Burgess Park, Southwark /Ecology Report/Report for London Borough of Southwark
Burgess Park, Southwark /Ecology Report/Report for London Borough of Southwark
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ix 2 Photographs ve Summary
Conclusions andConclusions recommendations Introduction Methodology Results en independently verifie en independently
be COPYRIGHT © This report is the copyright of E prohibited is person LIABILITY Ecology Consultancy Limited (ECL) has prepared this report for the sole use of in accordance with the agr made as to the advice in this report or any other service byprovided us. This report may not be relied upon by any other party without the least in part, based upon information provided by others and on obtained it haswhom been Information requested. parties from been by those provided the assumption that all relevant information has
Appendix 4: and Appendix policy Legislation 5: toAppendix of Wildlife value Species 4 1Appendix Plan Habitat Append 3 list Appendix Plant species Executi 1 2 3 Contents
Burgess Park, Southwark
Executive Summary
A Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species risk assessment was carried out at Burgess Park, Southwark during May and June 2009, in order to inform conservation management and enhancement proposals for the park. The main findings of the survey are as follows: There are no European or National statutory sites of nature conservation
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importance within the one kilometre data search area. The nearest designated site Ecology Report is Gilbert’s pit (Charlton) Site of Special Scientific Interest situated approximately 7.9 kilometres to the east of the site. Burgess Park, is designated a non-statutory Site of Borough Grade 2 Importance for Nature Conservation. The Park includes several small areas of semi-natural habitat and is considered to have considerable potential wildlife interest due to its large size. Areas of botanical
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report interest including the more species-rich grassland have been described and target- noted on the Habitat Plan. The site included habitat to support bats, common reptiles and amphibians, breeding birds and a variety of invertebrate groups. Bat, breeding bird and invertebrate surveys are recommended. Preliminary management recommendations to increase biodiversity within the park are included within this report.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
1 Introduction
BACKGROUND 1.1 The Ecology Consultancy was commissioned by The London Borough of Southwark to carry out an ecological assessment of Burgess Park situated in the London Borough of Southwark. The survey findings are presented in this report, together with a preliminary ecological evaluation of the site.
1.2 These surveys were required in order to update current survey information, to inform future management and development of the park with particular regard to
increasing local biodiversity and also to enhance contact with nature for the local /
Ecology Report community. The survey findings are presented in this report, together with a preliminary assessment of the ecological status of the site, identifying, in particular, any rare or interesting species.
SCOPE OF THE REPORT 1.3 This report is based on a desk top study, and field survey using standard Phase 1
survey methodology (JNCC 1993) as adapted for use in Greater London by the /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report Greater London Authority (GLA) (GLA 2002). This approach is designed to identify broad habitat types present, to assess the potential of habitats to support protected species, and to assist in providing an overview of the ecological interest at a site. It is generally the most widely used and professionally recognised method for initial ecological site appraisal.
SITE CONTEXT AND STATUS 1.4 Burgess Park is a large triangular area of green open space covering approximately 46 hectares in the northern part of the London Borough of Southwark. It comprises habitats of amenity grass, semi-improved neutral grassland, scrub, tall ruderal vegetation, ornamental shrubbery, woodland, scattered trees and lake. The park is bordered to the north by Albany Road, to the west by Camberwell Road, to the south by New Church Road and St Georges Way and to the east by Trafalgar Avenue.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
2 Methodology
DESK TOP STUDY 2.1 Information regarding the present and historical ecological interest of the site and within a 1km radius was requested from Greenspace Information for Greater London (GIGL). In addition, a search was completed using an on-line mapping service (www.magic.gov.uk) for statutorily designated sites.
2.2 It is important to note that, even where data is held, a lack of records for a defined /
Ecology Report geographical area does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of ecological interest; the area may be simply under-recorded.
HABITAT SURVEY 2.3 The habitat survey followed standard Phase 1 survey methodology (JNCC 1993) and covered the whole site including boundary features. Habitats were described
and mapped. A list of plant species was compiled, together with an estimate of /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report abundance made according to the DAFOR scale. The visit for the Phase 1 habitat survey was carried out over three visits during May and June. Weather conditions were fine and the temperature was between 18 and 20oC. The site visit was carried out by an experienced ecologist and took approximately 12 hours.
2.4 A habitat plan of the site appears in Appendix 1 and photographs representative of habitat types are included in Appendix 2.
2.5 A full list of plant species identifiable at the site during this survey, along with an assessment of their abundance, appears in Appendix 3.
2.6 Incidental records of birds and other fauna noted during the course of the habitat survey were also compiled. Scientific names are given after the first mention of a species, thereafter, common names only are used. Nomenclature follows Stace (1997) for vascular plant species.
PRELIMINARY PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT 2.7 The potential of the site to provide habitat for protected species was assessed from field observations carried out at the same time as the habitat survey, combined with
the results of the desk top study. The site was inspected for indications of the presence of protected species as follows:
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Nesting habitat for breeding birds, such as woodland, dense scrub, hedgerows and buildings;
The presence of features such as trees with fissures, holes, loose bark and ivy and buildings/structures with features such as tiles, soffit boards and roof cavities, indicating potential for roosting bats;
Scrub/grassland mosaic and potential hibernation sites for common reptiles;
Evidence of badger Meles meles, including setts, runs, snuffle holes and
hairs. /
Ecology Report
Suitable aquatic habitat and wet areas to provide suitable breeding sites for great crested newt Triturus cristatus.
Dead and decaying wood that provides suitable habitat to support stag beetle Lucanus cervus.
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report 2.8 The likelihood of occurrence is ranked as follows and relies on the findings of the current survey and an evaluation of existing data.
Negligible – while presence cannot be absolutely discounted, the site includes very limited or poor quality habitat for a particular species or species group. No local returns from a data search, surrounding habitat considered unlikely to support wider populations of a species/species group. The site may also be outside or peripheral to known national range for a species,
Low – on-site habitat of poor to moderate quality for a given species/species group. Few or no returns from data search, but presence cannot be discounted on the basis of national distribution, nature of surrounding habitats, habitat fragmentation, recent on-site disturbance etc.
Medium – on-site habitat of moderate quality, providing all of the known key requirements of given species/species group. Local returns form the data search, within national distribution, suitable surrounding habitat. Factors limiting the likelihood of occurrence may include small habitat area, habitat severance, and disturbance.
High – on-site habitat of high quality for given a species/species group. Local records provided by desk-top study. The site is within/peripheral to a
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Burgess Park, Southwark
national or regional stronghold. Good quality surrounding habitat and good connectivity.
Present – presence confirmed from the current survey or by recent, confirmed records.
2.9 The purpose of this assessment is to identify whether more comprehensive Phase 2 surveys for protected species should be recommended.
SITE EVALUATION 2.10 The evaluation is based on standard criteria for the assessment of the nature
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conservation value of sites in London developed by the Greater London Authority Ecology Report (GLA 2002).
LIMITATIONS 2.11 It should be noted that whilst every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive description of the site, no investigation can ensure the complete characterisation and prediction of the natural environment. Some plant species
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may have been under-recorded. Some plant species were unidentifiable and some Southwark London Borough of for Report were not visible above ground at this time of year.
2.12 This Phase 1 habitat survey does not constitute a full botanical survey. The protected species assessment provides a preliminary view of the likelihood of protected species occurring on the site, based on the suitability of the habitat, known distribution of the species in the local area provided in response to our enquiries and any direct evidence on the site. It should not be taken as providing a full and definitive survey of any protected species group. It is only valid at the time the survey was carried out. Additional surveys may be recommended if, on the basis of the preliminary assessment or during subsequent surveys, it is considered reasonably likely that other protected species may be present.
2.13 The boundary of Burgess Park is not clearly defined; there are several adjacent areas of open green space that are not within the park boundaries. This report describes areas and habitats as mapped in Appendix 1.
2.14 This report does not describe buildings on the periphery of the park i.e. on Wells Way, Longcroft Road, Chumleigh Street etc.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
3 Results
DESK TOP STUDY 3.1 The following information regarding the present and historical ecological interest of the site was supplied by GIGL. The data covers a standard 1km radius search area and include information on the following:
Protected, rare, Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP) priority and other notable species.
Land designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs); as
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being of local conservation importance and often recognised in Local Ecology Report Authority development plans.
Sites designated for their nature conservation interest 3.2 There are no statutorily designated sites located within 1km of the proposed development site. The nearest designated statutory site is Gilbert’s Pit (Charlton) Site of Special Scientific Interest situated approximately 7.9 kilometres to the east of
Burgess Park and designated for its geological interest. /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
3.3 Burgess Park is designated a Site of Borough Grade 2 Importance for Nature Conservation. A full site description from London Wildweb wildweb.london.gov.uk is as follows:
‘A large, comparatively recently-created park with several features of nature conservation interest, notably the lake and the nature area on New Church Road. The lake contains a diverse fish population and is popular with anglers. The north bank is a sanctuary area, and supports reeds and other emergent vegetation, with aspen, alder and willows behind, providing cover for nesting waterfowl. The New Church Road nature area contains a good variety of trees and shrubs, and rough grassland with a reasonable floristic diversity. Smaller nature areas on Trafalgar Avenue and Coburg Road are used by local schools. Elsewhere in the park, small areas of native trees and shrubs have been planted by volunteers and Groundwork Southwark in recent years, and Groundwork Southwark have undertaken further landscaping. The mowing regime over substantial areas of the park was changed to annual cut and rake in 1998.
The park offers unparalleled opportunities for ecological improvements. The park is
owned and managed by the Borough, with free public access except to the north side of the lake and the school nature areas.’
