Living Landscapes

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Natural Environment Strategy

2014

1 Contents

Introduction 4

The Benefits of the Natural Environment 7

The Borough of and Deane’s Natural Environment 9

Key Habitat Type Descriptions 12

Pressures Affecting the Natural Environment 21

Conserving our Natural Environment — Overall Approach 23

Conserving our Natural Environment — The Council’s Approach 24

Parks and Open Spaces: Managing Biodiversity on Council Land 25

Planning for Green Development 27

Landscape and Biodiversity in the Countryside 31

Working with the Community 38

Information, Monitoring and Review 40

The council wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the preparation of this strategy.

2 3 Introduction advice and projects in the wider the and Isle of Wight LNP. countryside, and survey and recording The Partnership’s priorities include: 1. Borough work has been undertaken to improve • protecting and improving the natural Council first published a landscape understanding of the borough’s natural environment and biodiversity strategy, Living environment and the species that it • promoting a sustainable green Landscapes, in October 2003. supports. Specific planning policies economy Since that time significant progress have been introduced through the • reconnecting people and nature continues to be made in incorporating local plan to ensure proper regard • promoting the need to invest natural environment considerations is given to the natural environment in nature for the many benefits and into the work of the council. Much of when assessing planning applications; ecosystem services it provides. the previous version of the strategy planning guidance has been produced (published in 2010) remains relevant to assist with the implementation of In 2011 DEFRA published Biodiversity and as a consequence, this third draft these policies; and biodiversity is now 20204 which followed on from the Natural revision of the strategy reflects this. It a routine consideration in assessing Environment White Paper and the UK Common Frog does not include a wholesale review of planning applications, alongside Government’s pledge to halt the loss the document but refreshes and updates landscape issues. In addition the council 5. This strategy differs from the council’s of all biodiversity by 2020. In national aspects where appropriate, including has adopted a Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy in that planning policy5 consideration is given changes to policies, updates on projects Strategy (2013 to 2029) for the borough the GI Strategy focuses on the network to biodiversity with policies in place for and the action plan. which includes a number of biodiversity- of green spaces and other environmental avoiding a net loss of biodiversity and features within the borough and the related projects within its action plan. achieving a net gain where practicable role they play. The GI network provides in new developments. At a local level, places that are more resilient to climate the Council now has three performance 3. Despite this progress, the pressures change, that have distinct local character, indicators specifically reporting on any on the natural environment are greater that provide open space and associated changes to areas of wildlife habitat as a than ever and there is much more that facilities for people to live and work in and result of development or council initiatives. needs to be done to secure a healthy as places that promote well-being. The natural environment. The wider national natural environment is one of a number of and regional context of policies and Scope of the Strategy key beneficiaries of a strategically planned mechanisms for protecting the natural 4. This document sets out how the council and delivered green infrastructure, environment has also changed since proposes to focus its resources to help whereas this document focuses on work the original strategy was published meet its obligations and commitments and action that will be undertaken by the and there continues to be a legal duty to the conservation of the natural council or in conjunction with key partners for local authorities to have regard to environment. It is not intended to serve to specifically provide benefits to the biodiversity conservation (including as a general strategy for all aspects natural environment alone. Forest Local Nature Reserve opportunities for restoration and of looking after the borough’s natural enhancement) in carrying out their environment, much of which is outside 1 6. In addition to setting out specific 2. Since the original strategy was functions . Furthermore, the publication of the council’s influence. However, the 2 actions and approaches to protecting of the Lawton Report in 2010 and the strategy does describe how we will work adopted the council continues to and enhancing the borough’s natural support, and has helped to establish high profile given to its findings in the with partner organisations and community 3 environment, the strategy will also be Natural Environment White Paper has groups and volunteers. It will also provide a number of conservation volunteer used to influence the preparation of other galvanised understanding that more useful information on our approach for groups and community-led conservation council documents that will have an needs to be done to halt the loss of organisations who may wish to work with projects. It has declared new local influence on wildlife and the landscape. nature reserves, and has introduced biodiversity. One of the key messages of the council in the future. the report with respect to wildlife sites more wildlife-friendly approaches to was that they needed to be “bigger, the management of some of its open 1. Under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. better and more joined-up”. The White spaces. Successful partnerships 2. Making Space for Nature: A review of ’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network. have been developed with external Paper also recommended the setting up Chaired by Professor Sir John Lawton CBE FRS. September 2010. of strategic Local Nature Partnerships 3. The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature HM Government. June 2011. organisations to deliver conservation 4. (LNPs) and the council is a member of Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. DEFRA 2011. 5. National Planning Policy Framework. Department for Communities and Local Government. March 2012.

4 5 Local Policy Context What do we mean by the natural The Benefits of the role in managing flood risk by helping water to drain into the ground more . In addition to legal obligations, the environment? Natural Environment 7 naturally and maintaining the natural primary policies driving the strategy are The borough’s landscape is the function of river floodplains. set out in the borough’s Sustainable 10. A well-cared for natural environment product of centuries of human Community Strategy (SCS) 2011 to 2026 is essential for all life and provides management interacting with natural known as Pride in Our Place and in the benefits without which we could not live processes. Therefore, no part of it Council Plan 2013 to 2017, which is such as clean air and water, pollination of is entirely natural. In fact, some of informed by the SCS. agricultural crops, regulation of climate our most precious wildlife habitats, and raw materials such as timber. such as heathland, developed as a However, it also makes many other 8. Pride in Our Place includes the result of human influence on natural important contributions to community following priorities that are of particular plant and animal communities. wellbeing, as well as being important relevance: Nevertheless, in contrast to the built in its own right. These types of benefits are known as ecosystem services, • protecting and enhancing the quality environment of towns and cities, which are essential for the support of of the built and natural environment. much of the countryside and many of life on Earth and human society. The the green spaces within our towns, • improving access to the countryside. vital importance of ecosystem services, including the interconnected network and the importance of accounting for • encouraging local communities to of private gardens, are heavily them in economics, is gaining increasing Natural drainage and flood plain habitats can take greater responsibility for their influenced and characterised by the help to reduce flooding incidents surroundings. recognition, for example through works presence of wildlife and the action of such as the UK National Ecosystem natural processes. The term natural Assessment6 and the findings of the A healthy borough environment is used within this Natural Capital Committee7. 9. The council plan 2013 to 2017, 13. There are strong links between document to refer to all such spaces. includes the aim to: health and the natural environment. Brisk walking, cycling, horse riding, “Protect, restore, reconnect and expand 11. Pride in Our Place, the sustainable and running can make a significant biodiversity and the rural nature of our community strategy for the Borough contribution to the recommended levels borough through better management of of Basingstoke and Deane, describes of moderate exercise people should our woodlands, parks and open spaces six themes for community wellbeing. undertake and the experience of carrying — and the introduction of additional Examples of benefits that a healthy out these activities in an attractive natural green infrastructure and implementation natural environment can contribute to the environment provides a major motivating of a new Green Infrastructure Strategy.” six themes of the community strategy factor. Volunteer conservation work and include8: gardening for wildlife are also recognised as providing sufficient levels of exercise A safe borough to benefit health. The positive effects of the natural environment on mental 12. High-quality outdoor wellbeing and stress reduction are environments, especially where obvious and there is increasing evidence the community is involved in their to support this9. stewardship, help to create a Woodlands sculpture at Great Binfields Copse sense of pride and ownership over 6. UK National Ecosystem Assessment (2011) The UK neighbourhoods thus making an National Ecosystem Assessment Technical Report. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge. important contribution to deterring crime 7. The State of Natural Capital: Towards a framework for and anti-social behaviour. Woodlands measurement and valuation. A report from the Natural and trees will also play an increasingly Capital Committee. April 2013. 8. These benefits were formally identified by the Natural important role in influencing climate, Environment Forum of the Basingstoke Area Strategic providing cool environments during the Partnership. Grazing of Basingstoke Common to replicate 9. Health and Natural Environments - An evidence based the traditional management of grassland habitat summer, and habitats, including trees information pack. Natural England. March 2012 and woodlands, can play an important

