Meeting of the Local Sites Partnership (LSP) 29th March 2017

Minutes

Attendees

(JE) John Edwards Countryside Management & Biodiversity Manager, Surrey County Council (SCC) – Chair (AK) Alistair Kirk Manager, Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) (CG) Claire Gibbs Senior Ecologist, (SWT) (Surveyor and Minutes) (IG) Isobel Girvan Principal Ecologist, SWT (Surveyor) (DW) Danial Winchester Ecology Services Manager, SWT & Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG) member (MW) Mike Waite Living Landscapes Manager, SWT (SE) Simon Elson Surrey County Council (FT) Francesca Taylor Environment Agency (AS) Ann Sankey Botanical Society British Isles (BSBI), Surrey Botanical Society (SBS) (SM) Susan Medcalf Surrey Botanical Society (SBS) (RD) Richard Denyer Surrey Bird Club (SBC) (GJ) Gail Jeffcoate Butterfly Conservation, Surrey and South West London Branch (RB) Ross Baker Surrey Bat Group (SBG) (LB) Lynn Whitfield Surrey Bat Group (SBG)

The following representatives from Borough Council attended Part 2 of the meeting when sites in Guildford where discussed;

(LH) Laura Howard Guildford Borough Council (GBC) (SH) Stuart Harrison Guildford Borough Council (GBC)

The following representatives from Ecological Planning & Research Ltd also attended the initial stage of Part 2 (between 1.00 and 2.30pm) at which they give a short presentation prior to the formal discussion of Airfield SNCI;

(CM) Chris Mungo Ecological Planning & Research Ltd (EPR) (AP) Andy Cross Ecological Planning & Research Ltd (EPR) (JS) Jodie Southgate Ecological Planning & Research Ltd (EPR)

The following individuals representing the listed organisations were also invited but were unable to attend the meeting;

Georgina Terry Natural England Gareth Matthes Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG) Marie Killip Tandridge District Council Part 1

Alistair Kirk (AK) introduced the Local Sites Partnership to the first draft of the Surrey Local Sites Partnership – Terms of Reference. This includes the policies and procedures for the identification and selection of Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) in Surrey. AK explained that part of the driver for the production of the Terms of Reference was the need to ensure that there is a clear mechanism for dealing with sites adopted by the SLSP before they go through the formal planning process for adoption in Local Plans.

It was noted that the draft Terms of Reference states that the criteria for the selection of SNCIs will be reviewed at least once every 5 years. The Surrey criteria are in need of review having last been reviewed 9 years ago. AK explained that once the Terms of Reference are agreed they can be used as a driver for moving forward with this.

The draft Terms of Reference was generally very well received by the Local Sites Partnership. AK asked for any additional comments by end of April after which a revised draft would be produced and circulated.

Part 2

The second part of the meeting discussed a number of sites in Guildford, Tandridge, Elmbridge and Epsom and Ewell. In 2016, SWT undertook surveys as part of SNCI review programmes funded by the local authorities in the Boroughs of Guildford and Tandridge. Additional sites have been put forward for discussion by other members of the Local Sites Partnership. The recommendations made by the Local Sites Partnership regarding these sites are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 – Sites discussed by the Local Sites Partnership

Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 SNCI GU127 TQ064575 Lovelace SWT survey site Originally selected as an SNCI in Remains SNCI. Disused airfield and surrounding 1e, 2016 – part of 1996 this site has been reviewed and Boundary revised habitat. A long derelict tarmac 4b, ongoing review of reselected with amended boundaries to include runway strip runs through the 8c, existing SNCIs. by the SNCLG in 2005 and 2007. The Stratford Bridge centre of this site from east to 12a, site currently covers 117.51ha. Wood and to west which supports a number of 13a, Additional Reasons for Selection in 2007 were exclude the tall ruderal / ephemeral species. 18c, information recorded as ‘This site is selected for gardens of Mount Although much of the 19c, provided by its importance for reptiles, and Pleasant Cottages surrounding land consists of 20b, d Ecological birds. 9 notable Surrey species & Wilderness arable fields the site supports a 24a, d Planning & have been recorded on the site. In Cottage. mosaic of different and distinct Research Ltd. addition 3 RSPB red list bird species habitats scattered across the site (EPR) on behalf of and 7 RSPB amber list bird species Reason for namely; broadleaved semi- their clients Wisley have been recorded on the site. This selection to be natural woodland (including Property site has an exceptional population of updated. Stratford Bridge Wood, an area Investments (WPI) Grass Snakes as well as supporting of wet Alder (Alnus glutinosa) the owners of good populations of Slow-worms, woodland), scrub, semi-improved Wisley Airfield. Common Lizards and Common neutral grassland (including Frogs.’ Snakes Field) and standing water Site considered by (in the form of wet depressions LSP includes all of Site surveyor (IG) summarised the and seasonal flushes). The site is the existing SNCI results of her 2016 survey focusing in selected as an SNCI for the wide (as reselected by particular on Appendices 1 & 2 of the range of qualifying habitats it SNCLG in 2007 SNCI Report and her evaluation of the supports including, Wet i.e. Wisley Airfield site as surveyed against the SNCI Woodland; Neutral Grassland, plus an adjacent selection guidelines (Gibbs, 2008). In Standing Open Water, Open area known as her opinion the SNCI continued to Mosaic Habitats on Previously Snakes Field meet multiple SNCI Criteria and that Developed Land and Arable. The currently managed whilst some of the nature conservation site also meets a number of by SWT on behalf interest was restricted in its different species criteria including of Surrey County distribution (e.g. amphibians and Bats; the vegetated boundaries Council), together reptiles), the botanical interest was provide an important foraging with Stratford concentrated in the western end, as area, Amphibians; ponds and Bridge Wood well as being scattered across the rest terrestrial habitat supporting up which falls within of the site and as such, retention of all to four species, Reptiles; the same of the existing SNCI was populations of four species have ownership as recommended. In addition, Stratford been recorded on site and Wisley Airfield. Bridge Wood had been identified as Vascular Plants; there are recent an area of wet Alder woodland likely records for five species to support qualifying NVC W6 & W7 appearing on either the GB or communities and was therefore England Red Lists recommended for selection by the together with a further three LSP. species classed rare or notable in Surrey. Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Following this, CM & AC from EPR gave a presentation of data collated on behalf of WPI for Wisley Airfield (excluding Snakes Field) which had also been circulated to the LSP in advance of the meeting. This focused on the main features for which the site had previously been selected specifically the botanical, bat and amphibian & reptile interest. This presentation included their evaluation of the distribution of these features across Wisley Airfield and based on this, a proposed SNCI boundary incorporating those areas which they best felt met the criteria (a contraction compared with both most recent boundary approved by SNCLG in 2007 and that proposed by IG above).

EPR then left the meeting to enable the LSP to consider their decision.

The discussion which followed looked at the wide range of information on habitats and species presented by both IG and EPR. In addition, the potential bird interest of the site was discussed as the LSP felt that although, based on the surveys supplied to SWT by GBC as part of the SNCI evaluation, the site could not be shown to meet the SNCI criteria, the potential for the site to support key “arable” species had not been fully evaluated. RD commented that the site had previously been shown to be important for a number of species including Skylark, Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer and offered to provide further information to the LSP.

LSP felt that after due consideration, the Wisley Airfield was worthy of retention as an SNCI. In addition, given the scattered nature of the Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 nature conservation interest, the site was best considered as a single ecological unit and that retention of the whole site as defined in 2007 was valid. In addition, LSP felt that the area known as Stratford Bridge Wood had been shown to be of SNCI quality and as such should be incorporated into the SNCI and boundary amended accordingly. LSP also supported the proposal for a further survey of the contiguous woodland both upstream and downstream to fully define the area of interest. Two further small changes were also approved removing two gardens identified in the 2016 survey from the SNCI boundary.