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Burgess Park, Southwark
3.4 There are two further non-statutory designated sites within one kilometre of the site. These are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC’s), identified by the Greater London Authority on account of their flora and fauna. Details are provided in Table 1 below:
Table 1 – Non-statutory sites within a 1 km radius of the centre of Burgess Park, Southwark Distance Site Name Reason for designation Area (ha) from site (km)
A well-kept nature garden
and one of the oldest in / Benhill Road Nature the borough which Ecology Report includes the following 0.21 0.8 Garden habitats: scrub, secondary woodland, semi-improved neutral grassland
A small park off the Old Kent Road which includes a former nature area with Surrey Square Park the following habitats. 1.22 0.5 Amenity grassland,
/ roughland, scattered trees Southwark London Borough of for Report and scrub
3.5 Burgess Park is a large site and the majority of the following records are from within the park itself.
Birds 3.6 Records for the following species of birds listed as UK and/or London BAP priority species from within 1km of the site were returned by GIGL.
starling Sturnus vulgaris (13 records 1987-2007),
house sparrow Passer domesticus (25 records -2005)
common linnet Carduelis cannabina. (7 records -1987)
song thrush Turdus philomelos (1987)
dunnock Prunella modularis (5 records 1987- 2007)
graylag goose Anser anser (1994)
spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata (3 records 1987)
All of the above birds will potentially utilise the habitats in and around Burgess Park.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Amphibians 3.7 There are five records for common frog Rana temporaria (1999-2000) from the one kilometre data search area, this species receives partial protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
3.8 There are two 1999 records for common toad Bufo bufo – a UK BAP species.
Reptiles 3.9 No reptile species have been recorded from within the one kilometre data search area.
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Ecology Report Bats 3.10 There are six records for pipistelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus bat species between 2005 and 2007 from within the one kilometre data search area. Other unidentified bat species have also been recorded within 1km of the site.
Invertebrates
3.11 There are three 2002 records for stag beetle Lucanus cervus in the local area. /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
HABITAT SURVEY 3.12 Burgess Park is a large triangular area of open green space delineated by roads, pathways and tree-lined avenues. It includes a large fishing lake, narrow belts of woodland at edges, planted scrub islands in grass, mature and newly-planted trees, groves of semi-mature trees and small areas of ornamental planting. The majority of the grassland in the park is managed and kept short, however recently the mowing regime has been relaxed in certain areas of the park. In addition, discrete areas of the park are currently managed as nature conservation areas.
Buildings and Structures 3.13 A former lime kiln (Target note 18) of brick construction was present in the central area of the park (see Photograph 5). The grille-covered openings in the lower part of the structure provided potential access to bats and birds.
3.14 The tennis pavilion located in the south-western section of the park was recent and of modern construction with a shallow tiled sloping roof and pre-fabricated paneled walls.
Hedges
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Burgess Park, Southwark
3.15 There are small sections of hedge throughout the park, particularly surrounding the tennis courts in the southern part of the park. These were largely non-native and single species such as box-leaved honeysuckle Lonicera pileata and firethorn Pyracantha sp.
Hard-standing 3.16 Tar-macadam paths and roadways criss-crossed the park .An area of grass-crete colonised by a mixture of short perennials and grasses including fern grass Catapodium rigidum is present in the central section of the park adjacent to the underpass on Wells Way.
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Ecology Report Amenity Grassland 3.17 Regularly mown and maintained grassland was present in large expanses particularly in the central area of the park (Photograph 1). Grass species were represented by rye-grass Lolium perenne, smooth meadow-grass Poa pratensis, bent Agrostis sp., with wall barley Hordeum murinum at edges and in shady areas. Broad-leaved species commonly present in this short grass were black medick
Medicago lupulina, white clover Trifolium repens, daisy Bellis perennis, dove’s-foot /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report crane’s-bill Geranium molle, dandelion Taraxacum agg., ribbed plantain Plantago lanceolata and yarrow Achillea millefolium.
Semi-Improved Neutral Grassland 3.18 This habitat was present in areas of grass that was mown less regularly and was quite variable in diversity. Areas of particular botanical interest are target noted below. Grass species commonly represented in this habitat were cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus, red fescue Festuca rubra; couch Elytrigia repens barren brome Anisantha sterilis and soft brome Bromus hordeaceus. Broad-leaved species commonly present were common ragwort Senecio jacobaea, bulbous buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus, black medick, lesser burdock Arctium minor, bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and beaked hawk’s- beard Crepis vesicaria (see Photograph 2).
Scrub 3.19 The majority of scrub habitat present in the park had been planted together with young trees in large islands surrounded by grassland (Target notes 12 and 13). This predominantly comprised native species and included hazel Corylus avellana, wild cherry Prunus avium, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna,
dogwood Cornus sanguinea, buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica, wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana, guelder rose Viburnum opulus. Dog rose Rosa canina, field rose
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Rosa arvensis and sweet briar Rosa rubiginosa were also frequently present (see Photograph 9)
3.20 Naturally occurring areas of scrub including bramble Rubus fruticosus, hawthorn, goat willow Salix caprea and dog rose were present in the nature conservation area on New Church Road (Target notes 3 & 4).
Planted shrubbery 3.21 Several small areas of planted shrubbery were present in ornamental beds and borders alongside pathways. Species frequently planted were cotoneaster
Cotoneaster sp., oleander Elaeagnus sp., firethorn, snowberry Symphoricarpos /
Ecology Report spp., escallonia Escallonia sp. and lavender Lavandula sp., Oregon grape Mahonia aquilinum and lavender cotton Santolina chamaecyparissus.
Scattered trees 3.22 Burgess Park features a large number of trees and tree species at various stages of maturity. There are no very mature or ancient trees within the park but there are a
few mature poplar Populus sp. on the park boundary (Target notes 17). /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
3.23 Trees bordering pathways and forming features such as tree-lined avenues included horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, red horse chestnut Aesculus carnea, common lime Tilia x europaeus and small leaved-lime Tilia cordata.
3.24 Groves of single species had been planted such as London Plane Platanus x hispanica (Target note 16 – Photograph 7)
3.25 Recent trees species planting within the park included young false acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima, rowan Sorbus spp. cherry Prunus sp, field maple Acer campestre, Italian alder Alnus cordata, and silver birch Betulus pendula.
3.26 Trees of a greater maturity included sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, London plane, Norway maple Acer platanoides, weeping willow Salix x sepulcralis, ash Fraxinus spp., hornbeam Carpinus betulus, cherry and rowan Sorbus spp.
Woodland 3.27 Small belts of young woodland present on the park edges featured many trees from
the and willow family Salicaceae including frequent white poplar Populus alba, aspen Populus tremula, osier Salix viminalis and crack willow Salix fragilis together with ash, sycamore and false acacia .The shrub layer featured elder Sambucus 10
Burgess Park, Southwark
nigra, cherry plum Prunus cerasifera, blackthorn, firethorn, garden privet Ligustrum ovalifolium and cotoneaster. The ground flora was very sparse due to lack of light and ivy and bramble were abundant, black horehound Ballota nigra was frequent.
Lake 3.28 The ornamental lake in the north-eastern section of the park covered an area of approximately three hectares and was edged with concrete. This large expanse of exposed open water is broken up by small areas of marginal vegetation attached to mooring lines (see below and Photograph 4). Carp and tench - Cyprinidae were present in the lake and were regularly fished.
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Ecology Report Marginal Vegetation 3.29 Small areas of marginal vegetation were present at edges of the lake and also in small islands attached to mooring lines. Species included common reed Phragmites australis, sweet flag Acorus calamus and yellow flag Iris pseudacorus. Vegetation islands provided suitable habitat for breeding common waterfowl such as coot Fulica atra.
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report Tall herbaceous vegetation 3.30 Tall herbaceous vegetation was present at habitat edges throughout the park. Those species frequently present were mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, hemlock Conium maculatum, common ragwort, Greek dock Rumex cristatus, broad-leaved dock Rumex obtusifolius, curled dock Rumex crispus, hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and black horehound.
Target notes
3.31 Target Note 1 –Short and Tall Perennials and Annuals: The northwestern boundary of the park was a raised bank along Albany Road. The edge habitat of shallow sandy soil here supported several ornamental annual species such as love-in-the- mist Nigella sativa, scorpion weed Phacelia tanacetifolia and bird’s eye Gilia tricolor. Native annuals and perennials commonly present were beaked hawks- beard, weld Reseda luteola, perennial wall-rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia, scented mayweed Matricaria recutita, black medick Medicago lupulina, groundsel Senecio vulgaris, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, hoary mustard Hirschfeldia incana, hoary cress Lepidium draba, white clover, red clover Trifolium pratense, bush vetch
Vicia sepium common vetch Vicia sativa and common poppy Papaver rhoeas.
Target Note 2 – Semi-improved neutral dry grassland
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3.32 Grass species in this area were dominated by red fescue, smooth meadow-grass, with locally frequent false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, common couch, rye- grass, and wall barley. Broad-leaved plants frequently present were Greek dock, curled dock, yarrow, common knapweed, bulbous buttercup, white and red clover occasional little mouse-ear Cerastium semidecandrum and locally frequent lucerne Medicago sativa.
Target Note 3 – Grassland in Nature Conservation Area 3.33 Meadow species present in this area included several members of the vetch family: bush vetch, common vetch, hairy tare Vicia hirsuta, grass vetchling Lathyrus
nissolia and meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. Other grassland species present /
Ecology Report included cut-leaved geranium Geranium dissectum, little mouse-ear, goat’s-beard Tragopogon pratense and common valerian Valeriana officinalis.
Target Note 4 – Woodland in Nature Conservation Area 3.34 A small area of dense shady broad-leaved woodland featuring sycamore, white poplar, hawthorn, dog rose and elder; ground flora included bluebell Hyacinthoides
sp. Fox Vulpes vulpes was present. /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
Target Note 5 – Avenue of mature horse chestnuts 3.35 Mature trees lining pedestrian pathways provided potential bat commuting and foraging routes.
