Management Plan Shotover Hill (Part of Shotover Country Park and SSSI) 2014 –2024

Leisure, Parks and Communities

Building a world-class city for everyone Leisure, Parks and Communities

Building a world-class city for everyone | www.oxford.gov.uk Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Site location and compartment map ...... 2 1.2 Historical background ...... 3 1.3 Biodiversity...... 3 1.4 Site features and infrastructure ...... 3

2.0 Policy Context ...... 7

3.0 Neighbourhood, Volunteering & Community Use ...... 8 3.1 Stakeholders and partners ...... 8 3.2 Consultation ...... 8 3.3 Events ...... 10 3.4 Volunteering ...... 10 3.5 Contribution to health & wellbeing ...... 11

4.0 Current Management ...... 11 4.1 Vision for the park ...... 11 4.2 Countryside management structure ...... 12 4.3 Resources, expenditure and income...... 13 4.4 Performance monitoring and standards ...... 13 4.5 Marketing ...... 13 4.6 Security, byelaws and dog control ...... 14 4.7 Environmental management and sustainability ...... 14 4.8 Safety and risk assessment ...... 15

5.0 Aims and Ten Year Action Plan ...... 16

6.0 Monitoring and Review ...... 18

7.0 Appendix 1 Proposed Heath/acid grassland restoration areas ...... 19

Appendix 2 SSSI Citation

1 1.0 Introduction This new management plan for Shotover Hill updates and replaces that written in 1988. The background information given in detail in the earlier management plan is not reproduced here, rather only a summary of the facts. The concentration here is on habitat management requirements and actions. The 1988 plan included the adjoining woodland and fields of Brasenose and Magdalen which are within the Shotover Country Park but are not covered by this plan.

Shotover Hill is part of Shotover Country Park - a very popular country park on the outskirts of Oxford. Leisure activities include walking, dog-walking, horse riding, mountain bike riding, orienteering and facilitated events.

The area of Shotover Hill covered by this plan is some 63 hectares. This is substantially larger than the next biggest park managed by Oxford City Council. However, unlike the other parks in the City Council’s ownership and management, Shotover Hill is a predominantly wild site with natural habitats of grassland, heath and woodland dominating the area.

Notwithstanding this natural character – and perhaps because of it – Shotover Hill is very popular and attracts at least 500,000 visitors a year. It provides an accessible area of genuine countryside very close to the city and with outstanding views over the surrounding landscape. It has been managed by Oxford City Council as an amenity for some 70 years. . 1.1 Site location and compartment map

Shotover Hill forms a prominent ridge rising sharply from the eastern fringes of the Oxford. Reaching 171m, it is the highest of the hills immediately surrounding the city. The eastern bypass separates Shotover from the conurbation, with access through Headington on the old road that crosses the bypass on a bridge. To the south and east of the hill are the villages of Horspath and Wheatley. Footpaths and bridleways reach the site from the south and east but the only vehicle access, other than for site management vehicles and equipment, is on Old Road to the car park at the west end of the Plain on the hilltop of Shotover.

1.2 Historical background There is an extensive account of the history of Shotover in the 1988 management plan, from records of prehistoric worked flints in the general area, through Roman period pottery finds to the long period of mediaeval history when Shotover was a Royal Forest. Substantial activity during the Second World War saw some areas entirely stripped of vegetation cover and this can be seen in the aerial photographs of that time. Subsequent aerial images up to the present time graphically show how the open character of the site has steadily declined as scrub and trees have colonised much of the formerly open slopes.

Much of Shotover Hill is within the ownership of Oxford City Council (OCC) but the long open grassland section on the hill top (the Plain) and the large compartment occupying the central section of the hill slopes (Johnson’s Piece) are owned by Oxford University and leased to the City Council.

1.3 Biodiversity

Status Shotover Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which means it is of national importance for its wildlife and natural habitats. Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill was designated as SSSI in 1986. With the exception of the western compartment of the hill, the Larches, all of Shotover Hill covered by this management plan is SSSI (see Appendix 2).

