Restoration and Conservation Plan for ALH 1(part) Bridlepath Canal SSSI Restoration and Conservation Plan for ALH 1(part) Bridlepath Coombe Hill Canal page 3

The restoration of the bridlepath will mean that the canal edge could be easily accessed and if desired the Wildilfe Trust could gradually remove scrub that is shading the water. They could also periodically treat any re-growth that occurred. On the side furthest away from the canal the Trust have a general objective of maintaining a pollarded wfllow and hedgerow boundary which is compatible with the conservation plan detailed here.

The County Council will, if appropriate and agreeable with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and English Nature, carry out some small-scale works for the enhancement of biodiversity alongside its management of the bridlepath. If acceptable to the Severn & Avon Wetland Project Manager some log heaps wifl be created by the County Council from material obtained from the restoration works but these would be limited in extent. The County Council will also be willing to manage some of the marginal canal side vegetation itself with the aim of encouraging rare/scarce plant species. At a few selected canal side locations vegetation will be cleared. Locations will be chosen with the view to create conditions suitable for the colonisation, expansion or conservation of true fox sedge, corky-fruited dropwort, meadow rue, small-flowered winter cress and possibly golden dock. The aim here is to create pockets of lower growing vegetation and possibly some bare ground that will benefit these target species. More open conditions onthe canal side will be created improving the light conditions over the canal for marginal, emergent and aquatic plant species. Such enhancements will be likely to benefit a range of wetland invertebrates also.

Assessment of Impacts of Plan Feature of Predicted Effect of Notes Biodiversity Restoration & Interest Conservation Plan . Rough & Slight to moderate Supports special feature of SSSI tussocky/wet (rare & vegetation positive scarce invertebrates dependent on more open . Rare & scarce Slight to moderate habitats, nationafly scarce species of invertebrates positive plant, locally important species of plant & umbellifers for scarcelrare beetles). Supports special feature of SSSI (Greater Dodder). Special feature of SSSI. A number of species are involved. Note that such invertebrates are dependent on more Slight positive dependent on mosaic of scrub and open habitats True open wetland habitats. Fox Sedge Neutral to slight Special feature of SSSI & a BAP Priority positive Species Nationally scarce Associated with various habi~ts as

species of plant follows -Corky-fruited Water-dropwort (excluding True Fox (damp tussocky/fen vegetation), Golden Sedge) Dock (disturbed wet areas especially near to ditches/scrapes) & Greater Dodder (nettles/rough vegetation). Slight positive impact for first two species and positive impact for first two species and a minor negative for the latter. Locally important Restoration and Conservation Plan for ALH I (part) Bridlepath Coombe Hill Canal page 5

The arisings will be burnt, stacked or allowed to rot down slowly (e.g. creation of log piles). The arisings will be removed to adjacent land outside of the SSSI for burning. This has been discussed with, and agreed, with the landowners concerned. Some log piles however could be left adjacent to the restored bridlepath. Final arrangements will need to be discussed and agreed with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, other local landowner(s) an&the Severn & • Avon Wetland Project Manager. English Nature will be informed of the approach to be taken before work on restoration commences. It is recommended that if this matter is of some concern then English Nature could attach a condition of any assent that may be given by them for this restoration and conservation plan.

Year 2 and beyond (Maintenance Schedule for ALH 1 (Part) only)

Maintenance of the re-created bridlepath will be undertaken in a similar manner to the existing agreed management plan for ADE 65 and ALH 1 (Part), i.e. the rest of the canal side bridlepaths within the SSSI.

It is desirable to cut this section of ALH1 twice a year and where necessary roll the surface once.

Rolling will be undertaken by a contractor using a small tractor and 8 ton roller in April depending on weather and surface conditions. This improves the surface by levelling out the holes resulting from horse traffic, which in turn lessens the Health and Safety risks. Carried out selectively where it is necessary only for safety of users.