Target Note 6 – Line of mature common lime 3.36 Mature lime trees provided suitable bat foraging areas
Target note 7 – Copse 3.37 Small area of woodland dominated by white poplar with occasional cherry, field maple, Swedish whitebeam Sorbus intermedia and sweet briar. Rough grasses at the woodland edge included frequent barren brome, cock’s-foot and occasional Californian brome Ceratochloa carinatus.
Target Note 8 – Semi-improved neutral grassland 3.38 Grass species in this area` were dominated by false oat grass, cock’s-foot and red fescue with locally frequent barren brome, common couch and hybrid couch Elytrigia sp. Broad-leaved species present included horse radish Armoracia rusticana, goat’s-beard, cat’s-ear Hypochaeris radicata, redshank Persicaria
maculosa, sticky mouse-ear Cerastium glomeratum, black horehound, common ragwort and locally frequent cypress spurge Euphorbia cyparissias.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
3.39 A small amount of Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica was present in this area. Japanese knotweed is listed on Part II of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect to Section 14(2).
Target Note 9 – Meadow 3.40 A circular meadow area enclosed by low paling with frequent lady’s bedstraw Galium verum, meadow crane’s-bill Geranium sylvaticum, hedgerow crane’s-bill Geranium pyrenaicum, ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgaris and common knapweed. Meadow grasses present included crested dog’s tail Cynosurus cristatus, sweet meadow grass Anthoxanthum odoratum and meadow barley
Hordeum secalinum. Other broad-leaved species frequently present included /
Ecology Report bulbous buttercup, creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans, common vetch, bird’s- foot trefoil and common poppy
Target Note 10 – Woodland (see 3.27)
Target Note 11 – Lake (see 3.28)
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report Target Note 12 – Scrub islands (see 3.19)
Target Note 13 – Bank of grassland and scrub 3.41 Dense planted scrub on the top of the slope included species such as gorse Ulex europaeus, sweet briar, dog rose, white poplar, sycamore and wild cherry. Grassland bank featured frequent cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, bush vetch, mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, hedgerow crane’s-bill and garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata.
Target Note 14 – Hemlock Conium maculatum 3.42 Bank and raised area of wasteland in the south-eastern section of the park dominated by hemlock.
Target Note 15 – Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum 3.43 A large stand of giant hogweed (Photograph 6) at the western end of the astro-turf pitch. Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum is listed on Part II of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect to Section 14(2).
Target Note 16 – Grove of London Plane
3.44 A grove of closely-planted immature trees (Photograph 7).
Target Note 17 - Mature poplar 13
Burgess Park, Southwark
3.45 Three mature poplar Populus sp. were present on the park boundary.
FAUNA 3.46 Birds recorded at and round the site during the surveys, along with their status are listed below
Table 2 – Bird species recorded during site visits.
Bocc1[1 Scientific name Common name ] BAP2[2]
Status /
Status Ecology Report
Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed tit Green
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Amber
Anser anser Greylag goose Amber
Apus apus Swift Amber
Carduelis chloris Greenfinch Green
/ Columba livia Feral pigeon Green Southwark London Borough of for Report
Corvus corone Carrion Crow Green
Corvus frugilegus Rook Green
Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit Green
Cygus olor Mute swan Green
Erithracus rubecula Robin Green
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Green
Fulica atra Coot Green
Parus major Great Tit Green 5+
Passer domesticus House sparrow Red UK + London
Pica pica Magpie Green
Picus viridus Green Woodpecker Amber
Prunella modularis Dunnock Amber UK
Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove Green
Sturnus vulgaris Common starling Red UK
1 Birds of Conservation Concern status prioritised into high concern Red, medium concern Amber and low concern Green (Gregory et al, 2002). Red-list species are those that are globally threatened according to the IUCN criteria; those whose population or range has
declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. Amber-list species are those with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; those whose population has declined historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with internationally important or localised populations. Green-list species are those that fulfill none of the criteria. 2 Biodiversity Action Plan status including national (UK) and/or county level (London). 14
Burgess Park, Southwark
Table 2 – Bird species recorded during site visits.
Bocc1[1 Scientific name Common name ] BAP2[2]
Status Status
Troglodytes troglodytes Wren Green
Turdus merula Blackbird Green
3.47 Lepidoptera recorded at the site during the surveys were green veined white Pieris napi, painted lady Vanessa cardui, orange tip Antyhocharis cardamines, small white
/
Ecology Report Pieris rapae, speckled wood Pararge aegeria, burnet companion Euclidia glyphica small skipper Thymelicus sylvestris and UK BAP species dingy skipper Erynnis tages. Other invertebrates recorded were harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis succinea, common carder bee Bombus pascuorum, small garden bumble bee Bombus hortorum and honey bee Apis mellifera.
3.48 Mammals recorded during the surveys were fox Vulpes, vulpes, brown rat Rattus /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report norvegicus and grey squirrel Scirius carolinensis.
PROTECTED SPECIES ASSESSMENT 3.22 The habitats at the site were evaluated as to their likelihood to provide sheltering, roosting, nesting and foraging habitat for the following species;
Bats
Breeding birds
Reptiles
Great crested newt
3.23 These species were selected for further consideration because the results of the desk-top study revealed that they occur in the vicinity of the site and potentially suitable habitat is present on-site. The results of the field survey, combined with information from the desk-top study, are presented in the table below. The relevant legislation and policies relating to protected species is presented within Appendix 4.
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Harrow Road, Brent
Table 3: Assessment of potential presence of protected, notifiable and BAP priority species and habitats at the proposed development site
Main legislation and policy (see Species appendix 4) Reason for consideration Likelihood of occurrence
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Bat Wildlife and Countryside Act Tree lines, woodland and open grassland HIGH for foraging and commuting. Woodland edge, Report Ecology 1981 (as amended). Schedule 5. provide bat foraging and commuting habitat. tree-lined avenues, the lake and the large areas of open Schedule 2 of the Conservation There are records for pipistrelle bat from grassland within the park provided suitable habitat for (Natural Habitats, & c.) within the 1 km search area. commuting and foraging bats. Regulations 1994 Building structures with gaps, openings and MEDIUM for roosting. The lime kiln in the centre of the interior space; trees with cracks and park had low potential for roosting bat. Mature trees
crevices provide potentially suitable bat close to park boundaries included cracks, fissures and /
Report for Notting Hill Housing Trust Housing Hill for Notting Report roosting habitat. woodpecker holes that provided potential roost sites. Breeding Wildlife and Countryside Act Woodland, planted shrubbery and scrub HIGH. Strips of woodland on the park boundaries, and birds 1981 (as amended) provide suitable habitat to support nesting planted scrub and shrubbery present throughout the birds. A total of 12 species of bird were park provided suitable nesting habitat for garden and noted during the surveys included garden woodland birds. Marginal vegetation provided suitable birds, woodland birds and waterfowl. There nesting habitat for common aquatic birds such as coot. are records for 6 BAP bird species from within the one kilometre data search area. Common Wildlife and Countryside Act, A mosaic of long grass, scrub and tall herb LOW The majority of the park is of recent origin. Reptiles 1981 (as amended) Schedule 5 provides suitable habitat to support Significant areas of long grass interspersed with (partial protection) common reptile species such as slow-worm. planted scrub beds together with naturally occurring scrub did provide suitable habitat for common reptiles such as slow-worm. Edge areas of the park remain 16
Harrow Road, Brent
Table 3: Assessment of potential presence of protected, notifiable and BAP priority species and habitats at the proposed development site
Main legislation and policy (see Species appendix 4) Reason for consideration Likelihood of occurrence
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relatively undisturbed. No records for reptiles were Report Ecology returned from the data search area. Great crested Wildlife and Countryside Act Woodland, scrub and tall grass provide LOW/NEGLIGIBLE The park is of relatively recent origin newt 1981 (as amended). Schedule 5. suitable habitat for GCN in their terrestrial The ornamental fishing lake did not provide suitable (GCN)Triturus Schedule 2 of the Conservation phase. Shallow lakes, ponds and wet areas breeding habitat for great crested newt. Due to its hard, cristatus (Natural Habitats, & c.) provide potential GCN breeding habitat. steep sides, a dearth of aquatic vegetation and the
Regulations 1994 presence of fish and water fowl. There are no known /
Report for Notting Hill Housing Trust Housing Hill for Notting Report suitable breeding ponds within 500 metres of the park.
Japanese Section 14 and Part II of Japanese knotweed is a plant that is PRESENT A very small discrete area of Japanese knotweed Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and commonly found in a variety of habitats, knotweed was recorded under an Acer tree in the area Countryside Act 1981 (as especially disturbed areas. Giant hogweed is of Target Note 8. Fallopia amended common along water courses. A large patch of giant hogweed was present at Target japonica Note 15. Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzian um
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Burgess Park, Southwark
EVALUATION
3.24 Burgess Park is designated a Site of Borough Grade 2 Importance for Nature Conservation. The site is evaluated below in order to highlight the aspects of the site that are considered to be of value for nature conservation, based on the findings of the current survey.
3.25 Planning Policy Statement 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation notes that, ‘Criteria-based policies should be established in local development documents against which proposals for any development on, or affecting, such sites (of nature
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conservation importance) will be judged. These policies should be distinguished Ecology Report from those applied to nationally important sites.’ Accordingly the evaluation below is based on criteria for the designation of non-statutory Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in London provided in the Mayors Biodiversity Strategy (GLA 2002). The criteria are used to assess sites as a whole and whether they warrant consideration as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation at the Metropolitan, Borough or Local level.
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
Table 4: Site Evaluation Table based on the GLA criteria.
GLA Criteria Remarks
Representation The habitats of semi-improved neutral grassland, scrub, scattered trees, tall herbs and open standing water are well represented within Burgess Park
Habitat rarity Standing water, reed bed and large areas of semi-improved grassland are all rare within the local context. Reed bed is both a local and national BAP
Species rarity No records of rare species are known for the site and it is unlikely that any rare species are present on site due to its relatively recent origin. Bats may utilise habitats in and around the park for commuting and foraging purposes. In addition to protection stated in Table 3 all species of bat are declining in London and are covered by a London Biodiversity Action Plan.
