DEVILLE ESTATES LTD
LAND AT THOMAS RIVERS NURSERY, SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE
Ecological Assessment
December 2013 5913.EcoAss.vf
ecology solutions for planners and developers
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY 2
3 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES 3
4 ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION 9
5 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 14
6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 17
PLANS
PLAN ECO1 Site Location and Ecological Designations
PLAN ECO2 Ecological Features
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Information received from HBRC in relation to Rivers Nursery County Wildlife Site
APPENDIX 2 Information received from RNSOG in relation to Rivers Nursery site
APPENDIX 3 Selection Criteria for Local Wildlife Sites in Hertfordshire, 6th Version, Reviewed Feb 2012 (Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership)
Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background & Proposals
1.1.1. Ecology Solutions was commissioned by DeVille Estates Limited in June 2013 to undertake an ecological assessment of Land at the Thomas Rivers Nursery site, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire (see Plan ECO1), hereafter referred to as the site.
1.1.2. The emerging proposals for the site are for residential development, in addition to provision of extensive areas of open space, including enhancement of the existing Thomas Rivers Orchard and a Country Park with areas reserved and managed for their biodiversity interest. This report has informed a Preliminary Study Report prepared by Architects Penoyre & Prasad.
1.2. Site Characteristics
1.2.1. The site is located to the west of the small town of Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire. Residential development is situated to the south and east of the site, with arable land situated to the north and west.
1.2.2. The southern part of the site comprises a number of buildings, areas of hardstanding and landscaping associated with the Rivers Hospital. The central part of the site corresponds to a non-statutory designation (Rivers Nursery County Wildlife Site) and comprises orchard, grassland and scrub habitats. Other habitats present within the site include grassland, scrub, trees and hedgerows.
1.3. Ecological Assessment
1.3.1. This document assesses the ecological interest of the site as a whole. The importance of the habitats present is evaluated with regard to current guidance published by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)1.
1.3.2. In particular, consideration is given to the non-statutory designation which applies to the site, and the level of protection which should be afforded to the site in line with relevant planning policy and guidance.
1 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom (version 7 July 2006). http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.html.
1 Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY
2.1. The methodology utilised for the survey work can be split into two main areas, namely desk study and habitat survey. These are discussed in more detail below.
2.2. Desk Study
2.2.1. In order to compile background information on the site and its immediate surroundings Ecology Solutions contacted Hertfordshire Biological Records Centre (HBRC) and Essex Ecology Services (EECOS).
2.2.2. Information has been provided by HBRC and EECOS and is referenced where appropriate within this report and illustrated where relevant on Plan ECO1. In particular information of relevance to Rivers Nursery CWS is included at Appendix 1.
2.2.3. Additional information has also been provided by the Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group (RNSOG), which has been collated by a number of recorders. This information is also referenced within this report where relevant.
2.3. Habitat Survey Methodology
2.3.1. A habitat survey was carried out in July 2013 to ascertain the general ecological value of the land contained within the boundaries of the site and to identify the main habitats and associated plant species, with notes on fauna utilising the application site.
2.3.2. The site was surveyed based around extended Phase 1 survey methodology2, as recommended by Natural England, whereby the habitat types present are identified and mapped, together with an assessment of the species composition of each habitat. This technique provides an inventory of the basic habitat types present and allows identification of areas of greater potential which require further survey. Any such areas identified can then be examined in more detail.
2.3.3. Using the above method, the site was classified into areas of similar botanical community types, with a representative species list compiled for each habitat identified.
2.3.4. All of the species that occur in each habitat would not necessarily be detected during survey work carried out at any given time of the year, since different species are apparent at different seasons. However the survey was undertaken during the optimal period for habitat survey work and it is considered that an accurate and robust assessment has been made.
2 Joint Nature Conservation Committee (2010). Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat Survey – a Technique for Environmental Audit. England Field Unit, Nature Conservancy Council, reprinted JNCC, Peterborough.
2 Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
3. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES
3.1. The application site was subject to an ecological survey in July 2013. The vegetation present enabled the habitat types to be satisfactorily identified and an accurate assessment of the ecological interest of the habitats to be undertaken.
3.2. The following main habitat / vegetation types were identified:
Semi-Improved Grassland; Amenity Grassland; Orchard; Woodland; Hedgerows; Scrub; Amenity Planting; Ditches; and Buildings and Hardstanding.
3.3. The location of these habitats is shown on Plan ECO2.
3.4. Each habitat present is described below with an account of their representative plant species.
3.5. Semi-Improved Grassland
3.5.1. The majority of the site comprises semi-improved grassland fields, with a large field present in the northern part of the site (F1), a field present in the east (F2), a small isolated area of grassland in the south-east (F3) and an area of grassland in the central part of the site (within the Wildlife Site boundary – F4).
3.5.2. F1 supports a long, tussocky sward dominated by rough grasses, notably False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata, with other species including Common Couch Elytrigia repens, Soft-brome Bromus hordeaceus, Meadow- grasses Poa spp. and Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus. The sward is species-poor and supports a limited herb component, with herb species including Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, Red Clover Trifolium pratense, Greater Plantain Plantago major, Long-stalked Crane’s-bill Geranium columbinum, Smooth Cat’s-ear Hypochaeris glabra and very occasional Meadow Horsetail Equisetum pratense.
3.5.3. F2 supports a similar species composition to F1, and is also considered to be species-poor. Additional species present include Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa and very occasional Evening Primrose Oenothera biennis. Scattered scrub is also present within the grassland, with species including Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Oak Quercus robur and Dogwood Cornus sanguinea.
3.5.4. F3 is a smaller, isolated area of grassland present in the south- eastern part of the site. The grassland appears to support a wetter area on lower ground to the south, and is subject to extensive
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invasion by scrub to the north. Since the previous surveys undertaken at the site (in 2008) it appears as though this area has become more dominated by rough grassland and scrub, with a lower species diversity than previously recorded. Species present include False Oat-grass (dominant), Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua, Cock’s-foot, Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis, Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare, Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Perforate St John’s-wort Hypericum perforatum, Field Bindweed, Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and Common Nettle Urtica dioica. Scrub species include Hawthorn, Dogwood, Bramble Rubus fruticosus, Hazel Corylus avellana and Apple Malus sp..
3.5.5. F4 supports a more-species rich sward than any of the other semi- improved grasslands present within the site boundary. This area of grassland appears to be subject to regular management and supported a shorter sward than F1, F2 or F3 at the time of survey. Additional species present in the grassland include Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra, Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata, Common Centaury Centaureum erythraea, Hedge Bedstraw Galium mollugo, Broomrape species Orobanche sp., Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus, Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, Cowslip Primula veris, Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria, Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum, Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis and Hogweed.
3.5.6. The grassland habitats present within the orchard in the western part of the site are also subject to regular management, but support significantly lower species diversity than F4.
3.6. Amenity Grassland
3.6.1. Areas of regularly managed amenity grassland are present in the southern part of the site in the vicinity of the hospital buildings. The grassland sward in these areas is dominated by Perennial Rye- grass Lolium perenne and supports a number of common and widespread species including Yorkshire-fog, False Oat-grass, Red Clover, White Clover Trifolium repens, Ribwort Plantain, Ragwort, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Black Medick Medicago lupulina, Daisy Bellis perennis, Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. and Autumn Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis.
3.6.2. An area of amenity grassland to the north-west of the hospital buildings lies within the boundary of the designated site (F5). Whilst the sward supports some additional species to those found in other amenity grasslands (such as Agrimony and Common Knapweed), species previously recorded in this location including Wild Teasel and Bird’s-foot Trefoil were not recorded during the survey in July 2013.
3.7. Orchard
3.7.1. A mature mixed orchard is present in the western part of the study area. The orchard is managed by the Rivers Nursery Site and
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Orchard Group and supports a wide range of fruit species, including varieties of Apple Malus domestica, Pear Pyrus sp., Plum, Gage and Cherry Prunus sp.. Current management entails tree pruning and grassland mowing.
3.8. Woodland
3.8.1. There are two areas of broadleaved woodland present in the south-eastern (W1) and eastern (W2) parts of the site.
3.8.2. W1 is a small woodland block in the south-eastern corner of the site which and supports Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Horse Chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, Ash Fraxinus excelsior, False- acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, Hawthorn, Oak, and Beech Fagus sylvatica, with Bramble and Bridewort Filipendula ulmaria present in the ground layer.
3.8.3. W2 is an area of woodland and scrub situated in the eastern part of the site to the north of F3. Canopy species include Balsam Poplar Populus balsamifera, Beech and Horse Chestnut, with scrub and understorey species including Hazel, Hawthorn and Oak.
3.9. Hedgerows
3.9.1. A number of hedgerows are present within the site. Each of these is illustrated on Plan ECO2 and described below.
3.9.2. H1 is a mature, dense Beech and Yew Taxus baccata hedgerow that traverses the site from east to west. It is understood that this hedgerow is associated with the boundary of the former nursery.
3.9.3. H2 is situated to the south-east of H1 and comprises an unmanaged hedgerow approximately two metres in height. The hedgerow is dominated by Hawthorn, with other species including Spindle Euonymus europaeus, Plum, Lilac Syringa sp., Smoke Bush Cotinus sp., Laurel Lauraceae sp., Apple and Bramble.
3.9.4. H3 is an amenity conifer hedgerow which borders the existing residential built form to the east of the site.
3.9.5. H4 is situated adjacent to the areas of dense scrub in the central part of the site and forms the northern and eastern boundaries of the non-statutory designation. The hedgerow is continuous with the scrub in a number of places, and supports a range of species, being dominated by Hawthorn and Plum with other species including Ash, Rose Rosa sp., Bramble, Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare, Elder Sambucus nigra, Dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Oak and Black Bryony Tamus communis.
3.9.6. H5 is situated to the south of H4 (within the Wildlife Site boundary) and is contiguous with the dense scrub present in this location.
3.9.7. H6 is situated along the western boundary of the site. The northern half of this hedgerow is gappy and has a poor structure, while the
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southern end has a relatively good structure. This hedgerow is dominated by Hawthorn with occasional Blackthorn, Ash, Sycamore, Elder, Dogwood, and very occasional Wild Privet, Dog- rose Rosa canina, Clematis Clematis sp., White Bryony Bryonia dioica and Black Bryony.
3.9.8. H7 is located along the northern and part of the north-eastern boundary of the site. The hedgerow is not subject to any regular management and supports a number of standard trees. Species present include Blackthorn Prunus spinosa, Willow Salix sp., Oak, Dogwood, Field Maple Acer campestre, Ash, Plum, Apple, Elder, Bramble and English Elm Ulmus procera.
3.9.9. H8 is located on the western boundary of the site and has a good structure though the species composition is limited. Privet Ligustrum sp. and Hawthorn dominate, with Bramble and occasional Plum and English Elm.
3.9.10. H9 is located on the northern boundary of the orchard. This hedgerow is dominated by Blackthorn and Wild Privet and has a good dense structure. Other species recorded include Ash and Bramble.
3.9.11. H10 is located in the south-western corner of the site and runs along the southern boundary of the orchard (in part). This hedgerow is dominated by immature English Elm and Blackthorn with Ash and occasional Apple and Bramble. This hedgerow has a generally poor structure with large gaps in places.
3.10. Scrub
3.10.1. A number of areas of dense scrub are present within the site, notably within the northern and eastern parts of the non-statutory designated site. These are remnants of the former nursery beds associated with the orchard, and support varieties of soft fruit species including Apple and Plum, together with scrub species including Dogwood, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog-rose, Broom Cytisus scoparius and Rowan Sorbus aucuparia. Small patches of grassland are present in the otherwise very dense and uniform scrub, with species present including False-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cowslip and Helleborine Epipactis sp., and anecdotal records of Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera.
3.10.2. As outlined above, scrub habitats are also present throughout much of the wider site and in a number of locations is encroaching into grassland habitats. Species present include Hawthorn and Blackthorn, which are the dominant species, Field Maple, Elder, Apple, Plum, Dog-rose and Bramble.
3.11. Amenity Planting
3.11.1. Amenity planting is present around the hospital buildings in the southern part of the site. Planting is predominantly based around low-growing non-native plant species.
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3.12. Ditches
3.12.1. The site supports a number of ditches which are associated with hedgerow and scrub edge features. At the time of survey none of the ditches supported any standing water. All of these features are heavily overshaded and none of the ditches support any marginal or aquatic vegetation.
3.13. Buildings and Hardstanding
3.13.1. Buildings and hardstanding are present in the southern part of the site and are associated with the hospital. The hospital buildings comprise a mixture of one and two storey brick buildings of a modern design and construction, with roofs comprising clay tiles.
3.13.2. Hardstanding is present in the form of car parks and roads associated with the hospital.
Background Records
3.14. The desk study information obtained from HBRC, EECOS and RNSOG did not identify any protected or notable plant species from the site or local area.
3.15. Furthermore survey information for the Rivers Nursery CWS provided by HBRC and RNSOG (included at Appendices 2 and 3) does not list any rare or notable plant species occurring within the CWS boundary, although it lists a range of plant species which have been recorded within the site boundary.
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4. ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION
4.1. The Principles of Site Evaluation
4.1.1. The latest guidelines for ecological evaluation produced by CIEEM propose an approach that involves professional judgement, but makes use of available guidance and information, such as the distribution and status of the species or features within the locality of the project.