Cyclical vegetation clearance - the paths will be cut twice annually, late March/early April (exceptionally early May) and late August/mid September depending on weather/ground conditions. First cut using a reciprocating blade type machine, two/three bar width cut (to 2.0 metres maximum). Second cut using a tractor and flail type mower to an average of 2.Om width. Some areas with agreement from English Nature and in consultation with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust will be cut back to a maximum of 5.Om• in alternate years. This means that for each year only half of these extended areas will be cut. it is intended to remove any significant arisings (likely to be mainly from the first cut in each year), if it is physically possible to do so, to designated piles that will be allowed to slowly rot down. The location and extent of these piles will be agreed with English Nature and in consultation with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

A survey of notable species will be carñed out by the County Council in year 2 and then repeated every alternate year (see monitoring section below for more details)

Year 3 and beyond (Enhancements) Restoration and Conservation Plan for ALH 1 (part) Bridlepath Coombe Hill Canal page 7

unacceptable for the interests of biodiversity then this plan will need to be revised.

Work Plan Years Ito 5 Yr Date Operation Notes 1 Oct Agree final details for dealing with With local arisings landowners/GWT/Severn & Avon

______Wetland Project Manager 1 Oct/Dec Restore & re-instate bridlepath Methods as above 2 Mar/Apr Cut path First cut methods as above 2 July/Aug Photograph bridlepath and carry out Methods as above

______plant survey ______2 Aug/Sep Cut path and first half of extended Second cut methods as above

______area ______3 Mar/Apr Cut path First cut methods as above 3 Aug Agree any enhancement Selected canal side clearance by

• ______management agreement

3 Aug/Sep • Cut path and second half of Second cut methods as above

______extended area ______

4 Mar to Sep As per year 2 ______

5 Mar to Sep As per year 3 ______

Attachments Illustrative photographs Location map

Illustration of what the restored structure will look like.

Regulatory Board Commons & Rights of Way Panel 14Th October 2002

Agenda Item:

APPLICATION FOR THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF PART OF PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY ALH 1 ALONGSIDE THE COOMBE HILL CANAL IN THE PARISH OF LEIGH

JOINT REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEAD OF DEMOCRATIC AND LEGAL SERVICES

PURPOSE OF REPORT

To Consider the Following Application;

Nature of Application: Extinguishment of Part of Bridleway ALH 1

Parish: Leigh

Name of Applicant: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

Date of Application: 12th December2000

2. RECOMMENDATION

That the application by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for the extinguishment of part of bridleway ALH 1 under the provisions of section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 be refused on the grounds that the length of bridleway in question is needed for public use and that it should be possible to work with the statutory body (English Nature) in order to implement a sensitive rights of way management scheme that would benefit biodiversity and compliment or enhance the existing SSSI features of interest.

3. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

3.1 If the decision of the panel is not to publish an extinguishment order under section 118 of the Highways Act 1980, then the County Council will be responsible for clearing approximately 1,800 metres of bridleway at an estimated cost of £1,000 if contractors are used, or considerably less if volunteers are prepared to carry out the work.

3.2 If the decision of the panel is to publish an extinguishment order then the direct costs will be met by the applicant. However, the County Council does not have the power to charge the applicant the costs associated with any public inquiry held to consider the objections that will certainly be received and to decide if the order should be confirmed. These costs are estimated to be approximately £3,000 and if the order is not confirmed then the County Council will still have the cost of clearing the bridleway. If the bridleway is extinguished a footbridge will have to be upgraded to bridleway standard at a jks74 •1 available for public use for some 10 years as it is totally obstructed by natural growth from the surface. This is a mixture of bramble and blackthorn.

7.2 The whole area of the old canal, including the bridleways on either bank is owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and listed as a SSSI. A copy of the citation is attached (numbered ).

7.3 The parish boundary runs along the centre of the canal and the northern bank is therefore in the parish of and the southern bank in the parish of Leigh.

7.4 The footbridge at point A carries public footpath ADE 64/ALH 12 over the canal and links the bridleways on either bank, It is not suitable for equestrian use for the reasons discussed further in this report.

7.5 Bridleway ADE 65 which runs along the northern bank of the canal is Well used by both walkers and equestrians, having been recently cleared by the County Council. It is thought that many horse riders also use the footbridge to cross the canal.

8. BACKGROUND

8.1 The County Council has for many years received complaints about the condition of the two bridleways that run alongside the canal. No action was taken to keep ALH 1 clear of growth as it was never seen as a high priority in view of the fact that there was a useable route on the other side of the canal.