The key features of Shotover Hill recognised in the SSSI designation are the acid grassland and heathland habitats, both rare in Oxfordshire. The range of habitats, including flushes and scrub woodland is also noted for invertebrate interest, though it is stated that by 1986 many of the interesting species records were historic. The current condition of the Shotover Hill part of the SSSI, as determined by Natural England, is ‘unfavourable recovering’ largely due to the existence of a Higher Level Stewardship agreement which will see active management to restore habitats.

3 Geology The core of Shotover Hill is formed of Kimmeridge Clay, though this is itself composed of a sandier layer of Kimmeridge Sand between the thicker clay bands. The Kimmeridge Sands give rise to the sandy character most evident at ‘Sandpit Field’ while the clay band above this is where the spring line has developed. These springs give rise to several short, steep-sided valleys with periodic streams and a marshy area. The lower deposit of Kimmeridge Clay is largely overlain with much more recent deposits derived from post-glacial erosion and deposition.

The upper slopes and hilltop have a capping of iron-rich sands now known as Whitchurch Sands, laid down about 135 million years ago. These deposits were once known as Shotover Sands. They give rise to the sandy acidic soils that historically supported a more extensive presence of heathland. It was the Shotover Sands that also contain the yellow ochre, exploited as a source of pigment several centuries ago. The remains of ochre pits can be seen on the eastern side of Horspath Common.

Wildlife The location of Shotover Hill within close reach of the University City of Oxford has meant that historically much biological recording has occurred. The 1988 management plan notes that some 521 species of flowering plants have been recorded, though also commenting that by 1988 a number of species had become extinct. Some of the earliest bryophyte (moss and liverwort) records were made at Shotover, but again many of these species are no longer to be found. These historic records do however help to construct a picture of Shotover that clearly indicates the earlier presence of much more open habitat.

Today the wooded aspect of the hill is the dominant feature and open habitats and their associated species are very limited. Nonetheless, it is the presence of heathland and acidic grassland that are the main reason for the SSSI designation that applies to Shotover Hill. These are habitats that have seriously declined nationally and in an Oxfordshire context they are very scarce.

There is still a small area with heather on the south-west slope of Mary Sadler’s Field and scattered plants of heather can still be found in the vicinity, under gorse or coarse grasses. Rather more patches of relatively species-rich acidic grassland remain, for instance adjoining the heathland at Mary Sadler’s, at Sandpit Field and on the upper slopes of Horseshoe Field. These grass areas have typical fine-leaved grasses, pill sedge and herbs including heath bedstraw, heath speedwell and birds-foot, together with several typical moss species of acidic soils.

These open, sandy habitats are the main site for a range of invertebrates, especially solitary bees and wasps that need such soils to form their nesting burrows, and a source of food in the form of nectar from the associated flowering plants.

4 There are also a number of important areas of wet grassland or marsh, in the valley bottom below Sandpit, and this still has some typical wetland plants like marsh valerian, marsh marigold and, along the stream, opposite-leaved golden saxifrage. The vegetation of this marsh is being removed by volunteers to revitalise and open areas up for appropriate wetland plants to re-establish.

With so much evidence of former open conditions it is not surprising that the woodland cover at Shotover is not of ancient origin and so classic woodland ground flora, such as that found in old woodlands like Brasenose, is not found extensively at Shotover. Nonethelesss, attractive stands of bluebell and a few other typical woodland herbs do occur locally. There are several individually old or even ancient trees of oak and ash, and their form shows that these have grown in open surroundings or ‘wood pasture’, when the site was predominantly non-wooded and probably grazed. More recent growth of scrub, especially of hawthorn, blackthorn, birch, and gorse has filled many of the former clearings between these trees and provided protected conditions for further canopy trees to establish. Several other shrub and small tree species occur locally such as rowan, apple, and wild service, while frequent old elders and willows provide especially good conditions for a number of mosses.

Some of the loss of open habitat and species will have been caused by deliberate action such as agricultural reclamation, drainage and development around the fringes of the site, while other losses may have been due to changes in management. The cessation of grazing, almost certainly caused or compounded by wartime military activity, and the reduction in rabbit grazing following myxomatosis in 1954, will have allowed trees and scrub to establish on open grassland and heathland sites. Various tree plantings have also occurred, further reducing the open nature of the site, while relatively little management to restore or maintain heath and grassland, until quite recently, has further added to the decline of these more open features.