4.1.2. The methods and standards for site evaluation within the British Isles have remained those defined by Ratcliffe3. These are broadly used across the United Kingdom to rank sites, so priorities for nature conservation can be attained. For example, current Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation maintains a system of data analysis that is roughly tested against Ratcliffe’s criteria.
4.1.3. In general terms, these criteria are size, diversity, naturalness, rarity and fragility, while additional secondary criteria of typicalness, potential value, intrinsic appeal, recorded history and the position within the ecological / geographical units are also incorporated into the ranking procedure.
4.1.4. Any assessment should not judge sites in isolation from others, since several habitats may combine to make it worthy of importance to nature conservation.
4.1.5. Further, relying on the national criteria would undoubtedly distort the local variation in assessment and therefore additional factors need to be taken into account, e.g. a woodland type with comparatively poor species diversity, common in the south of England may be of importance at its northern limits, say in the border country.
4.1.6. In addition, habitats of local importance are often highlighted within a local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The Hertfordshire BAP highlights a number of habitats and species. These are referred to below where relevant.
4.1.7. Levels of importance can be determined within a defined geographical context from the immediate site or locality through to the International level.
4.1.8. The legislative and planning policy context are also important considerations and have been given due regard throughout this assessment.
3 Ratcliffe, D A (1977). A Nature Conservation Review: the Selection of sites of Biological National Importance to Nature Conservation in Britain. Two Volumes. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
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4.2. Evaluation of Non-Statutory Designated Site
4.2.1. As outlined above, the central part of the site is listed as a non- statutory designated site – Rivers Nursery County Wildlife Site (CWS). The boundaries of the designated site in relation to the site are shown on Plan ECO1.
4.2.2. As outlined in the Wildlife Sites report provided by HBRC, Rivers Nursery CWS was confirmed in 1997 and has been designated on account of the grassland indicators that the site supports. The citation states that the former nursery site supports a mosaic of habitats including semi-improved grassland (which is described as ‘reasonably diverse’), scrub and orchard trees. The citation refers to large numbers of Bee Orchids previously recorded at the site. The citation for Rivers Nursery CWS does not specify under which grassland criterion the site qualifies as a CWS.
4.2.3. Survey data has also been provided from HBRC, and includes the results of botanical surveys undertaken at the site in 1993, 1996 and 2005. This information is included in Appendix 1.
4.2.4. Furthermore additional information regarding species recorded at the site has been provided by RNSOG, which was recorded in 2010 and 2011. This information is included in Appendix 2.
4.2.5. The latest version of the selection criteria for non-statutory designated sites in Hertfordshire is entitled ‘Selection Criteria for Local Wildlife Sites in Hertfordshire’, reviewed in February 2012 (included at Appendix 3). The document details the criteria which may be used to designate and assess non-statutory sites in Hertfordshire, and includes criteria used to designate sites on account of the habitats or species that they support.
4.2.6. With regard to sites designated for their habitat interest, a number of characteristic (or indicator) species are listed for each habitat type. If a site contains a number of characteristic species which meets or exceeds the threshold value for a habitat, the site may be recognised by HBRC as a non-statutory site.
4.2.7. Having considered the survey information from the site in the light of the species lists included at Appendix 5 of the Selection Criteria, it is considered that the grassland in the central part of the site (F4) may still qualify as a CWS, on account of the number of grassland indicator species that the site supports.
4.2.8. However it is considered that the area of grassland in the south- western part of the CWS (labelled as F5 on Plan ECO2) is considerably less species-rich than F4 and would not be likely to meet the criteria to qualify as a CWS. The species diversity of this grassland appears to have declined significantly over time, and it is not considered to be of any significant ecological interest in its own right.
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4.2.9. Moreover, it is evident that much of the Wildlife Site comprises orchard and dense scrub habitats. Whilst the citation makes reference to the ‘mosaic’ of orchard, scrub and grassland habitats, it only states that the site qualifies on account of its grassland indicators. No reference is made to whether or not the site qualifies or would qualify as a CWS on account of the other habitats that it supports.
4.2.10. Whilst the orchard at the western end of the CWS may qualify under the relevant criterion for orchards (H.1.5.2), it is clear that the large areas of dense scrub in the eastern part of the CWS which previously formed part of the nursery beds would not qualify under this criterion.
4.2.11. It is understood that there is a criterion for ‘Scrubland’ (H.1.6); however this area of dense scrub does not have a diverse structure with variations in canopy height and density; as it was formerly nursery beds, the scrub is typically of the same age and size, and is uniformly dense with the exception of small patches of more open grassland (typically irregularly used paths). As such it is also considered that this would not be likely to qualify as a CWS under this criterion.
4.2.12. In addition it is recognised that there is scope for sites to be designated on account of their mosaic of habitats, under criteria H.6.1 and H.6.2. However given that the dense scrub forms a discrete block of habitat (in contrast to scattered scrub amongst grassland habitat), it would not be appropriate or indeed suitable to consider this habitat in the context of forming a ‘mosaic’ with the species-rich grasslands at F4 and orchard habitats located further to the west.
4.2.13. As such the former nursery beds do not appear to qualify under any of the relevant criteria for designation. Furthermore, whilst this habitat supports a range of species and is likely to be of historical interest, given its uniform and regular nature, it is not considered to be of particularly significant ecological value in its own right.
4.2.14. Indeed it is considered that the Selection Criteria set are so broad, and the bar required to meet CWS is so low, that the vast majority of sites could be considered a CWS, when as outlined above their true value (even within a single site) can vary significantly.
4.2.15. In summary therefore, whilst it is considered likely that parts of the site may qualify as a CWS based on the latest Selection Criteria (specifically the orchard and F4), there are habitats present within the current CWS boundary that are of significantly lower value such that they would not be likely to meet the relevant criteria. These are F5 and the dense scrub in the eastern part of the site.
4.3. Protection afforded to the Non-Statutory Designated Site
4.3.1. As a non-statutory designated site, Rivers Nursery CWS is not afforded any legal protection (unlike Sites of Special Scientific
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Interest, for instance). However County Wildlife Sites are afforded protection under relevant planning policy. As outlined in Section 5 below, saved policy ENV14 of the East Herts Local Plan is of particular relevance in this case.
4.3.2. The aim of policy in the East Herts Local Plan is to protect and enhance biodiversity but in order to do achieve this objective the ‘true’ ecological value of any given site/area needs to be established.
4.3.3. It is evident that non-statutory sites vary considerably in terms of their inherent intrinsic ecological value; indeed, as outlined above, there are areas within each site which are of comparatively greater ecological value than others. It is important when considering the harm or making a balanced assessment to ensure the site’s ‘real ecological value’ is the guiding force used to assess its status, not simply the title given to the designation.
4.3.4. At a recent Inquiry in Kent, where proposals were considered which would result in the loss of a Local Wildlife Site (a non- statutory site of similar status to Rivers Nursery CWS), the Inspector and Secretary of State concluded it was not the designation of the site as a Local Wildlife Site per se which afforded the site protection under planning policy, but rather the value of the biodiversity the site supports. Paragraph 7.39 of the Inspector’s Report4 notes that
“7.39 It would be equally inappropriate if, in the face of evidence to the contrary, the quality of all Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) were treated as identical, notwithstanding the absence of any explicit policy distinction between one LWS and another”
4.3.5. The Secretary of State is in broad agreement with the inspector’s conclusions in this respect.
4.3.6. As such, in essence, consideration must be given to the true ecological value of a non-statutory designated site when considering the level of protection which should be afforded under planning policy, regardless of whether any specific distinction is made in the wording of the planning policies which afford them protection.
4.3.7. It is appropriate that non-statutory sites should be given a level of protection commensurate with their importance. For the reasons set out above, this level of importance should take into account an assessment of the intrinsic ecological value that it supports.
4.3.8. As outlined in detail in Section 4.2 above, whilst Rivers Nursery CWS contains a number of habitats which may still be likely to qualify under the relevant Selection Criteria, it is considered that a number of the features for which the site was originally designated
4 Report to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. J I McPherson (JP, BSc, CEng, CEnv, CWEM, MICE, MCIWEM, MCMI). 11th March 2013
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are either no longer present or have declined substantially in either value or extent since the non-statutory site was originally notified back.
4.3.9. As such I believe that the level of protection afforded to all of the habitats present within the CWS boundary should be considered in this light.
4.4. Potential Impacts, Mitigation and Enhancements
4.4.1. The emerging proposals for the site are described and shown in a preliminary study prepared by Penoyre & Prasad.
4.4.2. The proposals will result in some losses to the habitats within the CWS boundary; specifically in the eastern and south-western areas. The habitats which are of greater ecological value - the orchard and species-rich grassland habitats within the central and western parts of the designated site – are to be fully retained under the emerging proposals. These habitats are located well away from the proposed development areas and it is considered that any potential impacts during construction could be avoided through the adoption of standard engineering protocols and best practice during construction.
4.4.3. Furthermore there is significant scope to provide enhancements to these retained habitats through the creation and adoption of an appropriate management plan, which would maximise and fund the long term management of these habitats. This would ensure that the biodiversity value of the orchard and grassland would be enhanced over the existing situation.
4.4.4. Whilst the proposals would entail the loss of dense scrub habitats in the eastern part of the designated site and areas of grassland in the south-western area, as outlined above the ecological value of these habitats is considered to be much lower than those which are being retained. Indeed it is considered that these habitats would not be likely to qualify under the Selection Criteria.
4.4.5. There is significant scope in the northern part of the site (within the proposed ‘Country Park’ area) to provide new species-rich scrub and grassland habitats which would compensate for losses to these habitats. By utilising a range of native species, which could include varieties of fruit trees if desired, it is considered that a varied scrub and grassland mosaic habitat may be provided which would be of equivalent and, in time, greater ecological value than the habitats which are to be lost (both from within the CWS boundary and in the species-poor field in the northern part of the site). Moreover this mosaic of habitat would be likely to offer additional nesting opportunities for a range of faunal species including bats, birds and invertebrates. In addition the implementation of a site-wide management plan would ensure that the ecological value of these newly created habitats would be maximised.
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4.4.6. It is therefore considered that there is scope to offset any required losses to the habitats within the CWS, and that enhancements in terms of the overall ecological value of the site may be achieved through the delivery of a well designed and managed landscape strategy.
4.4.7. As is the case at present, the public would be able to freely access the habitats within the designated site by utilising a network of informal pathways. Whilst the development proposals could result in an increase in recreational pressure, it is considered that pressure would be largely restricted to pathways leading through the site. If deemed necessary, provision could be made to restrict access beyond the pathway within the CWS boundary (through the provision of fences and gates, as required), whilst promoting unrestricted public access into other areas of the site (e.g. the Country Park to the north). It is therefore considered that in the long term any increase in recreational pressure would not be likely to lead to adverse impacts on the value of the CWS.
4.4.8. It is considered that any other potential impacts on the CWS may be avoided through an appropriately designed scheme, and the adoption of further mitigation measures including a landscape strategy.
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5. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT
5.1. The planning policy framework that relates to nature conservation in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire is issued at two main administrative levels: nationally through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF); and at the local level through saved policies in the East Hertfordshire Local Plan and the emerging District Plan. Any proposed development will be judged in relation to the policies contained within these documents.
5.2. National Policy
National Planning Policy Framework
5.2.1. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system and was adopted on 27th March 2012. It replaces previous national planning policy, including Planning Policy Statement 9 (Biodiversity and Geological Conservation) [PPS9] which was published in 2005.
5.2.2. The key element of the NPPF is that there should be ‘a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking’ (paragraph 14). It is important to note that this presumption ‘does not apply where development requiring Appropriate Assessment under the Birds or Habitats Directives is being considered, planned or determined’ (paragraph 119).
5.2.3. The NPPF also considers the strategic approach which Local Authorities should adopt with regard to the protection, enhancement and management of green infrastructure, priority habitats and ecological networks, and the recovery of priority species.
5.2.4. Paragraph 118 of the NPPF comprises a number of principles which Local Authorities should apply, including encouraging opportunities to incorporate biodiversity in and around developments; provision for refusal of planning applications if significant harm cannot be avoided, mitigated or compensated for; applying the protection given to European sites to potential SPAs, possible SACs, listed or proposed Ramsar sites and sites identified (or required) as compensatory measures for adverse effects on European sites; and the provision for the refusal for developments resulting in the loss or deterioration of ‘irreplaceable’ habitats unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.
5.2.5. National policy therefore implicitly recognises the importance of biodiversity and that with sensitive planning and design, development and conservation of the natural heritage can co-exist and benefits can, in certain circumstances, be obtained.
14 Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
5.3. Local Policy
East Herts District Plan
5.3.1. The site lies within the East Hertfordshire District. East Hertfordshire Council are currently in the process of drawing up their ‘District Plan’ (previously known as the LDF), which will eventually replace the ‘saved’ policies within the adopted East Herts Local Plan (see below) on its adoption. The District Plan is currently being drafted and will be structured around two parts:
The development strategy, which will include settlement- specific policies and site allocations.
Detailed topic-based policies to guide development proposals
East Herts Local Plan Second Review 2007 – saved policies
5.3.2. The East Herts District Local Plan contains nine polices of relevance to nature conservation, and these are briefly summarised below:
5.3.3. Policy SD4 ‘Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation’ requires that developments safeguard the natural landscape, in particular features of major importance for wild flora and fauna.