8.2 Bridleway ADE 65 on the north bank became a problem a few years ago when the path progressively narrowed and became muddy due to encroachment by side growth. The problem was discussed with both English Nature and the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and a management plan developed which allowed the bridleway to be cleared to a width of 4.5 metres and the drainage improved.

8.3 Whilst discussions were taking place about the condition ‘of bridleway ADE 65, the question of bridleway ALH 1 being obstructed, was raised. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust were adamant that theydid not want it cleared because of the effect on the local wildlife habitat and, as a result, they applied for it to be extinguished.

8.4 A meeting took place on the 15th February 2002 with representatives from Legal and Democratic Services, Environment and the Wildlife Trust and English Nature. The Trust confirmed that they wished to continue with the application to extinguish part of the bridleway on the basis that as there were two parallel routes, the one route was not required for public use. •.The representative from County Legal Services suggested that there could be five possible courses of action; (a)To downgrade the route to footpath status. This Would allow the width to be reduced but was rejected by the Wildlife Trust on the grounds jks74 3 opinion that an extinguishment order was justified and that it should be relevant that the route crosses a SSSI. It was pointed out to them that consultations had been carried out and that, although Borough Council and Leigh Parish Council, were in support of their application, the Ramblers Association, British Horse Society and several local residents would object. For the Members to make a decision, all options would need to be considered. The Wildlife Trust was asked to confirm in writing the pros and cons of the various options and it was again pointed out that the dedication of the bridleway across the footbridge was critical. At the time of writing this report no letter has been received from the Wildlife Trust on the legal options.

8.6 The application to extinguish the length of bridleway in question is supported by English Nature and a copy of their letter detailing their position is attached (numbered ). English Nature point out that retaining the bridleway could require the reinstatement of a width of 15 ft and to create an acceptable passage for horses, sufficient scrub would need to be cut to ensure a 3 metre headroom over a 3 metre width. Over shading scrub would need to be reduced otherwise the route would become a quagmire. If implemented, this would result in a significant reduction in the extent of scrub and its value as a habitat for breeding birds — including priority Biodiversity Action Plan species. English Nature point out that reopening ALH I would ‘result in two parallel bridleways less than 20 metres apart for a distance of 2 miles with the same start and end point.

8.7 The application by the Wildlife Trust is under section 118 of the Highways Act 19-80 and on the grounds that the bridleway is no longer required for public use as there is a suitable alternative route for the public. This is bridleway ADE 65 on the opposite bank of the canal. To support their application, in July 2001, the Wildlife Trust supplied a detailed justification, a copy of which is attached, (numbered ). There was a delay in submitting this information because of the Foot & Mouth crisis. The Trust point out that Coombe Hill Canal was first notified, as a SSSI in 1954. However, the conservation interest of the site was slowly eroded in the 40 years following the original designation. In 1995, the SSSl was renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with a significantly reduced boundary which acknowledged that much of the interest of the site had been lost. In 1995 the site was considered to be of special interest because of its rare and scarce invertebrates and nationally scarce plants. The site is also locally important for its diverse breeding birds (especially warblers). The turtle dove is also known to have bred in the trees and scrub and the otter is ‘making a natural comeback to the area. It is dependent upon dense scrub in which to lie up during the day. Otters are extremely susceptible to disturbance — especially people and their pets. The Wildlife Trust point out that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to damage etc. a structural place which otters use for shelter or to disturb them whilst using such a shelter. They point out that there have been several sightings of otters at Coombe Hill Canal in recent years. If the bridleway was reopened, it would remove important habitat for otters and turtle dove. jks74 5 Copies of the letters received are attached (numbered ).

10. OTHER DOCUMENTS

10.1 A report has been commissioned from the County Ecologist on the possible impact of clearing the bridleway. This is attached (numbered ). In his report, the County Ecologist has given careful consideration to the ecological issues and impacts associated with reopening bridleway ALH 1. He points out, that in addition, the County Council must take into account its new duties inserted into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. In his report, he sets out the potential positive and negative impacts of restoring the bridleway for public access.

(a) Potential negative impacts.

Although some damage is accepted, he points out that much scrub would remain and that although adverse, would not be significant to the interests of the site as a SSSI. The established scrub is mainly hawthorn/blackthorn which is not rare in Gloucestershire. However, the hawthorn blossom is important for some of the rare/scarce beetles and the opening up of the bridleway is likely to improve light conditions so that more hawthorn blossom is produced.

