Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve MANAGEMENT PLAN 2017-2022
CONTENTS
Page Page 4.1 Site Analysis 24-25 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4.2 Qualitative Assessment 25-29 1.1 Purpose of plan 1 5.0 VISION, AIMS, OBJECTIVES & ACTION PLAN 2.0 POLICY CONTEXT 5.1 Vision 30 1-2 5.2 Aims 30-31 3.0 SITE DECSRIPTION 5.3 1 and 5 year priorities 31-32 3.1 Location and access 3 5.4 Action plan 33-46 3.2 Relationship to green infrastructure 3 6.0 FINANCE 3.3 Ownership and Designations 4 6.1 Existing expenditure 47 3.4 History 7 7.0 MONITORING & REVIEW 3.5 Overview of the park today 8-10 Appendix 1: Approved access route 49 3.6 Mapping the park 11 Appendix 2: Consented activities on the hill approved by 50 NE 3.7 Description of Key Features 12-21 Appendix 3: SSSI Citation 51 3.8 Detailed site statistics 22 Appendix 4: Interesting and rare plants (photos) 52 3.9 Existing management arrangements 23 Appendix 5: Full bird survey 2010 53-55 Appendix 6: 2010 Butterfly survey results 56 Appendix 7: 2016 Butterfly survey results 57-58 Appendix 8: List of associated partners 59 Appendix 14: 2016 updates (previous plan) 69-70 Appendix 9: Standard safety risk assessment forms 60-62 Appendix 15: 2015 Scrub management plan 71 Appendix 10: inspection forms 63 Appendix 16: overview of previous management plan 72-73 Appendix 11: Marketing strategy 64 Appendix 17: 2017 updates 74-76 Appendix 12: Natural England views about management 65-66 Appendix 18: 2018 Updates 77-78 Appendix 13: list of ‘operations likely to damage’ 67-68 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
Appendix 19: 2019 Updates 82-83
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of the plan
This plan has been prepared in order to identify specific objectives and priorities in relation to the current and future management of the Uphill Hill within the next five years, and sets out aspirations that may be delivered in the future. The plan takes into account the needs of the local community and the opportunities and restrictions of the site. For the action plan see pages 33-45
Management plans are a core element of open spaces and woodland management work. This plan has been prepared in order to provide a framework within which all future management is carried out; and enable any person involved to understand how and why decisions are taken. It identifies specific objectives and priorities for management within the next five years.
This is the second management plan that has been written for Uphill Hill. It covers the period 2017 – 2022.
The structure of the plan has been developed using existing good practice including CABE Space’s ‘Guide to producing Green Space Management Plans’1, guidance within Green Flag2, UK Woodland Assurance Standard requirements3
The plan will ensure residents and visitors will be engaged with the sites on-going management. A management plan is designed to be ‘working document’ and will be added to and altered as the time period designated progresses
2.0 POLICY CONTEXT
Uphill Hill is identified as a Local Nature Reserve and is protected under Policy ECH/14 – Amenity Areas of North Somerset Replacement Local Plan 20074 & Core Strategy 20125. It is also designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural
1 CABE Space has now merged with The Design Council. It promotes well-designed parks, streets and squares as a crucial part of our towns and cities. The guide can be found at http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http:/www.cabe.org.uk/publications/producing-parks-and-green-space- management-plans 2 The Green Flag is the national standard for parks in England and Wales. More information can be found at www.greenflagaward.org.uk 3 The UK Woodland Assurance Standard is a standard for forest management in the United Kingdom. More information can be found at www.ukwas.org.uk 1 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 England6 due to its rare flora coverage associated to the calcareous grassland and Carboniferous Limestone. The hill also forms part of the Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Natural England has been consulted in drawing up this plan to ensure all activities are either necessary for the management or enhancement of the special features of interest for which the site is designated a SSSI and SAC, or would have no likely significant effect, either alone or in combination, in terms of their potential to cause damage to these features. Any additional activities not covered by the plan, or any changes to the plan, where they have the potential to impact upon the designated features, should be agreed with Natural England in advance and may require specific formal consent7.
Management of open spaces, including Uphill Hill, meets North Somerset Council’s main aims of:
• Enhancing health and well being • Protecting and improving the environment • Building safer and stronger communities
North Somerset Council has a Play Strategy that identifies a number of important priorities for play in North Somerset. One of the key priorities is to 'develop and improve more neighbourhood play opportunities in the parks and open spaces (especially for the 10 -16 year olds) that are accessible, sustainable and to promote the use of the natural open spaces' as stated in the Design for Play guidance8.
In 2006, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act introduced a duty on all public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity9. To meet this obligation, the local authority needs to ensure that appropriate management for biodiversity is undertaken on its landholdings. Green infrastructure management plans provide a practical mechanism for meeting this obligation, as they include aspirations and actions for biodiversity.
4 North Somerset Council’s Replacement local plan 2007 can be found at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/Environment/Planning_policy_and- research/localplanning/Pages/localplanandproposalsmap.aspx 5 North Somerset Council’s Core Strategy 2012 can be found at https://www.n- somerset.gov.uk/Your_Council/Policies_plans_and_strategies/Pages/Policies,plans-and-strategies.aspx 6 Natural England overview of Uphill Hill http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=483 7 Natural England SSSI https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S100085 8 See http://www.playengland.org.uk/resources/design-for-play.aspx 9 Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the number of species of plants and animals in a given habitat. 2 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Management of open spaces that contain locally important wildlife habitats can also contribute directly to the aims of the North Somerset Biodiversity Action Plans10 and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (section 41)11 priority habitats and species. Management plans provide a practical mechanism for meeting this obligation, as they include aspirations and actions for biodiversity. 3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION
3.1 Location and access (Map 1 and 2)
Uphill Hill is situated on the southern edge of Uphill village, to the south of Weston-super-Mare. The central grid reference of the site is ST317 583. The area covered by the SSSI is 15.25 hectares; the woodland covers an additional 1.42 hectares and Underwood Field covers 1.1 hectares.
There is pedestrian access to the site via Folly Lane, the church path off Uphill Way and via the boatyard. Vehicular access for management or emergency purposes only is possible via the boatyard. Natural England Consent is required for this activity and a designated route must be followed (see appendix 1), some regular events and activities have been given this consent, with conditions, as part of the term of this plan from NE (see appendix 2). As part of this consent all access requirements/requests should be agreed in advance with NSC, following the agreed route. Any alterations need prior agreement with NSC and NE. The conditions imposed on this consent include ensuring ground conditions are checked to ensure no damage, such as erosion, rutting or compacting occurs. This is particularly relevant during wet weather and would require activity to be aborted until further liaising with NE/NSC can take place.
Car parking is possible along Uphill Way, including the car park situated towards the wharf entrance which has a designated disabled parking bay. There is also a car park at the entrance to the boatyard, and a bus stop by the sluice gate. There is disabled access onto the hill from the boatyard entrance along the Tidal Trail. The majority of the site is designated as open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act. This allows pedestrian access over most of the site, but introduces an obligation on dog walkers to keep their animals on the lead when agricultural stock are present. Two public footpaths run through the site. Cycling is permitted along the Tidal Trail only.
Horse riding is not considered appropriate, since there would be conflict with other site users. Riders would either leave the path, with potential for damage to the hill’s special features of interest, or the path would have to be fenced, which would be unsightly, detract from the visitor experience and interfere with site management.
10 North Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan can be found at https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/Environment/Planning_policy_and- research/localplanning/Documents/Core%20Strategy/LD01%20North%20Somerset%20Biodiversity%20Action%20Plan%20(pdf).pdf 11 UK Biodiversity Action Plan can be found at http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5155 3 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
3.2 Relationship to other green infrastructure (Map 1)
Uphill Hill is at the western end of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and lies to the east of the Severn Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Most of the site is designated as a SSSI and Local Nature Reserve (LNR). The calcareous grassland is within the Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which means the grassland is of nature conservation value on an international context. The hill lies within a complex of important wildlife sites such as coastal grazing marsh at Bleadon Level and tidal habitats along the Axe Estuary and adjoins Walborough Hill SSSI (an Avon Wildlife Trust LNR), it is also a gateway for many walks in the area.
3.3 Ownership and designations (Map 2)
3.3.1 Typology Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve is categorised as a Conservation Site within North Somerset’s Green Infrastructure Strategy. This means it is managed primarily for its wildlife and amenity value.
3.3.2 Ownership Uphill Hill is owned and managed by North Somerset Council as Public Open Space for its nature conservation and amenity value. The site has various designations; • At a local level it is designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) for its value to wildlife and people • At national level as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its species-rich calcareous grassland (this does not include the woodland or Underwood Field). See appendix 3 for citation. • At international level as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for Mendip Limestone Grassland.
The site's conservation status means that management works have to be approved by Natural England. As one of the outstanding calcareous grassland sites in North Somerset, management of this site contributes substantially to the aims of the council's Species Rich Grassland Habitat Action Plan, contained in the North Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan ‘Action for Nature’.
Assessment of the site’s nature conservation condition is one of Natural England’s statutory duties, since the site is a SSSI. In 2009 Natural England judged the various units into which the site is divided to be in ‘favourable’ condition.
It should be noted that, owing to the site's designations and their statutory obligations, North Somerset Council has an obligation to make enhancement of the site's nature conservation value a priority.
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Map 1 Location of Uphill Hill and its relationship to other green infrastructure
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Map 2 Uphill Hill Designations
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3.4 History of the site
There is evidence of human activity on the site from the Pleistocene to the present. Numerous mammal remains (e.g. woolly rhinoceros, hyena, bear, ox, cave lion, woolly mammoth, reindeer, giant deer and polecat), dating from the Stone Age, have been found in caves in the quarry area and attributed to the Neanderthals who were believed to have lived in the enclosure area.
There is at least one Bronze Age tumulus, situated to the west of the churchyard.
The grassland on the upper part of the site, known as The Down, was part of an open field system during the Middle Ages and not enclosed until 1818. Hedges across the site were removed by 1843. A windmill was present here in 1782, although known to be ruined by 1829. A beacon was built on the site of the windmill in 1863 and re-built in 1934 with castellations and an outside stairway. The Down was ploughed during the First World War and intensively farmed, with the addition of fertiliser, immediately after the Second World War.
There are several small hollows across the site, which are the result of mining for lead and calamine. During the 19th century the limestone was quarried by villagers as it was common land. They created the rock faces along the northern foot of the hill.
Following the enclosure Acts, commercial quarrying arrived in the 1820’s. Associated features include the remains of a lime kiln and an explosives magazine.
St Nicholas Church is thought to be the oldest building in Uphill village, built just after the Norman Conquest. The church and church yard (including the surrounding wall) is managed by the Churches Conservation Trust.
The sheep wash in the south western part of the site was restored in 1995/96 and the lime kiln was repaired in 2008.
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3.5 Overview of Uphill Hill today
Map 3 shows the existing layout of the conservation site.
The main biological interest of the site is its unimproved calcareous grassland and populations of rare plant species – these are the ‘special features of interest’ for which the site is designated as a SSSI. See appendix 4 for photographs of some of the interesting and rare plants found on the hill.
On the flatter ground at the top of the hill and in the southern edge of the site there are large areas of semi-improved and improved grassland. These are less species-rich than the unimproved grassland, but some of the semi-improved grasslands have increasing populations of grassland species as grazing continues. The other habitat types on site are woodland and scrub, both of which are present in small quantity only.