5.3.4. Policy ENV10 ‘Planting New Trees’ promotes the planting of native broad-leaved species in order to improve the local landscape.
5.3.5. Policy ENV11 ‘Protection of Existing Hedgerows and Trees’ refers to the protection of existing trees and hedgerows within development proposals.
5.3.6. Policy ENV12 ‘Special Area of Conservation / Special Protection Area / Ramsar Site’ relates to the strict protection offered to SAC / SPA / Ramsar sites and Priority Species / Habitats which may be present within them.
5.3.7. Policy ENV13 ‘Development and SSSIs’ refers to the protection of SSSI’s and National Nature Reserves (NNR) and the requirements for developments to avoid adverse impacts on these designated sites.
5.3.8. Policy ENV14 ‘Local Sites’ concerns the protection of locally designated sites and states that:
Development and land use change likely to have an adverse effect on a Local Nature Reserve or Wildlife Site, or a Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Site, will not be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that there are reasons for the proposal, which outweigh the need to safeguard the substantive nature conservation value of the site or feature.
15 Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
In all cases where development or land use change is permitted, which would damage the nature conservation value of the site or feature, such damage will be kept to a minimum. Where appropriate the District Council will consider the use of conditions and/or planning obligations (or as subsequently revised) to provide appropriate mitigatory and/or compensatory measures.
5.3.9. Policy ENV15 ‘Nature Conservation Area Management Agreements’ outlines measures by which the District Council can control inappropriate development or activities which may impact the sites identified in Policies ENV12-14 (be they within or outside of the designated site).
5.3.10. Policy ENV16 ‘Protected Species’ identifies that developments or other land use changes which have an adverse impact on protected species (Schedules 1, 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) will not be permitted except under exceptional circumstances and subject to appropriate mitigation.
5.3.11. Policy ENV17 ‘Wildlife Habitats’ sets out the measures that the District Council will take to ensure that ecology objectives are met and the natural environment improved.
16 Land at Thomas Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth Ecology Solutions Ecological Assessment 5913.EcoAss.vf December 2013
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
6.1. Ecology Solutions was commissioned by DeVille Estates Limited in June 2013 to undertake an ecological assessment of Land at the Thomas Rivers Nursery site, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire.
6.2. The emerging proposals for the site are for residential development, in addition to provision of extensive areas of open space, including enhancement of the existing Thomas Rivers Orchard and a Country Park with areas reserved and managed for their biodiversity interest.
6.3. The central part of the site is listed as a non-statutory designated site – Rivers Nursery County Wildlife Site – which is designated for its grassland interest.
6.4. However, whilst there are areas within the site which may still qualify under the Selection Criteria as a CWS (specifically F4 and the orchard), there are a number of areas which are of lower ecological value. Having considered the species composition and habitat characteristics of these areas in detail, it does not appear as those these would meet the designation criteria in their own right. As such it is evident that there are areas within the non-statutory designated site which are of lower ecological value.
6.5. The emerging proposals for the site will retain the habitats of greatest ecological value within the CWS, and there is scope to provide ecological enhancements to these habitats through the creation and adoption of a management plan.
6.6. Whilst the proposals will entail some losses to habitats within the CWS, given their much lower ecological value there is significant scope to provide new species-rich scrub and grassland habitats in the remainder of the site (such as in the Country Park to the north) to compensate for these losses. Moreover, by utilising a range of species to create a mosaic, and implementation of appropriate management, it is considered that enhancements may be achieved over the existing situation, both in terms of the habitats present and the opportunities which the site overall offers for faunal species.
6.7. Furthermore it is considered that any other potential adverse impacts on the CWS may be avoided through the adoption of an appropriate construction methodology and through an appropriately designed scheme.
6.8. It is therefore considered that the presence of a non-statutory designated site within the boundaries of the wider site should not preclude an appropriately designed scheme from coming forward, and indeed ecological enhancements may be achieved in the long term which would be of benefit to biodiversity, and would therefore accord fully with all relevant legislation and policy.
17
PLANS
PLAN ECO1
Site Location and Ecological Designations
100044628
AL
old, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB. 1AB. GL54 Gloucestershire, old, The Square, Stow on the W the on Stow Square, The
Rivers Nursery, CWS
fice, © Crown Copyright. Ecology Solutions Ltd, Crossways House, House, Crossways Ltd, Solutions Ecology Copyright. Crown © fice, s Stationery Of Stationery s
Key:
SITE BOUNDARY Majesty’ Her of Controller the of permission with map Survey Ordnance the upon Based
SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI) 5913: LAND AT THOMAS RIVERS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE (LNR) N NURSERY, SAWBRIDGEWORTH COUNTY WILDLIFE SITE (CWS) PLAN ECO1: SITE LOCATION ANCIENT WOODLAND & ECOLOGICAL DESIGNATIONS
PLAN ECO2
Ecological Features KEY: SITE BOUNDARY
SEMI-IMPROVED GRASSLAND
100044628 AMENITY GRASSLAND AL
DENSE SCRUB
X X SCATTERED SCRUB
H10 ORCHARD old, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AB. 1AB. GL54 Gloucestershire, old, H9 WOODLAND
AMENITY PLANTING The Square, Stow on the W the on Stow Square, The H8 BUILDING HARDSTANDING X X X X XX HEDGEROW XXX X X XX DITCH XX F5 X H6 X H5
F4
fice, © Crown Copyright. Ecology Solutions Ltd, Crossways House, House, Crossways Ltd, Solutions Ecology Copyright. Crown © fice, s Stationery Of Stationery s H1 H4
F1 H7 W1 H2 N X X X X F3 X X X X X W2 X X X X X X F2 X X X X H3 X X
X Based upon the Ordnance Survey map with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’ Her of Controller the of permission with map Survey Ordnance the upon Based 5913: THOMAS RIVERS NURSERY, SAWBRIDGEWORTH
PLAN ECO2: ECOLOGICAL FEATURES
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Information received from HBRC in relation to Rivers Nursery County Wildlife Site Wildlife Sites Report from HBRC
SITE SITE GRID AREA(ha) RATIFIED DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NAME REFERENCE 62/020 Rivers TL474145 10.02 1997 A former nursery site supporting a mosaic of habitats including semi- Nursery improved neutral grassland, scrub and old orchard trees. The grassland is reasonably diverse and supports a number of indicator species including Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea), Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). The orchard to the west also has a good grassland flora with abundant Black Knapweed and Agrimony. Large numbers of Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) have been recorded. Scrub is predominantly of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) with some Dog-rose (Rosa canina). Wildlife Site criteria: Grassland indicators.
Records in Recorder database, HBRC
Group Formal Name Common Name Date Taxon_List_Item_Key flowering plant Acer campestre L. Field Maple 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000436529 flowering plant Acer pseudoplatanus L. Sycamore 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000436539 flowering plant Achillea millefolium L. Yarrow 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000436567 flowering plant Agrimonia eupatoria L. Agrimony 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000436722 flowering plant Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. Cow Parsley 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000437437 flowering plant Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P. Beauv. ex J. Presl & C. Presl False Oat-grass 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000437681 flowering plant Arum maculatum L. Lords-and-Ladies 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000437729 flowering plant Betula pendula Roth Silver Birch 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000438380 flowering plant Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds.) P. Beauv. False-brome 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000438649 flowering plant Bryonia dioica Jacq. White Bryony 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000438886 flowering plant Centaurea nigra L. Common Knapweed 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000439688 flowering plant Centaurium erythraea Rafn Common Centaury 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000439709 flowering plant Cerastium fontanum Baumg. Common Mouse-ear 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000439768 flowering plant Chaerophyllum temulum L. Rough Chervil 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000439849 flowering plant Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub Rosebay Willowherb 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000439874 flowering plant Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Creeping Thistle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440248 flowering plant Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. Spear Thistle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440264 flowering plant Clematis vitalba L. Traveller's-joy 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440333 flowering plant Convolvulus arvensis L. Field Bindweed 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440584 flowering plant Corylus avellana L. Hazel 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440721 flowering plant Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Hawthorn 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440930 flowering plant Crepis capillaris (L.) Wallr. Smooth Hawk's-beard 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440975 flowering plant Crepis vesicaria L. Beaked Hawk's-beard 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000440992 flowering plant Dactylis glomerata L. Cock's-foot 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000441324 flowering plant Dipsacus fullonum L. Wild Teasel 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000441742 flowering plant Epilobium hirsutum L. Great Willowherb 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000442254 horsetail Equisetum arvense L. Field Horsetail 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000442364 flowering plant Euonymus europaeus L. Spindle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000442690 flowering plant Fagus sylvatica L. Beech 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000442923 flowering plant Galium aparine L. Cleavers 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443450 flowering plant Galium mollugo L. Hedge Bedstraw 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443462 flowering plant Geranium dissectum L. Cut-leaved Crane's-bill 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443640 flowering plant Geranium robertianum L. Herb-Robert 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443667 flowering plant Geum urbanum L. Wood Avens 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443699 flowering plant Glechoma hederacea L. Ground-ivy 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000443762 Records in Recorder database, HBRC
Group Formal Name Common Name Date Taxon_List_Item_Key flowering plant Hedera helix L. Ivy 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000444167 flowering plant Heracleum sphondylium L. Hogweed 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000444312 flowering plant Holcus lanatus L. Yorkshire-fog 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000445015 flowering plant Hypericum perforatum L. Perforate St John's-wort 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000445268 flowering plant Ilex aquifolium L. Holly 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000445309 flowering plant Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult. Field Scabious 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000445716 flowering plant Lathyrus pratensis L. Meadow Vetchling 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446005 flowering plant Leontodon L. Leontodon 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446099 flowering plant Lepidium draba L. Hoary Cress 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446136 flowering plant Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. Oxeye Daisy 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446261 flowering plant Ligustrum vulgare L. Wild Privet 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446316 flowering plant Lolium perenne L. Perennial Rye-grass 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446507 flowering plant Lonicera periclymenum L. Honeysuckle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446555 flowering plant Malva sylvestris L. Common Mallow 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446825 flowering plant Medicago lupulina L. Black Medick 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000446969 flowering plant Melilotus altissimus Thuill. Tall Melilot 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000447038 flowering plant Odontites vernus (Bellardi) Dumort. Red Bartsia 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000447870 flowering plant Ophrys apifera Huds. Bee Orchid 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448018 flowering plant Origanum vulgare L. Wild Marjoram 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448152 flowering plant Orobanche minor Sm. Common Broomrape 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448193 flowering plant Phleum bertolonii DC. Smaller Cat's-tail 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448743 flowering plant Phleum pratense L. Timothy 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448752 flowering plant Picris hieracioides L. Hawkweed Oxtongue 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000448865 flowering plant Plantago lanceolata L. Ribwort Plantain 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449058 flowering plant Plantago major L. Greater Plantain 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449060 flowering plant Poa pratensis L. Smooth Meadow-grass 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449147 flowering plant Potentilla reptans L. Creeping Cinquefoil 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449585 flowering plant Prunella vulgaris L. Selfheal 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449674 flowering plant Prunus spinosa L. Blackthorn 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449705 flowering plant Quercus robur L. Pedunculate Oak 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000449924 flowering plant Ranunculus repens L. Creeping Buttercup 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000450015 flowering plant Rosa canina agg. Rosa canina agg. 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000450339 flowering plant Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000450736 flowering plant Rumex crispus L. Curled Dock 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000451140 flowering plant Rumex sanguineus L. Wood Dock 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000451187 Records in Recorder database, HBRC
Group Formal Name Common Name Date Taxon_List_Item_Key flowering plant Salix alba L. White Willow 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000451366 flowering plant Senecio erucifolius L. Hoary Ragwort 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000452067 flowering plant Senecio jacobaea L. Common Ragwort 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000452081 flowering plant Sonchus arvensis L. Perennial Sow-thistle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000452747 flowering plant Stachys sylvatica L. Hedge Woundwort 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000453082 flowering plant Taraxacum officinale agg. Taraxacum officinale agg. 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000453620 flowering plant Torilis japonica (Houtt.) DC. Upright Hedge-parsley 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454000 flowering plant Tragopogon pratensis L. Goat's-beard 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454040 flowering plant Trifolium dubium Sibth. Lesser Trefoil 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454137 flowering plant Trifolium hybridum L. Alsike Clover 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454151 flowering plant Trifolium pratense L. Red Clover 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454178 flowering plant Trifolium repens L. White Clover 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454180 flowering plant Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. Scentless Mayweed 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454239 flowering plant Ulmus procera Salisb. English Elm 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454427 flowering plant Urtica dioica L. Common Nettle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454470 flowering plant Veronica chamaedrys L. Germander Speedwell 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454647 flowering plant Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray Hairy Tare 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454725 flowering plant Vicia sativa L. Common Vetch 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454747 flowering plant Vinca major L. Greater Periwinkle 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454772 flowering plant Viola odorata L. Sweet Violet 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000454805 insect - butterfly Colias croceus (Geoffroy, 1785) Clouded Yellow 20/09/2006 NHMSYS0000496471 insect - butterfly Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) Small White 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000499410 insect - butterfly Polygonia c-album (Linnaeus, 1758) Comma 20/09/2006 NHMSYS0000499499 insect - butterfly Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) Red Admiral 20/09/2006 NHMSYS0000500664 insect - butterfly Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) Painted Lady 20/09/2006 NHMSYS0000500665 insect - butterfly Gonepteryx rhamni (Linnaeus, 1758) Brimstone 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000550376 insect - butterfly Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758) Green-veined White 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000550377 insect - butterfly Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758) Orange-tip 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000550378 insect - butterfly Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) Common Blue 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000550383 insect - butterfly Celastrina argiolus (Linnaeus, 1758) Holly Blue 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000550384 insect - butterfly Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758) Speckled Wood 18/05/2007 NHMSYS0000550391 insect - butterfly Pyronia tithonus (Linnaeus, 1771) Hedge Brown 14/07/2005 NHMSYS0000550396 insect - butterfly Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) Meadow Brown 13/09/2006 NHMSYS0000550397 lichen Amandinea punctata (Hoffm.) Coppins & Scheid. Amandinea punctata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001392542 lichen Anisomeridium polypori (Ellis & Everh.) M.E. Barr Anisomeridium polypori 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001392891 Records in Recorder database, HBRC
