivy and Bramble. Indian Balsam was present on a shingle island.
The southern part of the area has been used for a new sports pitch.
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AREA 8
8.1
Reclamation grassland. Recently reprofiled species-poor
grassland. The main plant species include Crested Dog’s-tail,
Yorkshire Fog, Red Fescue and White Clover. Other plants include
Sweet Vernal-grass, Soft Rush, Hard Rush, Oval Sedge, Glaucous
Sedge, Creeping Buttercup, Common Mouse-ear, Fairy Flax,
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Calliergonella cuspidata. Meadow
Buttercup and Common Knapweed were present mainly at the
western side of the area. Standard trees have been planted on the
banks near to the road, with species including Rowan, Cherry,
Norway Maple and False Acacia.
Currently a young sward with negligible value for nature
conservation, although it is not heavily grazed and will probably
improve slowly with age. It could be considered as a site for
localised tree-planting.
8.2
Marshy grassland. Damp ground with a dense stand of Soft Rush,
Creeping Bent and Polytrichum commune, with developing Grey
Willow scrub. The vegetation is generally of low diversity, however
other species in this area include Common Bent, Yorkshire Fog,
Tufted Hair-grass, Marsh Thistle, Great Willowherb, Creeping
Buttercup, Bog Stitchwort, Oval Sedge, Lady Fern and Sphagnum.
A stone-lined channel runs through this area (it is in poor condition,
with much of the surface water apparently running beneath the
concrete).
Management required to prevent encroachment by scrub and tall
herbs. Best option would probably be low intensity grazing by cattle
or horses. Alternatively consider periodic management by
strimming.
Stream. A stone-lined channel with virtually no aquatic or marginal
vegetation. The banks mainly support a species poor reclamation
grassland flora. The section downstream from the lake is partly
shaded by dense scrub of Grey Willow, Goat Willow, Butterfly Bush
and bramble. Upstream of the lake a few plants of Gorse occur
patchily on the upper banks.
The channel would benefit from small-scale changed e.g. by
placement of boulders to encourage variation in channel bed, local
retention of silt and development of aquatic vegetation. (Subject to
consultation with hydrologist/ engineer?)
8.3
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Engineer to assess deterioration of stone-lined channel. Potential
may exist to remove the concrete and allow natural channel
formation and vegetation.
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8.4
8.5
Lake. A shallow lake used for fishing. The aquatic flora comprises
dense beds of Nuttall’s Water-weed. There are several stands of
Soft Rush at the margins, and three narrow belts of Common
Reed, widest near to the inflow point. Other wetland plants around
the lake include Flag Iris, Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Marsh
Bedstraw, Greater Willowherb, Common Duckweed, Compact
Rush and Jointed Rush. A small plantation at the east end of the
lake includes Alder, Crack Willow and Aspen. Several standard
trees of Norway Maple, Silver Birch and Lombardy Polar occur
near by.
Allow fringing reeds to extend naturally.
The bank around much of the lake comprises a low step (created
by wave action/ disturbance before vegetation was established?).
This could be collapsed locally to provide marshy ground at some
parts of the edge, which would help to diversify the flora and
establish pockets of marginal vegetation.
Lake (outside study area boundary). This is similar to the lake at Outside study area so no management proposed.
8.4, with shallow water dominated by Nuttall’s Water-weed. The
margins are fringed by sparse Soft Rush and Bulrush with
occasional Hemlock Water-dropwort and Lesser Spearwort. Part
of the eastern bank is close to the water level, and the damp
grassland in this area includes Jointed Rush, Marsh Pennywort,
Bog Pimpernel, Oval Sedge, Remote Sedge, Tufted Forget-me-not,
Water Horsetail and Marsh Speedwell.
AREA 9
9.1
New plantations and hedges. Several fenced areas of recent
broad-leaved tree planting, all with a similar mix of species. The
tree species in the block-planting areas include Alder, Silver Birch,
Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Cherry, Guelder Rose,
Goat Willow, Grey Alder, Dogwood, Rowan, Sessile Oak and, very
rarely, Scot’s Pine. The new hedge planting has a higher proportion
of Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple and Hazel. The ground flora
within these planted areas is almost identical to the reclamation
grassland and has no typical hedgerow or woodland ground flora.
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Hedgerows to be managed by trimming approx every 2 years and
first layered at approx 10-12 years old.
Consider introducing appropriate locally sourced woodland ground
flora species (provided that fencing will be retained long enough for
them to establish).
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9.2
Semi-improved acid grassland and flushes. A patchy, heavily Reduce grazing intensity. Investigate options for summer grazing
horse and sheep-grazed acid grassland sward with Crested Dog’s- by cattle/ horses instead of sheep.
tail, Red Fescue, Sheep’s Fescue, Common Bent, Mat Grass and No agricultural improvement by herbicides or fertilisers.