A rich invertebrate fauna is associated with the calcareous grassland, including locally rare butterflies such as chalkhill blue and small blue.
The site is home to a diverse range of bird species. A successful breeding pair of Long Eared Owls were confirmed on the hill in 2010. There were also sightings of two owls in 2011, although it is not known if they were a breeding pair. RSPB red and amber list
8 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 birds such as Skylark, Linnet, Song Thrush and Lesser Whitethroat have also been observed and Peregrine Falcons regularly hunt over the enclosure. The last full bird survey on the site was carried out in 2010, see appendix 5.
There are good facilities for visitors to the site including the Tidal Trail updated in 2016, interpretation boards and a notice board (installed in 2011) to display events and seasonal information. The quarry provides climbing and abseiling opportunities, including challenging routes for experienced climbers. A café opened in 2011 at the boatyard entrance and this has proved to be very popular with people who visit Uphill Hill. Public Toilets are situated near the boatyard entrance. Historic features such as the lime kiln, sheep wash and explosives store are maintained in good condition. The far reaching views and walks are valued by users of the hill and in 2009 Uphill Hill was South West’s winner in Warburtons Picnic Awards and a picnic bench was installed with the prize money.
Cattle continue to graze the hill to maintain the species-rich grassland. Underwood Field (not part of the SSSI) is managed to encourage voles and invertebrates and is grazed less intensively. The grazing agreement was drafted to be renewed in 2016 and has been increased to cover the next 5 years, so that the cattle are on the hill in April and then between June until the end of October/November depending on weather conditions. This regime was introduced in 2005 to good effect, the break in the grazing season allows the Orchids time to flower. Stocking density is not fixed, but is kept at an appropriate level for the ground conditions and agreed with North Somerset Council and Natural England.
The species-rich fenced off enclosure is grazed by rare breed sheep, normally between October and December. Hardy native sheep are best suited to the exposed nature of the site. As such a local rare breed specialist supplies sheep for this area and a native breed supplement to the HLS funding was agreed with Nature England.
The Hill was entered into Higher Level Stewardship in 2013 which has provided some funding for management tasks on the site and is in effect for 10 years – until 2023. This money is used for conservation management on site.
Invasive species such as valerian and cotoneaster grow on the rock faces (and out-compete native rare plant species). These are monitored and since 2010 a regime of using specialist conservation contractors to spot treat these invasive plants, in consultation with NE, has been in place. Ivy was removed in 2010, and as a result is largely is no longer an issue, select areas of scrub are routinely reduced. The work on the cotoneaster and valerian has been noticeable with decline present across the whole rock face network, as a result the latest treatments in 2016 were minimal.
During winter 2011/12, scrub management was carried out on the hill including within the sheep enclosure, the priority area being the rock face south of the enclosure where scrub and invasive species were removed by hand cutting and hand pulling in order to maintain and extend populations of rare plants. As part of the HLS grant from NE we continue to selectively remove scrub by hand
9 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 in the sheep enclosure prior to the sheep being placed on the hill to limit the development of the larger stands and control new saplings. The result of this is clear to see with more and more grass being visible each year, including an increase in associated wildflower species. In 2016 scrub was hand cut on the lower slope to the North of Sheep enclosure to limit the spread of the scrub up the hill from this section.
Previously a Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES) was in place which funded a seasonal warden while the cattle are grazing, this however expired in 2012 and the HLS scheme was adopted. This did not allow for funding of a seasonal warden. These duties have been taken up by local volunteer wardens and the farmers, the HLS grant contributes towards this. However the site would benefit from this role being replaced.
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3.6 Mapping Uphill Hill The site has been mapped in detail using MapInfo, a Geographical Information System (GIS) to plot all the features within the site as follows: Map 3 Detailed layout of Uphill Hill
Underwood Field
Lime Kiln
Enclosure
Explosives Store
Tower
Sheep Wash
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3.7 Description of key features
Grassland Description Key Management Issues The main biological interest on the site is The key to ongoing maintenance and its unimproved calcareous grassland and enhancement of the site's nature rare plant species. The unimproved conservation value is to ensure that grassland is exceptionally species rich and grazing of the site continues. This includes many species that have become leaves the site vulnerable to changes in uncommon in Britain due to habitat loss agricultural economy and more and degradation. Rare plant species on the particularly to conflicts with dog walkers. site include three nationally rare Red Data Continued measures to inform dog Book Species: honewort (Trinia glauca), walkers of the need for proper behaviour somerset hair-grass (Koeleria vallesiana) are essential. and goldilocks aster (Aster linosyris). Grazing is vital to maintain the botanical Volunteer wardens, the farmers and diversity of the grassland. NSC Officers monitor the cattle and Sheep. The Wardens and NSC Officers The management has been successful in have taken on a more prominent role maintaining the site's two key ecological with this task since funding for a features: its unimproved calcareous Seasonal Warden expired. Further grassland and its rare plant populations. funding for a warden should be sought if possible. In 2011 the seasonal warden counted 105 Grazing is essential to maintain and Goldilocks Aster stems, an increase from There is also a ‘cow flag’ at the boat enhance calcareous grassland plant 84 in 2010 and 20-30 in the 2006 yard entrance to inform users of the hill communities. management plan. Populations of when cattle are grazing. Under the honewort are monitored by the volunteer CROW act dogs must be kept on leads In August 2009 Natural England warden. The Somerset Rare Plants Group while cattle are grazing. There are signs assessed the condition of Uphill Cliff carried out surveys in 2005, further up at the entrances to the hill to reiterate SSSI as Favourable. surveys should be considered as part of this. There is also a map in the notice this management plan. board at the boat yard entrance to the site which the volunteers and farmer
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Management has also been successful in update each day to give an indication of increasing the nature conservation value of where the cattle are on site. areas of semi-improved grassland. The size of the colony of green-winged orchids Cattle on site have occasionally required and autumn ladies tresses have increased. supplementary feeding. It is essential Other species that continue to spread that this takes place away from areas of include important indicators of unimproved diverse vegetation and has been agreed grassland such as eyebright and cowslip. by Natural England. Grazing requires Numbers of bee orchid have decreased, some control of injurious plants and but are still present. Pyramidal orchids are upkeep of fences. not present every year but orchid numbers fluctuate year on year depending on the The cow flag weather.
Species-rich grassland is a priority habitat within North Somerset’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Woodland Description Key Management Issues There is a small patch of woodland to the The woodland would benefit from small west of Folly Lane which contributes to the scale management including control of diversity of habitats on the hill. It, in its self, sycamore; however these works are low is not particularly diverse and is dominated priority compared to the maintenance of by ash and sycamore. more valuable habitats on the hill. The woodland is within the Local Nature Advice would need to be sought from Reserve. NE to prevent the spread of non-native species across the hill. The woodland was assessed by NSC Tree officers in 2010, and the signs denying The woodland can be subject to people entry into the wood (for health and occasional anti-social behaviour and the safety reasons) were taken down as a volunteer warden’s work with NSC result. Officers and the Community Response Team to tackle when necessary.
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The woodland is not on a routine schedule for safety inspections as the risk associated with the woodland falls below NSC risk management policy. However, the Tree Officer will make site visits after adverse weather and respond to any enquires from the volunteer warden or members of the public.
Hedges Description Key Management Issues The hedge in front of the sheep enclosure Hedges should be encouraged to grow was laid in 2009. However since then it has thick and tall to prevent the best wildlife been difficult to establish a local group opportunities for nesting birds and berry willing to take this on. The regrowth on the production for foraging birds. inside hedge has been controlled by hand cutting every two years to limit overgrowth The hedge acts as a secondary defence into the sheep enclosure. No maintenance to the sheep enclosure and so the to front of the hedge was carried out until structure should be maintained. 2016 where a flail cut was carried out. The hedge will now be left for another 2/3 years The inside of the hedge needs to not to regenerate, and be cut on this rotation. encroach into the sheep enclosure to Bramble growing in this hedge needs to be ensure the sheep can continue to Laid hedge in front of sheep enclosure controlled. maintain the vegetation growth and the thorns not to become entangled in their Vegetation in front of it is left to create a tall fleece. grass area and is cut and removed during the autumn. In 2016 a flail cut was used for As the hedge has been flailed rather than this section as the previous year cut had laid the base is not as thick as would be been late and some more woody saplings ideal. As such to prevent dogs finding a had established, this section is usually cut route into the sheep enclosure it maybe by hand. that the tall grass in front of the hedge Hedgerows with 5 or more native species may need to be left until late winter are priority habitats within the North before being cut to act a secondary
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Somerset Local Biodiversity Action Plan. defence.
Scrub Description Key Management Issues Scrub is dense in places on the lower edge The amount of scrub is carefully of the hill and dominated by hawthorn, managed to provide a balance between blackthorn and elder. Elsewhere there are providing food and shelter for scattered patches within grassland areas, invertebrates and birds and not sometimes including invasive non-native encroaching on the grassland and species such as wall cotoneaster. rocky habitats for the rare plants.
Scrub control is necessary in some areas to Cut scrub must not be piled on grassland prevent it from spreading. Cotoneasters, areas. If burning cuttings on site consent which are all introduced, can be particularly must be given from Natural England. Fire damaging due to the horizontal habit of some sites must be away from diverse species, which can shade out large areas of grasslands and fires should be properly grassland. They also out-compete rare managed. Occasionally stump treatment plants growing on rock faces. may be necessary after scrub clearance with the agreement of Natural England. Scrub management started in winter 2011/12 in agreement with Natural England. Some pockets of scrub on the site, in particular Underwood Field are starting to dominate and work should be carried out to prevent this over the next few winters.
Tidal Trail Description Key Management Issues The Tidal Trail is a disabled access path Some of the gates are nearing the end of which runs from the boat yard entrance along their life and updating them where the edge of the hill towards the neighbouring possible should be considered to ensure Avon Wildlife Trust reserve, Walborough. the security of the site.
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Cycling is also permitted on this path. The gates may not all be the most up to date standard to allow access to all types The path surface was updated in 2015/16 as of mobility scooter, this should be part of the National Cycle Route. considered as of when the gates are changed.
Interpretation and other signage Description Key Management Issues There are 3 interpretation boulders at the More prominent signage for the entrances main entrances to the site - the boat yard, the should be considered to highlight the church path and Folly Lane, these were code of conduct for usage of the site, and updated in 2014. There are also to bring them more in line with other NSC interpretation signs in the castellations of the signs. tower, at the lime kiln, explosives store and sheep wash. The installation of way-markers is not considered appropriate as the hill is open Brown tourist attraction directional signs point access and people can wander where the way to the boatyard and church path they chose. They would detract from the entrances to the site. rural feel of this site. Signage - 2011
Welcome signs were installed at the main entrances in 2011.
Dual use cycle path signs were installed in 2016
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Historic Features Description Key Management Issues The lime kiln, explosives store, sheep wash All structures need to continue to be and tower are generally in good condition. inspected and encroaching vegetation needs to be managed. A structural report was commissioned and repairs were made to the lime kiln in 2008. Anti social behaviour around the tower can be a problem, especially during the Repointing works were carried out to the summer and in 2011 the tower suffered lookout tower in 2014/15, along with repairs from graffiti. The local Police are informed to the steps and one of the castellations. of incidents on the hill and have helped to reduce the problem. The tower can be The Lime Kiln with interpretation sign Regular scrub management and vegetation locked if anti-social behaviour causes clearance has been carried out to the lime problems. kiln, explosives store and sheep wash by the conservation contractors and NSC NSC Natural Environment Officer and the contractors. The main tasks in the sheep volunteer warden work closely with the wash are strimming the floor and cutting Community Response Officers to report back overhanging vegetation from the side any issues to the police and increase walls. The kiln is also sprayed to control inspections when required. weeds growing through the blockwork paving. The sheep wash The tower gate had a hydraulic self closing mechanism installed to replace the weight system in July 2010.