Group Formal Name Common Name Date Taxon_List_Item_Key lichen Arthonia radiata (Pers.) Ach. Arthonia radiata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001393516 lichen Caloplaca chlorina (Flot.) Sandst. Caloplaca chlorina 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001396821 lichen Caloplaca crenulatella (Nyl.) H. Olivier Caloplaca crenulatella 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001396836 lichen Caloplaca flavocitrina (Nyl.) H. Olivier Caloplaca flavocitrina 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001396854 lichen Caloplaca holocarpa (Hoffm.) A.E. Wade Caloplaca holocarpa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001396866 lichen Caloplaca teicholyta (Ach.) J. Steiner Caloplaca teicholyta 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001396911 lichen Candelariella aurella forma aurella (Hoffm.) Zahlbr. Candelariella aurella forma aurella 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001397148 lichen Candelariella reflexa (Nyl.) Lettau Candelariella reflexa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001397164 lichen Catillaria nigroclavata (Nyl.) Schuler Catillaria nigroclavata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001397406 lichen Cliostomum griffithii (Sm.) Coppins Cliostomum griffithii 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001399407 lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. Evernia prunastri 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001406583 lichen Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale Flavoparmelia caperata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001407017 lichen Flavoparmelia soredians (Nyl.) Hale Flavoparmelia soredians 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001407018 lichen Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. Hypogymnia physodes 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001411840 lichen Hypogymnia tubulosa (Schaer.) Hav. Hypogymnia tubulosa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001411843 lichen Hypotrachyna revoluta (Flörke) Hale Hypotrachyna revoluta 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001411910 lichen Lecania cyrtella (Ach.) Th. Fr. Lecania cyrtella 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001413897 lichen Lecania inundata (Hepp ex Körb.) M. Mayrhofer Lecania inundata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001413916 lichen Lecania naegelii (Hepp) Diederich & Van den Boom Lecania naegelii 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001413918 lichen Lecanora albescens (Hoffm.) Branth & Rostr. Lecanora albescens 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001413971 lichen Lecanora barkmaniana Aptroot & Herk Lecanora barkmaniana 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414002 lichen Lecanora carpinea (L.) Vain. Lecanora carpinea 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414025 lichen Lecanora chlarotera Nyl. Lecanora chlarotera 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414038 lichen Lecanora confusa Almb. Lecanora confusa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414065 lichen Lecanora conizaeoides forma conizaeoides Nyl. ex Cromb. Lecanora conizaeoides forma conizaeoides 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414073 lichen Lecanora dispersa (Pers.) Sommerf. Lecanora dispersa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414091 lichen Lecanora expallens Ach. Lecanora expallens 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414111 lichen Lecanora persimilis Th. Fr. Lecanora persimilis 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414246 lichen Lecanora pulicaris (Pers.) Ach. Lecanora pulicaris 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414278 lichen Lecanora symmicta (Ach.) Ach. Lecanora symmicta 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001414366 lichen Lecidella elaeochroma forma elaeochroma (Ach.) M. Choisy Lecidella elaeochroma forma elaeochroma 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001415412 lichen Lecidella stigmatea (Ach.) Hertel & Leuckert Lecidella stigmatea 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001415428 lichen Melanelia subaurifera (Nyl.) Essl. Melanelia subaurifera 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001418735 lichen Opegrapha ochrocheila Nyl. Opegrapha ochrocheila 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001422737 lichen Parmelia sulcata Taylor Parmelia sulcata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001423673 Records in Recorder database, HBRC
Group Formal Name Common Name Date Taxon_List_Item_Key lichen Parmotrema perlatum (Huds.) Hale Parmotrema perlatum 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001423741 lichen Phaeophyscia orbicularis (Neck.) Moberg Phaeophyscia orbicularis 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001425958 lichen Physcia adscendens (Th. Fr.) H. Olivier Physcia adscendens 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001427380 lichen Physcia tenella subsp. tenella (Scop.) DC. Physcia tenella subsp. tenella 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001427470 lichen Placynthiella icmalea (Ach.) Coppins & P. James Placynthiella icmalea 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001427870 lichen Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach. Ramalina farinacea 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001431575 lichen Ramalina fastigiata (Pers.) Ach. Ramalina fastigiata 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001431585 lichen Rinodina gennarii Bagl. Rinodina gennarii 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001432585 lichen Scoliciosporum chlorococcum (Graewe ex Stenh.) Vezda Scoliciosporum chlorococcum 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001433881 lichen Trapeliopsis flexuosa (Fr.) Coppins & P. James Trapeliopsis flexuosa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001438716 lichen Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th. Fr. Xanthoria parietina 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001441981 lichen Xanthoria polycarpa (Hoffm.) Rieber Xanthoria polycarpa 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001441985 lichen Xanthoria ucrainica S.Y. Kondr. Xanthoria ucrainica 23/04/2011 NHMSYS0001441986
APPENDIX 2
Information received from RNSOG in relation to Rivers Nursery site
APPENDIX 3
Selection Criteria for Local Wildlife Sites in Hertfordshire, 6th Version, Reviewed Feb 2012 (Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership) Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES IN HERTFORDSHIRE
(6th version) Reviewed Feb 2012
Developed by the Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership in conjunction with HBRC, HMWT and Natural England
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 02/02/2012 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 2 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria SELECTION CRITERIA FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Rationale for Local Wildlife Sites
Currently only a small proportion of the County’s wildlife resource is protected by statutory legislation, specifically those of Ramsar, SAC, SPA, NNR, SSSI or LNR status. Whilst these sites include many of the most important wildlife habitats in the county, they are insufficient on their own to maintain the diversity of habitats and species in Hertfordshire.
What are Wildlife Sites?
Wildlife Sites are areas of land rich in wildlife. They are places where species and habitats flourish because of past management. Wildlife Sites are a material consideration in the planning system but do not receive the same level of legal protection as statutory designated sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Hence their survival depends on owners and managers sympathetic to the needs of wildlife, who in many cases work closely with conservationists to manage the land for the benefit of wildlife. At the Rio Earth Summit the nations of the world expressed their concern for the environment, and planned action to protect the world’s biodiversity. The UK responded by producing a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and mechanisms for carrying it out. From this UK plan local biodiversity plans have been developed to protect particular species and habitats. Local action to safeguard Wildlife Sites is crucial to the success of the Biodiversity Action Plan, with many of the criteria for site selection being directly translatable to BAP habitats and species. In more recent times the importance of local wildlife sites and wildlife habitats has been addressed in documents such as Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS 9).
PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation section 9 (2005), recognises that Local Sites (which Local Wildlife Sites are part of) have a fundamental role to play in helping to meet overall national biodiversity targets, contributing to the quality of life and the well-being of the community and in supporting research and education. Section 10 of PPS 9 (2005) specifically highlights the importance of ancient woodlands and veteran trees and states that “once it is lost it cannot be re created...They (local planning authorities) should not grant planning permission for any development that would result in its loss or deterioration...of the woodland habitat”. Section 11 of PPS9 (2005) also highlights a duty of care expected of local authorities, to take into consideration natural habitat types listed in Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act, 2000 in order to conserve important habitat sites. It is important to note that this document is intended to work alongside the habitats and species listed within section 74 of the CROW Act. Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) ~Act 2006, lists habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. This is used to guide decision- makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty and to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions.
Assessment of sites.
The system for identifying Wildlife Sites in Hertfordshire takes into account national priorities, local distinctiveness and threats and declines in certain species or habitats. The system has to be developed locally because certain habitats or species would be identified as The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 3 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria deserving Wildlife Site status in one part of the country but not necessarily in another. The system does not try to identify all sites of importance for wildlife in Hertfordshire, only those of substantial quantifiable value.
Wildlife Site selection in Hertfordshire is based on the criteria identified by Ratcliffe (A Nature Conservation Review, ed D.A. Ratcliffe, CUP, 1977) for the selection of sites on National importance. These are:
· Naturalness · Size · Diversity · Rarity · Fragility · Typicalness · Recorded History
Additional factors identified were:
· Position in ecological and geographical unit · Potential value · Intrinsic appeal
Naturalness It is recognised that there are few habitats remaining in Hertfordshire that can be truly characterised as being natural. However, the notification of Wildlife Sites is intended to identify those habitats supporting the range of biodiversity naturally inhabiting Hertfordshire. This can be defined as those species that would have inhabited Hertfordshire historically as well as those species that have become naturalised in Hertfordshire as a result of climate change. The habitats supporting this range of diversity are often characterised as being semi- natural.
As Hertfordshire historically supported a range of habitat types, the selection of habitats for notification is intended to reflect this. Therefore semi-natural habitats across the range of successional stages have been identified.
For convenience, the definition of habitats is determined by communities, often plant communities as these are easily surveyed. In some cases it is necessary to base the definition on assemblages of species. Some species of high conservation concern will be considered sufficient for the notification of Wildlife Sites. These species will be those identified as being of high concern in the national Red Data Books and the national Biodiversity Action Plan, or in the Red Data Book for Hertfordshire and the Biodiversity Action Plan for Hertfordshire.
Size The size of a site has a direct bearing on its ability to retain species and to resist the colonisation of unwanted species. The thresholds set for sites in Hertfordshire are a reflection of the abundance of the habitat type under consideration.
Diversity
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 4 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Although high diversity is generally a useful criterion, it has to be considered in the context of appropriate species within their associated habitat. Some habitat types maintain species assemblages that are inherently low in diversity but are nevertheless important because these species are dependent on that habitat alone. This is reflected in the thresholds based on assemblages of species within habitat types. It is not possible to use a comparison of diversity between habitat types as a measure of nature conservation importance.
Rarity The rarity of habitats and species has a direct bearing on the thresholds for selection. The long-term loss of habitats within Hertfordshire has resulted in a scarcity of good examples of many important habitat types. It is therefore vital to preserve a higher proportion of rare habitat types. The thresholds given reflect this. Similarly, the preservation of rare species is important to prevent a loss to Hertfordshire’s biodiversity.
The presence and distribution of species within Hertfordshire is becoming better known but the data is highly variable between groups. Site selection for rare species will be guided by the Red Data Book for Hertfordshire and the Biodiversity Action Plan for Hertfordshire.
Fragility The most fragile habitats are those least easily recreated. Therefore, priority has been given to those habitats harder to re-create through the Biodiversity Action Plan process.
Typicalness Priority will be given to sites that are typical examples of rare habitats within Hertfordshire. It is important that Wildlife Site designation in Hertfordshire encompasses habitats supporting the complete range of natural wildlife.
Recorded History Sites with an extensive recorded history have an added value, not only because more is known about those sites themselves, but also because they can be important in developing our knowledge of wildlife in Hertfordshire, and how it is affected by management. No site will be designated on recorded history alone, but the presence of detailed records for a site will add to their value.
Position in ecological and geographical unit It is important to represent habitats within the wildlife site system that occur in all the natural areas of Hertfordshire. Though some sites may support similar habitats, their position within both ecological and geographical units may vary markedly. Therefore the wildlife site system will include similar sites within the full range of ecological and geographical variation in Hertfordshire. The boundaries of wildlife sites should, where possible, encompass units.
Potential Value Sites that show degradation, either through lack of management or damage, will be considered for inclusion where the prospect of recovery still exists.
Intrinsic appeal
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 5 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria The intrinsic appeal of a site cannot be quantified subjectively. Therefore it will never be used on its own as a criterion for site selection. However, where sites are clearly locally valued this may enhance the possibility for protection and management of a site, and will be included in the assessment of sites.
Criteria for Hertfordshire A series of thresholds have been produced which reflect the above criteria and which are based on the Guidelines for Selection of Biological SSSIs (1989) set out by the Nature Conservation Committee. These have been modified appropriately for the selection of sites of County importance for Hertfordshire. It is recognised that these thresholds will need to be reviewed regularly as the state of knowledge both nationally and locally improves, and as the wildlife of Hertfordshire changes.
When assessing sites against habitat criteria, criterion thresholds should not be applied mechanically. They are used to confirm and validate expert judgement on habitat quality according to the principles identified by Ratcliffe. Therefore a site that does not represent a recognised semi-natural habitat but happens to meet a criterion threshold, such as through the artificial introduction of species, would not automatically be selected by the panel.
Conversely, it is recognised that site surveys are normally brief and can only give a snapshot of what is visible on a site on a given occasion. In some cases it may not be clear whether or not a site meets or exceeds the thresholds. In these cases, where a site almost reaches a criterion threshold but in all other respects give the appearance of being a good example of a particular habitat type in a Hertfordshire context, a number of supplementary factors can be used to help inform the selection panel’s decision. These are explained in the following section.