The park supports a small number of red-listed bird species such as house sparrow and starling and the grassland habitat
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Burgess Park, Southwark Table 4: Site Evaluation Table based on the GLA criteria.
GLA Criteria Remarks
potentially supports BAP bumblebee Bombus spp. species.
Habitat richness Burgess Park supports a reasonable number of man-made habitats such as amenity grassland, planted shrubbery, lake and scattered ornamental trees together with areas of spontaneous vegetation such as tall herb and scrub.
Species richness ≥250 botanical species were recorded on-site including many
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non-native species. This is a good number of species and is due Ecology Report to the large size of the site and optimum survey timing. The grassland potentially supports a moderately-rich assemblage of invertebrates due to local variation within the habitat. A moderate assemblage of bird species are also present.
Size Due to its large size Burgess Park is potentially a self-contained valuable ecological unit with the capacity to support a diverse
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report range of common species. The extensive areas of grassland present on-site potentially support diverse groups of invertebrate species and also provide foraging for large flocks of birds.
Important Bats are likely to utilise the park which forms a large area of populations of open green space within an urban setting. The park is also species valuable in supporting local populations of birds such as UK BAP species starling and house sparrow.
Ancient character Burgess Park is of relatively recent origin, dating from the mid 20th Century and has evolved slowly over the last sixty/seventy years. It has no old parkland trees, ancient woodland. etc
Recreatability All habitats present within the site boundaries are readily re- creatable in the medium term.
Typical urban The grassland habitats within the site have characteristics of character their urban origin. The tree landscaping and recent changes in the mowing regimes are typical of current urban park management. The ruderal and tall herb communities are typical brownfield habitats but not of great quality.
Cultural or historic Burgess Park is a relatively young. The lime kiln in the centre of character the park is of historical interest.
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Burgess Park, Southwark Table 4: Site Evaluation Table based on the GLA criteria.
GLA Criteria Remarks
Geographic position Burgess Park is an extensive open area of green space in an intensively urban setting. It is surrounded on all sides by main roads and the A4 (Old Kent Road) major trunk road forms its northeastern boundary. Whilst isolated and distant from any other areas of green space of significant size or wildlife value the park is sufficiently large to be of ecological value alone.
Access There is public access to the great majority of the park. /
Ecology Report Use The site is a public area of open green recreational space.
Potential The park has great potential to increase local biodiversity due to its large size through increasing the extent of those areas managed specifically for nature conservation and through wildlife –friendly management practices.
Aesthetic appeal The park is aesthetically pleasing but would benefit by a /
Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report softening of habitat boundaries, to create a more naturalistic landscape, through sympathetic edge planting and removal of some of the internal roadways.
Burgess Park, although of relatively recent origin has been evaluated as being of moderate and potentially high ecological value due its overall large size which accommodates a reasonable diversity of species and habitats.
LOCAL PLANNING POLICY 3.26 On the basis of the surveys completed it is considered that the following policies contained in the London Borough of Southwark’s Unitary Development Plan are relevant to this site, as follows in Table 7 below. The full text of the relevant policies is contained in Appendix 4.
Table 5 – Southwark UDP polices relevant to the site.
Policy Relevance to the site
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Table 5 – Southwark UDP polices relevant to the site.
Policy Relevance to the site
SP 15 Open space and biodiversity
All developments should, where appropriate, create, Burgess Park is an extensive preserve and enhance open spaces, green corridors, area of public open green space traffic free routes, and biodiversity. The benefits of open with potential to both support space include those associated with health, sport, and increase the biodiversity of recreation, children’s play, regeneration, the economy, the local area culture, biodiversity and the environment.
/ Policy 3.28 Biodiversity Ecology Report
The LPA will take biodiversity into account in its determination of all planning applications and will encourage the inclusion in developments of features which Burgess Park is designated a enhance biodiversity, requiring an ecological assessment Site of Borough Grade 2 where relevant. Importance for Nature
/ Developments will not be permitted which would damage Conservation, with suitable Southwark London Borough of for Report the nature conservation value of sites of importance for habitat of value to protected nature conservation (SINCs) and local nature reserves species, which should be (LNRs) and/or damage habitats, populations of protected considered and protected during species or priority habitats/species identified in the United the development/enhancement Kingdom, London or the Southwark biodiversity action proposals for the park. plan. Where, exceptionally, such developments are permitted, the Council will seek mitigation and/or compensation for the damage to biodiversity.
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Burgess Park, Southwark
4 Conclusions and Recommendations
CONCLUSION 4.1 Burgess Park, although of relatively recent origin has been evaluated as being of moderate and potentially high ecological value due its overall large size which accommodates a reasonable diversity of species and habitats. It comprises extensive areas of grassland habitat of value to birds and invertebrates together with large numbers of immature trees and small areas of woodland which are also of
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Ecology Report value for nature conservation.
4.2 The site was considered to have potential for protected and BAP species, notably bats, reptiles, breeding birds and some groups of invertebrates such as Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Where necessary, proposals for mitigation and additional survey are made below.
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report RECOMMENDATIONS Habitat retention and protection 4.3 The habitats currently of the greatest wildlife value in the park are those that have already been managed for nature conservation, such as the woodland and grassland (Target Note areas 3 & 4), to the south of New Church Road. However recent areas of planted shrubbery are also of value in particular to birds and invertebrates due of their composition of a high proportion of native species. Large swathes of grassland if managed correctly provide a valuable resource to birds, bats and invertebrates.
4.4 Trees within the park should be retained where possible and should be protected during any construction activities in accordance with BS 5837:2005 Trees in relation to construction.
Mitigation 4.5 In order to avoid impacts on breeding birds any necessary vegetation clearance should be carried out outside of the main bird nesting season which runs from March to September inclusive Vegetation clearance should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season, which generally runs from March to August inclusive. However, some species may nest outside of this core period so vigilance is needed when undertaking vegetation clearance at any time. If any clearance works are likely
to be undertaken during the nesting season, they should be preceded by a check for nesting birds by a suitably qualified ecologist. A watching brief may also be required 22
Burgess Park, Southwark during the clearance works. If any active nests are found, it will be necessary to protect the nest and a suitable buffer area around it until such time as the young have fledged and left the nest.
Invasive species 4.6 Japanese knotweed was present in Target note area 8.
4.7 A large stand of giant hogweed was present at Target note area 15
4.8 The Environment Agency provides guidelines in managing Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/conservation
/ (Environment Agency 2006). It is an offence to cause these plants to grow or spread Ecology Report in the wild.
Further surveys 4.9 Bats - The lime kiln and several trees within the park include with features of potential value to roosting bat. Suitable foraging and commuting habitat is also present. A bat survey is recommended to determine the presence/absence of
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report roosting bats, and to provide an evaluation of bat foraging and commuting activity in the park, in order to inform any lighting proposals or changes to the landscape.
4.10 An initial assessment of the trees and structures within the park for potential roost sites is recommended.
4.11 Two evening and activity surveys are recommended which is the minimum requirement in accordance with current guidance (Bat Conservation Trust 2007).The preferred period for bat surveys is from May to September, when bats are most active. If a bat roost is detected and is adversely affected by the works then it may be necessary to apply for a European Protected Species (EPS) licence from Natural England, which may require further surveys, and to complete mitigation works if necessary. Note that licences can take a number of weeks to prepare and secure.
4.12 Emergence and activity surveys would be followed by transect surveys to determine the nature of bat feeding and foraging activity across the siteThe information provided by the bat survey may also assist in developing more detailed mitigation proposals for bats with regard to night time lighting and landscaping.
4.13 Reptiles – The Park includes large areas of less-managed grass where the mowing
regime is currently relaxed and which provides suitable habitat for common reptiles such as slow-worm Lacerta anguis. However should animals be present they are 23
Burgess Park, Southwark only likely to be there in small numbers. If the redevelopment of the park requires the disturbance of these areas a reptile survey prior to commencement of work is recommended. This will inform the level of management appropriate to retain and enhance potential reptile populations, and ensure an appropriate method of clearance is used to avoid killing any reptiles that may be present. The survey would follow standard survey methodology. A number of artificial refugia would be set out in suitable habitats and in particular edge habitats comprising a mosaic of tall herbaceous vegetation and grassland. Refugia would comprise roofing felt positioned where they will not interfere with other uses of the land. A total of seven visits to check on the refugia and record the presence or absence of reptiles would be made at appropriate times of day. Reptile surveys can be carried out between
/ March and September, although they may need to be suspended in hot weather or Ecology Report the presence of rain. Methodology would follow best practice guidance as recommended by Froglife (1999)
4.14 Birds – Woodland, shrubbery, grassland and scrub present within the park provides suitable habitat to support a variety of bird species. A breeding and wintering bird survey is recommended to determine the species and numbers of breeding birds in
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report the park to ensure that any potential future works have minimal impact on less- common species and to inform future management plans at the site.
4.15 Terrestrial Invertebrates – Grassland and woodland edge provide suitable habitat to support a variety of terrestrial invertebrate groups. A survey is recommended in order to provide baseline information which will help inform general management of the park. Visits should be spread across the period May to September in order to maximise recording opportunities and should include methodologies such as sweep netting, pitfall traps, beating trees and bushes and MV light trapping.
Enhancement 4.16 Nature conservation areas within the park already include semi-natural habitat comprised of native species. These habitat areas should be increased and new ones created utilising suitable native trees shrubs that provide food sources including nectar, fruit and berries are species such as hazel Corylus avellana, oak, honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, dog rose Rosa canina, guelder-rose Viburnum opulus, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, blackthorn Prunus spinosa, crab apple Malus sylvestris, elder Sambucus nigra and wild plum Prunus domestica. Native tree and shrub species will attract insects and also provide a potential food source for bats throughout the bat activity period and also for birds.