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. Other species include Sweet Vernalgrass, Wavy Hair-grass, Early Hair-grass, Heath Bedstraw,
Sheep’s Sorrel, Bilberry, Heather and Pleurozium schreberi. Flush
areas within the sward are dominated by Polytrichum commune,
and a damp, partially silted, stone-lined channel supports
P.commune together with Philonotis fontana, Jointed Rush, Blinks,
Bog Stitchwort and Round-leaved Water-crowfoot.
9.3
Acid grassland. Acid grassland, apparently on natural ground Reduce grazing intensity. Investigate options for summer grazing
rather than reprofiled site. With ant hills and old, heavily-grazed by cattle/ horses instead of sheep.
Heather.
No agricultural improvement by herbicides or fertilisers.
Associated species include Mat Grass, Sheep’s Fescue, Sweet
Vernal-grass, Common Bent, Bilberry, Cross-leaved Heath, Bell
Heather, Tormentil, Heath-grass, Heath Bedstraw, Carnation
Sedge, Field Woodrush, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus
squarrosus and Polytrichum juniperinum.
9.4
Reclamation grassland. Recently reprofiled grassland, heavily Reduce grazing intensity. Investigate possibility of summer grazing
grazed by sheep. There is a very low plant species diversity, with by horses or cattle rather than sheep.
the main plant species including Crested Dog’s-tail, Yorkshire Fog,
Red Fescue, Sweet Vernal-grass and Silver Hair-grass. Soft Rush
is locally prominent. Other species include White Clover, Fairy
Flax, Daisy, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Creeping Thistle, Marsh Thistle,
Calliergonella cuspidata and Peltigera lichen.
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9.5
Flush vegetation. A series of flushes and damp depressions within
reclamation grassland. The dominant flora comprises the mosses
Cratoneuron filicinum and Fissidens adianthoides, with Jointed
Rush, Star Sedge, Yellow Sedge and Creeping Bent. Associates
include Procumbent Pearlwort, Toad Rush, Soft Rush, Hard Rush,
Cuckoo-flower, New Zealand Willowherb and Bristle Club-rush.
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This is a relatively young vegetation type and it is unclear whether it
will increase or decrease in value as it develops, although less
intensively grazed areas are likely to become dominated by rushes.
It may be possible to maintain some areas in their current condition
by maintaining high grazing or trampling pressure, for example at
‘pinch points’ near to gates.
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4
Assessment
The various habitats identified were assessed against criteria developed by the
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, and also the criteria for selecting
Wildlife Sites in South Wales (South Wales Wildlife Sites Partnership, 2004). The
assessment is made under separate headings for different habitats and groups, and is
based on field observations and data from consultees.
4.1
Habitat assessment
Woodland, scrub and hedges
The main tree cover is mature coniferous plantation at Darren Fawr and the very young
mixed plantations associated with the reclamation scheme. There are no ancient
woodlands within the site. The large woodland area of Darren Fawr comprises several
distinct stands of trees, divided by clear-fell and the large central quarry. The woodland
flora is generally of low diversity though locally there is a well developed ground cover
by Bilberry. The association of the coniferous plantation with Goshawk and Crossbill is
very significant for the nature conservation status of the study area.
There are a few patches of wet (willow-dominated) and dry (Gorse and Birchdominated) scrub that appear to have arisen by natural succession. Although these
tend to have relatively low plant species diversity they may have a high value for birds
and some invertebrate groups.
There are very few hedges within the study area. Most of these are of recent origin or
associated with domestic gardens. None are likely to be considered as ‘Important’
under the ecological criteria of the Hedgerow Regulations.
Grassland and heath
Recently reprofiled reclamation grassland forms the majority of the grassland area.
This is currently of minimal value for nature conservation, though this will undoubtedly
increase over time.
Several areas of acid grassland occur on the former colliery landscape, either on
colliery or quarry spoil, or on natural ground. This often occurs as a mosaic with
marshy grassland and / or heath. The localised occurrence of Bristle Bent in acid
grassland/ heath mosaic at the south of the site is particularly significant in this acid
grassland habitat, and this habitat is considered to be of at least County significance for
nature conservation. The heathland and older acid grassland areas are also likely to
have a high value for reptiles and invertebrates.
Bracken
Much of the unforested natural ground on the sides of the valley is dominated by
Bracken. The Bracken is generally not present as a single-species stand, but has a
ground flora that includes acid grassland and marshy grassland species, particularly at
the edges of the stand. This Bracken-dominated habitat is generally undisturbed by
people and is likely to be used by good numbers of birds, as well as reptiles and
potentially invertebrates such as Fritillary butterflies.
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Watercourses and wetland habitats
The main wetland areas are the river and its associated lakes. These were formed
relatively recently and are colonised by a range of species. The aquatic plant diversity
in the lakes is very low, mainly due to the dominance of Nuttall’s Water-weed. The
marginal flora includes a low diversity wetland flora, and this would be expected to
increase with time and appropriate management. The lakes are likely to be a valuable
focus for a range of wildlife, including water birds, bats and some groups of
invertebrates. Their value for amphibians is likely to be low due to the presence of fish
and water-birds.