6 7 A prosperous borough air and water, replenishing the borough’s The Borough of water resources. 15. The natural environment makes a Basingstoke and Deane’s major contribution to the attractiveness Natural Environment and image of the borough, which is an important factor for local businesses Overview in recruiting and retaining employees. It underpins the rural economy by 18. The Borough of Basingstoke and attracting customers to the countryside Deane covers an area of some two and its appeal is a significant motivating hundred and forty five square miles and factor in the enjoyment of over ninety per cent of this is rural. income-generating activities such as horse riding, field sports and fishing, bird watching, walking and cycling. 19. Straddling two distinctive Mountain bikers enjoying the healthy outdoors In turn, the rural economy underpins geological areas, the Thames Basin and the management required to conserve the , the landscape of the north of the borough contrasts much of the countryside. For example Bee performing vital pollination service A learning and creative borough managed woodlands can conserve strongly with the south. important habitats as well as make 14. The natural environment has a contribution to local and regional An inclusive borough always inspired the arts and sciences, economies in terms of jobs and wood with strong communities 20. The southern area is dominated and some of our most celebrated writers fuel energy. Nature conservation has a long by chalk downland and a large part of and artists have drawn their inspiration 17. history of volunteer involvement and this area to the west of Basingstoke from it. As well as providing inspiration can provide a strong focus to help bring is recognised as being of national for the creative arts, the natural communities together to improve their importance by its inclusion in the North environment provides opportunities for neighbourhoods. Community conservation Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding lifetime learning such as environmental projects can embrace a wide range of Natural Beauty (AONB) (see Fig. 1). Here studies to support school curricular, activities, utilising many different skills and the downland rises and forms a more or pastimes such as bird watching, and aptitudes, from digging ponds to planning less continuous ridge along the top of the the social and teamwork skills that and management and from simple AONB terminating in spectacular scarp can be developed through volunteer recording of flora and fauna to specialist slopes just south of . Areas of conservation work. botanical and zoological study. Such work important chalk grassland occur along is particularly good for bringing people of this ridgeline including such notable different age groups, ethnicity and social sites as Watership Down, the setting backgrounds together. of Richard Adams’s famous book, and Beacon Hill, site of an Iron Age hill fort and Site of Special Scientific Interest, Countryside recreation makes an important contribution to the rural economy from which there are panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. An environment that’s good to live in 21. The gentle southern dip slope of 16. A healthy natural environment the North Wessex Downs, and much underpins many of the environmental of the rest of the southern part of the benefits that contribute to our quality borough, are characterised by a mixture of life and, in some cases, even make of arable farmland punctuated by clumps life possible. For example, natural and patches of woodland, the latter ecosystems maintain soil fertility and tending to occur over deposits of clay ensure the pollination of crops that we and flint, which restricted the historical need for food. They also provide clean clearance of woodland for agriculture. View over the North Wessex Downs AONB

8 9 23. Two major river systems have their organisms such as flowering plants, source within the borough. Firstly, the mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and , which is a nationally renowned amphibians make up less than three chalk river and a Site of Special per cent of this figure, the greater part Scientific Interest. The Bourne Rivulet comprising insects and micro-organisms flows into it south of Whitchurch and, such as fungi. The number of species together, these watercourses, associated of viruses and bacteria is unknown, floodplain habitats, and mixed farming but life for higher organisms would be on alluvial soils contrast strongly with the impossible without many of the latter. surrounding chalk downland landscape of arable farmland. The and its major tributary, the Lyde River, are Protected and Notable Species fed by a series of chalk springs between Basingstoke and Hook. The valleys of these rivers are wide and shallow and contain important wetland and floodplain habitats. The River Loddon and many of its associated habitats have been designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). The Bow Brook, which is fed by small streams north of Sherborne St. John and , flows in an easterly direction into the River Loddon.

Fig. 1: North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019356. 2005 Hedgehog 25. Eight hundred and fifty four 22. The northern half of the borough protected or notable species have been landscape is influenced by deposits of recorded in the borough (see Appendix clays and sands, which, in conjunction 1). These are species that have statutory with numerous north flowing streams protection or are recognised as needing and land use practices, have led to special conservation effort. They include the development of a more complex species representative of some of landscape of smaller fields, unimproved the very special habitats found in the fens and wet grasslands, mixed farming and numerous patches of ancient borough. For instance: woodland. Along with a relatively intact • Dormice, which can be found in network of hedgerows, containing Bow Brook ancient woodlands and species-rich mature trees, this results in a more hedgerows. intimate and secluded landscape than • Bat species, such as Natterer’s that of the downland to the south. In the Biodiversity10 bat, of which the largest hibernating past, significant areas of lowland heath The ‘Lawn’ - part of Common and Pamber Forest SSSI 24. Within Britain as a whole, there population in the UK can be found in existed in the north of the borough, but are estimated to be in excess of 88,000 Tunnel. these have been reduced to only a few species of terrestrial and freshwater • Dartford warbler and nightjar, found small fragments, including and organisms. The more prominent Silchester Commons. 10. Biodiversity, put simply, means the variety amongst all living creatures, from mammals to microbes. It embraces diversity at all levels from the genetic variation within species to the assemblages formed by different species and the habitats in which they live and are a part.