Recent biological recording has been co-ordinated by Shotover Wildlife and it is understood that a large volume of records exists, for many species but access to these records has not been granted.

5 1.4 Site features and infrastructure

Amenity grass  There is a substantial area of open grassland adjoining the south-west corner of the car park, on largely level ground. This is part of the compartment called Mary Sadler’s Field.  The grass here is regularly mown and available for informal games, picnics and countryside recreation.

Benches  There is a wooden seat and amenity bench near the entrance to the site from the car park that overlooks the open grass area.  A stone bench – the Burtt Davy seat – is now within woodland just south-east of the car park. When erected this seat almost certainly had an open view but that is now closed off by trees.  There is a wooden bench at the top of Horspath Common, towards the eastern end of the Hill.

Bins – litter and dog waste  There are two litter bins and dog waste bin at the access from the car park to the amenity grass area of Mary Sadler’s Field. Also two dog bins at the entrance off the bypass and one dog bin on Blenhiem Road access.

Car parks  The single large car park at the top end of Old Road is open all year and at all times of day and night. It can accommodate at least 50 vehicles.  The car park is freely accessible though in wet weather can have puddles.  There is very limited space for a few vehicles to park beside the unmade road from Horspath to the east side of Shotover.  There is a small car park off the bypass by Brasenose farm for approximately ten vehicles.

Mountain bikes  Cycles used on the steep and often muddy paths can cause conflict with walkers. There is an area for mountain bike use at the old ochre pits towards the east side of the Hill where this activity can be enjoyed with no problem for cyclists or walkers.

6 Paths and bridleways  There is a bridleway along the top of the Plain that links to a route through Horspath; and another down to Brasenose Wood .  There is an extensive network of paths within the site, some on steeper ground and some of these can be muddy in wet weather.

Signage  There is a large notice board at the top of Mary Sadler’s Field with a map of the site showing paths and trails and providing some information about the wildlife of the site. The current notice board is quite old.  Leaflets produced by Shotover Wildlife are freely available from this notice board.  There is no external road signage to Shotover.

2.0 Policy Context Oxford City Council’s mission is: ‘Building a world-class city for everyone’. The Parks Management Plans contribute towards the Council’s priorities set out in the Corporate Plan for 2011 - 2015 including: • A vibrant sustainable economy • Strong and active communities • Cleaner Greener Oxford

The Management Plans are also one of a number of tools used to deliver the objectives set out in the Oxford Green Spaces Strategy 2012-2026, available on request. This plan for Shotover Hill SSSI is required as part of the 10-year Higher Level Stewardship Agreement with Natural England.

Oxford City Council’s vision for Shotover Country Park is: “To work with the community to create a world class, vibrant and safe country park that promotes biodiversity, health and learning, and is accessible to all.”

A detailed list of aims and a Ten Year Action Plan designed to achieve this vision can be found in Section 5 and an overview of strategic context is given in Section 4.1.

7 3.0 Neighbourhood, Volunteering & Community Use 3.1 Stakeholders and partners The introduction of Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAG), which co-ordinate the skills, powers and resources of the police, local politicians, city council and numerous other agencies, has resulted in a significant reduction in the level of antisocial behaviour in the city. The Park Rangers form an important element in the NAG team and specifically target their resources to tackle issues highlighted as NAG priorities. They have been particularly successful in greatly reducing dog fouling, fly-tipping and littering which previously blighted some of the city’s green spaces. They have achieved this through a combination of education and enforcement.

Since 2007 the Rangers also work with the Thames Valley Probation Service, under the Community Pay Back Scheme, to provide useful work for offenders, that also benefits the local community. This may have potential to be used at Shotover, and could include work to surface and repair paths and clear scrub from open areas.

There is keen interest in Shotover Hill from the local community and from many interest groups as well as very many individual visitors. Most of the main interested groups are represented on the Shotover Forum and there is also a smaller group – the Shotover Users’ Group - that meets more frequently to give feedback to the rangers and local Council members. Bodies represented on the Users’ Group include:  Shotover Preservation Society,  Two Parish Councils,  Residents Associations,  Oxford University,  OxfordshireLocal Nature Partnership – Wild Oxfordshire,  Shotover Wildlife,  Oxford Preservation Trust,  Various sports and activities clubs.