Post Meeting Addendum – As discussed above, additional bird information was provided to LSP by RD on behalf of Surrey Bird Club however although this did support the comments made at the meeting there was insufficient detail on the breeding status of key species to allow a full evaluation against the criteria. The LSP would therefore recommend further surveys to enable them to make an appropriate evaluation of the bird interest at a future meeting. Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Little Flexford SNCI GU078 SU934503 Normandy SWT survey site Originally selected as an SNCI in Remains SNCI Selected for species rich neutral 4b 2016 – part of 1996 when the Reasons for Selection with no boundary grassland. 18 species typical of 24d ongoing review of where given as “Two semi-improved changes. grassland of conservation existing SNCIs. mesotrophic grassland paddocks interest in Surrey have been Possibly divided by a central stream. Locally Reason for recorded since 2016; including 11e scarce plant species and nationally selection updated. Blue Water Speedwell, Veronica 17b declining mammal”. Reviewed by LSP anagallis-aquatica (VC17 in 2016 however a decision on SNCI Scarce). There are past records status was deferred pending a further of Water Voles (Arvicola survey. amphibius) on the site and unconfirmed records from 2016. IG explained that based on her 2016 survey, this site meets the neutral grassland criteria within the SNCI selection guidelines (Gibbs, 2008) as it supports 18 grassland indicator species including 3 of those in bold. It supports Blue Water Speedwell which is VC17 Scarce.