The river habitats are also recently formed, though a few short sections of older, scrubcovered banks remain near the south of the study area. The river is generally rather
limited in structural diversity, and the channel is very uniform. Even so, there are fish in
the channel, and records of riparian birds including Dipper and grey Wagtail. The value
of this habitat would be expected to increase in nature conservation value with time,
especially if the channel and bed structure can be diversified.
Other wetland habitats include the shallow ditches and flushes of the reclamation
scheme areas. These are generally shallow and dominated by rushes and bryophytes.
They generally support only common species, but have local nature conservation value
by virtues of diversifying the wider reclaimed land area. During the habitat survey
dragonflies were noted in good numbers in association with some of the wet ditches.
These and other invertebrates may also be associated with the base-rich flush
communities.
Rock exposure
Several former quarry areas are evident within the study area. The most prominent is
the large quarry at Darren Fawr. The boulder-strewn floor of the quarry has a
developing heath flora, with many cracks and crevices that would provide cover for
wildlife, such as invertebrates, reptiles, birds and bats. Ravens and birds of prey have
used this quarry as a nesting site. The rock-faces have the potential to develop a
diverse lower plant community with time, although are probably too young to support
many uncommon species at present.
The steep rock-faces near to the reclamation grassland at the southern edge of the
forest have provided a physical barrier to reclamation works, and this appears to have
be a key factor in allowing the Bristle Bent colonies to survive.
4.2
Species assessment
Higher plants
A total of 272 taxa of vascular plants was identified during the habitat survey. This is a
relatively high number that reflects the diversity of habitat types within the study area.
Most of the plants are common species, but several were recorded that are considered
rare, scarce or declining in Monmouthshire, Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire, or
included as ‘contributory species’ that should be considered in selecting wildlife sites
(Wildlife Sites Partnership, 2004). Of these, the only ‘Primary species’ is Bristle Bent,
which was found in three locations in the southern part of the site. Further study may
reveal additional sites within or near to the study area. Other ’Contributory species’
include Small Cudweed, Grass Vetchling and Knotted Pearlwort, which were all found
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on reclamation grassland. Given the size of the site and the nature of the habitat
survey, it is possible that other uncommon species are present and remain
undiscovered.
Lower plants
Only the most prominent lower plants were noted during the habitat survey. Bryophytes
are locally very abundant, and occasionally are dominant in certain communities (e.g.
in flushes or exposed rock habitat). None of the bryophytes or lichens recorded was
considered uncommon or unusual, and a specialist survey would be required to assess
the nature conservation status of this group.
Fungi
A summer survey in dry weather is not ideal for making observations of fungi. Even so,
several Bolete fungi were noted in and around the Darren Fawr plantation. The mature
plantation and associated scrub may be productive for fungi species, but the majority of
the newer plantations may take many years before they support good fungi
populations.
The majority of the grassland within the study area is unlikely to support a diverse fungi
community since it has been so recently reprofiled. However, there is potential for
good populations of grassland fungi to occur in the older, heavily-grazed acid grassland
fields in the east of the study area.
Invertebrates
The habitat survey and SEWBREC records were generally limited to observations of
common species. An exception to this is the Marsh Fritillary record provided by
SEWBREC, although this was from over a kilometre away, and the study area does not
appear to support any suitable habitat for this species. A species with some local
nature conservation value is the Grayling Butterfly, and this was noted on sparsely
vegetated coal-spoil at the south of the site.
The Blaengarw site includes a mix of habitats and is therefore likely to support a high
diversity of invertebrate species. One habitat with particularly high potential to support
significant species is the valley-side mosaic of Bracken, heath, acid grassland and
marshy grassland. These habitats could potentially support the Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary butterfly.
Fish
Trout were observed in several of the lakes and in the river. They appeared to be
Brown Trout, although this could not be confirmed. Environment Agency data show
that Trout use the river, while a records provided through SEWBREC also showed
Salmon, Sea Trout and Bullhead in the stream. The migratory salmonids presumably
spawn in the stream since they were observed in the very shallow water north of
Blaengarw. In general the recently reprofiled stream bed appears to provide very
limited spawning opportunity for salmonids.
Amphibians
The only amphibian noted during the habitat survey was Common Frog, which is a
widespread species able to breed in temporary pools and shallow ditches. There is
abundant foraging habitat for amphibians and therefore other amphibian species are
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also likely to occur, particularly Palmate Newt. There do not appear to be any suitable
breeding sites for Great Crested Newts. There are few fish-free ponds within the study
area, and there is consequently high potential for creating additional breeding sites for
amphibians.
Reptiles
Two common species of reptiles were seen during the survey, namely Common Lizard
and Slow Worm. These are common in the South Wales valleys and are likely to be
widespread through the study area. It is possible that other native reptile species might
also occur, i.e. Adder and/ or Grass Snake.