3.2 Consultation In order to gain some idea of reaction to the draft new management plan from users of Shotover Hill, a period of consultation occurred during most of February 2013. A summary of the draft management plan was produced, outlining the reason for a new management plan, the proposed overall management policy and suggested objectives, and this was made available on the Oxford City Council website. There was also a ‘drop-in’ event from 10.00 – 16.00 on Saturday 9th February, on the Plain adjacent to the Shotover car park.

8 The on-line form for responses attracted 36 returns, most with comments. At the drop-in day some 40+ visitors called into the gazebo which had a simple display and maps, attended by the OCC ranger and consultants from Footprint Ecology. Most left short written comments on the attendance sheets available.

The returns were varied in their coverage of topics. Some focussed on a particular interest or concern, while others were more comprehensive comments and a few came not from individuals but from groups, for example, Headington Parish Council.

The topics raised in responses covered some 16 areas of concern or interest. There was a clear majority in support of the direction and need for the plan with 47 replies (59%) expressing this view, in full support or support with some qualification. In addition 10% specifically supported the proposal to modestly increase open habitats – in particular acid grassland and heathland areas. Support for reduction in bramble and bracken and reduction in scrub were cited by 8%. Support for the proposal to re-instate some of the former views out from Shotover came from 9%. A further 23% made additional suggestions or made no comments but expressed no objection.

Broadly negative comments came from3%. Of these, one reply specifically objected to the extension of further open habitat, questioning the need to intervene at all. Another reply was doubtful that any positive benefit would result. One reply, though supportive of the proposals for management, raised concern over the possible use of herbicide to target problem scrub regrowth.

The topic of dogs was of importance to several respondents with 8% expressing concern about free- running dogs, dog mess and the use of the site by professional dog-walkers. One reply however expressed no experience of such concern. Other replies made neutral comments, in particular suggesting provision of more dog bins. Shotover Hill is outside the city boundary, so is not covered by Dog Control Orders

The management of the path network was raised by 5%, including the possibility of reducing the number of minor paths. Two replies supported the specific area for BMX bikes while single returns raised the experience of conflict between walkers and cyclists, horses and motor cycles, either using the site or using routes other than those designated.

Three replies expressed some regret that grazing was being ruled out for the time being as a management practice, while two felt that the heavy public use of the site and difficulties around containment and adequate animal welfare supervision would make grazing impractical.

9 The perceived wildness and natural state of the site was raised in four replies with a strong desire to retain this valued character and not to ‘over-manage’. Nonetheless three expressed a desire for more seating, using cut logs as informal benches; and two made reference to the poor condition of the car park and two suggested the re-instatement of toilets at the car park. Five replies expressed a desire for more information about the site and one took the opposite view. One reply suggested that better information could be provided about the existence of Shotover as a public site, including how to gain access. More community involvement was supported by four respondents and the importance of the site as a much-valued asset was stressed by many.

Several specific individual comments were made about habitat or species management, including provision for amphibians, especially great crested newts; provision of an adequate supply of dead wood for fungi and invertebrates; and the need to control invasive species such as sycamore and small balsam.

There was one comment on the lack of geological information and another on the lack of historical context given in the consultation draft. (Both of these topics are covered in the introductory section of the final plan but this consultation was restricted to the draft objectives and overall direction for management).

3.3 Events Shotover Country Park is a popular venue for a range of different events including:

 guided walks  Film location  cross country races  Birthday Parties  orienteering competitions  Corporate Team Building Days  sponsored walks  treasure hunts

Leisure, Parks and Communities is committed to working with stakeholders to facilitate and promote events on site. A wider and inclusive events programme would be a means of involving a broader section of the public and might include specific events such as wildlife-linked guided walks as happen at present, specialist guided events such as a moth night, astronomy evenings or dog training courses. General events could be offered such as a summer fair or open day to see the management, meet any livestock (if grazing is implemented) or seasonal activities such as Christmas chestnut roasting and carol singing.

Not only can such contacts give out information on day-to-day matters such as proposed management, activities and topical interest features, but they can also seek to engage stakeholders in the future management of the site. They can be used to explain the difficulties of site management in the present economic climate and the need to make choices and set priorities.