General supplementary factors Supplementary factors are to be considered for sites nearly meeting threshold values for wildlife site selection.
a) Historical documentation, such as site being shown on the First Edition Ordnance survey map of 1878, or the earlier Bryant’s map of Hertfordshire 1822, information about the site being held in the Local Record Office.
b) The presence of historical features, which often support additional wildlife. These include ancient pollards, ancient coppice stools, medieval wood banks, ridge and furrow, old moats, strip lynchets and barrows.
c) Habitat types or species included within Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 are present within the site, and Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC)
d) Sites which Buffer or link an existing site of National or international importance (eg SSSI, SPA).
e) The site being sufficiently large, or in a suitable environment, to prevent long-term loss of species through outside factors such as spray drift.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 6 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria f) Connectivity of the site with other areas, allowing the movement of species between habitats, such as hedgerows, scrub or other semi-natural habitats.
g) A good ecotone along the margin of the site.
h) Potential for the site to recover from damage or lack of management.
i) The presence of a range of sub-habitats within the site, including steep slopes, bare ground, damp areas, hedgerows, temporary pools, ponds, streams and ditches.
Many sites of more local importance are not included as Local Wildlife Sites. This is not to say that they should not be protected, as many are potentially important wildlife areas where development or degradation should be opposed. It must also be recognised that other features such as hedgerows and less rich habitats help to support and augment Local Wildlife Sites within the landscape as a whole, and that losses within these habitats are a serious cause for concern.
Selection of Local Wildlife Sites
The selection of Hertfordshire’s Local Wildlife Sites, from the full range of habitats present within the County, has been undertaken through the application of the following Selection Criteria. The procedure for the selection of Local Wildlife Sites is primarily carried out by ecological experts from HMWT and HBRC with final approval for designation coming from the Ratification Group (which also includes Natural England).
Defra’s “Local [Wildlife] Sites – Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management” 2006 note that effective selection of sites depends on a good knowledge of the natural character of an area and the broad extent and quality of the nature conservation resource from which sites will be selected. Such information needs to be updated and reviewed from time to time to inform the setting of priorities and objectives for local biodiversity, which in themselves inform the selection of Local Wildlife Sites.
Sites may be considered at the discretion of the Wildlife Sites Ratification Group.
Unless otherwise stated data used for selecting Local Wildlife Sites should not be more than 10 years old. This is to ensure that designation is based on up-to-date information, but this does not mean that designation expires after 10 years in the absence of new survey data on existing Local Wildlife Sites.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 7 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria HABITAT CRITERIA In recognition of the importance of existing statutory sites the following associated semi- natural habitats, where borderline under other criteria, will be selected as Local Wildlife Sites;
H.a Linking habitats with other statutory sites. H.b Habitats providing a buffering area to a statutory site. H.c Habitats providing opportunities for expansion to statutory site communities.
Fragments remaining after removal of SSSIs from former Wildlife Sites
Under current national guidance on Local Sites (Defra, 2006), SSSIs are excluded from Local Sites in Hertfordshire. However, prior to this guidance, all SSSIs were also designated as Wildlife Sites, with many SSSIs being included within larger Wildlife Sites. The areas of such Wildlife Sites remaining after removal of the SSSI from their boundary are often relatively small and fragmentary and may not be able to meet the Selection Criteria in their own right. However, in most cases, these fragments still retain their original intrinsic interest and continue to form a valuable part of the overall management unit; often supporting additional habitats and species which complement the relatively narrow set of special interest features for which the SSSI is notified. There will, therefore, be a presumption against de-designating such fragments of former Wildlife Sites; except where it is clearly apparent that they have suffered significant damage or habitat degradation.
De-notification of SSSIs
Most SSSIs support a range of habitats and species which is wider than the specific features of special interest for which they are notified as SSSI. In addition, SSSI is a national designation and the SSSI selection criteria necessarily set higher thresholds than do the Local Sites selection criteria. Therefore, in the event that Natural England or its successor bodies are minded to denotify a SSSI, they will advise the Partnership accordingly, so that the site may be assessed against the selection criteria for possible designation as a Local Site.
1. Woodland
Just under 9.3% of Hertfordshire is wooded (excluding scrub), with the greater part of the woodland resource concentrated towards the south of the county, with greater concentrations still in the Broxbourne area and around Ashridge. Of this area, approximately 36.2% is believed to be ancient in origin with 21.7% of the woodland total comprising semi-natural ancient woodland and 14.5% of planted woodlands on ancient woodland sites. Ancient semi-natural woodland in Hertfordshire is characterised by three main woodland types, Oak-Hornbeam (for which Hertfordshire has a significant proportion of the national total), Ash-Maple, and Beech. Most typical of the south and east of the county, Oak- Hornbeam is usually associated with London Clay and other geological deposits of the Thames Basin, and less frequently on Decalcified Boulder Clay to the north. In the north and east, Ash-Maple form the dominant woodland type on the Chalky Boulder Clay of the East The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 8 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Anglian plain, these woodlands are generally small in size and isolated. Beech forms the characteristic woodland type in the west of the county most typically in the Chilterns, occurring on the Clay-with-flints of the dip slope and the chalk of the scarp.
The following may be selected as Local Wildlife Sites:
1.1 Ancient woodland
H.1.1.1 Woodland recorded on the Inventory of Ancient Woodland (note i) as supporting a semi-natural canopy, unless more recent surveys indicate this not to be the case (note ii), or where severe degradation has occurred (note iii), and which are >2 ha in size.
H.1.1.2 Woodland recorded on the Inventory of Ancient Woodland as supporting a replanted canopy of broadleaved or coniferous trees, whilst still retaining restorable elements of its previous semi-natural character, and other extant features of wildlife interest. These woods should include either the presence of 10 ancient woodland indicator species (note iv), and significant additional features such as herb-rich rides, glades, or areas of semi-natural canopy and ancient physical features.
H.1.1.3 Woodland not recorded on the Inventory of Ancient Woodland, where believed to be ancient because (a) its location is shown on first edition one inch to one mile Ordnance Survey maps or Bryant (1822), and recent survey has confirmed the presence of a semi- natural canopy, or (b) field evidence suggests ancient origin (note v), or ideally both. Sites should normally be larger than 1 ha or support >10 ancient woodland indicator species (notes iv).
1.2 Recent woodland
H.1.2.1 Semi-natural woodland (note vi) which is not believed to be ancient in origin but which meets all of the following criteria: (a) supports a diverse and well developed structure with a varied ground flora, variations in canopy height, density and or a ride/glade system; (b) a rich flora in context of a typical woodland type (note vii); has not been degraded by inappropriate management practices, domination by invasive and/or non-native species (note vii), or excessive usage for recreational or amenity purposes. Sites will be 2 ha in extent or larger.
1.3 1 Wet woodland Deleted (and replaced with H.1.3.1 and H.1.3.2 below)
H.1.3.1 Wet woodland supporting a good example of one or more of the following NVC communities; W1, W2, W4, W5 and W6 (Appendix 2) and greater than 0.25 ha in size.
H.1.3.2 Where NVC community data is not available, examples should comprise assemblages of species indicative of these community types; for example semi-natural communities where Alnus glutinosa or Salix are the predominant tree species on poorly drained or seasonally wet soils and are greater than 0.25 ha in size. See Appendix 2
1.4 Parkland and Veteran Trees
H.1.4.1 Parkland
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 9 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria With 15 or more mature and/or veteran trees (Appendix 3) within a land unit on permanent grassland or in association with another semi-natural habitat.
Note: Preference may be given to sites with larger numbers of mature or veteran trees or sites containing species rich grassland.
H.1.4.2 Veteran Trees (under review) Groups of at least 5 veteran trees (as defined in Appendix 3) spaced no greater than 75m apart.
1.5 Orchards (Revised by Hertfordshire Orchard Initiative in 2010 and adopted by Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership in 2011).
Orchards may be selected if:
H.1.5.1 removed
H.1.5.2 The site supports at least 5 veteran fruit trees (to qualify as a veteran, a tree must have at least three ‘veteran tree attributes as listed in Appendix 3)
and 2 of the following: a) Age: evidence of existence on old maps (such as 3rd / 4th Ed 6” maps (reflecting planting in the 1930s), first Edition 6” maps (1880s) reflecting old Victorian orchards, or earlier maps) b) The orchard and associated habitat must be at least 0.5ha in extent and in no more than 2 contiguous habitat parcels, with at least 50% tree or shrub cover being fruit or nut trees. c) Non-intensive management of trees or grassland
H.1.6 Scrubland (under review) Scrub comprising native woody species supporting a diverse structure with variations in canopy height, density and open spaces in association with another habitat which conforms to the criteria in all but habitat size. Sites will normally be >1 ha in extent or support more than 8 woody species or an important epiphytic flora.
H.1.7 Wooded green lanes and hedgerows Substantial hedgerow and tree line habitats believed to be ancient with at least 10 woody species per 30 metre length, and sampled as per note x, and (a) has features and structure indicative of pre-enclosure origins or (b) which support at least 6 ancient woodland indicator species (note iv). Where hedgerows qualifying under this criterion form part of a Green Lane, then the whole width may be selected.
Notes
i) The Provisional Hertfordshire Inventory of Ancient Woodland was published by English Nature in 1988, and subsequently revised and now published on the web. The Ancient Woodland definition used within these criteria accords with that given in the Inventory. The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 10 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
ii) Sites shown on the Ancient Woodland Inventory were identified using a variety of techniques, including field survey. Woodland for which field data was old or for which substantial changes had been noted from the 1990 aerial photographs were re-visited by the Habitat Survey in 1995 and 1996. iii) A ‘Severely degraded’ site in this context is defined as one where, if management were immediately changed to the optimum, the previous nature conservation interest would be unlikely to be regained within 10 years. Examples of causes of degradation include; heavy grazing, poaching, domination by invasive and/or non-native species (note vii) or other heavy usage for recreation such as the use of off-road vehicles, war gaming or severe trampling from informal recreation. iv) Ancient woodland indicator species are defined as those which appear on the Hertfordshire Ancient Woodland Vascular Plants List, given in Appendix 1. v) Field evidence which is indicative of ancient woodland in Hertfordshire includes: ditches and boundary banks, boundary pollards and stubs, veteran trees, evidence of old kilns or charcoal hearths, site conforming to Parish boundary.
vi) Semi-natural woodland is defined as stands of native trees reflecting variations in site and soil which are not obviously planted. In practice woods with true semi-natural stands slightly altered by scattered ornamentals or naturalised species and mature plantations of native species which have attained semi-natural characteristics are included in this category. vii) Where NVC data is available, the site should represent a good example of its community type (listed in Appendix 2). Some NVC community types are intrinsically species poor and their lack of richness should not necessarily be taken as an indication of their lesser worth. viii) Large blocks of coniferous plantation should not normally be selected unless they occur on ancient woodland sites (see H.1.1.2 above). Exceptions include sites with exceptionally rich rides, glades, semi-natural woodland or other features that cannot be practicably be separated from the plantation stand, or where the plantation retains an exceptionally rich ground flora.
ix) All woodlands must be no less than 5 metres wide. Any wooded strip less than 5 metres wide may be considered under wooded green lanes and hedgerow, or veteran tree criteria.
x) a) where the length of the hedgerow exceeds 30 metres, but does not exceed 100 metres, count the number of woody species present in the central stretch of 30 metres; (b) where the length of the hedgerow exceeds 100 metres, but does not exceed 200 metres, count the number of woody species present in the central stretch of 30 metres within each half of the hedgerow and divide the aggregate by two; (c) where the length of the hedgerow exceeds 200 metres, count the number of woody species present in the central stretch of 30 metres within each third of the hedgerow and divide the aggregate by three.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 11 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
2. Grassland (Revised by County Flora Recorder in 2007 and adopted by Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership2008).
True semi-natural, “unimproved” grasslands now only occupy about 5% of the total grassland resource in the County. All grasslands were measured by the Habitat Survey (1995-7) as occupying 34,292.4 ha (21.26% of the County) (but not including road verges). Acidic grassland and calcareous grassland have been particularly reduced in extent since 1940. Another 33% of the grassland resource was regarded as reasonably diverse “semi-improved” grassland. The quality of these grasslands is heavily dependent on continued sympathetic management, so these figures are likely to change over time.
Semi-natural grassland is defined as the natural vascular plant community which develops where forest has been removed and is inhibited from regeneration by either grazing or mowing. Different soil types will support different types of grassland, which, for ease of identification, have been reduced in these criteria to four: calcareous grassland, acidic grassland, neutral grassland and wet grassland. Calcareous grasslands and acidic grasslands are reasonably well-defined, but neutral grassland contains a wide range of different grassland types dependent on precise soil types and management regime, while wet grasslands vary also according to the pH of the soil and/ or water supply, the extent and duration of inundation and whether or not the water is flowing.
The list of indicator species of old semi-natural grasslands relevant to Hertfordshire has been drawn up following detailed survey of the County’s flora.
Sites meeting the following criteria may be selected as Local Wildlife Sites if the site shows no recent signs of significant damage through chemical applications, serious disturbance or neglect, such as to have obviously altered its characteristic communities. Sites should be >0.25 ha unless otherwise stated.
H.2.1 Where full NVC analysis is available, sites of the NVC communities listed in Appendix 4.