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Burgess Park, Southwark 4.17 Additional non-native species with berries or nectar-rich flowers should be selected to provide a long season for foraging birds and invertebrates. Honeysuckle Lonicera spp., Japanese rose Rosa rugosa, laurustinus Viburnum tinus, dogwood Cornus spp., flowering currant Ribes spp. oregon-grape Mahonia aquifolium, cherry plum Prunus cerasifera, Sweet William Dianthus barbatus, Michaelmas daisy Aster novi- belgii, lavender Lavandula spp., verbena Verbena spp., mint Mentha spp., red valerian Centranthus ruber, fuchsia Fuchsia spp. and marjoram Origanum spp. are particularly recommended and Appendix 5 lists additional species which are good for wildlife, however it is not an exhaustive list
4.18 Any landscaping proposals involving ornamental border plants should also include
/ species such as white campion Silene latifolia, red campion Silene dioica, ox-eye Ecology Report daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, mallow Malva sylvestris, knapweed Centaurea nigra, yarrow Achillea millefolium, scabious Scabiosa columbaria, cornflower Centaurea cyanus and/or herbs such as lavender Lavandula sp, angelica Angelica sylvestris, rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis and thyme Thymus sp.- all species of value to wildlife.
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report 4.19 Meadow Management. The mowing regime could be further relaxed in places to allow the grass and other species present to grow longer, flower and set seed. These areas should be left uncut until August/September and then mown to a height of approx. 10cm. The cuttings should be raked off to keep the fertility of the soil low.
4.20 Flowering Lawns. This management could be introduced in the more species-rich areas of amenity grassland and will produce a short colourful turf that will flower intermittently throughout the summer between cuts. It encourages species which are tolerant of more regular mowing, such as the bird’s-foot-trefoil, red clover, cat’s-ear and other species which are present. The areas should be cut periodically over the growing period but not as regularly as the short amenity areas. It is recommended that discrete areas are cut every 3 weeks to a height of 10-20cm, but extending the period between cuts to 4 weeks during the peak flowering season – June-August. This will help to increase numbers of invertebrates through an almost constant supply of available nectar. As the grass is cut more regularly than in meadow management it suppresses perennial weeds and there is no need to remove arisings following cutting.
4.21 Wildlife pond. It is recommended that a wildlife pond is created in the nature conservation are on New Church Road. This will add to the habitat diversity of the
park and will provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians such as UK BAP species common toad which are present in the area. 25
Burgess Park, Southwark 4.22 Lake. In order to increase the diversity of the lake it is proposed that the hard concrete edges are softened in selected areas through the installation of gabions around the lake edge. A variety of aquatic and marginal vegetation will be planted and become established on the gabion walls, eventually creating suitable micro- habitats for diverse aquatic invertebrate communities. This marginal vegetation should include substantial areas of reed-bed, - an important UK BAP habitat.
4.23 Woodland. The woodland strips on the edges of the park are currently degraded through rubbish tipping and general abuse. It is recommended that this young woodland is thinned out through removal of sycamore and ash saplings – this would increase light levels and improve the general appearance. Large areas of bramble
/ should also be removed and the ground flora be enhanced through bulb planting Ecology Report such as English bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, ramsons Allium ursinum and snowdrop Galanthus nivalis.
4.24 Bird and bat boxes. The inclusion of bird nesting boxes on trees and walls covered in climbers or wall-trained shrubs could benefit a variety of common breeding birds. Boxes should be located out of direct sunlight, at least 2m or so above ground,
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report facing south-east if possible, away from bird feeders and a discrete distance away from other nest boxes. Woodcrete bird boxes are recommended as they include a broad range of designs, are long-lasting compared to wooden boxes and insulate occupants from extremes of temperature and condensation. Bat boxes could also be installed in suitable locations on mature and semi-mature boundary trees.
4.25 Stag beetle habitat. Loggeries could be created within the park in order to provide suitable habitat for stag beetle (a UK and London Biodiversity Action Plan species with a stronghold in London). This will be constructed using buried deadwood from a mixture of tree species such as oak, ash, elm, sycamore, lime, hornbeam, apple and cherry.
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Burgess Park, Southwark References
Froglife. 1999. Advice Sheet 10: Reptile Survey. An introduction to planning, conducting and interpreting surveys for snake and lizard conservation. Froglife, Halesworth.
Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) An Ecological Data Search for Burgess park 19th May 2009 (ref. 09/168)
Greater London Authority. July 2002. Connecting with London’s Nature – the Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy. GLA, London.
Southwark Borough Council http://www.southwark.gov.uk.
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IEEM (2006). Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK. Institute of Ecology Ecology Report and Environmental Management. 26 June 2006
Johnston J. & Newton J., 2007 Building Greener GLA publications http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/publications/environment.jsp).
JNCC. 1993. Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – A Technique for Environmental Audit. England Field Unit, Nature Conservancy Council. Reprinted by Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
/ Environment Agency. 2006. The Knotweed Code of Practice: Managing Japanese Southwark London Borough of for Report Knotweed on Development Sites. Environment Agency, Bristol. Available for download www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/conservation
The London BAP (Regional Plan) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=400
London Biodiversity Partnership. 2001. The London Biodiversity Audit – Volume 2 of the London Biodiversity Action Plan. http://www.lbp.org.uk/03action.html
Stace, C.A. 1997. New Flora of the British Isles (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Johnston J. & Newton J., 2007 Building Greener GLA publications http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/publications/environment.jsp).
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Appendix 1 Habitat Plan
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Ecology Report
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Report for London Borough Southwark London Borough of for Report
28
Harrow Road, Brent
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Ecology Report Ecology
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Report for Notting Hill Housing Trust Housing Hill for Notting Report
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Burgess Park, Southwark
Appendix 2 Photographs
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Ecology Report
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Report for London Bo for Report
rough Southwark rough of
30
Burgess Park, Southwark
Photograph 1 Central open recreational field
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Ecology Report
Photograph 2 Raised uneven bank of semi-improved neutral grassland in the southern part of park. Target Note 8
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Report for London Bo for Report
Photograph 3 Meadow area in south-western section of the park featuring frequent lady’s bedstraw and common
rough Southwark rough of knapweed – Target Note 9
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Burgess Park, Southwark Photograph 4 Lake in the northeastern section of the park showing vegetation islands attached by mooring lines –Target Note 11
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Ecology Report Photograph 5 Brick lime kiln in central area of park Target Note 16
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Report for London Bo for Report
Photograph 6 Giant hogweed growing adjacent to the wall of the astro-turf pitch Target Note 15
rough Southwark rough of
32
Burgess Park, Southwark Photograph 7 Grove of young London Plane close to the northern boundary /
Ecology Report Photograph 8 Raised bank of hemlock –Target Note 14 / Report for London Bo for Report
Photograph 9 Scrub island in the southeastern section of the park (Target Note 12) rough Southwark rough of
33
Burgess Park, Southwark Photograph 10 New Church Road nature conservation area- long grass and intermittent scrub with diverse flora and supporting several groups of invertebrates –Target Note 3
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Ecology Report
/
Report for London Bo for Report
rough Southwark rough of
34
Burgess Park, Southwark
Appendix 3 Plant species list
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Ecology Report
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Report for London Bo for Report
rough Southwark rough of
35
Burgess Park, Southwark Plant Species List for Burgess Park, Southwark compiled from the Phase 1 field survey carried out in May and June 2009
Scientific nomenclature follows Stace (1997) for vascular plant species and Blockeel & Long (1998) for bryophyte species. Vascular plant common names follow the Botanical Society of the British Isles 2003 list, published on its web site, www.bsbi.org.uk. Please note that this plant species list was generated as part of a Phase 1 Habitat survey, does not constitute a full botanical survey and should be read in conjunction with the associated Phase 1 Report.