Benches Description Key Management Issues There are 14 benches on the hill including 1 It is not desirable to introduce further picnic bench (funded by prize money from benches as they would change the the South West’s winner in Warburtons aesthetics of this naturalistic site.
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Picnic Awards 2009). Benches also create hot spots where the ground becomes damaged and worn. The benches are generally in good condition. Most of the existing benches are against Community Pay Back repainted the benches the church wall and so are protected from along the tidal trail in 2016. the inquisitive cattle.
Regular painting and tidying of the benches is required to ensure they can be safely used and look tidy as part of the landscape.
Bins Description Key Management Issues There are no litter bins on the hill as it is a Despite an adequate supply of dog bins, countryside site and we wish to encourage regular publicity, and visits from people to take their litter home with them. Community Response Officers dog mess is occasionally still an issue on the hill. There are 4 dog bins on site which are The effort to ensure people clear up after emptied three times a week by the Streets their dogs should be maintained. and Open Spaces Contract
Gates, Fences, Walls and Steps Description Key Management Issues Some work was carried out to the gates as With the improved surface to the tidal trail part of the path updates, but some are some of the gates may need to be altered nearing the end of their life. to accommodate the larger mobility scooters now available. A new set of steps were constructed in 2011 by the Ground work team – a supervised The fencing around the quarry face/sheep group of apprentices -n the steep ground enclosure was installed around 25 years between the main hill and the entrance to ago and is likely to need repairs/replacing Underwood field. in the next few years.
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The wall along Uphill Way was rebuilt in 2009 and further repairs were carried out in 2011, including treatment to red valerian.
Fences on the hill are checked regularly either by the volunteer warden or the responsible NSC officer. Small repairs are undertaken by the wardens, larger repairs are organised through NSC Officers and contractors. The farmer will also carry out the odd small repair.
Steps built by the Groundwork team in Underwood Field
Fauna Description Key Management Issues Dotted bee-fly (Bombylius discolor) was The impact of more intensive grazing of recorded between 2000-2005 although not in the site on invertebrates is not known and 2006. Between 2009 and 2011 the (then) they can be vulnerable to increased seasonal warden continued to record the grazing pressure, particularly in spring. presence of dotted bee-fly and noticed that the population was spreading. This is an The beneficial impacts of grazing on important record, not only because it itself is invertebrates should also be noted. The nationally rare, but also because as a dotted bee-fly, for example, requires parasitoid it relies on large populations of slopes of short sparse grassland and Andrena mining bees, many of which are continued grazing of the enclosure is also rare. The dotted bee-fly requires slopes essential for this species and its hosts. of short sparse grassland and continued Chalkhill Blue butterfly grazing of the enclosure is essential for this As there is no seasonal warden now on species and its hosts. site considerations should be made to encourage local enthusiasts and experts
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Butterflies present include small and chalkhill to carry out surveys on site. blues. Previously monitoring was carried out during the summer by the seasonal warden The cattle are taken off the main hill using Butterfly Trust Conservation during May to allow the orchid’s time to methodology (see appendix 6 for 2010 develop – this should be maintained species list). A local expert carried out a going forward to encourage the spread of transit in 2016, and it is hoped that they will these rare flower species, and intern continue this going forward (see appendix 7) could help the invertebrates.
Small blue is largely present in the sheep enclosure area, although cattle grazing is better for this species than sheep grazing. Dotted Bee-fly
The most diverse invertebrate populations are within the enclosure, where grazing pressure has not changed.
Birds have also been historically recorded by the seasonal warden and include RSPB red data book species (see appendix 5 for 2010 species list).
Rock face Description Key Management Issues The underlying rock is carboniferous Non-native invasive species such as limestone which, at the western end of the valerian, snow-in-summer and reserve, has been quarried leaving a sheer cotoneaster need to be controlled so that cliff face. they do not out-compete rare plants.
Nationally Rare plants such as goldilocks Removal schemes have been in place aster grow on the rock face. A good show of since 2010 with good results, this stems was seen in 2016. program should continue to ensure these species are controlled on site. Climbing and abseiling are permitted on the
20 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 rock face above the car park, but access is not allowed on the rock face within the enclosure. Ground anchors for climbing were installed in 2009 and are checked by Mendip Outdoor Pursuits every 6 months.
An annual health and safety report is carried out by Hydrock and held by NSC.
21 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 3.8 Detailed site statistics
A detailed asset survey has been undertaken of Uphill Hill, the following is a summary of the features recorded:
Soft and hard landscape features Area (m2)
• Total area of site 188,670 • Cattle grazed grassland 135,000 • Underwood Field 11, 000 • Woodland and copse areas 12,000
Boundaries and associated infrastructure Length (m)
Metal fencing 97 Wooden fencing 1024 Stone wall 1202
Furniture Number
Interpretation Signs 21 Welcome signs 4 Benches 14 Dog Bin 5 Gates 9
22 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 3.9 Existing management arrangements
Management of the site is the responsibility of North Somerset Council, working in consultation with Natural England. Work is overseen by North Somerset’s Natural Environment Officer. There is a management committee which meets twice a year and consists of representatives from North Somerset Council, Natural England, Avon Wildlife Trust, as well as volunteer wardens and the Village Society with the aim of monitoring progress, and taking forward actions identified in the management plan.
The hill is grazed with cattle by a local farmer, and the grazing agreement is being renewed to cover the period 2016-2021. The fenced off enclosure is also grazed by rare breed sheep.
From 2007 to 2012 a seasonal warden was employed between April and October when the cattle are grazing, funded by Natural England. However the funding expired in February 2012 and the site was instead entered into Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). Funding for a seasonal warden should be sought where possible, owing to the importance of the grassland.
Invaluable input has been provided by voluntary wardens, who visit the site almost daily. The Brandon Trust have historically been involved with the site carrying out litter picks and small scale vegetation management such as hedge trimming and path clearance, the availability of this resource has lessened in recent years, due to their financial restrictions. Large tasks such as scrub management are carried out by contractors. There is a huge amount of local interest and support in the site with regular updates provided from the public to both the volunteer wardens and NSC Officers. The Uphill village Society are also involved with the site and have produced, in partnership with NSC, a Healthy Walk Booklet, which includes Uphill Hill, and a leaflet specifically on Uphill Hill which they distribute to local businesses and tourist information points.
Work to trees within the site is carried out either reactively, when events or circumstances arise, or as part of the planned programme of risk reduction.
The grass either side of the Tidal Trial from the boat yard entrance to the 2nd gate is cut as part of the council’s Streets and Open Spaces contract, Glendale Services. Glendale also empty the dog bins, which are emptied three times a week.
Natural England site condition assessment is carried out every 7 years and covers the distribution, structure and species richness of the calcareous grassland and the populations of rare plant species. This may be too infrequent to guide management for certain species so additional monitoring is useful, it is also conditional to their work schedules at the time. A condition assessment should be adequate for periodically monitoring the condition and extent of calcareous grassland.
See appendix 8 for the list of partners involved with the management, maintenance and promotion of the hill.
23 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
4.0 ANALYSIS OF ISSUES
4.1 Site Analysis
The following section summarises an assessment of ‘what are we doing well’ and ‘where could we improve’. The analysis has been informed by considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) related to the park. What are we doing well? Where could we improve? • The SSSI status of the site has been assessed as • Continued efforts should be sought to secure further funding favourable by Natural England and the calcareous for the site – especially to replace a seasonal warden on site grassland continues to be maintained and enhanced by to help with monitoring. grazing cattle and sheep. • Conflict with some dog walkers is an ongoing issue, although • The site is well used with a diverse range of users this seems to have improved on the past. Keeping dogs on including school groups, walking groups, dog walkers, leads when the cattle are grazing and between April and cyclists, naturalists and archaeological groups. October under the CROW Act needs continued emphasis • Funding has been secured for the hill for the next 10 and enforcement. years through being entered into HLS. • Dog fouling can still be an issue, especially over the winter • Volunteer wardens have been active on the hill for many months. Continued communication and engagement with years dog owners is needed. • The site has a good provision of interpretation signage • The development of a regular volunteer group or voluntary and in 2011 welcome signs and a notice board were warden who is able to carry out regular small scale practical installed to display up-to-date information. management tasks would assist with site management. • Good community engagement links with the Uphill Village • Some gates and signage could do with being Society, local schools (in particular Uphill Primary), updated/improved to provide more up to date information and Scouts, Beavers and Cub groups. access opportunities. • Surveys have started again through local enthusiasts and experts - butterflies. • Some vegetation monitoring takes place for the rarer species such as Honewort and Goldilocks Aster, both of which have been periodically seen on site. • Underwood field (which is not part of the SSSI) is managed to encourage a more diverse invertebrate population and to increase vole numbers for the benefit of 24 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 the raptor populations, in particular long eared owls which have been known to breed on the site. Ad-hoc cattle grazing is having a positive effect. • NSC continues to work closely with Natural England and Avon Wildlife Trust to ensure the best management for the site. • The site infrastructure is continually assessed and improvements are made where appropriate
4.2 Qualitative assessment
4.2.1 A Welcoming Place
The site is highly attractive to local residents and visitors because of the rural nature of the site despite its proximity to an urban area, the calcareous grassland which is rich in flowers and insects, extensive views and it is a gateway for walks within an exceptionally diverse landscape. It allows access to historic features such as the limekiln, sheep wash and explosives store.
There are interpretation signs at the main entrances, next to the lime kiln, explosives store and sheep wash, as well as in the castellations of the tower. There are also welcome signs at the main entrances. Some additional signage or updated signage could benefit the site to detail up to date codes of conduct.
4.2.2 Healthy, Safe and Secure
The quarry face is inspected annually by external contractors as part of the council’s quarry risk management programme. Where hazards are assessed as ‘substantial’ the recommendations from the report are taken forward. Rock fall warning signs and cliff edge warning signs were erected in early 2010 and replaced in 2016. The quarry face is fenced off and there are danger signs warning people of the cliff edge. The fence is checked monthly by either the volunteer warden or the NSC officer responsible for the site.
Ground anchors for climbing and abseiling are inspected every 6 months by Mendip Outdoor Pursuits.
25 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Regular infrastructure inspections are carried out by the volunteer wardens and NSC Officers. Any issues are reported to the responsible Officer at North Somerset Council and repairs/refurbishments are carried out where required. See appendix 9 for standard safety risk assessment forms and appendix 10 for inspection forms. The volunteer warden has been carrying out additional recorded inspections for the lime kiln, explosives store, sheep wash and tower.
Walkover surveys identify trees that require work to reduce the risk of harm to within acceptable limits, following North Somerset Council’s Tree Risk Management programme.
4.2.3 Clean and well maintained
The site is generally well maintained. Volunteers carry out regular litter picks and path clearance and contractors empty the dog bins three times a week. The site infrastructure is in good condition.
The tidal trail was resurfaced in 2016. This has had a positive impact on both the look of the site and accessibility. The work had limited impact on the vegetation on the main hill but had a wider visual impact on the vegetation on the lower section, this was in line with the constraints imposed on the work by Natural England to limit the impact on the grass species whilst providing adequate working space for the contractors. However the regrowth has been positive and it is now hardly noticeable that this work was carried out.