- With respect to the loss of habitat to priority Biodiversity Action Plan species i.e. turtle dove and otter, he confirms that some adverse effect is likely. The confirmed records of both these species are recent and although the restoration works could result in some loss of habitat for both species, this need not be considered as significant as the site could still attract them. The main issue is one of increased disturbance caused by access being gained along both sides of the canal.

Although there is some adverse effect on nationally rare and scarce invertebrates dependent on the scrub, much scrub would remain within the SSSI for these species. He points out that rough tussocky vegetation is more important for the rare/scarce invertebrates. In addition, there is some adverse effect on local breeding birds but again much scrub would remain and could be encouraged elsewhere as a resource for local breeding birds.

The County Ecologist does not feel that there would. be a loss of an important wildlife corridor. It would, however, be changed to a more open character that would allow the movement of a diverse range of species. Extensive lines of continuous scrub, hedgerow and rough grassland could still be allowed to remain running alongside a restored bridleway. Increased disturbance may temper the number of breeding birds and he accepts that otters are sensitive to disturbance and therefore restoration could make the canal more unsuitable for this mammal. He confirms the otter is protected, both under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and under the Habitats Regulations 1994. jks74 7 feels that a restorative ‘management scheme could be developed that should enable English Nature to give its assentunder the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. However, the County Council would need to implement a sensitive Rights of Way management scheme that would benefit biodiversity and compliment or enhance the existing SSSI features of interest. English. Nature would have to receive not only the County Ecologist’s report (attached to this panel report), but also an appropriate Action Plan to enable works to gain assent. The Action Plan would have to build upon an already assented method statement for the management of ADE 65 and the retained section of bridleway ALH 1. Any adopted Action. Plan must have potential to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the long term. Sensitive restoration and maintenance comes with extra costs but these are justifiable in order to benefit the biodiversity of this particular site.

11. LEGAL COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS

11.1 Section .118 of the Highways.Act 1980 states that where it appears to a Council as respects a footpath or bridleway in their area, that it is expedient that the path or way should be stopped up on the ground that it:is not needed for public use, the Council may make an order to extinguish the public right of way over the path or way in question. There is a further test on confirmation of the order, whether that be by the Secretary of State if the order is opposed, (or the Council if unopposed), i.e. he/they must be satisfied that it is expedient so-to do having regard to the extent (if any) to which it appears to him/them that the path or way would, apart from the order, be likely to be used by the public and to also have regard to the effect which the.extinguishment of the right of way would have as respects land served by it, account being taken of the provisions as to compensation contained in section 28 of the Act.

11.2 Section 130 of the 1980 Act also places a statutory duty on the County Council as highway authority to assert and protect the rightsof the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway for which they are highway authority. Section 41 of the Act also places a duty on the highway authority to maintain any highway for which it is responsible. As the report has already indicated earlier, complaints have been received over a number of years with respect to the condition of ALH 1 but no action has been taken to clear the route.

11.3 It is also important to examine the new duties which the County Council has and which are contained in schedule 9 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 in relation to SSSI’s, and which have amended and added to existing provisions within the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Under a new section 28G the Gloucestershire County Council (amongst other public bodies and Local Authorities), will have a duty to “further the conservation and enhancement of the flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features by reason of which the site is .of special scientific interest”. Under section 28H, if • the authority is to carry out (in the exercise of its functions) operations likely to damage any of these features, it must give notice to English Nature. English Nature then has 28 days in which to respond and it can either refuse assent or assent to the works (with or without’conditions). If English Nature do not jks74 9 and safety issues surrounding horse riders, that there is a loss of bridleways generally and that the number of private individuals owning horses is on the increase. Whilst there may be some drawbacks in relation to clearance, the County Ecologist has actually indicated that there could be some positive impacts provided that a sensitive management and restoration scheme is carried out. Itis not simply a case that the route cannot be cleared per Se.