Abundance was estimated using the DAFOR scale as follows:
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Ecology Report D = dominant, A = abundant, F = frequent, O = occasional, R = rare c=clumped, e=edge only, g=garden origin, p=planted, s=seedling or sucker, t=tree, h = hedge, ? = identification uncertain
Scientific name Common name Abundance Qualifier
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London Bo for Report Acer campestre Field maple F Acer platanoides Norway maple O t Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore O t Acer rubrum Red maple R t Acer saccharum Sugar maple R t Acer sp. Maple F t Achillea millefolium Yarrow Lf Acorus calamus Sweet-flag Lf Aesculus carnea Red horse-chestnut Lf Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut Lf t Agrostis capillaris Common bent Lf
Agrostis stolonifera Creeping bent F Southwark rough of Ailanthus altissima Tree-of-heaven F t Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard Lf Alnus cordata Italian alder O t Alopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail Lf Anagallis arvensis Scarlet pimpernel O Anisantha sterilis Barren brome Lf Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal-grass Lf Anthriscus sylvestris Cow parsley Lf Arctium minus Lesser burdock O Armoracia rusticana Horse-radish O
Arrhenatherum elatius False oat-grass Lf Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort O
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Burgess Park, Southwark Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies O Atriplex patula Common orache O Ballota nigra Black horehound F Bellis perennis Daisy F Betula pendula Silver birch O t Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome Lf Buddleja davidii Buddleia Lf Calamagrostis arundinacea Reed grass Lf Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Lf Calystegia silvatica Large bindweed Lf Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse F Carduus crispus Welted thistle O Carpinus betulus Hornbeam Lf T
/ Catapodium rigidum Fern grass Lf Ecology Report Cedrus sp. Cedar O Centaurea nigra Common knapweed Lf Centranthus ruber Red valerian R Cerastium fontanum Common mouse-ear O Cerastium glomeratum Sticky mouse-ear O Cerastium semidecandrum Little mouse-ear O Ceratochloa carinatus California brome O
/ Cercis siliquastrum Judas tree R t London Bo for Report Chelidonium majus Greater celandine O Cirsium arvense Creeping thistle Lf Cirsium vulgare Spear thistle O Conium maculatum Hemlock La Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed F Conyza canadensis Canadian fleabane Lf Conyza spp. Fleabanes F Cornus mas Cornelian dogwood F Cornus sanguinea Dogwood F Corylus avellana Hazel O Cotoneaster franchetii Cotoneaster Lf
Cotoneaster horizontalis Wall cotoneaster O Southwark rough of Cotoneaster integrifolius Small-leaved cotoneaster F Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn F Crepis vesicaria Beaked hawk's-beard Lf Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot F Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair-grass O Diplotaxis tenuifolia Perennial wall-rocket Lf Elaeagnus sp Oleander F Elytrigia repens Common couch Lf Erodium cicutarium Common stork's-bill O Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress spurge Lf c
Fagus sylvatica Beech O t Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed R
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Burgess Park, Southwark Festuca rubra Red fescue F Foeniculum vulgare Fennel O Forsythia sp. Forsythia O Fraxinus angustifolia Narrow-leaf ash R t Fraxinus excelsior Ash O t Fraxinus ornus Manna ash O t Funaria officinalis Common fumitory O Galega officinalis Goat's-rue Lf Galium aparine Cleavers Lf Galium verum Lady's bedstraw Lf Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved crane's-bill O Geranium macrorrhizum Rock crane's-bill O Geranium molle Dove's-foot crane's-bill Lf
/ Geranium pratense Meadow crane's-bill Lf Ecology Report Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow crane's-bill O Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert Lf Geum urbanum Wood avens O Gilia tricolor Bird’s eyes R g Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair tree R t Hedera helix Ivy Lf Hedera sp Garden ivy Lf
/ Heracleum mantegazzianum Giant hogweed Lf London Bo for Report Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed F Hippophae rhamnoides Sea buckthorn O Hirschfeldia incana Hoary mustard Lf Holcus lanata Yorkshire fog Lf Hordeum murinum Wall barley Lf Hordeum secalinum Meadow barley O Hyacinthoides sp Bluebell O Hypericum "Hidcote" Hypericum "Hidcote" O Hypericum calycinum Rose-of-Sharon O Hypericum perforatum Perforate St John's-wort Lf Hypochaeris radicata Cat's-ear O
Ilex aquifolium Holly O Southwark rough of Ilex x altaclerensis Highclere holly O Iris pseudacorus Yellow iris O Kniphofia sp. Red hot poker O Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce O Lamium album White dead-nettle O Lamium purpureum Red dead-nettle O Lathyrus hirsutus Hairy tare O Lathyrus nissolia Grass vetchling O Lathyrus pratensis Meadow vetchling O Lavandula sp. Lavender O
Leontodon hispidus Rough hawkbit O Leontodon sp. Hawkbit O
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Burgess Park, Southwark Lepidium draba Hoary cress Lf Ligustrum ovalifolium Garden privet LF Ligustrum vulgare Wild privet LF Liquidambar styraciflua Sweet gum R Lolium perenne Perennial rye-grass O Lotus corniculatus Common bird's-foot-trefoil Lf Magnolia sp. Magnolia O Mahonia aquifolium Oregon-grape F Malus domestica Apple R Malus sylvestris Crab apple F Malva neglecta Dwarf mallow O Matricaria discoidea Pinappleweed O Matricaria recutita Scented mayweed F
/ Medicago arabica Spotted medick Lf Ecology Report Medicago lupulina Black medick F Medicago sativa Lucerne F Melilotus officinalis Ribbed melilot O Mercurialis annua Annual mercury O Mercurialis perennis Dog's mercury O Myosotis sp. Forget-me-not O Narcissus sp. Daffodil O
/ Nigella sativa Love-in-the-mist R London Bo for Report Onopordum acanthium Cotton thistle R Papaver rhoeas Common poppy O Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper O Pentaglottis sempervirens Green alkanet Lf Persicaria maculosa Redshank O Phacelia tanacetifolia Scorpion weed R Philadelphus sp. Mock orange O Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart's-tongue O Picris hieracioides Hawkweed ox-tongue O Pinus nigra Corsican pine O t Pinus sp. Pine O t
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain F Southwark rough of Plantago major Greater plantain O Platanus x hispanica London plane F t Poa annua Annual meadow-grass O Poa pratensis Smooth meadow-grass F Poa trivialis Rough meadow-grass F Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass Lf Populus alba White poplar F t Populus tremula Aspen O t Populus x canadensis Hybrid black-poplar Lf T Populus x canescens Grey poplar O t
Potentilla reptans Creeping cinquefoil Lf Prunus avium Wild cherry Lf t
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Burgess Park, Southwark Prunus cerasifera Cherry plum F Prunus cerasifera var pissardii Purple cherry plum Lf t Prunus laurocerasus Cherry laurel O Prunus lusitanica Portugal laurel Lf Prunus padus Bird cherry O t Prunus spinosa Blackthorn F Pyracantha spp. Firethorns O Quercus ilex Holm oak O t Quercus robur Pedunculate oak O t Quercus rubra Red oak O t Ranunculus acris Meadow buttercup O Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous buttercup O Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Lf
/ Rhamnus cathartica Buckthorn O Ecology Report Ricinus communis Castor-oil-plant R Robinia pseudoacacia False-acacia O t Rosa arvensis Field-rose O Rosa canina Dog-rose Lf Rosa rubiginosa Sweet-briar O Rosa sp. Rose O Rubus cockburnianus White stemmed bramble O
/ Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Lf London Bo for Report Rubus tricolor Chinese bramble O Rumex acetosa Common sorrel O Rumex crispus Curled dock O Rumex cristatus Greek dock F Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved dock F 0 Rumex sanguineus Wood dock F Rumex sp. Dock F Salix alba White willow F t Salix caprea Goat willow F Salix cinerea Grey willow O Salix fragilis Crack-willow F t
Salix viminalis Osier O Southwark rough of Salix x sepulcralis Weeping willow R t Salvia officinalis Sage O Sambucus nigra Elder F Sambucus nigra laciniata Cut-leaved elder O Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender cotton O Senecio jacobaea Common ragwort F Senecio vulgaris Groundsel O Sinapis arvensis Charlock O Sisymbrium officinale Hedge mustard F Sonchus asper Prickly sow-thistle O
Sonchus oleraceus Smooth sow-thistle O Sorbaria sorbifolia False Spiraea O
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Burgess Park, Southwark Sorbus aria Common whitebeam O t Sorbus aucuparia Rowan O t Sorbus intermedia Swedish whitebeam O t Stellaria graminea Lesser stitchwort O Stellaria media Common chickweed Lf Symphoricarpos sp. Snowberries Lf Symphytum officinale Common comfrey O Tanacetum parthenium Feverfew O Taraxacum sp. Dandelion O Thuja plicata Western red-cedar O h Tilia cordata Small-leaved lime F t Tilia x vulgaris Common lime Lf t Tragopogon pratense Goat's- beard O
/ Trifolium dubium Lesser trefoil O Ecology Report Trifolium pratense Red clover O Trifolium repens White clover Lf Tripleurospermum inodorum Scentless mayweed O Ulex europaeus Gorse O Ulmus sp. Elm o T Urtica dioica Common nettle Lf Urtica urens Small nettle o c
/ Valeriana officinalis Common valerian R London Bo for Report Verbascum thapsus Great mullein R Veronica arvensis Wall speedwell O Veronica chamaedrys Germander speedwell F Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved speedwell Lf Veronica persica Common field-speedwell Lf Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree F Viburnum opulus Guelder-rose F Vicia sativa Common vetch F Vicia sepium Bush vetch F Vinca major Greater periwinkle Lf Variegated lesser Vinca minor var. periwinkle O
rough Southwark rough of Viola sp. Violet O Vitis sp Vine r
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Appendix 4: Legislation and policy
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Burgess Park, Southwark IMPORTANT NOTICE: This section contains details of legislation and planning policy applicable in Britain only (i.e. not including the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or the Channel Islands) and is provided for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this section should not be relied upon as a definitive statement of the law.
A NATIONAL LEGISLATION AFFORDED TO SPECIES The objective of the EU Habitats Directive1 is to conserve the various species of plant and animal which are considered rare across Europe. The Directive is transposed into UK law by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) and is commonly referred to as the Habitats Regulations.
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The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) is a key piece of national legislation which implements the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Wild Birds Directive) in Great Britain. Since the passing of the Act, various amendments have been made, details of which can be found on www.opsi.gov.uk. Key
/ amendments have been made through the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act London Bo for Report (2000) and Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
Other legislative Acts affording protection to wildlife and their habitats include:
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 Natural Environment & Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996
rough Southwark rough of Species and species groups that are protected or otherwise regulated under the aforementioned domestic and European legislation and that are most likely to be affected by development activities include herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), badger, bats, birds, dormouse, invasive plant species, otter, plants, red squirrel, water vole and white clawed crayfish.
HERPETOFAUNA (AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES) The sand lizard Lacerta agilis, smooth snake Coronella austriaca, natterjack toad Epidalea calamita (Bufo calamita) and great crested newt Triturus cristatus receive full protection
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Burgess Park, Southwark under Schedule 2 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). Regulation 39 prohibits:
Deliberate2 killing, injuring or taking of species listed on Schedule 2 Deliberate2 disturbance of any Schedule 2 species in such a way as to be likely significantly to affect: o (i) the ability of any significant group of animals of that species to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young; or o (ii) the local distribution or abundance of that species Deliberate2 taking or destroying of the eggs of a Schedule 2 species
Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place /
Ecology Report Keeping, transporting, selling, exchanging or offering for sale whether live or dead or of any part thereof.