3.4 Volunteering Leisure, Parks and Communities promote many different ways to volunteer including: • Joining the Shotover Preservation Society or Shotover Wildlife • Joining a volunteering working group organised by the Countryside Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator. • Receiving volunteers from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) which is the foremost organisation protecting wildlife and enhancing iconic landscapes. Also from the Oxford Conservation Volunteers (OCV), a voluntary organisation that has been carrying out practical work conserving the wildlife and traditional landscape of the Oxford area since 1977. • Since 2010 annually welcoming an undergraduate intern from a University in Holland studying Leisure Development. They provided a lot of support in the customer satisfaction survey analysis. • Business team building days. • Volunteering to be a Health Walk Leader which includes a free day of training by Natural England. 10 3.5 Contribution to health & wellbeing One of the aims of the Green Spaces Strategy is: ‘To promote the central role that green-spaces play in contributing to the city’s health and well-being’. There are worrying trends relating to the nation’s health. Obesity and less active lifestyles have led to a rise in preventable diseases which is placing increasing pressures on the National Health Service.

Shotover Country Park provides a wealth of opportunities for exercise and outdoor recreation. Evidence shows that a brisk walk in a local green space every day can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes by 50%, fracture of the femur by 30%, colon and breast cancer by 30% and Alzheimer’s by 25%. Add to this the positive impact of exposure to nature and green space on stress and mental health, on aggression and violence within inner-city communities and on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder amongst children, and the full picture in relation to health and wellbeing and access to green space can start to be understood.

Shotover Country Park offers many activities that contribute to the national and local health agenda: • Large grassed areas for informal sports and exercise • Orienteering opportunities • Woodland walks • Opportunities to volunteer • Organised health walks • Feel part of a local community

4.0 Current Management Outstanding performance at Oxford City Council has been recognised by achieving a number of high profile awards. It won the Best Achieving Council category at the MJ Achievement Awards in 2014. The Council won for achieving strong and strengthening in-house services, with a core focus on inward investment and growth in the city. The Council has also joined an elite group of organisations across the UK by achieving the Investors in People Gold standard, and is applying for the Investors in Volunteers Award.

The Council has gained Customer Service Excellence, which is an independent accreditation to recognise organisations that deliver excellent customer service and drive customer-focused changes within the organisation.

Oxford won the City category at the Thames and Chiltern in Bloom 2014 Regional Awards with a Gold being awarded. The Parks and Open Spaces Service has established an Oxford Green and Blue Spaces Network. The network enables partners to work more collaboratively to improve Oxford’s green spaces and blue corridors.

4.1 Vision for the park One of the aims of the Council’s Green Spaces Strategy is: ‘To achieve high quality green spaces across Oxford, including spaces that are nationally recognised for their quality and attractions’. The management of Shotover Hill contributes towards achieving this aim as it is a site of national importance for its wildlife and natural habitats.

11 Despite the current financial climate, Oxford City Council has been very successful in obtaining capital funding to ensure the infrastructure of its parks is fit for the 21st-century.

Recent work at Shotover has concentrated on keeping open the path system and the management of grass and heathland areas whilst awaiting the more detailed proposals in the new management plan. These new proposed works will be the priority for the next 10 years and there will be enormous opportunity for volunteering and engagement with practical tasks and the interesting and continuous job of wildlife recording.

The vision for Shotover for the next 10 years is: Shotover Hill will continue to be managed as part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Country Park and as an important open access countryside site within easy reach of the city of Oxford. The SSSI condition will be improved by restoration and enlargement of the key habitats of heathland and acid grassland and the whole matrix of woodland, scrub, open habitats and wetland features will be managed to enhance biodiversity whilst maintaining and improving the experience of visitors.

4.2 Countryside management structure

12 4.3 Resources, expenditure and income Oxford City Council has been accredited with Investors in People, reflecting its commitment to its staff. The Parks service values its staff and offers a full programme of training linked to an appraisal system.

Skilled mobile Ranger teams visit frequently to patrol the hill, and specialist teams look after the countryside areas, trees and infrastructure.

The service is investigating additional sources of income including: • Sponsorship - it is possible to sponsor dog bins, benches or adopt a tree. • Private contracts – from schools, businesses, hospitals etc. • Green Places Fund. • External funding from successful bids, e.g. Heritage Lottery Fund, Higher Level Stewardship.