Birds
A good range of common bird species were noted during the habitat survey, and
further records were provided by SEWBREC. The most significant records were of
Peregrine and Crossbill, from the Darren Fawr quarry and forestry areas. These are
subject to special protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Goshawk and Nightjar are other Schedule 1 species with the potential to occur in the
general area of Darren Fawr.
Several UKBAP/ and Welsh Assembly s74 bird species were recorded during the
survey or records for them provided by SEWBREC. These include Hen Harrier,
Nightjar, Golden Plover, Bullfinch, Linnet and Skylark.
The 1994 record of Ring Ouzel is locally significant. Unfortunately there are few
habitats within the study area that seem suitable for this species at present. There
appears to be habitat with greater potential for Ring Ouzel higher up the valley to the
north.
Mammals
Only two common mammal species were recorded during the phase 1 survey but
others are undoubtedly present. The most significant are likely to include Otter and
bats, which are protected species. The fish population of the river and lakes would
provide good feeding habitat for Otters, although potential resting sites are rather
limited at present. A record of a Pipistrelle bat in Pontycymer was provided by
SEWBREC, and other bats are also likely to be present. The quarry at Darren Fawr
also has potential to support roosting and feeding bats. There is plenty of good quality
foraging habitat within the study area.
4.3
Summary assessment and map
None of the study area is currently protected for its biodiversity value. However, this
study has identified several aspects that meet the site selection criteria for wildlife sites
in Monmouthshire, Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire. These criteria provide a useful
benchmark against which to assess nature conservation value. The Institute for
Ecology and Environmental Management also has guidelines for site assessment, and
suggests the following frame of reference for assessing the context of a site’s value.
•
International;
•
UK;
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•
National (e.g. Wales);
•
Regional (e.g. Glamorgan);
•
County (e.g. Bridgend);
•
District (or Unitary Authority, City, or Borough);
•
Local or Parish;
•
within immediate zone of influence only.
The site is not uniform in its value for nature conservation, and therefore a map has
been prepared to summarise very simply the different value of the component parts of
the study area. This is presented as Figure 3.
The most important habitat on the site is considered to be the heath and acid grassland
containing Bristle Bent. This habitat is also likely to support a good range of other
wildlife, including plants, invertebrates and reptiles. The other most significant areas
include the Darren Fawr quarry and the older grassland/ heath mosaic communities.
These were all considered to meet the criteria for selection as wildlife sites.
It is important to note that this assessment is based on a single survey, and it is
recommended that the map be treated as a working draft for the purposes of assisting
the developing management plan.
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5
Management possibilities
There is a great deal of potential for enhancing the nature conservation value of the
site, particularly in the recently reprofiled areas that have little current value. The older
habitats within the site generally support greater habitat diversity, even where these
have arisen as a result of past industrial disturbance. Any management of the site
must take account of the existing habitats to ensure that areas of current high value are
managed sensitively to retain and develop their interest. A very simplified plan
summarising the existing nature conservation status of the different components of the
site is presented as Figure 3.
Some broad recommendations and principles for inclusions in the management plan
are outlined below:
The management plan should be regularly reviewed, for example every 5 years.
The management plan should clearly set out who owns the various plots of land
and would be responsible for specific operations.
Practical management operations should be overseen, funded and mainly
carried out by council staff, but there would be many benefits from involving
local volunteers.
Ideally, the site should have wardening staff to monitor the site, maintain good
working relationships with tenants and the public, and implement management
(including fence repairs etc.).
Woodland creation would be appropriate in areas of reclamation grassland with
no current nature conservation value. Trees should not be planted into areas of
grassland with existing ecological significance, such as heathland. New tree
planting should primarily comprise native species, preferably of local
provenance, to maximise the potential value for biodiversity.
The plantation contains a mix of ground vegetation, but it is mainly sparse and
there is little shrub-layer. The area’s diversity would be enhanced by reducing
the density of the evergreen canopy by thinning, and gradually replacing some
of the areas of conifers with native broad-leaved trees. Self-sown Larch is
locally very dominant and a key management recommendation would be to
bring this under control by selectively removing Larch.
Some parts of the site are currently over-grazed, and others would benefit from
a change from sheep grazing (e.g. a switch to horses or cattle). Grazing control
is one of the biggest challenges to site management. It may be possible to carry
out some control by means of sheep exclosures, to keep relatively small areas
free from sheep. Small fenced areas are less likely to be vandalised than large
fences.
There should be general presumption against agricultural improvement of land
by herbicides or fertilisers.
Heathland creation would be appropriate on the higher, more exposed areas.
This could possibly be carried out be by sheep-exclusion and/ or seeding with
heathland seed/ top-soil from nearby areas.
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Periodic scrub clearance would probably be beneficial in marshy grassland
areas (particularly in areas where grazing is not possible).