These species are also currently listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Under this Act, they are additionally protected from:
/ Intentional or reckless disturbance (at any level) London Bo for Report Intentional or reckless obstruction of access to any place of shelter or protection Selling, offering or exposing for sale, possession or transporting for purpose of sale.
Other native species of herpetofauna are protected solely under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Species such as the adder Vipera berus, grass snake Natrix natrix, common lizard Zootoca vivipara (Lacerta vivipara) and slow-worm Anguis fragilis are listed in respect to Section 9(1) & (5). For these species, it is prohibited to:
rough Southwark rough of Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) kill or injure these species Sell, offer or expose for sale, possess or transport for purpose of sale these species, or any part thereof.
Common frog Rana temporaria, common toad Bufo bufo, smooth newt Triturus vulgaris and palmate newt T. helveticus are listed in respect to Section 9(5) only which affords them protection against sale, offering or exposing for sale, possession or transport for the purpose of sale.
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How is the legislation pertaining to herpetofauna liable to affect development works? A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside agency3 will be required for works liable to affect the breeding sites or resting places of those amphibian and reptile species protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). A licence will also be required for operations liable to result in a level of disturbance exceeding the ‘threshold’ stated in The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The licences are to allow derogation from the relevant legislation but also to enable appropriate mitigation measures to be put in place and their efficacy to be monitored.
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Ecology Report Although not licensable, appropriate mitigation measures may also be required to prevent the intentional killing or injury of adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow worm, thus avoiding contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
BATS All species of bat are fully protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.)
/ Regulations 1994 (as amended) through their inclusion on Schedule 2. Regulation 39 London Bo for Report prohibits:
Deliberate2 killing, injuring or taking (capture) of bats Deliberate2 disturbance of any species in such a way as to be likely significantly to affect: o (i) the ability of any significant group of bats to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young; or o (ii) the local distribution or abundance of that bat species Damage or destruction of a breeding site or resting place
rough Southwark rough of Keeping, transporting, selling, exchanging or offering for sale whether live or dead or of any part thereof.
Bats are also currently protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) through their inclusion on Schedule 5. Under this Act, they are additionally protected from:
Intentional or reckless disturbance (at any level) Intentional or reckless obstruction of access to any place of shelter or protection
Selling, offering or exposing for sale, possession or transporting for purpose of sale.
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How is the legislation pertaining to bats liable to affect development works? A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside agency3 will be required for works liable to affect a bat roost or for operations likely to result in a level of disturbance in excess of the ‘threshold’ stated in The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The licence is to allow derogation from the relevant legislation but also to enable appropriate mitigation measures to be put in place and their efficacy to be monitored.
BIRDS With certain exceptions, all birds, their nests and eggs are protected under Sections 1-8 of
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Ecology Report the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Among other things, this makes it an offence to:
Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) kill, injure or take any wild bird Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) take, damage or destroy (or, in Scotland, otherwise interfere with) the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built
/ Intentionally take or destroy an egg of any wild bird London Bo for Report Sell, offer or expose for sale, have in his possession or transport for the purpose of sale any wild bird (dead or alive) or bird egg or part thereof. In Scotland only, intentionally or recklessly obstruct or prevent any wild bird from using its nest
Certain species of bird, for example the barn owl, black redstart, hobby, bittern and kingfisher receive additional special protection under Schedule 1 of the Act and Annex 1 of the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). This affords them protection against:
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Intentional or reckless disturbance while it is building a nest or is in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young Intentional or reckless disturbance of dependent young of such a bird In Scotland only, intentional or reckless disturbance whilst lekking In Scotland only, intentional or reckless harassment
How is the legislation pertaining to birds liable to affect development works?
To avoid contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), works should be planned to avoid the possibility of killing or injuring any wild bird, or damaging or
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Burgess Park, Southwark destroying their nests. The most effective way to reduce the likelihood of nest destruction in particular is to undertake work outside the main bird nesting season which typically runs from March to August7. Where this is not feasible, it will be necessary to have any areas of suitable habitat thoroughly checked for nests prior to vegetation clearance.
Those species of bird listed on Schedule 1 are additionally protected against disturbance during the nesting season. Thus, it will be necessary to ensure that no potentially disturbing works are undertaken in the vicinity of the nest. The most effective way to avoid disturbance is to postpone works until the young have fledged. If this is not feasible, it may be possible to maintain an appropriate buffer zone or standoff around the nest.
/
Ecology Report WILD MAMMALS (PROTECTION) ACT 1996 All wild mammals are protected against intentional acts of cruelty under the above legislation. This makes it an offence to:
Mutilate, kick, beat, nail or otherwise impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drown, drag or asphyxiate any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering.
/ London Bo for Report To avoid possible contravention, due care and attention should be taken when carrying out works (for example operations near burrows or nests) with the potential to affect any wild mammal in this way, regardless of whether they are legally protected through other conservation legislation or not.
PLANTS With certain exceptions, all wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence for an ‘unauthorised’ person to intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) uproot wild plants. An authorised person can be the
rough Southwark rough of owner of the land on which the action is taken, or anybody authorised by them.
Certain rare species of plant, for example some species of orchid, are also fully protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This prohibits any person:
Intentionally (or recklessly in Scotland) picking, uprooting or destruction of any wild Schedule 8 species (or seed or spore attached to any such wild plant in Scotland only)
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Burgess Park, Southwark Selling, offering or exposing for sale, or possessing or transporting for the purpose of sale, any wild live or dead Schedule 8 plant species or part thereof
In addition to the UK legislation outlined above, several plant species are fully protected under Schedule 4 of The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. These are species of European importance. Regulation 43 makes it an offence to:
Deliberately2 pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy a wild Schedule 4 species Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange any wild live or dead Schedule 4 species
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Ecology Report How is the legislation pertaining to protected plants liable to affect development works? A European Protected Species (EPS) Licence issued by the relevant countryside agency3 will be required for works liable to affect species of plant listed under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The licence is to allow derogation from the relevant legislation but also to enable appropriate mitigation measures to be put in place and their efficacy to be monitored.
/ London Bo for Report INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES Certain species of plant, including Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica and giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum are listed on Part II of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in respect to Section 14(2). Such species are generally non-natives whose establishment or spread in the wild may be detrimental to native wildlife. Inclusion on Part II of Schedule 9 therefore makes it an offence to plant or otherwise cause these species to grow in the wild.
How is the legislation pertaining to invasive plants liable to affect development works?
rough Southwark rough of Although it is not an offence to have these plants on your land per se, it is an offence to cause these species to grow in the wild. Therefore, if they are present on site and development activities (for example movement of spoil, disposal of cut waste or vehicular movements) have the potential to cause the further spread of these species to new areas, it will be necessary to ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent this happening prior to the commencement of works.
FOOTNOTES TO SECTION A 1
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora 2In the Directive, the term ‘deliberate’ is interpreted as being somewhat wider than intentional and may be thought of as including an element of recklessness. 48
Burgess Park, Southwark 3In order to obtain an EPS licence, the application must demonstrate that it meets all of the following three ‘tests’: i) the action(s) are necessary for the purpose of preserving public health or safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature and beneficial consequence of primary importance for the environment; ii) that there is no satisfactory alternative and iii) that the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the species concerned at a favourable conservation status in their natural range.
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Burgess Park, Southwark B NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LEGISLATION AFFORDED TO HABITATS
STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: NATIONAL Nationally important areas of special scientific interest, by reason of their flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features, are notified by the countryside agencies as statutory Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and latterly the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). As well as underpinning other national designations (such as National Nature Reserves which are declared by the countryside agencies under the same legislation), the system also provides statutory protection for terrestrial and coastal sites which are important within Europe (Natura 2000 network) and globally (such as Wetlands of International Importance).
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Ecology Report See subsequent sections for details of these designations. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs have been introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in England and Wales) and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
The Act also provides for the making of Limestone Pavement Orders, which prohibit the disturbance and removal of limestone from such designated areas, and the designation of
/ Marine Nature Reserves, for which byelaws must be made to protect them. London Bo for Report
STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: INTERNATIONAL Special Protection Areas (SPAs), together with Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) form the Natura 2000 network. SPAs are classified by the Government under the EC Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds). SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I of the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles (nm) are classified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) is shortly to be amended to provide a mechanism for the designation of SPAs and SACs in Southwark rough of UK offshore waters (from 12‑200 nm).
SACs are designated under the EC Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora). These are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive within the European Union. SACs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are designated under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
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Burgess Park, Southwark Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The Convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, in particular recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are globally important for biodiversity conservation. Wetlands can include areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water and may be natural or artificial, permanent or temporary. Wetlands may also incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands.
STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: LOCAL Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) may be declared by local authorities after consultation with the relevant countryside agency. LNRs are declared for sites holding special wildlife or geological interest at a local
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Ecology Report level and are managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for research and education and enjoyment of nature.
NON-STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS Areas considered to be of local conservation interest may be designated by local authorities as a Wildlife Site, under a variety of names such as County Wildlife Sites (CWS),
/ Listed Wildlife Sites (LWS), Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS), Sites of Biological London Bo for Report Importance (SBIs), Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs). The criteria for designation may vary between counties.
Together with the statutory designations, these are defined in local and structure plans under the Town and Country Planning system and are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined. The level of protection afforded to these sites through local planning policies and development frameworks may vary between counties.
Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are the most important places for geology and geomorphology outside land holding statutory Southwark rough of designations such as SSSIs. Locally-developed criteria are used to select these sites, according to their value for education, scientific study, historical significance or aesthetic qualities. As with local Wildlife Sites, RIGS are a material consideration when planning applications are being determined.
THE HEDGEROW REGULATIONS 1997 The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are intended to protect ‘important’ countryside hedgerows from destruction or damage. A hedgerow is considered important if (a) has
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Burgess Park, Southwark existed for 30 years or more; and (b) satisfies at least one of the criteria listed in Part II of Schedule 1 of the Regulations.