10 11 within heathlands in the northern part Habitats of Principal Importance11) are have been continuously wooded since of the Borough. given in Appendix 5. 1600 are known as ancient. Those that have developed since 1600 are referred • Great-crested newt, a large Key Habitat Type to as recent semi-natural woodlands. population of which can be found at 12 Descriptions The borough has an exceptionally Popley Ponds. rich resource of ancient semi-natural • Red hemp-nettle, a rare arable plant Hedgerows woodland with over 3400 hectares, found amongst chalky arable soils. representing over 20% of the known 28. Hedgerows form a network over • White-letter hairstreak butterfly, which Hampshire resource. One example is much of the borough creating distinctive depends on elm trees, which in turn the series of ancient woods in field patterns and providing an important have a severely restricted population which have been designated as a Local refuge for wildlife. Some hedges were due to Dutch Elm Disease. Nature Reserve (LNR). planted during the enclosures of the 18th and 19th centuries. Others pre-date Key Habitats this period and are considered ‘ancient’. 30. The great age of ancient Managed ancient woodland 26. The diversity of species within Species-rich hedgerows are defined as semi-natural woodlands means that the borough ultimately depends on the those that contain five, or more, woody typically they have been colonised This practice, which occurred both on variety of habitats present. At the broad species per thirty-metre section or have by a far greater range of species than wooded commons and in private deer level, these range from heavily modified a particularly diverse range of non-woody recent secondary woodland, although parks, gives rise to a grass dominated urban areas and arable farmland to plants at their base. There is a strong secondary and some plantation landscape dotted with mature trees. semi-natural woodlands and wetlands. correlation between species richness woodlands can also provide important The practice of pollarding, followed Within these broad habitat types, certain and the age of hedgerows, and the habitats for different species. Many by a period of neglect, leads to the key habitats, of particular importance flora of hedgerows marking old parish ancient woodlands in the borough development of important deadwood for their biodiversity value, have been boundaries can be particularly rich. have been managed in the past to habitats and cavities that provide a niche identified. These are mainly those provide small-diameter wood products for fungi and invertebrates, roost sites habitats that have developed from through repeated cutting of hazel for bats and nest holes for birds. Such natural habitats that were modified understorey, close to ground level. ‘veteran’ trees can also host rare lichens by historical land management (e.g. This practice, known as coppicing, and bryophytes. In addition to their unimproved chalk grassland and ancient can benefit certain species, including habitat value, veteran trees that are relics woodland). However, there are some flowering plants and butterflies, which of traditional pollard management are an more modern types of habitat that are of prefer a more open woodland habitat. important part of the borough’s cultural particular importance to wildlife as they Coppicing, as a traditional woodland and historic heritage. The Borough has enable it to thrive in otherwise hostile management practice, declined in the over 500 hectares of lowland wood environments, including road verges, early part of the 20th century but has pasture/parkland, which is nearly 10% of ponds and arable field margins. Some enjoyed a renaissance since the early the known total resource in Hampshire. of these key habitats may be designated 1980s in Hampshire, helping to further Important examples occur at for the nature conservation importance conservation objectives. Park near and Hurstbourne or contribute to a particular landscape Park near Whitchurch. character or help define landscape scale Wildlife friendly hedgerow areas where there are opportunities to Lowland Pasture Arable Field Margins enhance and restore biodiversity. Woodland/Parkland Ancient Semi-natural Woodland 32. Uncultivated field margins provide 31. These habitats are relics of a an important refuge for flowering Semi-natural woodlands are those 29. traditional practice of managing land for plants and other wildlife that were 27. The key habitats within the that have arisen from natural colonisation grazing and woodland products. In this once a familiar sight in the farmed borough are described below and further by tree seedlings, as opposed to case, trees were pollarded, a process landscape. Such margins can also details of how these relate to UK Priority plantation woodlands grown as a timber similar to coppicing but with the point of play a valuable role in helping to buffer habitats (otherwise known as Section 41 crop. Semi-natural woodlands that cutting higher on the trunk to keep new adjacent semi-natural habitats from the growth clear of browsing livestock. 11. As defined in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 effects of fertiliser and pesticide use. 12. All figures for areas of habitats in the Borough are extracted from the 2012/13 Annual Monitoring Report produced by the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC). 12 13 33. Those field margins which are Calcareous grassland scarce habitat due to drainage and, in some cases, conversion to arable cultivated but uncropped are a vital 37. This is the typical chalk grassland farmland. Where they remain, these resource for rare arable plants such as of the North Wessex Downs and is a relic areas are important for wading birds and pheasants-eye. of sheep farming, which reached its peak wintering wildfowl. The borough has over in the 16th century. The combination 800 hectares of this habitat. of soil chemistry and selective grazing by sheep and rabbits results in a rich flora and a close-fitting land cover that Lowland Heath/Bog/Acid reveals the subtleties of the downland Grassland terrain. Chalk grassland is of particular 39. Characterised by purple flowering importance for a number of butterfly heather with occasional yellow splashes species. Juniper, blackthorn and yew of flowering gorse, lowland heath is an scrub is a natural component of this internationally important habitat type habitat, which adds to its diversity, but that is a remnant of historical grazing Basing Fen needs careful management to ensure practices. This habitat is particularly it does not dominate. Chalk grassland important for rare birds including Standing Open Water has been drastically reduced in extent nightjar and Dartford warbler, and silver- over recent decades and now only a 42. Numerous ponds and lakes occur Arable field margin studded blue and grayling butterflies, few fragments remain. The borough across the borough, many of which have both of which are declining nationally. has over 210 hectares of this habitat, been deliberately created for utilitarian or Diversity is added by bogs, which occur Unimproved Neutral Grassland which represents over 10% of the known ornamental purposes, including garden in valleys with impeded drainage giving total resource in Hampshire. Important ponds. Collectively, these provide an 34. These are areas of flower-rich rise to sphagnum moss dominated plant examples in the borough include Beacon important habitat for freshwater plants grassland, often traditionally managed communities. as hay meadows. Hill and near Burghclere. and animals. In particular, they play a vital role in the life cycles of amphibians, 40. These habitats, which often occur including the European protected great 35. The unimproved aspect relates as a mosaic, are found on acid soils and crested newt. to the fact that they have not been were once widespread across the north of subjected to herbicide treatment or the borough. Now they are restricted to a nutrient enrichment through the addition few fragments including Tadley, Silchester, Rivers of artificial fertilisers. As a consequence, Burghclere, and Newtown Commons. plant diversity is much greater than in 43. Important rivers in the borough improved grassland where relatively few Fen/Carr/Marsh/Swamp/Reedbed include the River Test and Bourne, the species tend to dominate. Rivers Loddon and Lyde and, running 41. These habitats tend to occur along the northern boundary, the 36. The borough has over 160 hectares together forming mosaics, the different River Enborne. The River Test and the of this habitat, which is over 10% of the patches representing different stages of upper reaches of the Loddon and Lyde total resource in Hampshire. Ashford succession from open water to species- are nationally renowned chalk rivers, Hill Meadows National Nature Reserve Chalk grassland at Beacon Hill, near Burghclere poor fen, the latter commonly grading fed from ground water aquifers. The is an exceptionally good example, into alder and willow woodland (carr). resulting water chemistry, combined and the mosaic of woodland and Because of the decline in traditional with relatively stable flows and cool meadows there is described as being Floodplain Grazing Marsh management, at some sites these temperature regimes results in a rich “without comparison in central Southern different stages are deliberately held in plant and invertebrate diversity. These Grasslands situated in river England”13 There are also some fine 38. check through conservation management rivers are also important for game fish floodplains and periodically inundated, examples alongside the River Test, some in order to maintain habitat diversity. and provide suitable habitat for otters some of which were historically managed of which have been designated as SSSIs. These habitats are important for a and water voles, which are species of as water meadows, have become a range of plants, birds and invertebrates. conservation concern. Examples in the borough include

13. Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) statement for Woods and Meadows SSSI Fen and Basing Fen.