Floating platforms / islands could be installed on lakes, to provide safe resting/
breeding sites for birds.
Several invasive species are likely to become locally dominant if not controlled.
These include Gorse, Rhododendron, Bracken, Indian Balsam and Japanese
Knotweed. These all potentially require some form of control, or possibly even
removal, to maintain diversity in the areas where they occur.
Fisheries. Most of the channels have very little potential for spawning fish.
Enhancement of the low-flow channel by placement of small boulders would
allow localised silt accumulation that would be beneficial for fish spawning and
plant growth. (Boulders should be well cemented in to keep them secure during
high flows). Formation of gravel and silt beds by adding suitable material to the
channel could also be considered provided that this is combined with physical
channel modifications to prevent the material from washing away.
Motorcycling is contributing to the management problems by causing soil
erosion in the reclamation grassland and rutting in the tracks elsewhere. Many
of the broken fences appear to have been cut to allow access for motorcycles.
Measures to reduce damage by motorcycling activity should be considered.
There are several informal paths through the plantations. Way-marking for the
path network could be considered.
Nest boxes have been installed in several parts of the woodland and scrub, but
these are at a very low density. There is potential to increase the number of
bird boxes in several habitats, and also install bat boxes, particularly in the
vicinity of the river. Artificial Otter holts might be considered in more sheltered
riverside areas away from the main settlements.
The most valuable valley-side habitats should be designated as SINCs to
provide them with additional protection.
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6
Recommendations for further survey work
Some management options may be clarified/ modified following further survey work.
The key recommendation for further study area as follows:
Reptile survey. This would be particularly useful to clarify whether or not Adders
occur with the study area since there is a great deal of potentially suitable
habitat.
Butterfly / moth survey.
This would clarify whether species of nature
conservation significance occur (e.g. Small Pearl-bordered or High Brown
Fritillary in the Violet-rich ffridd habitats). Glamorgan Moth Recording group
could be contracted to investigate the site.
Bat activity survey, particularly in the vicinity of the quarry and areas with deep
fissures and along the river corridor.
Bird survey to inform possible woodland management operations about nest
sites of uncommon species such as Peregrine, Goshawk or Crossbill.
Study of bryophytes and lichens, mainly targeted to older habitats including the
quarry, heath and marshy grassland.
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7
Summary
A habitat survey of the Upper Garw Valley was carried out during the late summer of
2005. The study mapped all of the main habitats and described each one by means of
a target note. Plants and animals noted during the survey were listed. Management
possibilities to increase the biodiversity of each habitat area described were
considered.
The survey confirmed the main habitats in the Upper Garw Valley as recently formed,
post-reclamation grassland, coniferous plantation, Bracken, acid grassland and heath,
and a recently reprofiled river with several small lakes. Localised areas of rock
outcrops and flushes also occur.
The field survey was supplemented by a consultation exercise. This confirmed the
presence in the area of several protected and locally uncommon species and provided
some useful suggestions for future management.
The habitat assessment found that several parts of the site had a high nature
conservation status. The most significant of these were the acid grassland and
heathland communities with Bristle Bent, the older valley-side mix of acid grassland,
heath and flushes, and the former quarry area within the coniferous plantation. These
areas were considered to meet criteria for selection as Sites of Importance for Nature
Conservation (SINC).
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8
References
South Wales Wildlife Sites Partnership (2004). Guidelines for the Selection of Wildlife
Sites in South Wales.
Institute of Environmental Assessment (1995). Guidelines for Baseline Ecological
Assessment. E & FN Spon. London.
JNCC (1993). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – A Technique for Environmental
Audit. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
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Figures
Appendix 1.
Plant species list.
Underlining indicates species that are listed in the criteria for selection of wildlife sites
in South and West Wales (South Wales Wildlife Sites Partnership, 2004).
Species
Trees and shrubs
Acer pseudoplatanus
Alnus glutinosa
Alnus incana
Berberis sp.
Betula pendula
Buddleia davidii
Calluna vulgaris
Cornus sanguinea
Cornus sericea
Corylus avellana
Cotoneaster sp.
Crataegus monogyna
Cytisus scoparius
x Cupressocyparis leylandii
Erica cinerea
Erica tetralix
Fagus sylvatica
Fraxinus excelsior
Hebe sp.
Hedera helix
Ilex aquifolium
Larix sp.