It was also noted that an ecological appraisal carried out by ACD Environmental in 2016 recorded a Water Vole latrine and runs however SWT Ecology Services did not find evidence of Water Vole during their SNCI survey in 2016. As such, although the presence of Water Vole cannot be confirmed the site may also meet the criteria for the presence of this species Oldlands Copse SNCI GU109 TQ048548 Clandon and SWT survey site Originally selected in 1996, CG Remains SNCI The site is selected for its 1a Horsley 2017 – part of explained that this is 7.2ha of Ancient with no boundary Ancient Semi-natural Woodland ongoing review of Semi-natural Woodland. 16 ancient changes. habitat. 16 ancient woodland existing SNCIs. woodland indicator species were indicator species have been recorded in 2016. It still meets the Reason for recorded since 2016. SNCI selection guidelines. selection updated. Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Monkshatch SNCI GU133 SU948483 Shalford SWT survey site Originally selected in 1996, CG Remains SNCI The site is selected for its mosaic 6b, 24a, 2017 – part of explained that the western half of this with boundary of habitats including woodland, 24b, 24c, ongoing review of SNCI was surveyed in 2016, the changes as scrub and remnant calcareous 24d existing SNCIs. eastern half having been surveyed in shown on Figure 2 grassland. A total of 18 species 2013, (permission having not been of SWT Ecological typical of grassland of granted for the western side at that Services report. conservation interest in Surrey time). have been recorded on the site Reason for since 2013 with a further 22 The site continues to meet the SNCI selection updated. having been recorded since criteria. 15 grassland indicator 1995. In addition 17 ancient species were recorded during the woodland indicator species have current survey including 1 of those in been recorded since 1995. bold. A number of notable plant White Helleborine, species have been recorded across damasonium, the site. Orchid, insectifera and Rough Hawk’s-beard, Crepis It was explained that a small section in biennis (all GBRL - Vulnerable) the south of the site is now under have all been recorded on the different ownership and appears to be site. Wild Strawberry, Fragaria incorporated into a garden. It could vesca (VC17 Scarce, ERL – not be directly accessed but was Near Threatened) and Stinking viewed through the fence. It was , Helleborus foetidus suggested that consideration be given (Nationally Scarce) were to removing this section from the recorded in 2016. The site is boundary of the SNCI as it appears to particularly important for its have lost its value as part of the SNCI. connectivity within the landscape as it lies within a Biodiversity The LSP agreed to remove this Opportunity Area ( section from the SNCI boundary (as Scarp; The Hog’s Back (ND01)). shown in Figure 2 of the SNCI report) Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Slyfield Meadow SNCI GU017 TQ008524 Stoke SWT survey site Originally selected in 1996, CG Remains SNCI Slyfield Meadow and Riverside 1a, 4b, 9c, (part of Slyfield 2017 – part of explained that this site still meets the with no boundary Park SNCI (*2) 10, 15, Meadow and ongoing review of SNCI selection guidelines. The changes. The site comprises a mosaic of 24a, 24c, Riverside Park SNCI) existing SNCIs. boundary of the SNCI remains dry grassland, fen, swamp, wet 24d appropriate. Reason for meadows, open water, scrub and selection updated. ancient semi-natural woodland. Of particular significance is one of the largest expanses of fen swamp in Surrey which supports a number of county scarce plants and has considerable bird and invertebrate interest. It was recommended by Surrey Bird Club in the past as good for breeding Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) and wintering Water Pipits (Anthus spinoletta). 45 plant species typical of grassland of conservation interest in Surrey Riverside Park (part SNCI GU018 TQ004514 Stoke, SWT survey site Originally selected in 1996, CG Remains SNCI were recorded across the site in of Slyfield Meadow Burpham and 2017 – part of explained that this site still meets the with boundary 2016. Notable plant species and Riverside Park Christchurch ongoing review of SNCI selection guidelines. It was changes as recently recorded on the site SNCI) existing SNCIs. recommended that 2 small areas were shown on Figure 2 include; Marsh Stitchwort removed from the boundary of the of SWT Ecological (Stellaria palustris, GBRL & ERL SNCI. One area in the south is now Services report. - Vulnerable) - 2016, Marsh Sow- covered by housing while an area in thistle (Sonchus palustris, the north of the site is part of allotment Nationally Scarce) - 2015, Corky- gardens. fruited Water-dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides, VC17 The LSP agreed to remove these two Scarce) – 2016, Fine-leaved sections from the SNCI boundary (as Water-dropwort (Oenanthe shown in Figure 2 of the SNCI report) pimpinelloides, VC17 Scarce) – 2016, Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula VC17 Scarce) – 2016, Ragged-robin (Silene flos-cuculi, VC17 Scarce) - 2016 and Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, VC17 Scarce) – 2016 The site lies within a network of wetland sites along the River Wey and Navigation and lies within the River Wey (plus tributaries) Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA RO4). Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Effingham Golf SNCI GU094 TQ114525 Effingham SWT survey site Originally selected in 1996, IG Remains SNCI The site is selected for its 1c, 6a, 6b, Course 2017 – part of explained that this site still meets the with boundary calcareous grassland, mainly 6c, 13a, ongoing review of SNCI criteria. A boundary change changes as associated with the roughs and 17a, 24a, existing SNCIs. was proposed in order to include an shown on Figure 2 fairway edges. 63 species 24b, 24c, additional area of chalk grassland in of SWT Ecological typical of grassland of 24d the north within the same Services report. conservation interest in Surrey landownership. have been recorded on the site Additional minor since 2000. The site meets the The removal of a small area in the changes to reflect criteria for an Important Arable south west of the site was also current Ordnance Plant Area (Byfield & Wilson, proposed as the survey had shown Survey base map. 2005). A number of notable plant that this was a garden and not part of species have been recorded on the golf course. the site including 13 plants found on the GB & England Vascular The LSP agreed to the proposed Plant Red Lists, one UK BAP changes to the SNCI boundary (as Priority species and four VC17 shown in Figure 2 of the SNCI report) Rare or Scarce species recorded in 2016. The site supports almost 5ha of woodland from which 30 ancient woodland indicator species have been recorded since 2000. There is a known population of Dormice, Muscardinus avellanarius on the site. Guildford – Guildford Borough Council Funded Surveys Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Park Wood SNCI GU035 TQ063473 Tillingbourne Additional Originally selected in 1996, Remains SNCI SNCI (*2) Selected 1b, 1c, 2a, Silver Wood and SNCI GU036 TQ065481 Tillingbourne information component sites were reviewed by with no major as an important site for lichens. 2b, 24a, Farm Hill Wood available for these LSP in 2009 (Chantry Bridge Wood, boundary Described by Dr Francis Rose in 25a, 25b, Chantry Bridge Wood SNCI GU037 TQ069475 Tillingbourne sites – updated Park Wood, Silver Wood and Farm changes. 1991 as the most important site 25c. Albury Park SNCI GU038 TQ064475 Tillingbourne Lichen survey. Hill Wood) and 2016 (Albury Park). At in Surrey for epiphytic lichens. the time of this last review, although Minor changes to Its importance was re-confirmed the site met the SNCI criteria in a reflect current in 2016 by Professor David number of areas, it was noted by the Ordnance Survey Hawksworth (VC Recorder for LSP that no up to date information base map (for all British Lichen Society) who, was available for a key feature listed Albury Park sites) following a survey in 1996, stated in the original reasons for selection, that “Albury Park remains the namely the site’s lichen communities. Reason for most important site for lichens selection updated. known in Surrey”. The site is AK explained that following also selected for its parkland recommendations from the LSP, GBC habitat with ancient and veteran commissioned a new survey of the trees and for the presence of lichen communities within Albury Park Common Cudweed, Filago SNCI which had been undertaken by vulgaris (GBRL – Lower Risk – Professor David Hawksworth, Vice- Near Threatened). Woodland county Recorder for British Lichen within the site supports areas of Society in May 2016. Ancient Semi-natural and ancient re-planted woodland retaining a This survey recorded 96 species (122 good ancient woodland flora as in total since 1991) and in the opinion well as notable Oak & Sweet of Professor Hawksworth, “Albury Chestnut pollards at Park Wood. Park remains the most important site The woodland is an important for lichens known in Surrey, not only part of the ecological unit at with more species than other lichen Albury park. The site is also rich sites, but supporting at least six selected for its importance for old-forest indicator species compared bats with Barbastelle bats, with none or only one at other well- Barbastella barbastellus (IUCN studied sites” (Ashtead Common NNR RL – Near Threatened), UK & Bookham Common). Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority and Species of Principal The proposal that the SNCI status be Importance (SPI) under Section retained and the Reasons for 41 of the NERC Act) having been Selection be updated accordingly was recorded using the tunnel in the therefore accepted by the LSP. north east of the site along with a range of other subterranean hibernating bat species. Guildford - Other Sites Put Forward For Discussion Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Oldfield Wood and None N.A. SU935540 Put forward by IG explained that she had originally Selected as new The site is selected for its mature 1b, 1c, 1e, Wood House member of SBS visited this site in a personal capacity SNCI - Oldfield woodland, part of which is 5a, 5b. (Isobel Girvan) on behalf of SBS which is comprised Wood and Wood Ancient Semi-natural supporting of a mix of woodland, acid grassland House SNCI. at least 15 ancient woodland and ponds. Part of the woodland is indicator species. It is also Ancient Semi-natural. The remainder, LSP Ref No. selected for its patchily although not ancient, has been GU168 distributed acid grassland habitat developing as woodland for almost supporting at least 31 species 200 years. typical of grassland of conservation interest in Surrey. It meets both woodland and grassland SNCI criteria, is in positive management and the current owners support the site’s proposal as an SNCI.