2.2 Neutral, calcareous, acidic and marshy grassland supporting a high diversity of plant species and species indicative of substantially unimproved swards:-
H.2.2a Calcareous Grassland site with a predominance of species characteristic of old calcareous grasslands with 8 or more species recorded from those listed in Appendix 5.
H.2.2b Neutral Grassland site with a predominance of species characteristic of old neutral grassland with 8 or more species recorded from those listed in Appendix 5.
H.2.2c Acid Grassland site with a predominance of species characteristic of old acidic grassland with 5 or more species recorded from those listed in Appendix 5.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 12 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria H.2.2d Wet Grassland site with a predominance of species characteristic of old wet grasslands with 5 or more species recorded from those listed in Appendix 5.
H.2.2e Mixed Any grassland site with 12 or more of any of the old grassland indicator species recorded from those listed in Appendix 5.
H.2.3 Features of value Grassland sites with a basically semi-natural species composition, which narrowly fail to meet the criteria in H.2.1 – H.2.2 but which have other features demonstrating their ecological importance; with two or more of the following: ridge-and-furrow marks, large anthills, veteran trees within the grassland, internal ditches or pools with standing water for much of the year, or ancient associated hedgerows, defined as in H.1.7
H.2.4 Species-rich semi-improved adjacent to Local Wildlife Site(s) (deleted)
H.2.5 Grassy Road Verges and Green Lanes Continuous stretches of similar quality grassland along road verges and grassy green lanes will be selected as Local Wildlife Sites if they are >1 m. wide for most of their length, with a minimum length of 200m., and will need to meet the species threshold criteria in H.2.1 – H.2.4
3. Heathland
Although southern and central Hertfordshire once supported substantial areas of acid grassland heathland mosaic, a habitat considered to be internationally important, a dramatic decline (96% since 1940) has left 21.1 ha of this habitat type within the county. This decline in habitat has been mirrored by an even more dramatic decline in associated specialist heathland species. Consequently, any remaining examples of this habitat type are of county importance.
H.3.1 Sites of at least 0.05 ha of a semi-natural heathland NVC community, or with no size restriction when associated with another habitat meeting the habitat criteria or the species criteria, may be selected.
H.3.2 Sites with an example of NVC community M16 Erica tetralix-Sphagnum compactum wet heath with no size restriction when in association with another semi-natural habitat, may be selected.
H.3.3 Where NVC community data is not available, sites may be selected if they comprise assemblages of species indicative of these community types; for example where the heath vegetation is generally species-poor and characterised by one or more of dwarf shrubs such as Heather or Ling Calluna vulgaris, Bell Heather Erica cinerea, Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix, Dwarf Gorse Ulex minor and Petty Whin Genista anglica.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 13 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
4. Freshwater (Revised by Environment Agency in 2010 and adopted by Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership for testing).
Rivers and the corridors of land through which they flow are a major wildlife resource of critical importance to wetland habitats. The major rivers in Hertfordshire originate as chalk streams emerging along the foot of the dip slope of the Chilterns and flow south to feed into the lowland clay river systems of the Colne and Lee. Of the 730.85 km of rivers and streams in the county the majority are considered to be degraded to some extent. It is estimated that there are over 1000 hectares of open water in Hertfordshire. Virtually all of this is man-made and includes gravel pits, reservoirs and ornamental lakes.
Note: Boundary will be top bank except in exceptional circumstance.
4.1 Flowing waters (rivers and streams)
H.4.1.1 Deleted (and replaced with H.4.1.1a and H.4.1.1b below)
Note that H.4.1.1a, H.4.1.1b, and H.4.1.2 will be mapped as lines along the river lengths selected. These site boundaries are however recognised as covering the area bank to bank, either side of the river channel.
H.4.1.1a River reaches that have a high degree of naturalness in terms of their river habitat morphology, as assessed by RHS, Habitat Modification Score (HMS) and Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA) – using standard Environment Agency criteria. A reach will be designated if it has a HMS class of one or two and a HQA score of over 40.
Note: Reaches which have exceptionally poor flows (quantity - please note that this refers to flows exceptionally below what would be normally in non drought conditions and does not discount winterbourne streams which naturally dry in summer) and/or water quality (chemical/nutrient rich) will not be counted as a Wildlife Sites.
H.4.1.1b River reaches that qualify as Good status or above according to the Water Framework Direct for one or more of the following aspects will qualify as a Wildlife Site:
• WFD Invertebrate Classification: Good status or above; • WFD Fish Classification: Good status or above; • WFD Macrophyte Classification: Good status or above; • WFD Diatom Classification: Good status or above;
H.4.1.2 Sites with a macroinvertebrate assemblage with a Community Conservation Index (CCI) score (Chadd and Extence 2004) of more than 10.1.
Note: CCI takes into account richness as well as rarity of the species present in macroinvertebrate data obtained from inland flowing and still water sites in Great Britain. The CCI provides an empirical basis for conservation initiatives, programmes and strategies, by producing a summary of aquatic invertebrate data over any appropriate scale of time and space. Furthermore, the final analysis need not be constrained by distribution of nationally
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 14 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria rare species, but can indicate exceptionally rich or regionally unusual invertebrate populations.
H.4.1.3 (deleted)
H.4.1.4 Natural springs, flushline or seepage habitats that support 3 or more wet grassland indicator species (Appendix 5) where not appreciably degraded (note iii).
4.2 Standing waters (Lakes, ponds, gravel-pits, reservoirs and canals) (under review) All qualifying species must be native and not obviously introduced.
H.4.2.1 Standing waters of NVC type 10A (Appendix 6) that have at least 15 species of submerged, floating and emergent plant or 5 species of submerged and floating plant.
H.4.2.2 Standing waters of NVC type 10B (Appendix 6) that have at least 10 species of submerged, floating and emergent plant, 3 species of submerged and floating plant or extensive beds of stoneworts.
H.4.2.3 Standing water sites with 3 or more species of Potamogeton.
H.4.2.4 Ditches with 10 or more species of submerged, floating, emergent and wet bank species per 20m.
5. Fens, Mires, Swamps Only 113.8 hectares of fen, mire and swamp habitats remain in Hertfordshire. All reasonable examples are therefore of importance. Some specific vegetation types are very scarce, for example, only around 12 hectares of Common Reed dominated swamp (reedbeds) exist in the county.
H.5.1 Fen meadows as defined by the NVC communities M22 (Juncus subnodulosus- Cirsium palustre fen meadow), normally 0.05 ha or larger, and examples of M27 (Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris mire)(Appendix 7).
H.5.2 Tall-herb fens and swamps as defined by the NVC communities S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S12, S13, S14, S22, S25, S26 and S28 (Appendix 7).
H.5.3 Where NVC data is not available, sites should comprise assemblages of species indicative of these community types with 5 or more fen and swamp indicator species listed in Appendix 8.
H.5.4 Except where specified sites should be 0.25 ha or larger to be selected, except where smaller sites contain rare or threatened communities or species or where they are adjacent to another Local Wildlife Site.
6. Mosaic
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 15 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Sites with two or more habitats in close combination or mosaic may warrant selection where, individually one or more of the habitats may fail to qualify on single habitat or Herts species rarity grounds.
H.6.1 Sites will be selected if at least one of the habitats in mosaic is considered to be a borderline Local Wildlife Site. This component should represent a significant proportion of the site, usually >25%.
H.6.2 Sites will be selected where the mosaic site is contiguous with a SSSI or other statutory site.
7. Artificial
Hertfordshire’s landscape has been subject to dramatic changes by the activities of man, often resulting in large scale loss of valuable semi-natural habitats. Artificial features such as mineral extraction sites and derelict industrial sites can provide an important refuge for species and communities that have been all but excluded from traditional sites. Such features should be protected where particularly interesting, unusual or scarce species or habitat communities occur.
H.7.1 Disused gravel extraction sites will normally be assessed on other criteria, but sites displaying good examples of active succession towards naturally species rich plant and animal communities will be included.
7.2 (code removed) Other types of artificial habitat must qualify under other habitat or species criteria.
8. Urban
Hertfordshire is a county of contrasts with rural landscape and an agricultural economy to the north and east and a more urban and densely populated landscape to the south. With over 90% of the county’s population living in towns, urban wildlife takes on a greater importance, both for peoples’ contact with wildlife, and for the survival of wildlife within the built environment. Whilst a balance must be struck between restricting urban sprawl and protecting rural wildlife this should not be at the expense of wildlife habitats found in existing urban areas.
Habitats particularly relevant to urban areas are: a) Encapsulated countryside, incorporating areas of semi-natural habitat which has been retained in urban areas from a rural past. b) “Urban Commons” and naturally regenerating habitats, sites which often support a complex mosaic of colonising plant and animal communities on disturbed ground and/or non- natural substrates.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 16 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Examples of both of these habitat types may be selected as Local Wildlife Sites under the criteria detailed in other sections. However, in view of the special features of urban sites an additional criterion will be used:
H.8.1 Urban sites that are borderline under other criteria will meet Local Wildlife Site criteria where they have 2 or more of the following social criteria and are not severely degraded:
a) Access - evidence of regular usage by local communities.
b) Aesthetic value - a landscape diverse in form and colour.
c) Social value - sites regularly used for informal play or social contact.
d) Sense of ownership - sites protected by the concerns of local communities.
e) Educational value - of actual or potential value to local schools.
f) Recorded history - a comprehensive biological and social history.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 17 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria SPECIES CRITERIA
Many sites which are important for individual species are likely to already be recognised Wildlife Sites under habitat criteria. The following criteria are therefore intended to provide recognition for important species and assemblages occurring outside areas qualifying under habitat criteria.Sites meeting the following criteria on species will only be selected as Local Wildlife Sites where appropriate habitat of sufficient quality and extent is present to support that species, and this will form the boundary of the site.
1. Vascular Plants
S.1.1 Sites with 1 or more critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened species (note i and iii), that are native to the county.
S.1.2 Sites with 1 or more Hertfordshire Rare species, or where this information is not currently available, 6 or more locally scarce species (note ii and iii) - See Appendix 9
Notes
i) The terms ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘near threatened’ refer to IUCN statuses ii) Hertfordshire Rare species are defined as those occurring in 5 sites or fewer within the county. Locally scarce species are defined as species occurring in less than 50 tetrads within the county iii) Preference may be given to those sites which: a. contain long-established populations of a species, b. contain large populations of a species (relative to that particular species or other sites containing that particular species), c. contain more than one of these species, d. only just miss habitat criteria thresholds, e. contain species for which Hertfordshire is a stronghold (defined as 25% of positive UK 10km squares with records gathered in the last 15 years).
2. Non-Vascular Plants
These include bryophytes, lichens and fungi.
S.2.1 Sites with 1 or more RDB species, nationally rare or scarce species (where IUCN doesn’t exist), critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or near threatened species
S.2.2 Sites with 2 or more Hertfordshire Rare species. Refer to Note iii) above.
3. Mammals
3.1 Otter
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 18 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria S.3.1.1 All confirmed recent Otter (Lutra lutra) holts and hovers, together with contiguous semi-natural habitat.
3.2 Bats (under review) S.3.2.1 Known breeding sites for the following species of bat: Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus), Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoni), Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) and Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandti).
S.3.2.2 Winter roosts/underground hibernation sites for the following species of bat: Noctule (Nyctalus noctula), Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), Serotine (Eptesicus serotinus), Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoni), Whiskered bat (Myotis mystacinus) and Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandti).
S.3.2.3 Nursery roosts of Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) where the number of bats counted exceeds 100 per roost.
S.3.2.4 Nursery roosts of Brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) where the number of bats counted exceeds 8 per roost.
S.3.2.5 Underground hibernation sites used by Brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus) where the number of bats counted is more than one individual.
S.3.2.6 Areas of semi-natural habitat supporting a range of insect prey and known to be important for feeding bats. These areas would normally support at least 4 species of bat.
3.3 Dormouse S.3.3.1 Sites with records for Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius).
3.4 Water Vole S.3.4.1 Sites with records for Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) in the last 5 years, unless a more recent survey shows the site to be severely degraded or the population to have disappeared
3.5 Water Shrew S.3.5.1 Sites with records for Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens).
3.6 Harvest Mouse S.3.6.1 Sites with records for Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus).
3.7 Badger Badger (Meles meles) setts will be recorded separately from the Local Wildlife Sites system, badger setts by themselves will not be selected as Local Wildlife Sites.
Note: Contiguous semi-natural habitat may be included at the discretion of the Wildlife Sites Ratification Panel.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 19 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria 4. Birds (Reviewed by Herts Bird Club 2005, adopted by Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 2006 and updated in 2010)
Birds have basic ecological requirements, which fall into two broad categories
1) Areas or habitats used for breeding, wintering or passage (migration). 2) Activities such as, breeding, feeding and roosting.
Bird communities should not be thought of as fixed assemblies of species. The nature of communities varies according to geographical location, vegetation, and food resources. Their composition therefore, can vary from year to year, being far more unpredictable outside the breeding season.
Most species have specialised requirements that can only be met in certain locations, usually where their chances of survival are enhanced. These sites are probably those that are familiar in terms of food resources, predator risk, and nesting habitat. Losses of these sites force the birds to try other areas, which may not be so beneficial. The increased density of birds forced into smaller areas, results in competition, possibly greater mortality, and a decline in numbers. (Pritchard et al, 1992). As a result, population levels are influenced by the availability of food, the productivity of the previous breeding season, the weather, and other environmental factors, some of which may be man-made. The final measure of diversity is the number of species recorded in a given area, or in a defined community or habitat type (Fuller, 1982) (Elkins, 1983).