Ligustrum ovaliforme
Lonicera periclymenum
Picea sitchensis
Pinus contorta
Pinus cf nigra
Pinus sylvestris
Populus nigra ‘italica’
Populus tremula
Prunus avium
Prunus spinosa
Quercus petraea
Quercus robur
Quercus cf rubra
Rhododendron ponticum
Robinia pseudacacia
Rosa canina
Rubus fruticosus
Rubus idaeus
Salix caprea
Salix cinerea
Salix fragilis
Salix repens
Salix viminalis
Sambucus nigra
English name
Sycamore
Alder
Grey Alder
Barberry
Birch
Butterfly Bush
Heather
Dogwood
Red-osier Dogwood
Hazel
Cotoneaster
Hawthorn
Broom
Leyland Cypress
Bell Heather
Cross-Leaved Heath
Beech
Ash
Hedge Veronica
Ivy
Holly
Larch
Garden Privet
Honeysuckle
Sitka Spruce
Lodgepole Pine
Corsican ? Pine
Scots Pine
Lombardy Poplar
Aspen
Wild Cherry
Blackthorn
Sessile Oak
Pedunculate Oak
Red Oak
Rhododendron
False Acacia
Dog Rose
Bramble
Wild Raspberry
Goat Willow
Grey Willow
Crack Willow
Creeping Willow
Osier
Elder
Sorbus aucuparia
Thuja plicata
Ulex europaeus
Ulex gallii
Vaccinium myrtillus
Viburnum opulus
Herbs
Achillea millefolium
Anagallis tenella
Anaphalis margaritacea
Angelica sylvestris
Arctium minus
Arenaria serpyllifolia
Armoracia rusticana
Artemisia vulgaris
Bellis perennis
Callitriche sp.
Cardamine flexuosa
Cardamine hirsuta
Cardamine pratensis
Carlina vulgaris
Centaurea nigra
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Chamerion angustifolium
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium palustre
Cirsium vulgare
Crocosmia x crocosmiifolia
Cymbalaria muralis
Dactylorhiza cf praetermissa
Dactylorhiza hybrids
Digitalis purpurea
Dipsacus fullonum
Elodea nuttallii
Epilobium brunnescens
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium montanum
Epilobium palustre
Epilobium cf parviflorum
Epilobium tetragonum
Erophila verna
Eupatorium cannabinum
Euphrasia sp.
Fallopia japonica
Filago minima
Filipendula ulmaria
Fragaria vesca
Rowan
Western Red-cedar
Gorse
Western Gorse
Bilberry
Guelder Rose
Yarrow
Bog Pimpernel
Pearly Everlasting
Angelica
Lesser Burdock
Thyme-leaved Sandwort
Horse Radish
Mugwort
Daisy
Water Starwort (indeterminate)
Wavy Bittercress
Hairy Bittercress
Cuckoo Flower
Carline Thistle
Common Knapweed
Common Centaury
Common Mouse-ear
Rose-bay Willowherb
Opposite-Leaved Golden-Saxifrage
Creeping Thistle
Marsh Thistle
Spear Thistle
Montbretia
Ivy-leaved Toadflax
Southern Marsh-orchid
Marsh Orchid hybrids
Foxglove
Teasel
Nuttall’s Waterweed
New Zealand Willowherb
Great Willowherb
Broad-leaved Willowherb
Marsh Willowherb
Hoary Willowherb
Square-stalked Willowherb
Common Whitlow-grass
Hemp Agrimony
Eyebright
Japanese Knotweed
Small Cudweed
Meadowsweet
Wild Strawberry
Galium aparine
Galium palustre
Galium saxatile
Geranium dissectum
Geranium robertianum
Geum sp.
Gnaphalium uliginosum
Gunnera sp?
Hieracium sp.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Hydrocotyle vulgaris
Hypericum humifusum
Hypericum perforatum
Hypochaeris radicata
Impatiens glandulifera
Iris pseudacorus
Jasione montana
Lactuca serriola
Lapsana communis
Lathyrus nissolia
Lathyrus pratensis
Lemna minor
Leontodon autumnalis
Leontodon hispidus
Leucanthemum vulgare
Linaria vulgaris
Linum catharticum
Lotus corniculatus
Lotus pedunculatus
Lychnis flos-cuculi
Lycopus europaeus
Lysimachia nemorum
Lysimachia punctata
Lythrum salicaria
Medicago lupulina
Mentha aquatica
Mentha cf rotundifolia
Mentha sp.
Mimulus guttatus
Montia fontana
Myosotis laxa
Myosotis secunda
Odontites vernus
Oenanthe crocata
Oenothera sp.
Oxalis acetosella
Pastinaca sativa
Pilosella officinarum
Plantago lanceolata
Cleavers
Marsh Bedstraw
Heath Bedstraw
Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill
Herb Robert
Geum (garden escape)
Marsh Cudweed
(Naturalised ornamental)
Hawkweed sp.