Tandridge – Tandridge District Council Funded Work Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 The Rookery pSNCI TAp006 TQ313445 Burstow, SWT survey site CG explained that this is a small area Not selected as N/A N/A Horne and 2016 of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. It SNCI – pSNCI Outwood has unfortunately been damaged by status removed the trampling and grazing of horses as from site. well as by enrichment by their dung and supplementary feeding. As a result the ground flora is extremely impoverished. 9 ancient woodland indicator species were recorded but these were mostly restricted to the very edges of the site beyond the fences.

As such the proposal to the LSP was that the site did not meet the criteria for selection as a SNCI and that following this evaluation, its pSNCI status should also be removed. Tandridge – Other Sites Put Forward For Discussion Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Winders Hill and Part TAp159 TQ354535 Godstone Put forward by The site is comprised of woodland Selected as new The site is selected for the 1a, 18a, Godstone Mines pSNCI Surrey Bat Group surrounding the entrance to five SNCI - Winders extensive underground mine 18b, 18c (Winders former mines, three large and two Hill and Godstone workings which are a significant Hill) small, examples of the extensive Mines SNCI. hibernation site for multiple bat workings in the Upper Greensand in species. It is also important for Surrey. LSP Ref. No. the autumn swarming of TA097 woodland bats. Bechstein’s bat RB explained that based on more than (Myotis bechsteinii), a species 10 years of surveys, the mines have The north east listed on Annex II of the Habitats been shown to be important sites for arm of Winders Directive was recorded during a woodland bats both for hibernation Hill pSNCI to swarming survey in 2010. The and for autumn swarming, at which, remain as a woodland above the mines amongst other activities, mating is pSNCI. supports over 7ha of Ancient known to take place. Semi-natural Woodland.

Much of the woodland surrounding the mine entrances appears on the Ancient Woodland Inventory as Ancient Semi-natural Woodland and is of particular importance during this swarming activity.