4.4 Performance monitoring and standards The service has been accredited with ISO9001:2008 and ISO14001.

The service will continue to work with and be accountable to Natural England who provide the classification for the site, which is currently favourable recovering.

The site will also be monitored through the Parks Site Inspection monitoring forms.

Species numbers have started to be surveyed, recorded and monitored to determine trends and management accordingly. 4.5 Marketing Leisure, Parks and Communities has a marketing plan that provides a full audit of the current marketing situation. Detailed information, pictures and information about forthcoming events in the park are available on www.oxford.gov.uk/shotover along with a leaflet “Exploring Shotover Country Park” which is available to download. The park is promoted through Facebook, The Pitch (quarterly service newsletter), Your Oxford, and Tennants in Touch.

Countryside Rangers

13 4.6 Security, byelaws and dog control Visitors view the park as a safe and tranquil place to be because: • Shotover Hill benefits from significant natural surveillance from local residents who live in and around the site and many of whom visit on a daily basis. • Although there is no longer a resident Ranger at Westhill Farm, however there are plans for community use • There are many visitors which means that the hill is used in the early morning, throughout the day and into the evening, providing natural supervision. The hill is always open. • Shotover Hill is also frequently patrolled by the Rangers, who monitor it during busy times. The Ranger Service was introduced in 2006 to ensure the safety and well-being of the users of all of the city’s main parks by providing a reassuring presence and tackling anti-social behaviour. They enforce the byelaws, ensure dog owners act responsibly, and issue fines to those who do not; tackle environmental crime and ensure the parks are free of graffiti, fly-tipping and vandalism. • The Parks department has an excellent ‘first name term’ relationship with the local Police Team, so there is good communication and joined-up working. • As a result of the above, any form of crime or antisocial behaviour at Shotover is rare.

Shotover Country Park is covered by a set of Byelaws which are available on request.

4.7 Environmental management and sustainability A high number of the environmental principles are demonstrated within the service and applied to the city’s parks including Shotover Hill: • The service works with the Oxford City Council Climate Change Action Team which aims to tackle the effects of climate change and reduce the overall carbon footprint of its buildings and services. • In December 2011 the Parks Team was accredited with ISO14001. • Pesticides are used only where there are no practical alternatives. Where more traditional methods can be used, such as the removal of scrub by hand, then these methods are carried out to minimize the environmental impact of using chemicals. • A chemical log is kept in the store in the depot. When chemicals are delivered, their details are logged. When they are taken out, the user fills in a spraying log, recording when and where the pesticide was used, how much was used, the reason, the application method, the weather conditions and the protective clothing worn. All the contaminated items of PPE and containers are disposed of by an external registered company. • The service actively avoids the use of peat-based products wherever possible. • The service utilises vehicles operated via alternative fuels including LPG and electricity and continually seeks to procure the most energy efficient and low emission vehicles. • There is no need for additional tree planting at Shotover but if this became necessary, such plants would be sourced from native stocks that are grown using best sustainable environmental practice.

Oxford City Council’s Procurement Strategy states, when buying materials, we will: • avoid ozone-depleting chemicals & those with a high global warming potential • use durable products and materials • choose low-maintenance building materials • choose building materials with low embodied energy • use building products made from recycled materials • use salvaged building materials when possible • choose European soft wood over hard wood. Wood must come from schemes that have been certified as sustainable, e.g. by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). We will not use tropical hard woods such as teak, iroko and mahogany unless it has been reclaimed for reuse • avoid materials that will give off gas pollutants • minimise packaging waste.

14 • During the tendering process, companies are asked to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and those that comply are looked on more favourably.

4.8 Safety and risk assessment • All staff that use equipment are trained annually by external specialists. Staff are made aware of the council’s Health and Safety Policy (available on request) when they begin work. Procedures are included in ISO9001:2008. Internal copies are made accessible to all staff. • The Parks Management Team undertake risk assessments on all equipment and machinery used by the department. • Cutting machinery is only used by trained staff • All staff are provided with, and are required to wear, appropriate safety equipment. • All parks vehicles are included on a vehicle maintenance schedule, managed by the council’s Direct Services. Maintenance of vehicles is carried out in a dedicated garage within their depot. • Fuel, equipment and machinery is all stored in a secure compound within Cutteslowe Park, with a small amount stored on-site. • All chemicals used in the parks are managed in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. All staff handling pesticides hold a PA/6 certificate. • Although public vehicles are not permitted beyond the car park, maintenance vehicles do drive through. There is a 10mph speed limit, and large boulders prevent other vehicle access.