Bluebell
Marsh Pennywort
Trailing St.John’s-wort
Perforate St.John’s-wort
Common Cat’s-ear
Indian Balsam
Flag Iris
Sheep’s-bit
Prickly Lettuce
Nipplewort
Grass Vetchling
Meadow Vetchling
Common Duckweed
Autumn Hawkbit
Rough Hawkbit
Ox-eye Daisy
Toadflax
Fairy Flax
Lesser Bird’s-foot Trefoil
Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil
Ragged Robin
Gypsywort
Yellow Pimpernel
Dotted Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife
Black Medick
Water Mint
Round-leaved Mint
Mint
Monkeyflower
Blinks
Tufted Forget-me-not
Creeping Forget-me-not
Red Bartsia
Hemlock Water-dropwort
Evening Primrose
Wood Sorrel
Wild Parsnip
Mouse-ear Hawkweed
Ribwort Plantain
Plantago major
Polygala serpyllifolia
Potamogeton polygonifolius
Potentilla cf anglica
Potentilla anserina
Potentilla erecta
Potentilla reptans
Potentilla x mixta
Prunella vulgaris
Pulicaria dysenterica
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus ficaria
Ranunculus flammula
Ranunculus omiophyllus
Ranunculus repens
Reseda luteola
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Rumex acetosa
Rumex acetosella
Rumex crispus
Rumex obtusifolius
Sagina nodosa
Sagina procumbens
Scrophularia auriculata
Scutellaria minor
Senecio jacobaea
Solanum dulcamara
Solidago virgaurea
Sonchus oleraceus
Stachys palustris
Stellaria graminea
Stellaria holostea
Stellaria uliginosa
Taraxacum sp.
Teucrium scorodonia
Torilis japonica
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Tussilago farfara
Typha latifolia
Urtica dioica
Valeriana officinalis
Verbascum thapsus
Verbena officinalis
Veronica arvensis
Veronica beccabunga
Veronica chamaedrys
Veronica officinalis
Greater Plantain
Heath Milkwort
Bog Pondweed
Trailing Tormentil
Silverweed
Tormentil
Creeping Cinquefoil
Hybrid Cinquefoil
Selfheal
Fleabane
Meadow Buttercup
Lesser Celandine
Lesser Spearwort
Round-leaved Crowfoot
Creeping Buttercup
Weld
Water-cress
Sorrel
Sheep’s Sorrel
Curled Dock
Broad-leaved Dock
Knotted Pearlwort
Procumbent Pearlwort
Water Figwort
Lesser Skullcap
Ragwort
Woody Nightshade
Goldenrod
Soft Soft-thistle
Marsh Woundwort
Lesser Stitchwort
Greater Stitchwort
Bog Stitchwort
Dandelion
Wood Sage
Upright Hedge-parsley
Lesser Trefoil
Red Clover
White Clover
Colt’s-foot
Bulrush
Nettle
Common Valerian
Greater Mullein
Vervain
Wall Speedwell
Brooklime
Germander Speedwell
Heath Speedwell
Veronica scutellata
Veronica serpyllifolia
Vicia cracca
Vicia hirsuta
Vicia sativa
Vicia sepium
Viola palustris
Viola riviniana
Wahlenbergia hederacea
Grasses, sedges and rushes
Agrostis canina
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis setacea
Agrostis stolonifera
Aira caryophyllea
Aira praecox
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Arrhenatherum elatius
Brachypodium sylvaticum
Bromus hordeaceus
Carex binervis
Carex echinata
Carex flacca
Carex hirta
Carex nigra
Carex ovalis
Carex panicea
Carex paniculata.
Carex pilulifera
Carex remota
Carex spicata
Carex viridula
Cynosurus cristatus
Dactylis glomerata
Danthonia decumbens
Deschampsia cespitosa
Deschampsia flexuosa
Eleocharis palustris
Eriophorum angustifolium
Festuca arundinacea
Festuca ovina
Festuca rubra
Glyceria fluitans
Holcus lanatus
Holcus mollis
Isolepis setacea
Juncus acutiflorus
Juncus articulatus
Juncus bufonius
Marsh Speedwell
Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Tufted Vetch
Hairy Tare
Common Vetch
Bush Vetch
Marsh Violet
Common Dog-Violet
Ivy-leaved Bellflower
Velvet Bent
Common Bent
Bristle Bent
Creeping Bent
Silver Hair-grass
Early Hair-grass
Sweet Vernal-Grass
False Oat-grass
False Brome
Soft Brome
Green-ribbed Sedge
Star Sedge
Glaucous Sedge
Hairy Sedge
Common Sedge
Oval Sedge
Carnation Sedge
Greater Tussock Sedge
Pill Sedge
Remote Sedge
Spiked Sedge
Yellow Sedge
Crested-Dog’s-tail
Cock’s-foot
Heath Grass
Tufted Hair-grass
Wavy Hair-grass
Common Spike-rush
Common Cotton-grass
Tall Fescue
Sheep’s Fescue
Red Fescue
Floating Sweet-grass
Yorkshire Fog
Creeping Soft-grass
Bristle Scirpus
Sharp-Flowered Rush
Jointed Rush
Toad Rush
Juncus bulbosus
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncus effusus
Juncus inflexus
Juncus squarrosus
Juncus tenuis
Lolium perenne
Luzula campestris
Luzula multiflora
Molinia caerulea
Nardus stricta
Phalaris arundinacea
Phleum pratense
Phragmites australis
Poa annua
Poa pratensis
Poa trivialis
Trichophorum cespitosum
Vulpia bromoides
Ferns and allies
Asplenium trichomanes
Athyrium filix-femina
Blechnum spicant
Ceterach officinarum
Dryopteris affinis
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteris filix-mas
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum fluviatile
Oreopteris limbosperma
Phyllitis scolopendrium
Polypodium vulgare
Pteridium aquilinum
Lower plants
(Prominent species only)
Atrichum undulatum
Brachythecium rutabulum
Bryum sp.