14 15 areas offer considerable potential for Importance for Nature Conservation wildlife through appropriate planting because it supports unimproved and management. They are also, if species-rich grassland. sensitively managed, good habitats 48. The green spaces of urban areas, Greenways and green corridors for small mammals such as voles, such as parks, play a vital role in the and consequently ideal for kestrels. quality of life for people living and/or 51. River corridors are of particular Those road verges most important for working in them. In addition to aesthetic importance in facilitating the movement plants are identified so that specific benefits and opportunities for recreation, of species between separate patches of management cutting regimes can be such spaces provide valuable habitats habitat as well as being habitats in their carried out. for wildlife, which can further enhance own right. This is recognised within the enjoyment from such areas and help council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy14 Green Lanes to foster understanding of, and care which identifies the River Test and River for, the natural world. The spaces can Loddon within the borough as Biodiversity 46. Unsurfaced green lanes, such as act as ‘stepping s stones’ for wildlife Priority Areas (BPAs). In addition, various The River Test the Harrow Way, with their combination within built up areas thereby providing other linear features such as hedgerows, of verges, hedges, bare earth and opportunities for the movement of more road and railway corridors, footpaths and sheltered micro-climates, can have mobile wildlife through these areas. cycleways can, in addition to their primary particularly good habitat, as well as Five of the council’s semi-natural green function, facilitate the movement of more 44. Canal habitats, in contrast aesthetic, value. spaces have been declared as Local mobile species from one habitat patch to rivers, provide stable aquatic Nature Reserves for their value as to another as can the network of green environments giving them an important publicly accessible wildlife areas. These spaces within more urban areas. role in the life cycle of many canal include Pamber Forest, near Tadley, and species. Basingstoke Canal has community woodlands in Chineham and particularly high species diversity due . to a transition in underlying geology resulting in an alkaline to slightly acid, west/east water chemistry gradient. Gardens The canal supports nationally important populations of dragonflies and 49. Gardens have great potential for damselflies and a population of water wildlife, especially where they contain vole. Within the borough, a large part of a diverse structure of plants or contain the canal route is now derelict, however wildlife ponds, and where they form an a small water-filled section remains interconnected network within urban areas. which is of significant biodiversity Gardens can provide a highly significant Greenlane value. This is cut off from the rest of habitat in urban areas. People can easily the channel by the collapsed Greywell improve the wildlife value of their gardens by creating habitats such as log piles, Tunnel, itself an internationally important Networks of woodland and hedgerow across site for its bat populations. Other types of Habitat wildflower lawns, garden ponds and intensively managed landscape providing bird feeding stations. Tips and advice on wildlife friendly gardening are Urban Green Space widely available. 52. Linear features are also of Road Verges considerable aesthetic importance in their 47. Built-up areas account for around wider landscape setting, accentuating field 45. Road verges provide an important eight per cent of the land area of the Churchyards refuge for plants that are unable borough and include Basingstoke, patterns and landform. to survive in intensively managed Bramley, Tadley, and Pamber 50. Churchyards that are under farmland and, in some cases, they Heath, Whitchurch, Overton, Kingsclere, sympathetic management can be of comprise important woodland edge Oakley, Chineham, and Old Basing. significant importance for wildlife. Trees habitats. Verges associated with St Leonard’s Church in Cliddesden, newly built roads and those in urban 14. Green Infrastructure Strategy for Basingstoke and 53. Street trees, along with those in Deane (2013 to 2029). for example, is a designated Site of private gardens and growing in areas of

16 17 open space, make a significant contribution Designated sites to the landscape quality of the built environment, breaking up the hard edges Protected Sites and skylines of urban development. In terms of wildlife, street trees can provide 55. There are nineteen Sites of Special habitat for birds and invertebrates and may Scientific Interest (SSSI) within, or partly act as ‘stepping stones’ between areas of within, the borough. However, SSSIs are open space. just a representative sample of the very best sites and they protect only a very small proportion of the borough’s key Artifical habitats habitats. The main form of protection for our key habitats is through their designation 54. Buildings and structures themselves as Sites of Importance for Nature can provide important refuges for wildlife. Conservation (SINC). This is a Hampshire- Lofts, for example, may be used by bats. wide designation and similar ‘local site’ The taller buildings in Basingstoke provide systems operate in other counties. substitute cliff faces and are sometimes Currently over 780 of the borough’s key used as nesting sites by birds of prey, habitats are designated as SINCs. While such as peregrine falcons. Farm buildings this does not provide statutory control Fig. 2: Designated Nature Conservation Sites also provide important artificial habitats in over the management of the sites, SINC in the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane© the countryside, particularly for bats and Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey LA100019356 designation is a material consideration barn owls. within the planning system, helps to highlight the importance of the sites to landowners and helps with the targeting of conservation advice and practical work as needing spaces for biodiversity that 58. Based on a study of habitats, land (see Landscape and Biodiversity in the are ‘bigger, better and more joined-up’. use and landscape history, a landscape Countryside for further information on Therefore, it is important that conservation assessment, undertaken on behalf of conservation advice schemes supported by of individual sites is supported by the council, has led to the identification the council). The distribution of SSSIs and sustainable land management of the wider of twenty distinct Landscape Character SINCs is shown in Fig 2 below. Appendix 2 countryside. Biodiversity Opportunity Areas Areas (LCAs), each representing a tract provides more detailed maps. (see Landscape and Biodiversity in the of land with a recognisable local identity. Countryside) are examples of areas targeted These character areas are shown in Landscape Scale Areas for the creation of the ecological networks Fig. 3. Full descriptions of the LCAs House Martin recommended in the Lawton report. are given in the Basingstoke and 16 56. Conservation of biodiversity cannot Deane Landscape Assessment . be left to protection of small independent wildlife sites alone. Many species require a Landscape Character 59. Whilst landscape change is variety of habitat types and/or larger areas 57. Changing landscape practices over inevitable, this approach provides a of land to meet all of their requirements, the centuries, along with geology, landform framework for guiding and monitoring this they need to be able to freely interbreed and other physical influences, have created change to prevent the loss of cherished with other populations to prevent inbreeding a tapestry of different broad and key features and characteristics and to help and, due to climate change, it will be habitats across the borough. ensure that opportunities for enhancement increasingly important for them to be able to and beneficial change are identified and move across the landscape to find suitable acted upon. habitat in compatible climate zones. In the “Lawton Report” (Making Space for Nature:

A review of England’s Wildlife Sites and 15. Lawton, J.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Brown, V.K. et al. (2010). Making Space for Nature: a review of England’s wildlife Ecological Network15) this was characterised sites and ecological network. Report to DEFRA 16. Landscape Design Associates and Wessex Archaeology (2001) Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment. Basingstoke: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

18 19 only stabilised following a previous period of decline), six per cent appear to be Countryside access and recreation fluctuating and the status of six per cent is 61. The borough has a good network unknown. of footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, some of which follow historic droveways. Of particular note is the Wayfarers Walk, 63. Impacts on the natural environment a 43-kilometre stretch of which runs are affected by day-to-day consumer through the borough, passing through choices and people’s expectations for a , (where certain standard of living. However, the it passes close to Pilot Hill, the highest increasing disconnection between people point in Hampshire), Kingsclere, Oakley, and the natural environment means that, in Dummer and The Candovers. The Three many cases, we are unaware of the effect Castles Path, which runs from Windsor to that our everyday choices are having. , also passes through part of the borough via , , 64. One of the greatest threats to the and Bradley. character and appearance of the landscape is the loss of local distinctiveness that can be caused by more intensive systems of farming, resulting in loss of historic Pressures landscape features and standardisation of management approaches. Other threats Affecting include loss of tranquillity due to lighting associated with roads and urban areas, the Natural clutter from excessive road signage and 17 standard approaches to road design, lack Fig. 3: Landscape Character Areas Environment of locally distinctive building styles and the © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019356. 2005 effects of urban activities on the fringes of 62. The last century was one of social built-up areas. and economic progress that largely ignored the value of, and our dependence on, the natural environment. Halting and reversing this trend requires recognition of past and continuing losses and the issues causing these losses to be tackled as part of an integrated approach to sustainable living. The historic landscape parks and water meadows. The borough The Hampshire Biodiversity Information also has twelve sites on the Register of Various sites of archaeological Centre (HBIC) monitors the status of 50 60. Parks and Gardens of Special Historic interest exist within the borough. There representative notable species in the Interest in England as well as over ninety are seventy three Scheduled Ancient county. It is estimated that 35 per cent that are on the Hampshire Register of 18 Monuments, including Neolithic long declined between 2002 to 2012 . Only four Historic Parks and Gardens. However, barrows, Bronze Age round barrows, Iron per cent are estimated to have increased landscape heritage is not limited to such Age hill forts and iconic sites such as in terms of population size. 49 per cent discrete features and sites. It occurs in Silchester Roman town and old Basing are stable (although many of these have the patterns such features form in the Intensively farmed landscape House. In addition, there are various landscape as a whole giving it an extra semi-natural historic features in the dimension through which the processes 17. borough landscape, including droveways, This section is based on previous work of the Basingstoke and Deane Area Strategic Partnership (BASP) Natural of human interaction with the environment Environment Forum. ancient field boundaries, medieval deer 18. HBIC Annual Monitoring Report 2012/13 can be traced.