11.9 One option is for the County Council to do nothing. However, it will continue to receive complaints about the condition of the bridleway and this could lead to the. service of notices either under the present provisions contained in section 56 of the Highways Act 1980 or new provisions to be inserted by the 2000 Act when they come into force. The second option is to refuse the application for the extinguishment order and to clear enough of the bridleway to provide a passable and useable route by the public. Whilst English Nature supports the application by the Wildlife Trust and has pointed out that we have a duty to enhance conservation within new provisions inserted into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is certainly feasible that a planned programme of works could be carried out. Whether the Wildlife Trust would challenge the decision not to make an order would remain to be seen. The final option is to make the order as requested by the Wildlife Trust. This is likely to lead to objections. Because of a recent court case it is possible that orders need not be submitted to the Secretary of State for the Environment for confirmation. However, having decided to ask the Panel for a decision, and knowing in advance that the order is likely to receive considerable objection, if members decide that an order should be made, then it would be submitted to the Secretary of State for the Environment for confirmation and would inevitably lead to a public inquiry. If the order is not confirmed by the Inspector following that inquiry then the County Council would then be required to clear the bridleway in any event. If the order.is confirmed, there is still the possibility of a challenge being made to the Secretary of State’s decision.

11.9 The County Council has written to English Nature for consent (to carry out restorative vegetation clearance and management) in accordance with Section 28H of the CROW Act 2000. A copy of our letter dated 12th September is attached together with the suggested Action Plan (numbered ). If the Panel agrees with the Officers’s recommendation, then it will ensure that there are no further delays in this matter — especially as English’ Nature has 28 days in which to respond.

11.9 Having carefully considered all the circumstances of this particular case and weighed up the options available, we are of the opinion that the application made by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust should be refused and that the County Council works closely with English Nature and the Trust to produce an appropriate Action Plan which would not only conserve but have potential to benefit biodiversity in the long term. As the County Ecologist has pointed out already, a sensitive restoration and maintenance scheme comes with extra cost but he feels that these are justifiable in the circumstances. jks74 11 Biodiversity Impact and the Restoration of Bridleway at Coombe Hill Canal page ) Biodiversity Impact and the Restoration of Bridleway ALH I (Part) at Coombe Hill Canal August 2002

Gary Kennison County Ecologist Gloucestershire County Council Biodiversity Impact and the Restoration of Bridleway at Coombe Hill Canal page 3

Increased disturbance to wildlife chiefly breeding birds and otter Increased disturbance may temper numbers of breeding birds. Otters are sensitive to disturbance and therefore restoration could make the canal more unsuitable for this mammal.

Loss of amenity for the people who visit the Nature Reserve for the quiet enjoyment of wildlife The canal environs would only be affected and it is possible that other opportunities could be developed for the quiet enjoyment of wildlife over the extended area of the Nature Reserve now owned by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

An action likely to be considered an offence under the provisions of the Wildlife & Countryside Act consultations have been sought and are continuing with English Nature to ensure that there ~would be no reckless or intentional harm to any protected species (in this case otter) or special feature of the SSSI if restoration is opted for. Section 28G and 28H of the amended Wildlife & jCountryside Act applies here (Appendix 1). The otter is protected as a Schedule 5 species and additionally as a Schedule 2 species under the Habitats Regulations.

b) Potential Positive Impacts

I have identified here the likely positive impacts of restoring the bridleway. I have used similar categories to those used above for negative impacts by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Restoration of lost habitat within, and cited to be important as part of the SSSI Removing overgrown vegetation and adopting a sensitive mowing regime would restore open tussocky/wetland vegetation that is likely to maintain and enhance the diversity of invertebrates present. It would also facilitate the removal of marginal scrub on the canal sides which is shading out aquatic and swamp species in the canal itself. Hawthorn is likely to blossom more freely and umbellifers to flower better in improved light conditions. The blossom and flowers are important for adults of spme rare/scarce beetles and other insects.

Restoration and conservation of habitat of key species identified as a priority species in the

UK -and Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plans This relates to the True Fox Sedge which requires open conditions and under shade it soon ceases to flower and dwindles to extinction’ (UK Biodiversity Action Plan). Restoration of the bridleway would create more open conditions and could facilitate removal of scrub on the edges of the canal where this species can be found.

Restoration and conservation of habitat important for rare and scarce invertebrates cited as a special feature of the SSSI Open tussocky/wetland vegetation (as part of a more diverse linear mosaic) would be restored and maintained. This could have importance for a range of rare/scarce invertebrates such as beetles but also dragonflies, snails, spiders, butterflies and moths. An example would be an increase in open foraging habitat for hunting dragonflies.