These ecological factors make it imperative that sites of importance for wildlife are conserved and protected, particularly those that may face the threat of future built development.
The following may be selected as Local Wildlife Sites:
S.4.1 Sites with rare breeding species, as defined by a national population of less than 300 pairs.
S.4.2 Sites which regularly support at least 5% of the County population of the following colonial species: Grey heron, Common teal, Sand martin, Tree sparrow. “Regularly” is defined as qualifying in 4 out of the last 5 years.
S.4.3 Sites which support outstanding breeding assemblages (Note i and ii)– see Appendix 10.
S.4.4 Sites which regularly support 0.5% or more of the British non-breeding population of any species during the winter, passage, non-breeding summer or moult.
Note i)
The national system used by Natural England, as set out in Guidelines for Selection of Biological SSSIs (NCC, 1989), uses a national threshold site-index value system which operates on points given for breeding bird assemblages found in different habitats. Localities The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 20 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria are considered important if they support an especially good range of breeding bird species characteristic of the habitat. Importance is defined by a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) index value equal to or exceeding the value for an appropriate habitat type.
Breeding bird assemblages for various habitat types are made up of characteristic species, including abundant species (100 - 1 million pairs) that are primarily associated with the habitat (these species have scores of 1-4); plus scarcer species with populations of less than 100 pairs (these have scores of 5-6). Indices scores in the national system were based on the estimates of population size at the time (NCC, 1989).
Score Population (breeding pairs)
0 greater than a million
1 100,000 - 1 million
2 10,000 - 100,000
3 1,000 - 10,000
4 100 - 1,000
5 10 - 100
6 1 - 10
The index value for a site is calculated by summing the indices scores (1-4) for the species breeding there. Species with scores of 5 and 6 are excluded because of their small populations and restricted geographical distribution. Species are included in the final score if they have been recorded as probably breeding in a majority of recent years, provided information is available to support that statement. Species regularly using a site for essential activities (such as feeding) whilst breeding, also may be included even if they nest outside the site. To qualify, the index value for a site must exceed the threshold value given for that habitat.
For most habitats, a site reaching half the theoretical maximum would be an especially good example of the breeding bird community associated with that habitat. For woodland, two- thirds of the theoretical maximum is taken as the threshold because of the large number of species which are fairly widespread and numerous and characteristic of woodland. If two or more habitat types occur within one site the indices for all the recorded species should be counted. For the site to qualify, its total score must exceed the threshold value for all the habitats combined.
Note ii) The Hertfordshire system uses the national system of threshold site-index values, coupled with the county Red List species (Smith et al. 2010) to determine the criteria for identifying important sites for birds in Hertfordshire.
For a site to qualify as a Wildlife Site, its total score for recorded species should exceed the qualifying county threshold for the habitat. For sites with mixed habitats (two or more), the indices for recorded species on those habitat lists should be totalled and should exceed the combined threshold value for the habitats concerned. The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 21 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
The identification of county Red List species on the habitat-species lists is seen to strengthen the system by specifying a required minimum number of Red List species per habitat type
An additional list has been compiled for farmland, not covered by the national system, but considered to be important due to the decline of many of our once common bird species e.g. skylark, and corn bunting.
5. Reptiles and Amphibians (under review)
S.5.1 Sites supporting a breeding population of 1 or more native reptile species.
S.5.2 Sites supporting an exceptional breeding population of Great Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus).
S.5.3 All sites with records for Palmate Newt (Triturus helveticus) in the last 5 years.
S.5.4 Sites with good populations of 3 or more native amphibian species (as defined in Appendix 11).
Note: Contiguous semi-natural habitat may be included at the discretion of the Wildlife Sites Ratification Panel.
6. Invertebrates (excluding Butterflies, for Butterfly criteria see Section 7).
S.6.1 Sites with one or more Red List, Nationally Rare species recorded within the last 20 years.
S.6.2 Sites supporting 1 or more Nationally Notable species or 3 or more Hertfordshire notable species recorded.
S.6.3 (deleted)
S.6.4 (Butterfly criteria expanded in 2006 and 2011 – see Section 7)
S.6.5 Sites with assemblages of 14 or more species of dragonflies and damselflies, recorded in the past 5 years
7. Butterflies (under review)
(Reviewed by Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation in 2011 and adopted by Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 2011)
S.7.1 Sites with one or more nationally scarce species or UK BAP priority species including UK priority species(see Appendix 12).
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 22 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria S.7.2 Sites with one or more butterfly species from the Hertfordshire Red list or three or more butterfly species from the Hertfordshire Amber list recorded (see additional notes and Appendix 12).
Additional Notes xiii) To qualify for Hertfordshire Red Status list, the species was found in 10% or fewer of recorded tetrads averaged over the most recent 3 complete years. xiv) To qualify for Hertfordshire Amber status, the species was found in more than 10% and fewer than 20% of recorded tetrads averaged over the most recent 3 complete years.
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 23 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
Appendix 1 - Ancient woodland vascular plants
Listed below are the 100 species most strongly associated with ancient woodlands in Hertfordshire, and are typical components of botanically rich woodland communities. The 50 thought to be most strongly indicative of long continuity are marked *
Acer campestre *Epipactis purpurata *Oreopteris limbosperma Adoxa moschatellina *Equisetum sylvaticum *Oxalis acetosella Ajuga reptans *Euphorbia amygdaloides *Paris quadrifolia *Alchemilla xanthochlora Festuca gigantea *Platanthera chlorantha *Allium ursinum *Frangula alnus *Poa nemoralis *Anemone nemorosa *Galium odoratum *Polystichum aculeatum *Athyrium filix-femina *Gnaphalium sylvaticum *Polystichum setiferum *Blechnum spicant Helleborus viridis Populus tremula *Bromopsis benekenii *Hordelymus europaeus *Primula elatior Bromopsis ramosa *Hyacinthoides non-scripta Primula vulgaris Calamagrostis epigejos Hypericum androsaemum Prunus avium Campanula latifolia Hypericum humifusum *Pyrola minor Campanula trachelium *Hypericum pulchrum *Quercus petraea *Cardamine bulbifera Ilex aquifolium *Ranunculus auricomus Cardamine flexuosa Iris foetidisima Ribes nigrum *Carex pallescens *Lamiastrum galeobdolon Rosa arvensis Carex pendula *Lathraea squamaria Sanicula europaea *Carex remota *Lathyrus linifolius *Scirpus sylvaticus *Carex strigosa *Luzula forsteri Scrophularia nodosa Carex sylvatica *Luzula pilosa Sedum telephium Carpinus betulus *Luzula sylvatica *Senecio sylvaticus *Chrysosplenium oppositfolium *Lysimachia nemorum *Solidago virgaurea Circaea lutetiana Malus sylvestris s.str. *Sorbus torminalis *Conopodium majus *Melampyrum pratense Stachys officinalis *Convallaria majalis *Melica uniflora Teucrium scorodonia Corylus avellana Mercuralis perennis Ulmus minor Crataegus laevigata Milium effusum Ulmus glabra Digitalis purpurea Moehringia trinervia Veronica montana Dipsacus pilosus *Monotropa hypopitys Viburnum opulus Dryopteris affinis Myosotis sylvatica (native) *Vicia sylvatica Dryopteris carthusiana Narcissus pseudonarcissus Viola reichenbachiana Dryopteris dilatata *Neottia nidus-avis Viola riviniana Epipactis helleborine Ophrys insectifera *Epipactis leptochila Orchis mascula
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 24 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
Appendix 2 - List of NVC Woodland Communities occurring within Hertfordshire
Woodland
W8 Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis woodland W10 Quercus robur - Pteridium aquilinum -Rubus fruticosus woodland W12 Fagus sylvatica-Mercurialis perennis woodland W14 Fagus sylvatica-Rubus fruticosa woodland W15 Fagus sylvatica-Deschampsia flexuosa woodland W16 Quercus spp.-Betula spp.-Deschampsia flexuosa woodland
Wet Woodland
W1 Salix cinerea-Galium palustre woodland W2 Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens-Phragmities australis woodland W4 Betula pubecens-Molina caerulea woodland W5 Alnus glutinosa-Carex paniculata woodland W6 Alnus glutinosa-Urtica dioica woodland
Species indicative of Wet Woodland TBC
Appendix 3 – Veteran Trees
To qualify as a ‘veteran tree’ - either appropriate ‘Tree Size’ (DBH) must be reached/exceeded, or any 3 or more ‘Tree Attributes’ must be present, as outlined below.
Tree Size (Based on methodology used by Smith & Bunce (2004)).
The following estimated DBH (diameter at breast height - 1.3 meters) size categories should be used to determine veteran trees by species:
• 75 cm: Field Maple, Rowan, Yew, Birch; • 100 cm: Oaks*, Ash, Scot’s Pine, Alder; • 150 cm: Sycamore, Lime, Horse Chestnut, Elm species, Poplar species, Beech, Willows, other pines. • Coppice stools – base diameter of >1.25m
Note: No differentiation made in recording of Quercus petraea, Q. robur or hybrids of the two.
Tree Attributes Based on the veteran tree recording methodology (English Nature 2000; Fay & de Berker 2003).
Rot holes and split limbs
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 02/02/2012 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria These holes can develop through limb loss and bark wounds and are expanded by micro- organisms and invertebrates. They may be occupied by birds and bats.
Rot sites Wood may be digested by the colonisation of rot holes (see above) by decay fungi. These sites can then become important for saproxylic species.
Dead wood Dead wood is often colonised by decay fungi, with fallen and attached dead wood supporting a different suite of species.
Hollowing and large splits Any hollowing in the trunk or major limbs, and/or large splits (e.g. caused by lightning strikes).
Sap runs / Bark fluxes Emissions from within the tree leaking to the bark surface. It may also include the bleeding of wounds and localized reactions to surface colonization. These may be seen as wet surface discolourations of varying consistencies or areas of dry and encrusted deposits. Exudations may smell unpleasant or may have a pleasantly fermented smell.
Water pockets Water pockets accumulate about the tree where there are hollows or natural depression with an orientation which allows the collection of organic debris and the retention of water to from localized reservoirs at various heights. Typically water pockets are found at the union of major stems, at buttress depressions of major stems and may have intact bark. Internal decay may provide conduits between water pockets within the heart of the tree affording gradual prolonged flow after rainfall. This provides specialized habitats for fungi and insects. A water pocket containing settled rain water is distinct from a hollow with wet disintegrating rot.
Exposed root plate An exposed root plate will increase opportunities for moss and lichen to grow in buttress depressions and gnarls on the bass of the tree. Also useful to note the root-plate’s situation – e.g. exposed to livestock grazing around its base, or potentially overshaded by grasses and vegetation.
Pollards Evidence of repeated pollarding (e.g. young branches on a clearly mature bole, evidence of previous cuts, dead limbs or stumps at the top of the bole etc).
Note: Trees that show three or more of the above features may be recorded as veterans whether or not they also exceed the diameter limits. These trees show the habitat characteristics of veteran trees which are thought to be important in terms of biodiversity. Their smaller size may reflect the influence of environmental factors (e.g. poor growing conditions) or the tree management (lopping and topping, which reduces annual increments).