Maintenance and repairs to the site are continuous, in particular to areas that safe guard the grazing animals on site. Repairs were made to the gates to the sheep enclosure in 2016 and extra fencing was installed to underwood field over the quarry to contain the cattle after a wall collapsed. As part of the tidal trail updates some of the fencing on the gate section was replaced. Over the term of the previous management plan new steps were installed in Underwood field and a new fence was installed to prevent the cattle from jumping the wall.
Scrub is cleared periodically to prevent encouragement of the structures and is cut back along the path in the winter to prevent brambles etc. overhanging the path.
Anti-social behaviour and miss-use can be a problem during the summer, but working closely with the local Police has helped to reduce and control further incidents. NSC also employ Community Response Officers who work closely with the community and are joint funded by the police and so work closely with the local PCSO’s and Officers. They will attend local meetings to discuss any issues and will help carry out patrols of the area.
26 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Although the car park would benefit from improvement, this is not a priority for the management of the site or the budgets relating to the site, and it is still well used. There is also adequate alternative parking along the road.
4.2.4 Sustainability
The majority of the site is traditionally grazed, rather than being cut by machinery. Repairs to infrastructure are either carried out by the volunteer warden or by local contractors where ever possible, who use local suppliers when feasible. Bench refurbishments were carried out in 2011 by Somerset Wood Recycling, a not for profit social enterprise company using local recycled wood. In 2016 Somerset Wood Recycling, accompanied by Community Pay Back, repainted the benches along the tidal trail.
Where ever possible cut vegetation is left on site. Fertilisers are not used on site, and herbicide use is kept to an absolute minimum governed by Natural England.
4.2.5 Conservation and Heritage
Assessment of the site’s nature conservation condition is one of Natural England’s statutory duties, since the site is a SSSI. The grassland was assessed as ‘Favourable’ in 2009. This is due to the continued cattle grazing on the main hill, sheep grazing in the enclosure and management of scrub and invasive species. The continuity of graziers on the hill must be maintained. The Natural England responsible Officer annually checks the progress of the site with the relevant NSC Officer and has generally been pleased with the results.
Populations of nationally rare plants have been maintained or increased in numbers. Rare plants are monitored annually by the volunteer wardens. Somerset hair grass and honewort were last monitored by the Somerset Rare Plants Group in 2005. The previous management plan recommended monitoring every three years, but it has not been possible to put this into place. The volunteer warden has monitored honewort, but Somerset hair grass requires a specialist group. It is hoped that the Rare Plants Group will be available for surveying honewort, Somerset hair grass and other red data book species during the term of this management plan.
Use of herbicides is restricted (apart from targeted stump treatment and treatment of valerian where absolutely necessary) and fertilisers are not used on site. No soils or similar materials are to be imported.
Vegetation clearance has been carried out in the lime kiln, explosives store and sheep wash by the Somerset Wood Recycling. The lime kiln has been seasonally sprayed, as pulling the weeds begun to loosen the stones, this area is outside the boundaries of the important grassland. All structures need to continue to be inspected and encroaching vegetation needs to be managed. Part of the
27 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 retaining wall along Uphill Way was rebuilt in 2009, but vegetation along here is now starting to encourage and so works will need to be considered as part of this plan to prevent future deterioration of the wall.
The tradition of lighting a beacon on the hill (in the tower) at New Year’s Eve and to commemorate events such as royal jubilees has been maintained by the Uphill Village Society.
The consultation in 2010 for the introduction of a Dog Control Order for “Dogs on leads” on the hill while cattle are grazing was unsuccessful due to the number of dog walkers that protested. It is still a requirement under the CROW Act that dogs are kept on leads while stock are grazing.
The public consultation on the previous management plan revealed that there is a feeling amongst dog owners that the irresponsible dog owners tarnish the reputation of responsible dog owners. NSC want to make those who respect the policies around keeping dogs on leads when the cattle are grazing and picking up after their dogs feel welcome on the hill. Further communication and engagement with owners has developed over the term of the previous plan with the volunteer Warden on good terms with most dog walkers using the hill. Many regular walkers will also help report back an instances where the rules have not been followed or if there are any particular issues that need to be brought to Officers attention.
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 we can consider a Public Spaces Protection Order if any dog related issues were to start to increase again in the future.
Under a previous management plan in 2006 there were recommendations made to investigate the feasibility of occasional sheep grazing on the main hill. Sheep are more preferable grazers than cattle as they are the traditional livestock in this area, but it has been decided that this would not be possible as the hill would have to be fenced off from the public because of dogs.
4.2.6 Community Involvement
The volunteer warden continues to inspect the hill almost daily. The Brandon Trust (a charity for people with learning disabilities) will carry out litter picks from time to time as they do on some of other sites. Regular events and activities were organised by the seasonal warden but unfortunately were not able to continue in the absence of this post. However, a number of other local groups and schools use the site for trips, days out and activities. The Churches Group have ‘prayer on the hill’ each spring and the Village Society, with Wessex 4x4, arrange access to the Church for Memorial Sunday. One of the NSC Sea Front Rangers also regularly leads talks on site to discuss its important history and archaeological interest. In the past NSC have attempted to develop a small volunteer group on the hill to deliver events and carry out small scale vegetation management, but this has not been overly successful, NSC Officers and Avon Wildlife Trust hope to look into this going forward and work together to develop a group to
28 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 benefit both sites. Local enthusiasts have started to take over with monitoring on site, with butterfly transects under taken in summer 2016 Appendix 7.
4.2.7 Marketing
The Council web site was updated corporately at the beginning of 2016 and the decision was made to reduce the amount of individual pages and condense the information together where possible. A page was set up as an overview for the Green Flag sites, but this needs to be developed further to include contacts for volunteering opportunities and information on the sites, this includes increasing information for Uphill.
The hill is promoted by Uphillviews (the village magazine) as well as other leaflets and publications such as the Visitors Guide and Uphill Walks booklet produced by the Uphill Village Society and NSC, and are circulated by the Uphill Village Society. Copies are available on the Village Society website notice board (www.uphillvillage.org.uk). The visitors guide is regularly distributed in the village by the volunteer warden and also goes out at the village fetes and events.
There is good on site provision of information in the form of interpretation boards and a notice board.
NSC and Avon Wildlife Trust are hoping to advertise joint work sessions on the two sites going forward a couple of times a year. This will hopefully create more interest from local people to support the volunteer warden and help with ongoing tasks on the sites.
4.2.8 Management
Management focuses on maintaining and enhancing the wildlife and amenity value of the site. The management committee meet twice a year and acts as a forum for discussion and takes forward actions identified in the management plan.
Partnership working with community groups and volunteers, Avon Wildlife Trust, Uphill Village Society and the Police/PCSO is an important part of the management of the hill and will be continued.
The current owners of the café are actively involved with the site, and regularly report issues back to NSC. They are also key holders and volunteers for the church, which means they are involved in the whole site and work closely with NSC when arranging events.
This plan will be used to guide the management of Uphill Hill over the next 5 years.
29 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 5.0 VISION, AIMS, OBJECTIVES & ACTION PLAN
This section uses the analysis of the site made in previous sections as follows:
• to re-enforce the vision for Uphill Hill; • to summarise the overall aims for Uphill Hill for the next 5 years; • to summarise our 1 year and 5 year priorities for Uphill Hill; • to provide a detailed 5 year action plan for Uphill Hill with aims, objectives and actions, as illustrated below:
5.1 Vision
“To conserve and enhance Uphill Hill’s species-rich calcareous grassland, rare plants and associated wildlife through grazing and scrub management whilst maintaining public enjoyment and understanding of the site”
5.2 Aims – This is how we plan to achieve the Vision, by focusing on a number of important key areas:
The Table below shows the key management Issues for the sites as defined by Green Flag criteria
A Welcoming Place Sustainability Community Involvement • Ensure that Uphill Hill Local Nature • Adopt environmental management • To recognise and encourage further Reserve is welcoming and accessible principles to reduce the impact of community involvement in the management operations on the conservation site through consultation, environment events and activities.
Healthy, Safe and Secure Conservation Marketing • Work towards keeping risk as low as • Maintain the species-rich calcareous • To actively promote the LNR to all reasonably possible for all users of the grassland in favourable condition. potential users. conservation site • To maintain and extend populations of rare plants • To maintain and enhance the
30 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
biodiversity of the site, making the most of opportunities that will benefit wildlife Clean and Well Maintained Heritage Management • To maintain good standards of • Maintain and/or enhance the site’s • To provide a responsive, flexible and cleanliness and site maintenance important history and archaeology high quality management service. • Maintain the strategic significance of the conservation site in the Green Infrastructure Strategy.
5.3 Summary of 1 and 5 year priorities
This section summarises our priorities for 2017, and sets out our aspirations and priorities for the next five years. The realisation of these aspirations will be strongly influenced by the availability of resources (see section 6.0). Each year, we will review our progress against the action plan and draw from the aspirations to inform future action plans.
Priorities for 2017 Priorities for the next 5 years (2017 – 22)
• Continue grazing • Seek options for funding a seasonal warden. • Survey Somerset hair grass, honewort and other red • Continue to graze cattle and sheep to maintain and enhance data book species. the calcareous grassland • Continue regular species surveys/monitoring, invite • Carry out scrub management and removal of invasive other specialist organisations to carry out surveys. species in agreement with Natural England to maintain • Look at options to reinstate events and activities in the populations of rare plants. absence of a seasonal warden • Maintain species surveys and monitoring • Recruit volunteers and other volunteers wardens to • Continue to hold events and activities on the hill carry out small scale practical management tasks • Repair/replace fencing around quarry face/sheep enclosure • Continue to engage with dog walkers where required • maintain positive engagement with dog walkers • Seek to maintain a reduction in dog fouling • Continue to maintain relationships with volunteers, community groups, Police/PCSO and different user groups
31 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
• Seek to reduce antisocial behaviour during the summer in particular • Consider altering the site gates to allow better access for all • Investigate updating the signage to outline a code of conduct for the site to incorporate higher cycle usage now the path has been updated.
32 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 5.4 5 year action plan
Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) A welcoming Place • Ensure that Uphill LNR is welcoming and accessible A1.1) Maintain signage and A1.1.1) Ensure entrance Most have been Ongoing NSC other entrance infrastructure signs and interpretation are updated – more Officers/Volunteers in acceptable condition being looked at 2018 A1.1.2) Update information Quarterly/daily NSC in the notice board on a New board installed Officers/Volunteers regular basis to include 2018 information on site management, species, events and volunteer opportunities. Including location of cattle on the hill.
A1.1.3) signage may need to Extra signage added Review 2017 NSC Officers be updated to reflect high 2017 cycle use as now part of the National Cycle Route A1.2) Maintain access and A1.2.1) Continue to cut grass Ongoing NSC grounds pathways to an acceptable either side of tidal trail within maintenance contract standard area that is not grazed.
A1.2.2) Keep paths clear of Ongoing/bi- Volunteers/contractors over hanging vegetation. Cut annually hedge along tidal trail in 2018 – two year rotation.