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Calliergonella cuspidata
Campylopus introflexus
Ceratodon purpureus
Cladonia spp.
Cratoneuron filicinum
Dicranum scoparium
Didymodon tophaceus
Diplophyllum albicans
Eurhynchium praelongum
Fissidens adianthoides
Bulbous Rush
Compact Rush
Soft Rush
Hard Rush
Heath Rush
Slender Rush
Perennial Rye-grass
Field Woodrush
Heath Woodrush
Purple Moor-grass
Mat Grass
Reed Canary-grass
Timothy
Common Reed
Annual Meadow-grass
Smooth Meadow-grass
Rough Meadow-grass
Deer-grass
Squirreltail Fescue
Maidenhair Spleenwort
Lady Fern
Hard Fern
Rustyback Fern
Scaly Male-Fern
Broad Buckler Fern
Male Fern
Field Horsetail
Water Horsetail
Lemon-scented Fern
Hart’s-tongue Fern
Polypody
Bracken
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Lichens
Moss
Moss
Moss
Liverwort
Moss
Moss
Fissidens bryoides
Hypnum jutlandicum
Leptodictyum riparioides
Lophocolea bidentata
Mnium hornum
Pellia sp.
Peltigera spp.
Philonotis fontana
Plagiothecium undulatum
Pleurozium schreberi
Polytrichum commune
Polytrichum juniperinum
Polytrichum piliferum
Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans
Racomitrium canescens
Racomitrium lanuginosum
Rhynchostegium riparioides
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus
Scleropodium purum
Sphagnum spp.
Moss
Moss
Moss
Liverwort
Moss
Liverwort
Lichens
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Moss
Appendix 2.
Incidental fauna records.
Species
English name
Invertebrates
Lepidoptera
Coenonympha pamphilus
Small Heath Butterfly
Hipparchia semele
Grayling Butterfly
Inachis io
Peacock Butterfly
Lassiommata megera
Wall Brown Butterfly
Lycaena phlaeas
Small Copper Butterfly
Pararge aegeria
Speckled Wood Butterfly
Pieris brassicae
Large White Butterfly
Pyronia tithonus
Gatekeeper Butterfly
Thymelicus silvestris
Small Skipper Butterfly
Tyria jacobaeae
Cinnabar Moth
Vanessa atalanta
Red Admiral Butterfly
Zygaena sp.
Burnet Moths
Odonata
Cordulegaster boltonii
Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Ischnura elegans
Blue-tailed Damselfly
Libellula depressa
Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly
Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Large Red Damselfly
Sympetrum striolatum
Common Darter Dragonfly
Fish
Salmo trutta
Brown Trout
Amphibians
Rana temporaria
Common Frog
Reptiles
Lacerta vivipara
Common Lizard
Anguis fragilis
Slow Worm
Birds
Turdus merula
Blackbird
Parus caerulea
Blue Tit
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Bullfinch
Buteo buteo
Buzzard
Corvus corone
Carrion Crow
Fringilla coelebs
Chaffinch
Parus ater
Coal Tit
Loxia curvirostra
Crossbill
Cinclus cinclus
Dipper
Prunella modularis
Dunnock
Carduelis carduelis
Goldfinch
Dendrocopus major
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Parus major
Great Tit
Picus viridis
Green Woodpecker
Carduelis chloris
Greenfinch
Ardea cinerea
Grey Heron
Delichon urbica
House Martin
Passer domesticus
House Sparrow
Corvus monedula
Jackdaw
Garrulus glandarius
Jay
Carduelis cannabina
Linnet
Pica pica
Magpie
Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard
Anthus pratensis
Meadow Pipit
Turdus viscivorus
Mistle Thrush
Gallinula chlorophus
Moorhen
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine
Motacilla alba
Pied Wagtail
Corvus corax
Raven
Carduelis flammea
Redpoll
Erithacus rubecula
Robin
Alauda arvensis
Skylark
Accipiter nisus
Sparrowhawk
Sturnus vulgaris
Starling
Saxicola torquata
Stonechat
Hirundo rustica
Swallow
Apus apus
Swift
Columba palumbus
Wood Pigeon
Troglodytes troglodytes
Wren
Mammals
Vulpes vulpes
Fox
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rabbit
Appendix 3.
Responses from consultees.
(i) Environment Agency
(ii) SEWBREC
(iii) CCW