The LSP agreed that the candidate site as proposed by the Surrey Bat Group should be selected as an SNCI including the woodland surrounding the mine entrances (which incorporates some 7ha of Ancient Semi-natural woodland and therefore meets the SNCI selection criteria in its own right). The north east arm of Winders Hill pSNCI is not considered to be ancient and was therefore excluded from the SNCI at this time however the LSP agreed that its pSNCI status should be retained until a full assessment of its nature conservation interest is undertaken. Elmbridge – Other Sites Put Forward For Discussion Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Field Common / SNCI EL020 TQ130666 Walton North Review at request This site was originally selected as an “Land South of N/A N/A Hersham Pits of EBC following SNCI in 1996. It was subsequently Field Common” survey data/report reviewed in 2004 when it was removed from submitted by site reselected with a number of boundary SNCI. SNCI owner. changes to reflect changes in the Renamed Molesey nature conservation interest. The Heath LNR & Survey report and Reasons for Selection in 2004 were Hersham Pits assessment recorded as “Gravel pits, with some SNCI against SNCI restoration work in progress, wet Criteria produced grassland, scrub and woodland. by The Ecology Important site for birds including Consultancy for breeding and migrant birds and The Sitwell wintering wildfowl. Also important for Partnership dragonflies which use ditches. covers the Position in ecological unit is important southern section being located near to 3 SNCIs and of the SNCI Knight and Besborough Reservoir (“Land South of SSSI.“ Field Common”. This report was AK explained that The Ecology circulated to LSP Consultancy have undertaken Members in surveys over a number of years advance of the focusing on the features for which it meeting. was originally selected, specifically breeding and wintering birds and dragonflies (Odonata). Their report argues that the ecological interest of the site has declined since the last review in 2004 and as such the site no longer meets the current SNCI criteria for birds or Odonata.

The LSP agreed that the site no longer meets the criteria for which it was selected and that the area covered by The Ecology Consultancy report (“Land South of Field Common”) should be removed from the SNCI. The remainder of the SNCI was not discussed at the meeting and should be retained as an SNCI and renamed Molesey Heath LNR & Hersham Pits SNCI.

The area removed will be added to the list of Deselected SNCIs maintained Elmbridge – Other Sites Put Forward For Discussion Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 by SBIC together with reasons for deselection.

Epsom and Ewell – Other Sites Put Forward For Discussion Site Name Current LSP Grid Ref Ward Reason for Comments at meeting Decision Reason for selection Relevant status of Ref. discussion Criteria site No. *1 Langley Bottom Farm SNCI EE017 TQ209566 Woodcote Proposed AS put forward a site covering just Selected as an The site is selected as a valuable 1b, 6b, (proposed extension to over 11ha to be added to the Langley extension to arable complex. It supports 13a, 13b, (Also extension existing SNCI Bottom Farm SNCI. Langley Bottom considerable arable plant interest 24a, 24d RB053 TQ208574) Farm SNCI. including at least 10 nationally & Proposed by The area is has been proposed as it Rare plant species and 7 species MV073) Surrey Botanical supports many of the same arable rare or scarce within Surrey. It is Society based on features as the existing Langley the best site in Surrey for the survey information Bottom Farm SNCI including 2 Night Flowering Catchfly, Silene from 2015 species listed on both the GB and noctiflora (GBRL – Vulnerable). England Vascular Plant Red Lists; Most of the site meets the Dwarf Spurge, Euphorbia exigua and Plantlife Important Arable Plant Field Gromwell, Lithospermum Area criteria. At least 33 species arvense as well as Rough Poppy, typical of grassland of Papaver hybridum which is VC17 conservation interest in Surrey Rare and Venus’s-looking-glass, have been recorded on the site. Legousia hybrida which is VC17 The site also supports areas of Scarce. Ancient Semi-natural Woodland (ASNW) and potentially ancient AS explained that the species are well shaws and hedgerows. Although distributed across the field. much of the interest of the site is in the field margins, the entire The LSP agreed that this area should site is important as part of the be included within the Langley Bottom arable complex. Farm SNCI.

Notes

*1 – Criteria listed in: Gibbs (2008) *2 – Multi-site SNCI as defined in Guildford Borough Local Plan Review: Nature Conservation Sites, June 1997

References Gibbs, C 2008, Guidance for the Selection of Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) in Surrey, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Pirbright, Surrey