33 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) A1.2.3) Clear detritus/litter as Ongoing Volunteers/NSC required Officers/contractors A1.3) Seek funding to return a A1.3.1) monitor funding Ongoing NSC Officer time Seasonal Warden Post opportunities Healthy, Safe and Secure • Work towards keeping risk as low as reasonably possible for all users of the conservation site A2.1) Keep risk of harm from A2.1.1) Carry out tree Woodland checked Walk over survey Tree Officers trees to a minimum inspections as part of the 2017 when issues NSC tree risk management reported – every policy. 4 years if possible A2.2) Maintain infrastructure to A2.2.1) Inspect quarry fence, Monthly/annually NSC officer/ an acceptable standard record inspection and carry Countryside budget. out repairs as necessary. Hydrock
A2.2.2) Replace Some works have This needs to be NSC Officers quarry/sheep enclosure been noted as assessed fence if required. needed in 2015 – annually but is will need to assess likely to require in 2017 – extra significant works repairs made 2017 during the term of this plan
A2.2.3) Carry out regular Inspections logged Twice annually NSC recorded inspections of officer/Volunteers/Cont infrastructure (including the Volunteer warden ractors lime kiln, explosives store, on site daily sheep wash, tower, benches, gates, dog bins, signs, walls etc) and action repairs/refurbishment where
34 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) required. Volunteers should report any problems or health and safety issues to NSC. A2.3) Continue quarry A2.3.1) Hydrock to continue Report generated by Annually Revenue inspections annual inspections and contractor and written report. Where a returned to NSC hazard is identified as ‘substantial’ recommendations should be implemented.
A2.3.1) Mendip Outdoor Damage was Twice a year – in Revenue Pursuits to continue ground located 2017 – MOP November and anchor inspections monitoring May A2.3) Continue to inform public A2.3.1) Fly the ‘Cow Flag’ at When the cattle Volunteer when the cattle are grazing the boat yard entrance when are on the hill Warden/NSC Officers cattle are grazing (April + June- November) A2.3.2) Put up seasonal Ongoing Volunteer signs at the entrances to the Warden/NSC officer hill.
A2.3.3) ensure that the map Volunteer is updated daily to indicate warden/farmer best possible representation of the where the cattle are on the hill A2.4) Continue to publicise the A2.4.1) Include information Volunteer warden Ongoing Volunteers/NSC officer importance of keeping dogs on on appropriate signage, updates notice
35 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) leads when the cattle are display in notice board and in board and the café grazing. newsletters, hand out has leaflets leaflets. Clean and Well Maintained • To maintain good standards of cleanliness and site maintenance A3.1) Seek to reduce littering A3.1.1) Continue to litter pick Ongoing NSC grounds and dog fouling alongside path as part of maintenance contract grass cutting
A3.1.2) Continue to empty 3x per week NSC streets and open dog bins spaces contract
A3.1.3) Volunteers to Weekly Volunteer Warden continue litter picking
A3.1.4) Encourage Area Community Ongoing Area Officer/Dog Officer and Dog Warden Response Officer Warden Service to target the hill in conducts regular Service/Community the absence of a paid patrols and attends response officers seasonal warden. parish council meetings since A3.1.5) Publicise the 2015. Ongoing NSC officer/Volunteers importance of ‘picking up after your dog’ and PSPS’s have come encourage the public to into force 2017/18 report incidents to Environment Protection with an address or vehicle registration number. A3.2) Maintain site A3.2.1) See A2.2.3
36 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) infrastructure A3.2.2) Carry out Contractors were Annually Community vegetation/scrub clearance engaged to cut back payback/contractors from lime kiln, explosives scrub as part of rock store and sheep wash as face visits in required. 2015/16 – will survey 2017
A3.2.3) ensure new surface Vegetation cut Inspect regularly NSC of the tidal trail is maintained winter 2017 Officers/Sustrans/volun and vegetation is cut back teer annually warden/contractors
Sustainability • Adopt environmental management principles to reduce the impact of management operations on the environment A4.1) Continue to graze site A4.1.1) Renew cattle grazing Completed 2016 2016/17 NSC officer time agreement for 2016-21.
A4.1.2) Continue to graze New grazier located Annually between Volunteer sheep (preferably Soays) in 2017 – Welsh Black October- Warden/NSC officer. enclosure mountain Sheep December A4.2) Where possible use local A4.2.1) Investigate New recycled plastic As required NSC officer and recycled materials for new opportunities on a case by bench donated 2018 structures case basis A4.3) Where possible keep A4.3.1) Create habitat piles Trees brought down Ongoing Volunteers/contractors wood from trees on site in woodland in the storms of 2017 have been A4.3.2) Leave standing dead planed to make wood where possible benches for other local woodlands –
37 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) rest of material left on site Large oak fell in 2017 used to make bungs for a veteran oak on another NSC site A4.4) Where appropriate A4.4.1) lose cut scrub in Ongoing HLS compost cut vegetation on site areas of dense scrub/copse. This must be agreed with Natural England in advance as other options may be more appropriate. Conservation • To maintain and enhance the species-rich calcareous grassland • To maintain and extend populations of rare plants • To maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the site, making the most of opportunities that will benefit wildlife A5.1) Continue to graze site to A5.1.1) Graze the main Due to difficult Annually Volunteer maintain and enhance grassland with young cattle summer grazing April + June- Warden/NSC species-rich calcareous (bullocks or heifers) in April continued into November officer/farmers grassland and then between June- December this year October/November 2018 (depending on grass growth). From June to November the stocking rate should be increased to a number appropriate to the amount of grazing.
A5.1.2) With the consent of As required – in
38 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) Natural England allow extreme cases supplementary feeding of hay (usually barley straw) but not concentrates on the west side of tidal trail, where botanical interest is lower. – this would only be granted in extreme cases
A5.1.3) Pull common ragwort Volunteers/Volunteer from grazing area, and April-August, warden/community stinking iris and burdock in annually payback enclosure. Bag and dispose of off site. Volunteers were supported by A5.1.4) Graze the enclosure contractors in 2015 Volunteer Warden/ with sheep, preferably Soays due to a particularly Annually NSC officer/famer or a similar breed between vigorous growing October- October and December. year December Alternative rare A5.1.5) Also see A2.4 breeds used 2017 A5.2) Continue scrub A5.2.1) Assess scrub Under HLS capital Assessment HLS management to maintain and management required in works agreement carried out with extend populations of rare consultation with Natural rock faces have NE in 2015 and plants. England, Including control of been sprayed every progress was scrub on rock faces. year under NE good – revisit guidance. Capital 2017 works grant ends 2015/16 – will need to be assessed in 2016/17 – minimal 39 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) A5.2.2) Dispose of cut scrub work carried out Work must be HLS by losing in areas of dense 2017 carried out scrub/copse agreed with outside the bird Natural England. Burning nesting season. may be considered in areas away from diverse grassland, but consent from Natural England must be obtained in advance.
A5.2.3) Stump treatment Red valerian and April, and August HLS may be required as part of cotoneaster were annually scrub management with the stump treated in consent of Natural England. 2015/16 under NE direction as part of capital works grant
Farmer was A5.2.4) Top thistles to engaged in 2015 to Farmer prevent spreading. Maintain top condensed thistles in agreed areas. areas of thistle. Will need to look at low lying wet area in early 2018
A5.3) Control invasive species A5.3.1) Carry out an annual See A5.2.3 Annual HLS to maintain and extend assessment of rock faces assessment. NSC officer/Natural populations of rare plants. and remove invasive species Work has been England as appropriate in carried out 2011- consultation with Natural 16 with good England. results – assess 40 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) 2017. A5.3.2) Control invasive species where they are having a detrimental effect e.g. on habitats or where it causes structural damage. If the application of herbicide is the only viable means of control then Natural England must give their consent. A5.4) Continue to Carry out A5.4.1) Continue to count Good numbers were Annually, Volunteer Warden/NE rare plant surveys/monitoring plants and flowering stems of observed in 2016. September goldilocks aster and record. No locations found in 2017, scrub works planned. Scrub work Annually carried out 2018
A5.4.1) Continue to record Engage with local numbers of bee orchids, flora specialist pyramidal orchids, green winged orchids, common Flora survey carried 2017/2020 Somerset Rare Plants spotted orchids and autumn out 2018 Group and Somerset ladies tresses. Botany Group
A5.4.2) Monitor/survey Was not achieved in honewort, Somerset hair 2015/16 – need to grass and other red list arrange in 2017 plants. where possible. Somerset Rare Plants contacted in Every 7 years. Natural England 41 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) 2017, will consider Last assessment the site in 2018 in August 2009.
A5.4.3) Natural England to Was not carried out carry out site condition in 2016 – NE to assessments advice A5.5) Continue to carry out A5.5.1) Carry out bird Annually in May, volunteers/local fauna surveys/monitoring and surveys using Seasonal June, July and experts record results. Wardens 2010 methodology. August See appendix 5 for survey stops.
A5.5.2) Monitor butterfly Last count carried At least monthly, volunteers/local populations using out 2016 see between April- experts established transect route appendix 7 for September (appendix 6/7) following results annually Butterfly Conservation Trust methodology.
A5.5.3) Record April, annually volunteers presence/absence of dotted bee fly near enclosure by visiting twice in April annually. A5.6) Enhance woodland A5.6.1) Carry out small scale Ongoing – as Tree structure and improve management such as budgets allow Officer/Biodiversity biodiversity sycamore and ash coppicing Officer/Seasonal and planting Warden/Volunteers In agreement with Tree Officers/Biodiversity Officer.
42 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) A5.7) Maintain hedges and A5.7.1) maintain the hedge Bi-annual cut – last Between October improve connectivity where in front of the sheep cut early 2016 and February. possible enclosure and encourage it Cut 2018 to grow thick
A5.7.2) Assess hedge for re- HLS laying in the future baring in mind impact on security of sheep enclosure.
A5.7.3) Seek to restore 2016-2022 HLS/Countryside hedge between the sheep budget wash and 2nd gate which has become over grown with bramble.
A5.7.4) monitor hedge that annually Contractors/community overhangs fence line along payback public footpath at the top of Folly Lane.