15 5.0 Aims and Ten Year Action Plan Action How Resources Timescale Biodiversity Survey and map all Survey the habitats for Rangers/volunteers Year 1 valuable habitats grass snakes and common lizards, burrowing bees and parasitic wasps etc. Maintain existing open Control invading scrub; Rangers/volunteers Annual, areas of grass, heath autumn/winter and wetlands Mow grass areas & paths Rangers Annual during summer Instigate rotational cutting Rangers/volunteers 10-15 year cycle programme for scrub and heather Review effectiveness and OCC/NE Year 8 decide whether grazing should be included in the next management plan Restore heath and acid Commission biomass HLS/Rangers Year 1 grassland to at least harvester to chop and 10% of site remove bracken and low scrub Clear access routes for Rangers Year 1 -winter harvester + tractor & trailer Collect arisings in trailer HLS Year 1 -winter and remove Secure any felling licence Rangers Year 1 if necessary Treat/remove any scrub HLS/Rangers Years 2 - 4 regrowth Restore marsh Cut back invading scrub Annual Strim grass/fen vegetation Rangers Annual on rotation and remove arisings Open sections of streams Rangers/volunteers Years 3 - 10 and ponds by selective branch/tree cutting Manage scrub & trees ‘Halo’ around veteran Rangers/volunteers Year 2 on trees by removing scrub Establish scrub cutting Rangers Year 2 on rotations Identify important trees Rangers/volunteers Year 1 for mosses& lichens and map Remove invasive species Rangers As needed Restore open views Rangers Year 5 Thin/remove plantation HLS/Rangers Year 2 on blocks

16 Action How Resources Timescale Visitor experience Enhance the Conduct audit of path Rangers/volunteers Year 2 and Year 6 experience for visitors system and promote community involvement Divert or close damaging Rangers Year 2 and as needed routes Establish with riders Rangers Year 3 agreed permissive routes Establish with cyclists Rangers Year 3 agreed b’way routes or bike area Conduct visitor survey Rangers/volunteers Year 2 Control poor behaviour by Year 2 on some dog walkers Replace information sign Rangers/OCC Year 3 Maintain active website Rangers/OCC Year 2 on Use Shotover Forum and Rangers/OCC Annual User Group to advise Run volunteer groups and Rangers/volunteers Year 1 on training Programme of talks/walks Rangers/volunteers Year 2 on on management and current interest

Photos courtesy of Margaret Stranks

17 6.0 Monitoring and Review The Parks Management Team will meet once a year to review the management plan, and decide on changes and alterations for the following year. This review will incorporate a discussion with Shotover Users’ Group. Progress will be measured against the Ten Year Action Plan. All parks staff will be made aware of the Shotover Hill Management Plan. All teams (Countryside, Fine Turf, Landscape and Play, Trees, Rangers, Grounds, Management) have regular meetings, and any actions relating to their respective teams will be monitored at these meetings. Where individuals are given specific tasks in relation to Shotover Hill it may be appropriate to include the tasks in their Personal Development Plan, and monitor this through the appraisal process. Visitor surveys will be carried out at Shotover on a regular basis and comments will be used to inform and monitor changes in management action appropriate for the site.

18 7.0 Appendix 1 Proposed heath/acid grassland restoration areas

© Crown Copyright and database right 2012. Ordnance Survey 100019348. N KEY Figure 1: Shotover Hill management plan – Site boundary Open grassland Proposed heath/acid grass restoration areas 1 Existing heath/acid grass areas Marshy Scale 1 grassland Proposed heath/acid grass restoration areasWater courses & seepage lines 0 250 500m

20 Appendix 2 SSSI Citation

21 COUNTY: OXFORDSHIRE SITE NAME: BRASENOSE WOOD AND SHOTOVER HILL

Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Local Planning Authorities: Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council

National Grid Reference: SP567058

Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 164 (Oxford) 1:10,000: SP50 NE, SP50 SE

Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1986 Date of Last Revision:

Area: 109.5 ha 270.6 ac

Other information: The site is managed by Oxford City Council as a Country Park.