20 21 65. Biodiversity is declining on a local habitat value themselves. Introduced to be exacerbated by more frequent and and global scale and key causes are: species can also bring new diseases which intensive storms increasing run-off, followed • Loss of suitable habitat has been native fauna can be highly susceptible to. by reduced water levels in the summer. the biggest single factor, not just through direct removal via past development, but through lack of appropriate management. Many of these habitats developed through the influence of past land management but as the pressure for efficiency has led to the replacement of these historic forms of land management with modern farming systems, and as farm incomes have fallen, the economic basis for this type of management has largely disappeared. • Habitat isolation and fragmentation are major contributors to biodiversity loss. Smaller habitats tend to support American Mink Low flowing stream proportionately fewer species than larger ones and are more vulnerable to other • Disturbance from human activities pressures. Where similar habitat types are can have a negative impact on certain isolated from one another, species that are species. For example, dog walking can unable to cross the intervening land are disturb ground nesting birds and domestic particularly vulnerable because a decline cats can have a significant impact on song in the population of one site cannot be birds, small mammals and reptiles. boosted by immigration from other sites. • Pollution, from major incidents • Water availability and quality is and from the cumulative effects of essential to all life but wetlands and contaminated rainwater run-off (from their associated species are becoming both urban and rural sources), can have increasingly threatened as the demand for a significant detrimental impact on water to support further development in biodiversity. Silt deposited into rivers can the region increases. Major development adversely affect fish breeding and nutrient can also have significant localised effects enrichment of habitats can lead to bio on hydrology. Adequate water velocity in diverse plant communities being overtaken streams and rivers is important to ensure by a few dominant species. Atmospheric turbulence, which helps oxygenate the pollution, particularly the deposition of water for aquatic wildlife, and to prevent nitrogen, is also artificially enriching certain silt formation so as to leave a clear gravelly habitats that rely on low nutrient levels to river-bed for fish to spawn. maintain species richness. • Introduced species that have been • Climate change is an emerging accidentally released into the wild have and considerable threat to our remaining caused catastrophic wildlife declines in biodiversity and is likely to exacerbate all some cases. American mink, for example, of the above problems. Shifting climate have been one of the main causes for zones will require species to move in order to adapt, but habitat isolation will limit this. a crash in water vole populations and 19. The original aims were formally identified by the Natural Environment Forum of the Basingstoke Area Strategic invasive plants such as Rhododendron A warmer climate is liable to encourage the Partnership. spread of introduced species from more 20. While it is inevitable that there will continue to be some localised losses of habitats and impacts on wildlife ponticum can smother and shade out populations from human actions and natural processes, it is essential to our future environmental sustainability that we native plant communities and have limited southerly latitudes and pollution is liable avoid losses of irreplaceable habitat and that, in other cases, we seek to offset any unavoidable negative impacts on habitats and wildlife populations through positive action to compensate for these losses.

22 23 are most under threat or affected by factors Conserving that are not addressed by other objectives; Conserving Our Our Natural • improved public access to natural green space and the countryside where Natural Environment Environment this can be achieved without adversely affecting the natural environment; — The Council’s Approach — Overall Approach • promotion of opportunities for local communities to learn about and 66. Through previous work with key get involved with the care of their local partners in the borough19, the following environment; and collective long-term aims have been • ensuring that adequate green identified for the natural environment of the infrastructure is provided to support borough: biodiversity, which in turn supports our • a locally distinctive and attractive growing populations and economy. countryside, with a character that reflects local geology, soils, materials and traditions; • a halt to the net loss of biodiversity and recovery of wildlife populations and habitats, where possible20; and • a reconnection of people with the natural environment, farming and other forms of rural land management.

67. The following long-term objectives will be pursued by the council and its partners to help to achieve these aims: • protection and management of key habitats; • creation of new habitat to expand and link isolated areas of key habitats; • protection and enhancement of existing green infrastructure assets to provide space for wildlife, which can also support the health and well-being of our residents. • sustainable land management in the countryside and built-up areas that supports wildlife; • a viable and sustainable rural economy to underpin sustainable rural land management; • species-focussed action for those that

24 25 Parks and Open Spaces: and logs in wooded areas, increasing the climate change, by being diverse in terms • The council will continue to produce structural diversity of plantings, with ground of both species and age class. The strategy new and review existing green space Managing Biodiversity on cover, shrubs and trees and planting will also help to ensure that our trees and management plans for all the council’s Council Land native or nectar-rich flowers all make a woodland are accessible to residents, significant green spaces, including positive contribution. The council has been in balance with the surroundings and those sites with significant biodiversity 68. One of the most significant gradually increasing the amount of land maintained in a safe and healthy condition. interest, as outlined in the council’s Green contributions that the council can make to that is managed to enhance biodiversity in Infrastructure Strategy. The work will the conservation of biodiversity is through line with the council’s Green Infrastructure include the installation of interpretation and Volunteers play a crucial role in the management of its own parks and Strategy. This recognises many existing 72. information boards where appropriate and the council’s approach to improving the open spaces. This is also a key element of open spaces could be enhanced for making information on the management biodiversity of its parks and open spaces. the council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy biodiversity by implementing relatively and biodiversity value of sites more readily During the 2012 to 2013 financial year, which seeks, as one of its key objectives, simple changes in management. One available to the public. Volunteering will 7,644 hours of volunteer time were spent to improve biodiversity on council owned biodiversity enhancement project is the continue to play an important part in the through work parties and other volunteering open spaces. The borough’s parks and Roadside Verges of Ecological Importance management of bio diverse parks and work on the council’s land. This equates to open spaces also provide some of the best (RVEI) scheme whereby roadside verges open spaces (see Community Engagement 6 people working 30 hours a week for one opportunities for many of the borough’s within Basingstoke that contain high plant Section). year and makes a valuable contribution residents and workers to experience wildlife diversity or provide important wildlife to the biodiversity of these sites as well • The council will continue to pursue and nature. corridors are managed by the council for the habitat creation and restoration targets their wildflowers. The council is looking as providing opportunities for people to associated with council owned or managed to explore a similar project for improving become involved in the stewardship of land as outlined in the council’s Green 69. The council manages a number the wildlife management of hedgerows in their local environment, learn new skills, Infrastructure Strategy. of open spaces primarily for nature suitable locations. and work with people of different ages conservation and as areas where people and from different social backgrounds. It • As part of work under the European can enjoy quiet recreation in a natural also provides a rewarding form of healthy Water Framework Directive21, a feasibility setting. These sites range from remnant exercise. study has been undertaken to assess historic habitat types such as ancient the potential for restoring sections of the woodland and heathland to sites that River Loddon running through Eastrop 73. Proposed Approach have more recently developed a nature Park. The project would seek to improve • The council will continue to manage conservation interest through deliberate the ecological status of a number of its Local Nature Reserves and Sites of management. failing culverts running beneath the Importance for Nature Conservation with park. A number of scoping options have biodiversity as a primary objective. been identified and a business plan for 70. Five council sites are designated • The council will continue to increase the project is being developed with The Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), including the amount of council owned open spaces Environment Agency. Pamber Forest Site of Special Scientific managed for biodiversity. Interest (SSSI), near Tadley. Both of these • A Tree Strategy will be developed statutory designations give the council • The council’s operations team will in order to maximise the ecological, a responsibility to manage these sites Pamber Forest Local Nature Reserve continue to improve their understanding of recreational and landscape value of the for the nature conservation interests for biodiversity and management of parks and council’s trees and woodlands. which they were designated. The council open spaces as well as continuing to liaise also has twenty three designated Sites 71. The council is also responsible for with voluntary groups in the management of Importance for Nature Conservation managing approximately 60,000 trees of green spaces. (SINCs). However, biodiversity is not in streets and parks, and 100 hectares confined to specially designated wildlife of thickets and woodland. In order to sites. Even road verges and formal parks maximise the ecological, recreational and can make important contributions to urban landscape value of our trees and woodland, the council is developing a tree strategy. 21. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force in December 2000 and became part of UK law in wildlife with the right management. Leaving December 2003. areas of grass uncut until wildflowers This will ensure that the tree resource is 22. The Local Sites Partnership is loosely synonymous with the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre Partnership resilient to future pressures, including which encompasses a number of partners including district authorities, Natural England, the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, have set seed, leaving piles of deadwood and key wildlife recording groups.