A5.7.5) Gap up hedgerows assess annually. Volunteer with appropriate native Warden/Volunteers species where possible when required A5.8) Manage vegetation in A5.8.1) Allow vegetation to Annually, Contractors front of laid hedge to maintain grow and cut and remove the Preferably later to a diverse and tall vegetation arisings between October maintain guard at structure to provide seeds and and February every year. the bottom of the cover for wildlife. hedge whilst 43 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) sheep on site A5.9) Investigate putting up A5.9.1) Investigate the need 2017-22 NSC Officer animal boxes in the woodland for owl boxes and bat boxes next to Underwood Field and implement if appropriate Heritage • Maintain and/or enhance the site’s important history and archaeology
A6.1) Continue to light tower A6.1.1) Liaise with Uphill Uphill village society Ongoing Uphill Village beacon to commemorate Village society and provide replaced beacon Society/Rangers special occasions ranger support if required. 2018 A6.2) Continue to maintain A6.2.1) See A2.2.3 and Looking at works to historic features A3.2.2 new lime kiln 2018 A6.3) Investigate links with A6.3.1) Liaise with NSC Ongoing NSC Officer archaeological groups to archaeologist maintain historical structures. Community Involvement • To recognise and encourage further community involvement in the conservation site through consultation, events and activities. A7.1) Recruit additional A7.1.1) Work with AWT to Ongoing NSC Officer/AWT volunteer warden and recruit joint voluntary warden volunteers to assist in site for Uphill Hill and management and monitoring Walborough and advertise for volunteers in notice board and in publications. A7.2) Continue to support A7.2.1) Provide volunteers Ongoing NSC Officer existing volunteer groups and with tools, litter pickers, bin seek other groups that could bags and gloves if required be involved. A7.2.2) Maintain regular communication with groups
44 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue)
A7.2.3) Contact other groups Avon wildlife trust that may be interested in engaged with maintenance tasks e.g osprey outdoor Osprey Outdoors purists 2018
Marketing • To actively promote the LNR to all potential users. A8.1) Raise awareness of the A8.1.1) See marketing Ongoing NSC Officer/ conservation site and promote strategy (appendix 11) /Volunteers/ volunteering opportunities, AWT events and activities. A8.1.2) Seek to continue appropriate events and educational activities in the absence of paid warden Management • To provide a responsive, flexible and high quality management service. A9.1) Seek funding for A9.1.1) actively seek funding Ongoing NSC officer seasonal warden post opportunities for seasonal warden A9.2) Volunteer activities tied A9.2.1) Arrange regular Twice annually NSC officer into specific aims and priorities meetings to agree on a work of the management plan schedule. A9.3) Carry out user survey A9.3.1) Ask visitors to fill out 2017/18 NSC officer/Volunteers standard form about the site A9.4) Continue partnership A9.4.1) Continue twice working annually management committee meetings
45 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Objectives Actions Measure Timetable Resources (staff/capital/ revenue) A9.4.2) Maintain links with Annually Avon Wildlife Trust
A9.4.3) Maintain links with Annually Uphill Village Society
A9.4.4) Seek to reduce anti Ongoing NSC officer, social behaviour and miss- Volunteers, Visitors to use by continuing to work the hill. with local Police/PCSO and increase volunteer presence/CRO. Put telephone number to report miss-use in notice board. A9.5) Monitor and review site A9.5.1) as part of Twice annually NSC officer management management committee meetings. A9.6) Respond to public Ongoing NSC officer/Volunteers reports quickly and efficiently
46 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 6.0 FINANCE
6.1 Existing expenditure
Higher Lever Stewardship payments from Natural England are £3012.20 per year, received in in two payments. This goes towards specialist contractors, graziers and repairs/upkeep of the infrastructure for conservation benefits. This does not extend to everyday maintenance and repairs.
From this amount, currently, £370 is paid to the sheep grazier to pay for transportation and fuel to check the sheep whilst on site, as well as a conservation grazing grant.
Around £2000 a year is allocated to specialist conservation contractors, who carry out scrub removal and spot treatment of invasive species using specialist equipment – often involving abseiling.
The remainder of the grant is used towards yearly ad-hoc conservation works, such as extra cutting, sheep enclosure infrastructure repairs and other requirements on site.
Grounds maintenance and dog bin emptying fall under the Parks and Street scene Contract. This is a resource based contract and not a bill of quantity contract and as such is difficult to quantify a cost to the site and individual jobs.
The council also has a social enterprise contract with Somerset Wood Recycling, who provide the council with a Green Team and also work with Community Payback and local volunteers. This team provides additional grounds maintenance at Uphill Hill as of when required and supports the volunteers.
7.0 MONITORING AND REVIEW
The management plan sets out a clear and detailed 5 year action plan, and outlines a number of aspirations.
It is our intention that the action plan will form an integral part of the responsible officers overall annual work plan and targets, which will be reviewed on an ongoing basis through one to one meetings with managers and the more formal performance review process.
The action plan will also be reviewed by the management committee twice annually, and progress monitored. This will be used to inform the action plan for the following year, and if appropriate, make minor changes to the overall management plan. 47 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4
The management plan will be subject to a major review every 5 years, when it will be re-drafted and subject to consultation to develop a plan for the following 5 years.
48 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Appendix 1: agreed route for vehicles driving on to Uphill Hill
49 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Appendix 2: Regular events and activities – agreed with NSC and NE
Organisation Event Date Caveats Uphill Village Society – Memorial service November Ground Conditions must be checked Wessex 4x4 before access continues Cattle Farmer Driving on hill to check cattle April – November Ground conditions must be constantly monitored Uphill Village Society – Lantern – new year’s eve 31st December Ground Conditions must be checked North Somerset Council before access continues Ranger Service Somerset Wood Recycling General maintenance tasks All year round Ground Conditions must be checked and litter clearance on the hill, before access continues woods, tower SB fencing – fencing Any fence related repairs on All year round Ground Conditions must be checked contractor site, including top of the before access continues sheep enclosure and Underwood Field Green Mantle Specialist contract works on September-March Ground Conditions must be checked Environmental and Habitat the site before access continues Management Service and Consultancy Churches Conservation Events and services All year round Ground Conditions must be checked Trust –Wessex 4x4 before access continues NSC Vegetation works around the September – March Ground Conditions must be checked lime kiln, explosive store, before access continues sheep wash and flag post Axe District Walks Along the West Mendip Way All year round
Any vehicle access required should be agreed in advance with NSC, and should follow the agreed route in appendix 1 unless specifically agreed otherwise with NSC & NE, and ensure no damage is caused (i.e. check ground conditions to prevent erosion, rutting, compaction). If damage is possible then further advice must be sought in advance.
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Appendix 3: Citation
51 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Appendix 4 Interesting and rare plants on Uphill Hill
These are photographs of some rare and interesting plants found on Uphill Hill. Some of the rarest species are Somerset hair grass (no photo), honewort, goldilocks aster (no photo), eyebright, horseshoe vetch, kidney vetch and cowslips. Others are not very common such as the bee orchid, green-winged orchid, pyramidal orchid and autumn ladies tresses.
Bee Orchid
Green winged orchid Green winged orchid Pyramidal orchid
Autumn ladies tresses
Honewort Eyebright Kidney Vetch Horseshoe Vetch Photographer: J R Crellin Photographer: J R Crellin Photographer: J R Crellin Photographer: J R Crellin http://creativecommons.org/li http://creativecommons.org/l http://creativecommons.org/l Cowslip http://creativecommons.org/ censes/by-nc-nd/3.0/ icenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ icenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
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Appendix 5: full bird survey 2010
Observations and survey results for the period between April 2010 and October 2010:
The survey technique used consisted of recording the highest number of each species of bird observed within 15 minutes on seven carefully selected sites around the nature reserve. These were “Kestrel cliffs” (sat at the picnic bench), “Sheepwash hedgerow” (sat by the Sheepwash), the “Far southern corner”, “Woodpecker wood” (sat by the large pit), “Underwood field” sat at the top looking across and down, “Hairgrass rock” by the enclosure opposite the benches by the church and “Beefly path” the path that runs along the top of the tidal trail hedgerow.
The results show that 48 different species of bird were observed during the survey across the 7 sites. The recording of the Long-eared owl was particularly important as it is the first record of this notably rare bird. A pair of Long-eared owl fledglings were spotted off survey and the adult continues to be observed throughout October, along the Tidal trail and in the Sheepwash area.
Also spotted off survey have been: • Peregrine falcons, 4 of, circling high above the enclosure and the tower in early April. Clearly hunting. • A Red kite was observed nearby on Warlborough flying west to east towards Bleadon hill in early October. • Tawny owls have been spotted at the Folly lane area during the summer months. • A Barn owl was spotted during September hunting over the reserves. • Three Oyster catchers were observed in the spring in the Cliff area and could have been looking for a suitable nesting site.
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20th 27th 4th 10th 16th 24th 9th 22nd 2nd 4th May May June June June June July July Aug Aug 22nd Aug Totals
Black backed gull 1 1 3 5 2 2 14 Black headed gull 2 4 3 2 11 Blackbird 12 9 5 9 6 1 1 4 3 2 3 55 Black cap 1 1 Blue tit 3 3 1 2 12 2 23 Buzzard 1 2 2 5 Carrion crow 3 27 3 7 2 6 4 9 3 4 68 Chaffinch 3 8 1 8 5 1 1 1 1 29 Chiff Chaff 2 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 15 Collared dove 1 3 4 Common pheasant 1 1 Cormorant 1 1 Dunnock 2 5 4 1 1 2 2 2 19 Goldfinch 3 10 8 10 16 4 4 1 9 3 2 70 Great tit 4 2 1 2 2 2 1 5 4 2 25 Greater-spotted woodpecker 1 1 Green woodpecker 3 1 4 8 Greenfinch 1 1 2 1 2 7 Grey Heron 1 1 2 2 2 8 Grey Wagtail 1 1 Herring Gull 10 5 15 17 11 8 21 13 19 10 9 138 House martin 2 2 16 20 Jackdaw 11 7 10 42 9 6 20 12 29 146 Kestrel 4 1 2 2 4 2 7 8 2 4 2 38 Lesser Black-backed gull 54 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 Lesser Whitethroat 1 1 Linnet 2 1 2 2 1 8 Little Egret Long Eared Owl 2 2 Long-tailed tit 2 2 2 7 13 Magpie 3 9 4 6 13 3 4 12 10 4 7 75 Mallard 4 5 2 1 12 Raven 2 2 Robin 3 1 1 1 1 1 6 8 8 30 Rook 1 2 2 2 1 8 Shelduck 1 1 Skylark 3 1 1 5 Song thrush 1 1 2 Sparrow 1 1 Sparrow hawk 1 1 2 Starling 10 7 15 6 4 19 61 Swallow 5 6 8 6 4 3 5 5 18 60 Swift 14 2 8 6 2 17 21 4 74 Wheatear 2 2 White dove 1 3 4 Whitethroat 1 2 4 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 20 Woodpigeon 5 7 7 13 9 3 13 16 15 8 7 103 Wren 5 5 7 9 5 2 1 3 6 2 4 49
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Appendix 6: 2010 Butterfly Survey
The results show that this year was a good one for the Common blue, the Meadow brown and the Gatekeeper butterflies. Large white numbers in comparison seem to be lower then normal and this may be a trend locally or even nationally. Painted lady numbers are well down on last years numbers and goes to show what an exceptional year for them last year was. The rare Chalkhill blue makes up a pleasing 3% of the total but the Brown Argus only makes up 1% of the total this year. No Brimstones were recorded this year but the Warden observed several on site off transect.
200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Ringlet PeacockComma Grayling Brimstone Holly Blue Orange Tip Wall Brown GatekeeperSmall Blue Large SmallWhite White Red Admiral Small BrownHeath Argus Painted Lady Large Skipper SmallCommon Copper Blue Hedge Brown ChalkhillMarbled Blue White Speckled Wood Meadow Brown Small Tortoiseshell Small/Essex Skipper Green-veined White
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Appendix 7: 2016 butterfly survey
Although there is still a good population of Common Blue on site, the numbers recorded were down by 87 sightings, a similar results was noted with Gate Keepers also. Meadow Brown’s are still being recorded in strong numbers on the site. All other species do seem to be present in low numbers similar to that seen in 2010. Although it is disappointing that numbers have decreased the Butterfly Conservation Trust have recorded lessening numbers across the board for the last few years and so we are overall pleased with the findings on site for this year. We will compare these results to the next survey to try and ascertain a true representation on site.