Description and Reasons for Notification

Brasenose Wood has a well defined coppice-with-standards structure and is one of the few English woods which is still actively managed by this traditional method. The greater part of the wood is an ancient remnant of Shotover Forest with a documented history dating back to the thirteenth century. The wood lies on poorly-drained Kimmeridge clays but oolitic limestone occurs close to the south western boundary and the presence of lime-loving plants suggests that it outcrops elsewhere in the wood. The flora is exceptionally rich for a wood of this size with 221 recorded vascular plant species including 46 which are characteristic of ancient woodland.

The canopy consists mainly of mature pedunculate oak. Field maple is widespread but nowhere abundant. There are several clones of aspen and, in common with other remnants of Shotover Forest, wild cherry is frequent. Smaller amounts of silver birch, beech, rowan and yew occur, but standard ash trees are confined to Open Brasenose, a wood of relatively recent origin derived from an open common. The coppice layer is dominated by hazel with abundant blackthorn, hawthorn, Midland hawthorn, crab apple, field maple, dogwood, ash, holly and elm suckers. Smaller numbers of guelder rose, wayfaring tree and spindle are found in the southern part of the wood. The field layer is rich and varied, the composition of which is dependent on the stage of coppicing. Bramble dominates broad areas of recent coppice, but in suitable places plants such as goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus auricomus, orpine Sedum telephium, nettle-leaved bellflower Campanula trachelium, spurge laurel Daphne laureola, blackcurrant Ribes nigrum, wood meadow-grass Poa nemoralis and bearded couch Elymus caninus occur. In recently cleared areas plants such as henbane Hyoscyamus niger and deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna may flourish for a short time.

Further variety is provided by a network of sinuous rides, with glades at the intersections, and two small ponds. Open Brasenose has a different structure from the main body of the wood, characterised by narrow, close-packed stems and few open areas. Open Magdalen is of similar composition and recent origin, but both of these woods are sufficiently close to the ancient wood to have developed a relatively rich flora and fauna. Brasenose Wood is a promising site for invertebrates and the blackthorn thickets and hedges along the northern and southern perimeter are the main habitat and foodplant of the rare Black Hairstreak butterfly. The nesting bird population is dense with an estimated average of 225 pairs representing 34 species within the 55 acres of ancient woodland. They include grasshopper warbler and tree pipit, both scarce species in the Oxford area. The Slade Camp fields are good examples of unimproved neutral or slightly acidic grassland managed for hay and pasture. Large numbers of butterflies and day-flying moths use the fields and they contain a wealth of wild flowers including characteristic species of clay soils such as grass vetchling Lathyrus nissolia and smooth tare Vicia tetrasperma as well as naturalised aliens such as goat's rue Galega officinalis and the rare tuberous pea Lathyrus tuberosus.

Shotover Hill provides one of the few extensive examples of unimproved grassland and heath in Oxfordshire. Only a small area (1-2 acres) of heather-dominated vegetation now remains and elsewhere former heathland and bog have been replaced by bracken, birch and gorse. Current management aims at reinstating some of the former heathland area. The grassland is maintained as a short sward by rabbit grazing and human trampling, and the dry, sandy soils support a rich flora of annuals such as bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus, knotted clover Trifolium striatum, slender trefoil T. micranthum, knawel Scleranthus annuus, early hair-grass Aira praecox and squirrel-tail fescue Vulpia bromoides. The vegetation of Shotover has been studied by botanists for the past three hundred years and some of Britain's earliest scientific collections were made here. OVER/

The sheltered open swards, sandy banks, scrub woodland, wet flushes and stream banks of Shotover Hill are of outstanding entomological interest. A substantial number of rare species occur here, particularly among the diptera (true flies) and aculeates (bees, wasps and ants). The recorded total of 174 aculeate species is one of the highest in Britain and although many of these have not been seen in recent years, the area is still an important one. Shotover Hill is also of local importance for breeding and wintering birds. Leisure, Parks and Communities

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Management Plan Shotover Hill (Part of Shotover Country Park and SSSI) 2014 –2024

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