26 27 status. Within the borough the River Planning Loddon forms part of the Thames River Basin Management Plan and the River Test for Green forms part of the South East River Basin Management Plan. The council will give Development due regard to river basin management plan information in the production of the 74. New development and construction emerging local plan. activities can have sudden and severe negative impacts on the natural environment. However, in the right place, Planning Policies for carefully-planned development can Biodiversity positively contribute to landscape and biodiversity. Traditionally, the approach to planning Wildlife corridors for Great Crested Newts Urban treescape policy and the natural environment has been to give consideration to 78. The provision and enhancement 76. Through its membership of the legally protected sites (for example, of green infrastructure is also considered Hampshire Local Sites Partnership22, the SSSIs) and species (for example, great through the council’s planning function. In council supports a system of designating crested newts). While current planning 2013, the council adopted Interim Green key habitats as Sites of Importance for policies make protected sites a material Space Standards as part of the draft Nature Conservation (SINC). While the consideration and require greatest Local plan. These standards set out the designation does not provide any statutory weight to be given to sites protected minimum requirements for the provision of protection, it is given formal recognition under European legislation, emphasis new and/or enhancement of existing green through the planning policies of each is now given to wider biodiversity spaces to meet the needs of the additional planning authority in Hampshire. These considerations, including all habitats and residents generated by new development, planning policies make any impacts species identified by the government without adversely impacting on the quality on SINCs a material consideration in as being of principal importance for the of life of existing residents. The Interim determining planning applications. conservation of biodiversity in England. Green Space Standards cover quantity, New wildlife habitat created around housing distance and minimum size standards for development 77. The council planning work also various categories of green space including The National Planning Policy Framework covers the protection of important trees Accessible Natural Green Space. This (NPPF) states that the planning system 75. The council has draft landscape and through tree preservation orders and special category of green space in particular, whilst should ‘minimise impacts on biodiversity biodiversity policies within its emerging controls over trees in conservation areas. providing informal recreation for residents, and provide net gains in biodiversity local plan to secure appropriate protection The council has almost five hundred tree also provides opportunities for biodiversity where possible, contributing to the of the natural environment. A Landscape preservation orders in place across the enhancements. Government’s commitment to halt the and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning borough, many of which were made many overall decline in biodiversity, including Document (SPD) has previously been years ago and generally on an ad hoc basis. by establishing coherent ecological produced to provide guidance on how 79. The council, like other public Therefore, the council has been pursuing a networks that are more resilient to current planning policies should be complied bodies, also must have regard to River programme of review and updating of these and future pressures.’ with. The Local Plan is due to be adopted Basin Management Plans in exercising orders. The council also employs specialist in early 2015 and an update to the SPD their functions. The Environment Agency arboriculturists to review the implications will need to be produced thereafter. The is responsible for producing River Basin The NPPF also states that ’local planning of planning applications, ensuring that council has in-house specialists to advise Management Plans (RBMP) under the authorities should set criteria based important trees are integrated into on the ecological, as well as the landscape, European Water Framework Directive policies against which proposals for any development proposals and that adequate implications of planning applications. (WFD). These describe the river basin development on or affecting protected provision is made for new tree planting. Opportunities are sought, wherever district, the quality of the water bodies wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape practicable, to enhance the biodiversity of within the area and the actions or measures areas will be judged. Distinctions should a development site through incorporating required to meet the WFD’s objective of be made between the hierarchy of habitats and habitat features into a scheme. water bodies reaching good ecological

28 29 ensure that they are assessed for SINC international, national and locally The weight given to the protection of 80. Proposed Approach status, which then makes them a material designated sites, so that protection is nature conservation interests will depend • The council’s emerging Local Plan consideration within the planning system. commensurate with their status and gives on the national or local significance and will present a significant opportunity to appropriate weight to their importance and any designation or protection applying to ensure that the natural environment is • The long-term viability of new habitat the contribution that they make to wider the site, habitat or species concerned. taken into account in deciding where new created through development depends ecological networks.’ development should be located over the on securing adequate resources for its management. The council will continue Finally it states that planning policies coming years. It will also be an opportunity 2. Where development proposals to take commuted sums from developers should ‘plan for biodiversity at a to secure sufficient additional open space do not comply with the above they when adopting new open spaces to cover landscape-scale across local authority to support future growth and provide will only be permitted if it has been maintenance. boundaries; identify and map components opportunities for strategic habitat creation clearly demonstrated that there is an of the local ecological networks; promote to allow wildlife to move through the overriding public need for the proposal • The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) is the conservation, restoration and re- landscape as well as potentially contribute which outweighs the need to safeguard a supporting document in the preparation of creation of priority habitats, ecological to habitat targets identified in the council’s biodiversity or geodiversity and there is the evidence base informing the emerging networks and the protection and recovery Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy. no satisfactory alternative with less or Local Plan. The IDP details infrastructure of priority species populations.’ no harmful impacts. In such cases, as • Green Infrastructure, which is defined requirements through to 2029 in the context a last resort, compensatory measures as an interconnected network of natural of the Local Plan. The IDP also indicates the will be secured to ensure no net loss of areas and other green open spaces that sources of funding for strategic and local At a local scale draft Policy EM4 biodiversity and, where possible, provide a is integral to the health and quality of green infrastructure. (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation) of net gain. life of people in local communities and • The council will continue to develop Basingstoke and Deane’s emerging Local which supports and enhances natural guidance and provide advice and training Plan states that: and ecological processes, is an important for planning staff and members. 1. Development proposals will only 3. Applications for development must component of any planning for future be permitted if significant harm to include adequate and proportionate growth. The concept continues to be biodiversity or geodiversity resulting information to enable a proper assessment promoted nationally and locally as an from a development can be avoided or of the implications for biodiversity and integrated approach to providing open adequately mitigated and where it can be geodiversity. space for recreation, wildlife conservation, clearly demonstrated that: flood and water management, green a) There will be no adverse impact on the pedestrian and cycle routes, gardens and 4. In order to secure opportunities conservation status of key species; and allotments. The protection, restoration, for biodiversity improvement, relevant expansion and linking of semi-natural areas, b) There will be no adverse impact on development proposals will be required managed for their biodiversity value will the integrity of designated and proposed to include proportionate measures to also form an important component of the European designated sites*; and contribute, where possible, to a net gain in borough’s network of green spaces. As part biodiversity, through creation, restoration, c) There will be no harm to nationally of implementing the council’s GI Action Plan enhancement and management of designated sites; and the council will identify key green corridors habitats and features including measures that provide wildlife habitat and link existing d) There will be no harm to locally that help to link key habitats. This can be habitat. designated sites including Sites of provided through: Brown long eared bats Importance for Nature Conservation • All Local Plan development site On-site and/ or off-site provision (SINCs) and Local Nature Reserves a) allocations have been or will be assessed linked to new development in accordance (LNRs); and for landscape and biodiversity implications, with the council’s adopted green space taking into account any species of e) There will be no loss or deterioration of standards; and be conservation concern or key habitats a key habitat type, including irreplaceable Focused on identified Biodiversity liable to be affected, and also identifying habitats; and b) Opportunity Areas and Biodiversity Priority opportunities for enhancements. f) There will be no harm to the integrity Areas as identified in the council’s Green • The council will continue to work with of linkages between designated sites and Infrastructure Strategy (and subsequent partners to identify key habitats, and if key habitats. updates) where appropriate. they do not have a statutory designation,