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Appendix 8 Uphill Hill LNR list of partners
NAME OF MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES ORGANISATION CONTACT NAME North Somerset Council Samantha Phillips Overall management of site Natural Environment Officer North Somerset Council Susan Stangroom Technical advice relevant to site Biodiversity Officer
North Somerset Council Cllr John Ley-Morgan Chairman of management committee
Natural England Tom Lane Ensure correct management of SSSI’s Conservation Officer
Avon Wildlife Trust Racheal Flickweiler Management of adjacent site (Walborough LNR) Reserves Manager
N/A Volunteer wardens Regular site visits
Uphill Village Society Stewart Castle Works in partnership with council and contributes financially to projects
Updated November 2016
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Appendix 9 Standard Safety Risk Assessment Forms
WORK ACTIVITIES FOR: DIRECTORATE: Visitors to Uphill Hill Development & Environment
Name of Assessor
Date
Activities Identified: Uphill Hill is a popular place with local people and visitors to the area for relaxation and the walking of dogs.
Associated Hazards: 1. Steep quarry face 2. Presence of cattle 3. Steep ground 4. Sheep wash 5. Dog fouling 6. Paths 7. Cattle Drinking Troughs People at risk: Visitors to the hill, contractors.
Existing Control measures : (eg. Safe Methods of Work, Training/Information/Instructions, NSC guidance/best practice, PPE etc) 1. The quarry face is securely fenced, with warning signs, and is checked on a regular basis. 2. Signage informs visitors at all entrances when cattle are grazing, and a flag is also flown to reinforce this message. 3. This is a natural hazard of the site and is obvious from the main stone dust pathway through the site. 4. This contains a reasonable depth of water during times of high rainfall and is securely fenced with signage. 5. Dog Control Orders are in place allowing prosecution of anyone failing to pick up after their dog. Dog bins are situated at all entrances. Volunteer wardens are engaged to help ensure dog owners comply with the requirements of the site. NSC officer’s are regularly present on site. 6. Paths are checked regularly for trip hazards by volunteers/warden and NSC officer Action Required: Ensure signage and fencing remains intact. Written Procedure Completed? YES / NO
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WORK ACTIVITIES FOR: DIRECTORATE: Burning of scrub, Uphill Hill Development & Environment
Name of Assessor Samantha Phillips
Date 24 November 2016
Activities Identified: Scrub is occasionally cleared from the hill and is either burnt on site or lost in a suitable rough patch of ground. Burning is only as approved by Natural England and usually involves either burning in bramble patches or on corrugated iron on the quarry floor.
Associated Hazards: Fire causing burns or remaining hot enough to damage people or livestock.
People at risk: Contractor, visitors to the hill, members of staff.
Existing Control measures : (eg. Safe Methods of Work, Training/Information/Instructions, NSC guidance/best practice, PPE etc) Specialist environmental contractors are taken on to do this work who have their own risk assessments and whose staff are trained. Scrub clearance takes place during the winter months when visitor numbers are less and when cattle are not usually on the hill.
Action Required: Ensure contractor aware of risks and risk assessment scrutinised. Ensure all fires extinguished before site is left.
Written Procedure Completed? YES / NO
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WORK ACTIVITIES FOR: DIRECTORATE: Uphill Hill wardens Development & Environment
Name of Assessor Samantha Phillips
Date 24 November 2016
Activities Identified:
Uphill hill is a public open space used for quiet relaxation and is very popular with dog walkers. The hill is grazed by cattle during the summer. Volunteer wardens assist council officials in management and monitoring of the site. Wardens are aware of the everyday hazards associated with the site such as quarry face, steepness of slopes, presence of cattle and rough, slippery paths.
Associated Hazards:
The main hazard to wardens is members of the public and their unpredictability when being asked to do something to which they may object.
Existing Control measures : (eg. Safe Methods of Work, Training/Information/Instructions, NSC guidance/best practice, PPE etc)
Wardens are advised at no time to put themselves in danger and to avoid confrontation. Any issue that they feel unable to deal with should be referred to the Natural Environment Officer. Their role should not involve enforcement but they do become known to local site users and do advise on site requirements such as dogs on leads whilst cattle are grazing. The volunteer warden carries a mobile phone for general use, and also in case of any emergency situations.
Action Required:
Ensure new wardens are advised of role and responsibilities.
Written Procedure Completed? YES / NO
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Appendix 10: inspection forms
SITE: UPHILL HILL, CHURCH PATH ENTRANCE
DATE:
CHECKLIST TICK COMMENTS Railings
Entrance signs
Seats
Quarry fencing / signs
Fencing top of enclosure
Tower
Miscellaneous
Boxes to be ticked when inspection made. No comments implies all satisfactory.
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Appendix 11 Marketing Strategy
Objectives We aim to encourage and increase the number of visitors to Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve by creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing an environment conducive to leisure activities and relaxation.
Actions Our objectives will be met through the actions outlined below:
a) Site entrances to display welcoming signs. These signs give an overview of the site along with historical and wildlife information. b) Increase the number of events held on Uphill Hill. Historically a number of events have been held on the hill. These have catered for all age groups and have been very popular. These events should be built on in the future and the venue used whenever possible. c) Raise awareness of the site through promotional literature and Council’s website. A visitor guide and walks booklet have been produced and are made available at Tourist Information Centres, libraries, sports centres and other Council outlets. The volunteer warden also hands out these leaflets and they are easily available on the internet. Volunteers working on the site will be encouraged to hand out these leaflets. d) Produce press releases about events and developments. Ensure events are advertised in the local press along with news of any significant developments on the site. Including Uphill News. e) Residents’ survey. These should be undertaken every few years, to be delivered to residents with statutory Council literature to avoid excessive postal charges. f) Encourage input from voluntary wardens. Voluntary wardens are very helpful with the management of the site. Any local person interested in taking on this role should be encouraged to help in whatever way they can. g) Keep local Village Society aware of site developments. The Village Society forms a useful link between the District Council and local residents. A regular article is written for the Uphill Village Society quarterly newsletter giving information on current issues. h) Make every effort to keep the site clean.
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Appendix 12: Natural England Views about management
Views About Management
A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Uphill Cliff Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
This statement represents English Nature’s views about the management of the SSSI for nature conservation. This statement sets out, in principle, our views on how the site’s special conservation interest can be conserved and enhanced. English Nature has a duty to notify the owners and occupiers of SSSI of its views about the management of the land.
Not all of the management principles will be equally appropriate to all parts of the SSSI. Also, there may be other management activities, additional to our current views, which can be beneficial to the conservation and enhancement of the features of interest.
The management views set out below do not constitute consent for any operation. English Nature’s written consent is still required before carrying out any operation likely to damage the features of special interest (see your SSSI notification papers for a list of these operations). English Nature welcomes consultation with owners, occupiers and users of the SSSI to ensure that the management of this site conserves and enhances the features of interest, and to ensure that all necessary prior consents are obtained.
Management Principles
In order to maintain a species-rich sward and its associated insects and other invertebrates, calcareous grassland requires active management. Without management it rapidly becomes dominated by stands of rank grasses, such as Tor- grass. These grasses, together with the build up of dead plant matter, suppress less vigorous species and lower the diversity of the site. Eventually, the site will scrub over. Traditionally, management of calcareous grassland is achieved by grazing. The precise timing and intensity of grazing will vary both between and within sites, according to local conditions and requirements (such as type of stock or the needs of particular vegetation types, individual plants or animals; certain invertebrates, for example, can benefit from the presence of taller vegetation) but should aim to keep a relatively open sward without causing excessive poaching. Light trampling can be beneficial by breaking down leaf litter and providing bare patches for seed germination and some invertebrates. An element of managed scrub, both within and fringing calcareous grassland, can be of great importance to certain birds and invertebrates but excessive scrub should be controlled. No other management should
65 Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan November 2016 V4 be routinely required. The application of pesticides, including herbicides, or any fertilizer would be damaging and should be avoided.
Uphill Cliff Views About Management, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Schedule 11(6) Version date: 07/02/03 Page 66 of 85
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Appendix 13 Operations likely to damage the special Interest of Uphill Hill (Natural England).
Operations likely to damage the special interest Site name: Uphill Cliff OLD1000858 Ref. No. Type of Operation 1 Cultivation, including ploughing, rotovating, harrowing, and re-seeding. 2 Changes in the grazing regime (including type of stock, intensity or seasonal pattern of grazing and cessation of grazing). 3 Stock feeding. 4 The introduction of or changes in the mowing or cutting regime (including hay making to silage and cessation). 5 Application of manure, fertilisers and lime. 6 Application of pesticides, including herbicides (weedkillers). 7 Dumping, spreading or discharge of any materials. 8 Burning. 9 The release into the site of any wild, feral or domestic animal*, or any plant or seed. 10 The killing or removal of any wild animal*, including pest control. 11 The destruction, displacement, removal or cutting of any plant or plant remains, including tree, shrub, herb, hedge, dead or decaying wood, moss, lichen, fungus, leaf-mould and turf. 12 The introduction of tree or woodland management including afforestation and planting. 13a Drainage (including moor-gripping and the use of mole, tile, tunnel or other artificial drains). 14 The changing of water levels and tables and water utilisation (including irrigation, storage and abstraction from existing water bodies and through boreholes). 20 Extraction of minerals, including topsoil, subsoil, and lime. 21 Construction, removal or destruction of roads, tracks, walls, fences, hardstands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines and cables, above or below ground. 22 Storage of materials. 23 Erection of permanent or temporary structures, or the undertaking of engineering works, including drilling. 24 Modification of natural or man-made features, clearance of boulders, large stones, loose rock or scree and battering, buttressing or grading rock-faces and infilling of quarries. 26 Use of vehicles likely to damage or disturb features of interest. 27 Recreational or other activities likely to damage features of interest.
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* ‘animal’ includes any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate.
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Appendix 14 Uphill Hill updates January 2016
Management plan objectives and Supporting image actions A5.2) Continue scrub management to maintain and extend populations of rare plants.
Management of scrub (including bramble, red valerian, cotoneaster and ivy) growing on the rock face areas where there is potential for rare plants to flourish was carried out by specialist contractors in September 2015, in accordance with the HLS agreement for the hill.
NE site visits in summer 2015 feed back was very positive and it was noted that there was a noticeable decline in valerian and cotoneaster since treatment had started in 2013.
A2.2) Maintain infrastructure….
Buddleia was reduced around the lime kiln this year to prevent the roots causing damage to the stone works, the floor area was also sprayed this year to control weed growth.
A3.2.3) seek funding to upgrade cycle track…..
As part of the Central Government Scheme to create a National cycle Track and Coastal Path the pathway across Uphill is being upgraded during winter 2015/16. NE consent was required as the pathway is being updated and resurfaced to create an ‘access for all’ path. The pathway will be reinstated to its 3m width to allow disabled and shared access.
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A8.1) Raise awareness of the site… Events Churches Together also held another ‘Prayer on the hill’ event in July. People from the community attended to pray in unity for the welfare of local communities. Assent was given by Natural England for this event.
The village society, supported by Wessex 4 wheel Drive, enabled a number of residence to attend a memorial service at the church on 11th November. Assent was given by NE for this A7.2) Continue to support existing volunteer groups…
Volunteer Wardens and The Brandon Trust continue to be active on the hill. Tasks include litter picking, small scale vegetation management and generally keeping an eye on the hill and reporting any issues to NSC.
Somerset Wood Recycling (a social enterprise who work with volunteers and probation group) aid with ragwort clearance this year. A5.1) Continue to graze site to maintain and enhance species- rich calcareous grassland
Cattle grazed the main hill during between April – November 2015 (with a month off in May to allow the orchids to flower). The cattle were able to stay on until late November this year due to continued warm weather. They were actively encouraged to go into Underwood Field also at the request of NE. Soay sheep grazed the enclosure between October 2015 and December 2015.