Under the Regulations, it is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority. Hedgerows on or adjacent to common land, village greens, SSSIs (including all terrestrial SACs, NNRs and SPAs), LNRs, land used for agriculture or forestry and land used for the keeping or breeding of horses, ponies or donkeys are covered by these regulations. Hedgerows 'within or marking the boundary of the curtilage of a dwelling-house' are not.
C NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY /
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Guidance on nature conservation is issued by the Government in the form of Planning Policy Statement 9: Nature Conservation (PPS 9) and circular 06/2005 on biodiversity and the planning system. The key principles in this guidance include the aim that all planning decisions should prevent harm to biodiversity.
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PPS 9 offers the following guidance on Species and Habitats of Principal Importance for London Bo for Report Biodiversity designated under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (which generally comprise UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats species): ‚Planning authorities should ensure that these species and habitats are protected from the adverse effects of development, where appropriate, by using planning conditions and obligations. Planning authorities should refuse permission where harm to the species or their habitats would result unless the need for and benefits of the development clearly outweigh that harm.‛
PPS 9 also states that in the case of previously developed land or ‘wasteland’:
‚where such sites have significant biodiversity interest of recognised local importance, Southwark rough of local planning authorities, together with developers, should aim to retain this interest or incorporate it into any development of the site.‛
In general, planning authorities should also
‚maximise opportunities for building in beneficial biodiversity features as part of good design … using planning obligations where appropriate.‛
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Burgess Park, Southwark D LOCAL PLANNING POLICY Southwark UDP adopted in 2007 includes the following relevant nature conservation policies.
Part 1 -Strategy SP 11 Amenity and environmental quality
All developments should protect and improve amenity and environmental quality and encourage sustainable development;
SP 15 Open space and biodiversity
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Ecology Report All developments should, where appropriate, create, preserve and enhance open spaces, green corridors, traffic free routes, and biodiversity. The benefits of open space include those associated with health, sport, recreation, children’s play, regeneration, the economy, culture, biodiversity and the environment.
Policy 3.16 Conservation areas /
Report for London Bo for Report Within conservation areas, development should preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.
Policy 3.25 Metropolitan open land (MOL)
There is a general presumption against inappropriate development on metropolitan open land.
Within metropolitan open land, planning permission will only be permitted for appropriate development which is considered to be for the following purposes: i. Agriculture and forestry; or Southwark rough of ii. Essential facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, for cemeteries, and for other uses of land which preserve the openness of MOL and which do not conflict with the purposes of including land within MOL; or iii. Extension of or alteration to an existing dwelling, providing that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building; or iv. Replacement of an existing dwelling, providing that the new dwelling is not materially larger than the dwelling that it replaces
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Burgess Park, Southwark Policy 3.26 Borough Open Land (BOL)
Within Borough Open Land planning permission will not be granted for development unless: i. It is ancillary to the use of the open space; and ii. It is small in scale; and iii. It does not detract from the site’s open nature and character; and iv. It is required to enhance activities associated with the particular open space; and v. It positively contributes to the setting and quality of the open space
Policy 3.27 Other Open Space (OOS)
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Ecology Report Development on Other Open Space will only be permitted if it meets the following criteria: i. It is ancillary to the enjoyment of Other Open Space; and ii. It is small in scale; and iii. It does not detract from the prevailing openness of the site or from its character; and iv. It positively contributes to the setting and quality of the open space; and
/ v. Where appropriate, it enhances public access to open spaces; or London Bo for Report vi. Land of equivalent or better size and quality is secured within the local catchment area for similar or enhanced use before development commences, provided that this would not result in the creation of or an increase in district or local park deficiency as identified in Appendices11 and 12.
Policy 3.28 Biodiversity
The LPA will take biodiversity into account in its determination of all planning applications and will encourage the inclusion in developments of features which enhance biodiversity, requiring an ecological assessment where relevant.
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Developments will not be permitted which would damage the nature conservation value of sites of importance for nature conservation (SINCs) and local nature reserves (LNRs) and/or damage habitats, populations of protected species or priority habitats/species identified in the United Kingdom, London or the Southwark biodiversity action plan. Where, exceptionally, such developments are permitted, the Council will seek mitigation and/or compensation for the damage to biodiversity. Where new sites of importance for nature conservation and local nature reserves are identified, these sites will be afforded protection under this policy and policy 3.27, Other Open Spaces
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E RELEVANT BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLANS The UK BAP was initiated to comply with obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992. It describes the UK’s biological resources and commits to developing detailed plans to conserve these recourses. The UK BAP comprises Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) and Species Action Plans (SAPs). In addition, local authorities promote habitat and species conservation at a regional level through development of Local BAPs (LBAPs).
The Biodiversity Action Plan for Southwark April 2006-2010 Southwark’s Biodiversity Action Plan - Work for Wildlife – aims to help Southwark Council work with its partners to conserve, enhance and promote biodiversity in the London
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Ecology Report Borough of Southwark. It includes the following relevant policies:
Species
Bats
Bats are a nationally important species whose numbers are on the decline. Southwark’s
/ action plan for bats is designed to protect the four or five species of bat found in London Bo for Report Southwark through a series of initiatives. These include working in partnership with the National Bat Survey, raising public awareness and promoting habitats that encourage bats to roost.
Stag beetles
Southwark is a stronghold for the stag beetle, which is Britain’s largest terrestrial beetle. Southwark’s action plan for stag beetles is designed to protect and promote the species through a series of initiatives. These include: promoting beetle friendly gardening; creating loggeries in parks and open spaces and establishing beetle breeding buckets in woodlands, parks, housing sites and school nature gardens. Southwark rough of
Habitats
Parks and Open Spaces Habitat Action Plan
There are 138 parks and open spaces listed in Southwark’s park register, 53 of which are designation as SINC sites. The Parks and Open Spaces Habitat Action Plan identifies a range of actions that will help conserve, enhance and promote wildlife in these areas.
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Burgess Park, Southwark Regional Plans - London BAP (the overarching plan) Species Action Plans Bats (generic) Reptiles (generic) House sparrow Passer domesticus Starling Sturnus vulgaris Herring gull Larus argentatus
Habitat Action Plans
Local Habitat Built up areas and gardens (Built structures Generic Action Plan)
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Bats (generic) Reptiles (generic)
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Relevant Broad Habitat Action Plans
Urban
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Appendix 5: Species of value to Wildlife
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Burgess Park, Southwark Ornamental and Native Species of Wildlife Value
Different horticultural varieties of the following species are commonly available, but where possible standard stock is advised, especially for native species. Single flowering plants should be chosen over double flowering plants. With exception of * (biennials) and ** (annuals) all species are perennial. E = Exotic, N = Native. Note: the list includes species that may be harmful if handled or ingested. Numerous sources of further information are available. See for instance Poisonous Plants and Fungi: An Illustrated Guide, M.R. Cooper, A.W. Johnson and E. Dauncey, TSO: 2nd edition, 2003 ISBN 100117028614
Tree
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Ecology Report Cherry Prunus spp., P. avium (wild cherry) N Ash Fraxinus excelsior N Crab apple Malus sylvestris N Pear Pyrus spp. Pyrus calleryana Small-leaved lime Tilia cordata (or similar hybrid) N Silver birch Betula pendula N
/ Yew Taxus baccata N London Bo for Report Foxglove tree Pawlonia tomentosa E Lacebarks Hoheria spp. H.glabrata, H. lyallii E Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera E NB: many of the shrub species below will form small trees when mature
Large Shrubs Shrubby veronica Hebe spp. E Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna N
Blackthorn Prunus spinosa N Southwark rough of Rose Rosa canina (dog rose) R. arvensis (field rose) R. pimpinellifolia (burnet rose) N Elder Sambucus nigra N California lilac Ceanothus arborea / spp. E Privet Ligustrum vulgare N/E Common holly IIex aquifolium N Barberry Berberis darwinii, B.thunbergii, B. x stenophylla E Daisy bush Olearia x hastii, O. macrodonta and O. traversii E Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea E
Hazel Corylus avellana N
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Burgess Park, Southwark Guelder rose Viburnum opulus N Wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana N Buddleia Buddleja davidii, B. alternifolia, B. globosa E Dogwood Cornus sanguinea N Broom Cytisus scoparius N Mexican orange bush Choisya ternate E Laurustinus Viburnum tinus E Portuguese laurel Prunus lusitanica E Flowering currant Ribes sanguineum E Cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus E
/ Escallonia Escallonia macrantha E Ecology Report Hardy fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica E Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica N Spindle Euonymus europaeus N Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum N Yew Taxus baccata N
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London Bo for Report Herbaceous perennials and small shrubs Tree mallow Lavatera spp. L. olblio, L. thuringiaca E Ice plant Sedum spectabile E Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, L. x intermedia E Globe thistle Echinopsis ritro E Foxglove Digitalis purpurea* or D. lutea, D. x mertonensis N/E Michaelmas daisy Aster novi-belgii E Teasel Dipsacus fullonum* N Sunflowers Helianthus annus** E
rough Southwark rough of Red valerian Centranthus rubra E Hemp agrimony Eupatoria cannabinum N Common knapweed Centaurea nigra N Black-eyed susan Rudbeckia hirta** or R. fulgida E Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis E Rock rose Cistus spp. E
Climbers
Jasmine Jasminum officinale E Ivy Hedera helix N 59
Burgess Park, Southwark Climbing hydrangea Hydrangea petiolaris E Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia E Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum or L. japonica, L. fragrantissima, L. standishii N/E Spindle Euonymus spp. E. fortunei N/E Clematis spp. Clematis vitalba or C. armandii, C. alpina, C. montana, C. tangutica N/E Firethorn Pyracantha atalantioides E Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus** E
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Ecology Report
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Report for London Bo for Report
rough Southwark rough of
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