Restoration and conservation of habitat important for scarce plants cited as a special feature of the SSSI More open conditions would be created and maintained that are more suitable for the conservation of the scarce plants, i.e. Corky-fruited Water-dropwort, True Fox Sedge and Hairlike Pondweed. Meadow rue and Small-flowered Winter Cress, which are of local importance, could also be favoured.

Increase in diversity of habitats and species A mosaic of open water, swamp, marginal vegetation, wet/tussocky vegetation, scrub, hedgerow and pollarded trees would be created. A larger range of species could benefit, e.g. dragonflies and butterflies. Biodiversity lmpact and the Restoration of Bridleway at Coombe Hill Canal page 5 Slight to moderate Special feature of SSSI. A number of species positive are involved. Note that such invertebrates are o more dependent on a mosaic of scrub and n open wetland habitats. t cky/w Slight to moderate Supports special feature of SSSI (rare & u et s s o positive scarce invertebrates dependent on more open habitats, nationally scarce species of plant, locally important species of plant & umbellifers for scarce/rare beetles). Supports special feature of SSSI (Greater Dodder). The assessment of a range of impacts identified across several biodiversity features indicates that the net effect of restoration would probably be neutral. The overall effect of extinguishing the bridleway is also likely to be neutral. If the site is not deemed crucial for the conservation of the otter in this part of the Severn Valley then it might be possible to conclude that the effect of restoring the bridleway may have a slight positive effect.

Conclusions

If the bridleway is extinguished the Gloucestershire WildUfe Trust intend to manage it differently to the rest of the canal site. This is to retain significant areas of undisturbed scrub for the benefit of breeding birds, certain invertebrates and otter.

I 1A compromise solution may be to downgrade the bridleway to a footpath only. This would mean / that a narrower width would require mowing and, the surrounding vegetation could be left to be managed for biodiversity by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

If the bridleway is restored it will need careful management to take account of the special importance of the SSSI (as required under new Sections 28G and 28H of the Countryside & Wildlife Act brought about by the recent passing of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act). A method statement for the restoration of the bridleway has been drafted that could be acceptable to English Nature. If the County Council decides to restore the bridieway then the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s general principles for maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity over the other parts of the canal should be adopted. The objective would be to achieve a habitat structure that consists of a pollarded tree and hedgerow boundary, an adjoining strip of low ‘scalloped’ scrub with irregular areas of rough tussocky vegetation adjacent to this and the bridleway. The canal edge could be gradually removed of scrub by the Trust and then periodically cut by them to control its re-growth if so desired. If this approach was adopted the restored section would become more open with

enhanced biodiversity interest. -

Whatever the County Council decides to do in the short-term the access and visitor arrangements on this SSSI should be kept under review. In the longer term access on the Coombe Hill Canal Reserve should be looked at by the Local Access Forum which will be set up as a consequence of Part II (Sections 60-61) and Part V (Section 94) of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act coming into force.

References

DETR (1998) Guidance on the New Approach to Appraisal RSPB et al. (2000) Biodiversity Impact

Gary Kennison County Ecologist - Biodivershy Impact and the Restoration of Bridleway at Coombe Hill Canal page 7

Appendix 2 - SSSI Citation for Coombe Hill Canal (follows on next page) two nationally scarce moths, silver cloud Egira conspicillaris and ruddy highflyer Hydromena ruberata.

Several nationally scarce plants, such as golden dock Rumex maritimus, corky-fruited water-dropwort Qenanthe pimpinello ides, the parasitic greater dodder Cuscuta europaea and true fox-sedge Carex vulpina grow along the margins of the canal and ditches. The latter species is a threatened and declining species and Coombe Hill Canal is believed to be the sole remaining site for this species in Gloucestershire. Hair-like pondweed Poramogeton trichoides occurs in the open water at the eastern end of the canal. Species of local importance include small~flowered winter cress Barbarea stricta and meadow rue Thalictrumflavum.

The site is also locally important for its diverse breeding bird assemblage, particularly resident and migrant warbiers which make use of the scrub and withy bed habitats and waders such as curlew Numenius arquata and snipe Gallinago gallinago which frequent the wetter areas of the fen and ditch margins.