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Appendix 15 NE Uphill Scrub Management Plan date for 2015 onwards.
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Appendix 16: Overview of the previous 5 year management plan
Since the management plan 2012-2016 was adopted the 5 year Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES) has expired and the site was subsequently entered into a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) with Natural England, which will run for 10 years until 2023.
The completion of the WES period meant that funding for a Seasonal Ranger was no longer available. It was hoped that money could be secured as part of the HLS agreement to reinstate this position, however the funding is limited to cover capital works (for the first 3 years only) and ongoing maintenance for the site. As such no Seasonal Ranger has been in place on the site since 2012.
There is a small number of dedicated volunteer wardens on the site who visit the side daily. They will carry out small scrub works, such as Ragwort removal and bramble briars over hanging the pathway. They will also report back to NSC officers any issues on site that need attention, such as fence repairs. They will help with the checking of the stock fencing on site prior to cattle and sheep being turned out.
The farmers each check their own stock weekly and will report back anything for NSC Officers need to be aware off. NSC Officers also carry out regular site visits, often with the volunteers.
The main scrub management works are now carried out by specialist contractors using the HLS grant working to specifications outlined by NE. This money will also be used to fund any extra maintenance works required on the site. Any non-specialist works are carried out by NSC contractors, such as grass cutting, hedge flailing and localised scrub clearance on the hill side.
The volunteers still carry out regular litter picks, aid with livestock monitoring including aiding with bringing in the sheep at the end of their grazing period. They also update the noticeboard and ensure information signs about the cattle are on site. The volunteer warden is well known within the community and members of the public will report to her when she is on the site daily. The Brandon Trust also carries out litter picks fairly regularly.
The Village Society also actively supports the work on the hillside. They produce a local magazine which articles about the hill are regularly submitted by the volunteer warden or by NSC officers. They also advertise events, such as, Prayer on the Hill and Memorial services.
As a result of a reduction in funding active surveying has been limited to NE walk overs and site visits/assessments. NE should arrange a site condition assessment in 2016 as the last assessment was carried out in 2009 where the site was measured as favourable.
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The volunteers do carry out ad-hoc surveying and will report any unusual sightings of fauna and flora. Surveys need to be planned in to update records, this has been something that has been difficult to sustain since the loss of funding for a Seasonal Warden. We need to look at increasing volunteers to aid with this. This will be addressed as part of the updated plan at the end of 2016, possibly jointly with Walborough (AWT).
The grazing routines has been a success with the scrub largely being kept under control and the grass sward at a desirable height to enhance the rare flora species. The proactive scrub removal on the rock face has seen a significant decrease in undesirable species such as Cotoneaster and Red Valerian. Site inspection with NE in 2015 showed positive reduction in locations and the presence of a number of rare/notable species.
As part of the National Cycle Track incentive rolled out by Central Government the pathway at Uphill has been resurfaced and reinstated to 3m wide to allow access for all. The work has been carried out to the whole length of the path which is of great improvement. The work was given NE assent with the conditions that the work was carried out within the parameters of the previous pathway with no impact on the SSSI grassland. There is scope within this project to upgrade the gates and some of the signage.
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Appendix 17 Uphill Hill updates January 2017
Management plan objectives and Supporting image actions Continue scrub management to maintain and extend populations of rare plants: Invasive plant management has been so successful that only a small amount of work was required this year. As such a large section of bramble a scrub was targeted at the bottom of the hill to help prevent the spread onto the lower sections of the hill side.
Further pockets of bramble are going to be targeted over the rest of winter 2016, using community pay back and the Green Team. Maintain infrastructure: Minimal work was required to the main areas of infrastructure this year.
The explosive store received a ‘harsh’ cut back early this year to really open the area up. Similar work will be looked at for the sheep wash this winter.
Plants around the flag pole were coppiced down this winter to prevent the Explosives store flags becoming tangled in the vegetation.
New fencing was installed in underwood Field to block a fallen section of the wall for the safety of the cattle and public. New signage was installed around the cliff edges and in the church grounds also.
New ‘falling rocks’ and cliff face signs have been installed.
All the benches along the cycle track have been refurbished.
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Cycle track upgrade: The cycle track surface has been a huge success to the area and has greatly improved visitor’s experience of the area. The next stage is currently under consultation and should start in the new year. This will enable visitors to use the path all the way across to Bleadon off road.
New signage and gates are being installed as part of this next stage to allow better access for all and provide a clear code of conduct for the site.
New sign design
Events:
The church held two events on the hill this year supported by NSC both had a great turn out and provided the chance for local people to use the hill in a different way during both the summer and winter.
The village society, supported by Wessex 4 wheel Drive, enabled a number of residence to attend a memorial service at the church on 11th November. Assent was given by NE for this
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Continue to graze site to maintain and enhance species-rich calcareous grassland:
Cattle grazed the main hill during between April – November 2016 (with a month off in May to allow the orchids to flower). The cattle were able to stay on until again late November this year due to continued warm weather which will have a positive effect on the grass again next year. The orchid spread this year was much larger than in previous years.
Grazing in Underwood Field was also increased again this year, with the last couple of weeks the gate being left open for free movement. This has had a positive effect on the more tuffty grass structures in this area.
Surveys: Butterfly surveys were started again this year by a local volunteer. It is hoped that this can be continued next year so an up to date record for the butterflies on the Hill can be created.
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Appendix 18 Uphill Hill updates January 2018
Management plan objectives and Supporting image actions Continue scrub management to maintain and extend populations of rare plants: Following the sad passing of the sheep grazier earlier last year an alternative grazier needed to be located this year. Following the conditions set upon the site by Natural England any sheep on the site need to be registered rare breed. We were able to locate a local farmer who was willing to give the site a try with Black Welsh Mountain Sheep – which were accepted by NE. 6 sheep were used this year with great success and the farmer has agreed to enter a licence with NSC for the next 3 years. Cycle track upgrade: As part of the continued work to upgrade the tidal trial, in conjunction with the extension of the cycle path, further signage has been added to enhance the code of conduct expected on the site. The signs throughout Uphill and Walborough Nature Reserve now match.
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Maintain infrastructure: All the gates along the path have now been replaced to allow easier access for all through the site, whilst still maintaining protection for the cows and limiting vehicle access. The kissing gates now reach DDA standard with the introduction of RADAR locks and the middle gates have been replaced with lighter self- closing gates with dual access handles. The field gates have been replaced also as the wood had reached the end of its life.
A lot of work also took place in the sheep enclosure this year also to reinforce the fences and restrict unauthorised access.
Events: The Uphill to Brean Cycle route formally opened on the 7th July, part of the route crosses over Uphill Hill using the track as a permissive access for cyclists. The route has been hugely successful with high numbers of users being recorded. The cycling team have held two cycling events during the summer, one for the opening and one as a pirate themed fun ride.
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The village society and church group have held a number of events on the hill this year for remembrance Sunday, Christmas carols and lighting the lantern for new year.
User counts: Following the introduction of the cycle track through the site See below cycle/pedestrian counters have been installed, this has been able provide a snap shot of data indicating usage on the site. As expected weekends and bank holidays experience the highest numbers visiting the sites.
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Uphill Cycle Path, Daily Pedal Cycles
5- 7- Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Day Day Av Av 09-Jan- 17 7 6 0 2 14 18 4 7 16-Jan- 17 8 3 3 2 4 17 22 4 8 23-Jan- 17 5 3 11 4 3 16 2 5 6 30-Jan- 17 6 0 2 4 2 22 19 3 8 06-Feb- 17 4 3 6 3 4 9 12 4 6 13-Feb- 17 7 7 1 16 17 24 13 10 12 20-Feb- 17 11 2 4 0 16 5 7 7 6 27-Feb- 17 1 1 4 8 1 27 6 3 7 06-Mar- 17 8 13 6 21 9 30 32 11 17 13-Mar- 17 14 21 29 6 10 14 24 16 17 20-Mar- 17 14 8 8 5 16 57 40 10 21 27-Mar- 17 37 11 15 33 18 49 136 23 43 03-Apr- 17 19 28 40 38 41 42 82 33 41 10-Apr- 17 60 34 32 40 71 48 81 47 52 17-Apr- 17 77 23 35 9 40 48 94 37 47 24-Apr- 17 19 12 36 35 21 78 35 25 34 01-May- 17 468 175 76 102 81 172 314 180 198 08-May- 17 130 97 151 36 48 199 235 92 128 15-May- 17 12 12 15 66 69 77 287 35 77 22-May- 17 155 51 81 102 123 197 290 102 143 29-May- 142 96 98 147 60 161 68 109 110
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17 05-Jun- 17 2 13 27 22 44 92 169 22 53 12-Jun- 17 30 101 84 56 44 212 216 63 106 19-Jun- 17 66 60 62 38 39 71 101 53 62 26-Jun- 17 47 45 16 33 49 186 211 38 84 03-Jul-17 40 67 87 41 277 377 528 102 202 10-Jul-17 174 31 167 176 161 122 456 142 184 17-Jul-17 220 170 78 153 14 162 128 127 132 24-Jul-17 235 372 50 113 67 248 139 167 175 31-Jul-17 121 168 29 110 180 255 347 122 173 07-Aug- 17 125 164 64 275 70 197 398 140 185 14-Aug- 17 54 234 175 133 60 215 315 131 169 21-Aug- 17 127 188 144 161 212 362 449 166 235 28-Aug- 17 501 113 91 183 235 352 43 225 217 04-Sep- 17 94 67 60 74
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 Mon- Average Flows Sun 12H,7-19 7 8 17 41 124 63 151 190 16H,6-22 7 8 18 45 135 73 166 200 18H,6-24 7 8 18 45 135 73 167 201 24H,0-24 7 8 18 45 136 74 168 202
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Appendix 19 Uphill Hill updates January 2019
Management plan objectives and actions Supporting image Continue scrub management to maintain and extend populations of rare plants: The summer presented challenging grazing conditions for many famers, Uphill included. As a result, large areas where not grazed over the summer months, to combat this we arranged with the farmer for the cattle to be left on the site for longer this year, this has resulted in grazing levels being maintained across the site.
The sheep grazing went well this year, the 6 returning Black Welsh Mountain Sheep have continued to provide a good grazing level across the enclosure and we look forward to this years flowers
At the request of Natural England, as part of a partial condition survey, the Goldilocks Aster bank was cleared back as a number of stems were located. Infrastructure improvements A new picnic bench was donated to the site this year which was made from recycled plastic, it also provides a seating area for wheelchairs and pushchairs, it has been a welcomed addition to the site.
New signs have been added to the folly road entrance to make these entrance points clearer. The signs along the top of the tower have also been replaced, as has the lime kiln sign.
The steps to the side of the hill to enter the neighbouring AWT site have been refurbished.
The Village Society replaced the beacon on the tower this year ready for the new years celebrations.
The path to the church from Uphill Road (opposite the pub) has been opened up to improve visibility.
We installed a cow flag at the Walborough end of the reserve for AWT to manage, this helps with letting visitors entering the site from the other end that there are cattle present.
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Survey Somerset Rare Plants Group carried out a survey of the site this year with good results, in total 209 species were recorded, including some of the ones that are notable for this site.
Review is on pg 11-12 of the Bristol Naturalist news letter https://bristolnats.org.uk/bns/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/bull-572jul- aug18web_69.pdf
Sustainability One of the last large oaks within the area came down over the previous winter storms, we were able to use this to make bungs for a veteran oak on another one of our sites.
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