*‘European designated sites’ is the term used to encompass sites that have the highest level of protection in the UK either through legislation or policy. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), 30 proposed SPAs (pSPAs) and Ramsar sites. 31 Loddon and Eversley economy. The project vision is for: on pond restoration and has worked with Landscape and partners to deliver river restoration and Heritage Area Initiative • a varied landscape rich in wildlife; habitat improvement works on the River Biodiversity in • an area that local people can enjoy Loddon and its tributaries. 82. Led by the Hampshire and Isle and where they can learn more about their the Countryside of Wight Wildlife Trust, the Loddon and countryside and its heritage; and Eversley Heritage Area Initiative (see • a healthy rural economy. Fig. 4) is a partnership with funding from 81. The majority of the borough’s North Wessex Downs Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, landscape, and the biodiversity that the Environment Agency and local parish Area of Outstanding depends on it, is owned by private 84. The project works to deliver agreed councils. landowners, farmers and foresters. In objectives. These are met by giving advice Natural Beauty (NWD recognition of the public benefit provided by to landowners and community groups, AONB) countryside management, the council works providing advice on sources of funding, 83. The aim of the initiative is to help in partnership with other organisations to running training courses, walks and talks protect and enhance all that is special 86. In carrying out its various functions, help deliver several initiatives aimed at and publication of newsletters and other about the wildlife, history and landscape the council has to have regard to the helping private landowners to implement guides. Several wildlife and heritage walks of this area of north-east Hampshire while protection of the natural beauty of the NWD forms of management that conserve and have been developed in the borough promoting a healthy and sustainable rural AONB. Along with other local authorities enhance biodiversity and protect the through the project. in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, features of the landscape that gives it its it is also responsible for the preparation of special local character. management plans for the area and it is 85. The project has worked with over preparing the next new plan covering a five- fifty farmers in the area providing advice year period. This will set out a broad range on environmentally sustainable land of actions for all stakeholders in the AONB management that promotes soil biodiversity and will be used to inform the council’s and farmland wildlife, reduces rain water emerging Local Plan and its partnership run off that carries pollutants into water work in respect of influencing countryside courses and reduces greenhouse gas management. Executive support for the emissions. Many farmers have been helped implementation of the management plan is into agri-environment schemes that benefit provided by a dedicated team based near the environment and farm business. It has Hungerford. provided advice to community groups

Fig 5: North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Fig. 4: Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area © Crown copyright and database rights 2014 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019356. 2005 Ordnance Survey LA100019356

32 33 Biodiversity Opportunity a constraint to development or other land Biodiversity Priority Areas 91. Within each of the Biodiversity Priority Areas (BOAs) uses such as farming. Nor is it expected (BPAs) Areas the following objectives will be that the whole of each land area will be pursued by the council and its partners restored to a priority habitat type such as as outlined in the council’s GI Strategy: 87. Across , unimproved grassland or woodland. The 89. As stated in the council’s Green • Protect and manage existing key Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) have BOAs represent key areas for the delivery of Infrastructure Strategy, BOAs provide an habitats within each BPA been identified to provide a landscape-scale the recommendations of the Lawton Report important focus for multi-agency effort framework for delivering the maintenance, and the aims of the Natural Environment across the southeast of England for • When opportunities exist create new restoration and creation of wildlife habitats. White Paper in taking a landscape-scale influencing countryside management in habitat to expand and link isolated areas Their purpose is to identify areas where approach to nature conservation. ways that are beneficial to biodiversity of key habitats there is the most potential for improving conservation. However, improvements • Support sustainable land management biodiversity and subsequently serve as a in these areas are always likely to be Improve public access to the countryside/ focus for where conservation effort and 88. BOAs within the borough and their opportunistic, reliant on incentives such natural green space within each of the resources can have the greatest benefit. relationship to the rest of the Southeast are as agricultural subsidies and subject to areas where this can be achieved without These BOAs represent extensive tracts of shown in Fig. 6. competing economic drivers over land adversely affecting the natural environment. land and they are not intended to represent use and the nature of its management. If significant improvements in local biodiversity Improve public access to the countryside/ are to be achieved, there is a need for the natural green space within each of the council, working with other landowners and areas where this can be achieved without organisations who have the ability to effect adversely affecting the natural environment. land use change, to directly create and restore habitat, particularly where this can create more wildlife friendly links and buffers between and around existing important sites. To this end, two Biodiversity Priority Areas (BPAs) were identified within the GI Strategy (as shown in Fig 7 and 8).

90. The BPAs are based on the borough’s two main river corridors, River Test and River Loddon, and were chosen because these represent cohesive linear geographic areas that contain interrelated habitats, linked by the ecological function of the rivers, both of which are of major importance for biodiversity in their own right and in need of better management. Fig 6: Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs)24 © Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey LA100019356 Concerted effort to improve the management of existing high value habitats, restore degraded habitats that once had high value and to create new habitats in the place of those that have been completely lost, will complement activities within the BOAs, creating two major linear corridors across the borough from which many 24. The Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) map depicts the regional priority areas of opportunity for restoration and species will be able to spread out to take creation of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats. This is a spatial representation of the BAP targets and the BOAs are areas of opportunity, not constraint. The BOAs shown in the map do not include all the BAP habitat in the region, nor advantage of any habitat improvements do they include all the areas where BAP habitat could exist. In particular, more work is needed to develop approaches within the BOAs. in urban and in marine environments.

34 35 Land owner advice the Loddon and Eversley Heritage area. The in other parts of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust aims to work with local people to restore, borough protect and enhance the wildlife, landscape and heritage of these areas, whilst ensuring 92. The council supports land owner a sustainable future for the people that advice in other parts of the borough by live and work there. The Winning Ways providing funding to the Hampshire and for Wildlife Project is another landscape Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to assist with scale partnership led project within North the provision of advice to land owners and West Hampshire. It is supported by the community groups on managing land for Hampshire & Isle Wight Wildlife Trust, wildlife. The Wildlife Trust has specialist The Game and Wildlife Conservation knowledge of managing habitats for wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation and Natural and integrating this within other land England. It aims to improve and link uses such as farming and forestry. The privately owned ancient semi-natural focus of this effort is on the Trust’s Living woodland and chalk grassland for the Landscape Areas, of which four fall fully or benefit of key indicator butterfly and bird partially within the borough of Basingstoke species. It covers approximately 17,300 ha and Deane: Test Valley Living Landscape, within the western half of the borough and Western Thames Basin Living Landscape the council sits on the project’s steering and Faccombe Woodland to Kingsclere group. The boundaries of these different Fig. 7: River Loddon Biodiversity Priority Area (BPA) © Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey LA100019356 Downland Living Landscape in addition to initiatives are shown in Fig 9.

Fig. 7: River Test Biodiversity Priority Area (BPA) Fig. 9: Other Land Owner Advice initiatives within the Borough © Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey LA100019356 © Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey LA100019356

36 37 93. Proposed Approach species of wildlife were recorded during 98. The council also runs a Tree Warden Working with the course of a day. In the organisation network in the borough. Tree Wardens are of these events the council seeks to Working in partnership with the Hampshire volunteers, appointed by parish councils involve a range of stakeholders and and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and other the Community or other community organisations, who organisations for effective partnership partners has proved to be the most gather information about their local trees, The involvement of local working and engage a wide range of the effective means of influencing conservation 94. get involved in local tree matters and communities in the stewardship of their community in biodiversity issues. Most in the wider countryside. Therefore the encourage local practical projects to do local environment is essential to the of the conservation groups currently council will continue to work in this way. with trees and woods. Tree wardens have successful long-term conservation of supported by the council are based in or However, the focus of this work will be on been involved in the council’s annual biodiversity and in ensuring that people around Basingstoke. In order to promote the existing Loddon and Eversley Heritage tree planting programme and in creating get maximum pleasure and other benefits and assist community-based conservation Area, the North Wessex Downs AONB tree trails. The Tree Warden Scheme is a from its conservation. work in other parts of the borough, the and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight national initiative run by the Tree Council. council, in partnership with Hampshire Wildlife Trust led Living Landscape Areas. and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, have been These areas partly reflect the Biodiversity promoting a parish conservation planning 99. The council supports environmental Opportunity Areas, but vary slightly to take toolkit. These help local parishes map improvements that are undertaken by into account local priorities, the council’s some of the key habitats and species community groups. To help achieve this particular duties in relation to the AONB within a parish, town or village boundary. the council provides a grant known as the and the opportunity to link with priorities of The maps can be linked to parish plans Community, Heritage and Environment other organisations allowing for partnership or village design statements and can help Fund (CHEF) which is open to anyone working. The council, in conjunction to identify ways to protect and enhance wanting to engage the community in with its partners will seek, in particular, biodiversity locally. improving the environment anywhere in habitat enhancements and creation along the borough. One of the areas of work the the corridors of the River Loddon and grant can be used for is in improving the River Test which have been identified as natural environment. Biodiversity Priority Areas (BPAs).

Volunteers making nest boxes 100. Another potential source of funding for one-off capital projects that 95. The council supports Natural would improve or enhance the natural Basingstoke, a voluntary association environment is the council’s Local of sixteen constituted community Infrastructure Fund (LIF). This is a fund conservation groups that carry out which local communities and voluntary practical conservation work on public land. groups can apply for within an area of In addition, council staff lead a number development that has accrued the New of work parties for corporate volunteering Homes Bonus25. Projects that qualify initiatives and for individuals. In the 2012 Volunteers undertaking pond management need to make a significant, long lasting to 2013 financial year, volunteers put in improvement to the local community over 7,500 person hours of work making which could include improving local green a major contribution to improving the infrastructure. 97. The council has supported free biodiversity of the council’s open spaces. Hedgerow management training run by the council food initiatives, such as ‘Incredible Edible North Hampshire’ which resulted in new 101. Proposed Approach community orchards being planted in one 96. Council staff also give talks and of the council’s parks. The orchard will be • The council will continue to support organise events to promote community managed in a traditional manner, thereby community conservation groups working involvement in biodiversity. In June 2013 helping to provide a new key habitat. on public land, ensuring that management the first Basingstoke ‘BioBlitz’ event plans are in place for each site, assisting attracted over 250 people to help survey with training, where possible, and funding a public open space. Over 270 different

38 39 for small capital works. In addition, the • The final indicator measures the council will seek to recruit new volunteers Information, amount of council owned land that is and continue to lead corporate work managed or enhanced for biodiversity with parties and provide opportunities for Monitoring a target that this amount is increased year individuals wishing to become involved in on year. practical conservation work. and Review • The council will continue to work with 104. Currently lacking from the current Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 102. The availability of information approach to monitoring is an indicator that to promote a ‘tool kit’ to assist with the about the natural environment of the measures long-term changes in landscape preparation of parish conservation maps. borough, especially for those areas managed by the council and its partners, character and biodiversity outside of • The council will continue to run a Tree is essential to inform appropriate action designated sites in the wider countryside. Warden network and encourage their and assess its outcome. The Hampshire involvement with conservation groups as Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC), well as deliver a training programme for which is jointly funded by Hampshire local 105. Proposed Approach Volunteers checking Dormouse boxes Tree Wardens and volunteers. authorities and other organisations, plays • The council will continue to support • There is a significant amount of a central role in this. This centre serves as the Hampshire Biodiversity Information volunteer wildlife recording carried out in a countywide data facility for habitat and Centre (HBIC) and promote it as the first the borough, for example by specialist species records collected by a range of point of contact for data on the borough’s recorder groups who supply data to individuals and organisations. It identifies natural environment. It will work with the Hampshire Biodiversity Information and reviews Sites of Importance for Nature the centre’s staff to agree each annual Centre. The council will continue to run Conservation (SINCs) in partnership with programme of survey work. training courses for volunteers to improve other organisations and undertakes an their data recording and information skills. annual habitat survey programme for the • The council will monitor actions to council. enhance biodiversity on its own sites by • The council will seek to empower local monitoring completed work programmes communities by improving the availability and actions in the individual management of information on the natural environment, 103. The council currently uses plans developed for these sites. including better ‘sign posting’ of existing three headline indicators in respect of • The council will continue to monitor sources of information. biodiversity: for any loss of designated sites through • The council will continue to explore • The first is to avoid any loss of land development control decisions or any how it can engage a wider section of the that is designated as a Site of Special key habitats created or restored. It will community, including individuals and Scientific Interest (SSSI) or as a SINC, as a continue to monitor the implementation of organisations, through provision of local result of planning decisions. It undertakes habitat enhancements on its own land. information, promoting wildlife gardening, an annual audit of planning decisions • To share information about competitions and other initiatives such issued to see if any have led to the direct implementation of the strategy and as Bio Blitzs which promote species loss of key semi-natural habitats that are outcomes for the natural environment, the recording. designated as SINCs. council will publish an annual review of • The council will continue to support • The second is to record the amount progress. community focused environmental of key habitats that are created and/or improvement projects through the restored through new developments or provision of the Community, Heritage and on private land through council initiatives, Environment Fund (CHEF). such as the council’s Community, Heritage Photographic Credits and Environment Fund (CHEF). Front cover: Wildstock (buzzard, bee, dragonfly and butterfly); page 5: Wildstock (frog); page 6: Nigel Smith (grazing cattle); page 7: iStockphoto (flooding); page 8: iStockphoto (mountain biking and horse riders); Page 9: Wildstock (bee); page 11: Wildstock (hedgehog); page 18: Wildstock (house martin); page 22: Wildstock (American mink); page 31: Hugh Clark / Bat Conservation Trust (Brown Long-Eared Bats); rear 25. New Homes Bonus is aimed at supporting areas and communities that have been affected by recent housing growth; for cover: Wildstock (woodpecker, hedgehog, frog and barn owl). Appendix covers: Wildstock (woodpecker, every new home built and occupied the government gives the council a New Homes Bonus grant each year for six years. hedgehog, frog, barn owl, buzzard, bee, dragonfly and butterfly). All other images BDBC staff.

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