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 26 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
Appendix 4 - List of NVC Grassland Communities occurring within Hertfordshire
Neutral Grassland
MG4 Alopercurus pratensis - Sanguisorba officinalis grassland MG5 Cynosaurus cristatus - Centaurea nigra grassland MG9 Holcus lanatus - Deschampsia caespitosa grassland
Chalk Grassland
CG2 Festuca ovina - Avenula pratensis grassland CG3 Bromus erectus grassland CG6 Avenula pubescens grassland CG7 Festuca ovina - Hieracium pilosella - Thymus praecox/pulegioides grassland
Acid Grassland
U1 Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaris - Rumex acetosella grassland U20 Pteridium aquilinum - Galium saxatile community
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 27 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Appendix 5. Plant indicator species of old grassland habitats in Hertfordshire
The following list consists of those species of vascular plants which are considered to be most characteristic of old, semi-natural grasslands in Hertfordshire. Species only known in the County from one or two localities are omitted. Species are indicated as to the principal grassland formations in which they are most usually found, although there will be exceptions. Species which are currently thought to be uncommon in Hertfordshire, defined as known to occur in 50 or fewer 2x2 km squares, are marked *. Species which are either nationally Threatened, Scarce or regarded as “Hertfordshire Rare” (occurring in five or fewer localities in the County) are marked **
Species English Name Calc Acid Neutral Wet Mixed Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort x x x x Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony x x x Agrostis canina Velvet Bent x x x Agrostis capillaris Common Bent x x x Agrostis vinealis* Brown Bent x x Aira caryophyllea* Silver Hair-grass x x Aira praecox Early Hair-grass x x Ajuga reptans Bugle x x Alchemilla filicaulis* a Lady's-mantle x x Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail x x Anacamptis pyramidalis* Pyramidal Orchid x x Angelica sylvestris Angelica x x Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass x x Anthyllis vulneraria* Kidney Vetch x x Asperula cynanchica* Squinancywort x x Astragalus danicus** Purple Milk-Vetch x x Blackstonia perfoliata* Yellow-wort x x Briza media Quaking-grass x x x Bromopsis erecta Upright Brome x x Bromus commutatus Meadow Brome x x x Bromus racemosus* Smooth Brome x x x Calluna vulgaris Heather x x Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold x x Campanula glomerata* Clustered Bellflower x x Campanula rotundifolia Harebell x x x Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo-flower x x x Carex acuta* Slender Tufted-sedge x x Carex binervis* Green-ribbed sedge x x Carex caryophyllea* Spring Sedge x x Carex distans* Distant Sedge x x Carex disticha* Brown Sedge x x
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 28 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Species English Name Calc Acid Neutral Wet Mixed Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge x x x x Carex nigra* Common Sedge x x Carex ovalis Oval Sedge x x Carex panicea* Carnation Sedge x x Carex pilulifera* Pill Sedge x x Carex viridula subsp. Common Yellow Sedge x x x oedocarpa* Carlina vulgaris* Carline Thistle x x Centaurea nigra Black / Common x x x Knapweed Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed x x Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury x x Cirsium acaule Dwarf / Stemless Thistle x x Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle x x Clinopodium acinos Basil Thyme x x Conopodium majus Pignut x x x Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail x x Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted Orchid x x Dactylorhiza incarnata** Early Marsh Orchid x x Dactylorhiza maculata** Heath Spotted Orchid x x Dactylorhiza praetermissa* Southern Marsh Orchid x x Danthonia decumbens* Heath-grass x x Deschampsia flexuosa* Wavy Hair-grass x x Echium vulgare* Viper's Bugloss x x Epilobium palustre** Marsh Willowherb x x Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail x x Euphrasia nemorosa* an Eyebright x x Euphrasia pseudokerneri** an Eyebright x x Festuca filiformis* Fine-leaved Sheep's-fescue x x Festuca ovina Sheep's Fescue x x x Festuca pratensis Meadow Fescue x x Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet x x Filipendula vulgaris* Dropwort x x Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw x x Galium uliginosum* Fen Bedstraw x x Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw x x x Genista anglica** Petty Whin x x Genista tinctoria* Dyer's Greenweed x x x Gentianella amarella* Autumn Gentian x x Gentianella germanica** Chiltern Gentian x x
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 29 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
Species English Name Calc Acid Neutral Wet Mixed Glyceria declinata* Small Sweet-grass x x Gymnadenia conopsea** Fragrant Orchid x x Helianthemum nummularium Common Rock-rose x x Helictotrichon pratense* Meadow Oat-grass x x Helictotrichon pubescens Downy Oat-grass x x x Hippocrepis comosa* Horseshoe Vetch x x Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass x x Hordeum secalinum Meadow Barley x x Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stalked St. John's- x x wort Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush x x Juncus bulbosus* Bulbous Rush x x x Juncus subnodulosus* Blunt-flowered Rush x x Knautia arvensis Field Scabious x x x Koeleria macrantha* Crested Hair-grass x x Lathyrus nissolia Grass Vetchling x x Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling x x Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit x x x Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit x x x x Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy x x x Linum catharticum Fairy Flax x x Lotus corniculatus Common Bird's-foot-trefoil x x x Lotus pedunculatus Large Bird's-foot-trefoil x x Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush x x x Luzula multiflora* Heath wood-rush x x Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin x x Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny x x Lythrum portula* Water Purslane x x x x Molinia caerulea* Purple Moor-grass x x x Montia Fontana* Blinks x x x Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-me-not x x x Myosotis ramosissima* Early Forget-me-not x x x Nardus stricta* Mat-grass x x Onobrychis viciifolia* Sainfoin x x Ononis spinosa* Spiny Restharrow x x Ophioglossum vulgatum* Adder's-tongue x x x Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid x x x Orchis morio** Green-winged Orchid x x Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram x x
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 30 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Species English Name Calc Acid Neutral Wet Mixed Ornithopus perpusillus* Bird's-foot x x Orobanche elatior* Knapweed Broomrape x x Pedicularis sylvatica** Lousewort x x Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet-saxifrage x x Plantago media Hoary Plantain x x Polygala serpyllifolia** Heath Milkwort x x Polygala vulgaris* Common Milkwort x x x Potentilla anglica* Trailing Tormentil x x Potentilla erecta Tormentil x x Potentilla x mixta Hybrid Cinqufoil x x Primula veris Cowslip x x x Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane x x Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup x x Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup x x x Rhinanthus minor* Yellow-rattle x x x Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel x x Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel x x Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet x x Saxifraga granulata* Meadow Saxifrage x x Scabiosa columbaria* Small Scabious x x Senecio aquaticus* Marsh Ragwort x x Serratula tinctoria** Saw-wort x x x Silaum silaus Pepper-saxifrage x x Stachys officinalis Betony x x x Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort x x x Stellaria uliginosa Bog Stitchwort x x Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious x x x x Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage x x Thalictrum flavum* Common Meadow-rue x x Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme x x Thymus pulegioides* Large Thyme x x Trifolium fragiferum* Strawberry Clover x x Trifolium ochroleucon** Sulphur Clover x x Trifolium pratense var. Red Clover x x x pratense Triglochin palustre* Marsh Arrowgrass x x Ulex europaeus Gorse x x Ulex minor Dwarf Gorse x x Valeriana dioica* Marsh Valerian x x Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell x x x Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell x x
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 31 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Species English Name Calc Acid Neutral Wet Mixed Veronica scutellata* Marsh Speedwell x x Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch x x x Viola canina** Heath Dog-violet x x Vulpia bromoides Squirrel Fescue x x x
Appendix 6. - Classification of standing water types 10A and 10B - Submerged and floating vegetation* *Guidelines for selection of biological SSSIs Nature Conservancy Council, 1989 Nomenclature for higher plants follows New Flora of the British Isles 1st Edition C.A. Stace CUP 1991
10A 10B
Callitriche stagnalis II Chara spp. II IV Elodea canadensis IV Elodea nuttallii III Enteromorpha spp. II Lemna minor IV Lemna trisulca II Myriophyllum spicatum III III Nuphar lutea II Polygonum amphibia III II Potamogeton berchtoldii III Potamogeton crispus III Potamogeton lucens II Potamogeton natans III Potamogeton obtusifolius II Potamogeton pectinatus III IV Potamogeton perfoliatus II Potamogeton pusillus II III Sparganium emersum II II
Av. number per site (submerged/floating) 10 6 Av. number per site (submerged /floating/emergent) 22 15
KEY Constancy classes V = 80-100% IV = 60-80% III = 40-60% II = 20-40%
• = cover value high
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 32 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria
Appendix 7. - List of NVC Fen, Mire and Swamp Communities occurring in Hertfordshire
S4 Phragmities australis swamp S5 Glyceria maxima swamp S6 Carex riparia swamp S7 Carex acutiformis swamp S8 Scirpus lacustris swamp S12 Typha latifolia swamp S13 Typha angustifolia swamp S14 Sparganium erectum swamp S22 Glyceria fluitans swamp S25 Phragmities australis-Eupatorium cannabinum fen S26 Phragmities australis-Urtica dioica fen S28 Phalaris arundinacea fen M22 Juncus subnodulosus-Cirsium palustre fen meadow M27 Filipendula ulmaria-Angelica sylvestris mire
Appendix 8. – Fen, Mire and swamp indicator species
Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge Carex disticha Brown Sedge Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Carex paniculata Greater Tussock-sedge Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Galium uliginosum Fen Bedstraw Galium palustre Common Marsh-bedstraw Juncus subnodulosus Blunt-flowered Rush Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged-Robin Lythrum salicaria Purple-loosestrife Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Symphytum officinale Common Comfrey Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow-rue Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 33 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Appendix 9 – Notable and Scarce Plants (reference Flora of Hertfordshire, 2009)
Local status Latin Name Common Name Agrimonia procera Fragrant Agrimony Herts Rare Ajuga chamaepitys Ground Pine Herts Rare Alchemilla xanthochlora Pale Lady's‐mantle Herts Rare Alopecurus aequalis Orange Foxtail Herts Rare Apium inundatum Lesser Marshwort Herts Rare Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock‐cress Herts Rare Astragalus glycyphyllos Wild Liquorice Herts Rare Blysmus compressus Flat Sedge Herts Rare Brachypodium pinnatum Heath False‐brome Herts Rare Bromopsis benekenii Lesser hairy‐brome Herts Rare Calamagrostis canescens Purple Small‐reed Herts Rare Cardamine amara Large Bitter‐cress Herts Rare Carex echinata Star Sedge Herts Rare Carex elata Tufted Sedge Herts Rare Carex hostiana Tawny Sedge Herts Rare Carex pulicaris Flea sedge Herts Rare isCarex rostrata Bottle Sedge Herts Rare Carex viridula Long‐stalked Yellow Sedge Herts Rare Cerastium pumilum Dwarf Mouse‐ear Herts Rare Ceratophyllum submersum Soft Hornwort Herts Rare Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted‐orchid Herts Rare Eleocharis acicularis Needle Spike‐rush Herts Rare Eleocharis quinqueflora Few‐flowered Spike‐rush Herts Rare Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowhgerb Herts Rare Epipactis leptochila Narrow‐lipped helleborine Herts Rare Epipactis palustris Marsh Helleborine Herts Rare Epipactis phyllanthes Green‐flowered helleborine Herts Rare Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail Herts Rare Erica cinerea Bell Heather Herts Rare Erica tetralix Cross‐leaved Heath Herts Rare Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cotton Grass Herts Rare Erophila majuscula Hairy Whitlowgrass Herts Rare Euphorbia platyphyllos Broad‐leaved Spurge Herts Rare Filago minima Small Cudweed Herts Rare Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn Herts Rare Genista tinctoria Dyer's Greenwood Herts Rare Gentianella germanica Chiltern Gentian Herts Rare Geranium columbinum Long‐stalked Crane's bill Herts Rare Geum rivale Water avens Herts Rare Gymnadenia conopsea Downland fragrant‐orchid Herts Rare Gymnadenia densiflora Marsh Fragrant‐orchid Herts Rare
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 34 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Hieracium calcaricola Toothed Hawkweed Herts Rare Hieracium trichocaulon Hairy‐stemmed Hawkweed Herts Rare Hieracium umbellatum Umbellate Hawkweed Herts Rare Hieracium virgultorum Long‐leaved Hawkweed Herts Rare Hieracium vulgatum Common Hawkweed Herts Rare Isolepis fluitans Floating Club‐rush Herts Rare Juncus foliosus Leafy Rush Herts Rare Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush Herts Rare Lathyrus linifolius Bitter Vetch Herts Rare Lathyrus sylvestris Narrow‐leaved Everlasting‐pea Herts Rare Limosella aquatica Mudwort Herts Rare Linum bienne Pale Flax Herts Rare Lithospermum officinale Common Gromwell Herts Rare Lotus glaber Narrow‐leaved Bird's foot Trefoil Herts Rare Lycopodium clavatum Stag's horn Clubmoss Herts Rare Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife Herts Rare Lythrum hyssopifolia Grass‐poly Herts Rare Myriophyllum alterniflorum Alternate Water‐milfoil Herts Rare Oenanthe aquatica Fine‐leaved Water‐dropwort Herts Rare Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water‐dropwort Herts Rare Oenanthe pimpinelloides Corky‐fruited Water‐dropwort Herts Rare Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider orchid Herts Rare Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon‐scented fern Herts Rare Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Spiked Star‐of‐Bethlehem Herts Rare Orobanche hederae Ivy Broomrape Herts Rare Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort Herts Rare Phleum phleoides Purple‐stem Cat's‐tail Herts Rare Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort Herts Rare Polygonatum multiflorum Solomons's seal Herts Rare Potamogeton obtusifolius Blunt‐leaved Pondweed Herts Rare Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed Herts Rare Potamogeton pusillus Lesser Pondweed Herts Rare Potamogeton lucens Shining Pondweed Herts Rare Pyrola minor Common Wintergrass Herts Rare Ranunculus fluitans River Water‐crowfoot Herts Rare Ranunculus parviflorus Small‐flowered Buttercup Herts Rare Rosa stylosa Short‐styled Field rose Herts Rare Rosa caesia Glaucous Dog‐rose Herts Rare Rubus acclivitatum Bramble Herts Rare Rubus adamsii Bramble Herts Rare Rubus angloserpens Bramble Herts Rare Rubus anisacanthos Bramble Herts Rare Rubus atrebatum Bramble Herts Rare Rubus bloxamianus Bramble Herts Rare
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 35 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Rubus boraeanus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus calvatus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus cantianus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus cissburiensis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus diversus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus errabundus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus fuscus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus glareosus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus hylocharis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus hylonomus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus iceniensis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus largificus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus leightonii Bramble Herts Rare Rubus leptadenes Bramble Herts Rare Rubus leptothyrsos Bramble Herts Rare Rubus leyanus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus micans Bramble Herts Rare Rubus murrayi Bramble Herts Rare Rubus nemoralis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus nemorosus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus nessensis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus newbridgensis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus norvicensis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus pedemontanus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus percrispus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus phaeocarpus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus proiectus Bramble Herts Rare Rubus pyramidalis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus raduloides Bramble Herts Rare Rubus rhombifolius Bramble Herts Rare Rubus robiae Bramble Herts Rare Rubus scaber Bramble Herts Rare Rubus sciocharis Bramble Herts Rare Rubus wirralensis Bramble Herts Rare Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's Broom Herts Rare Sagina nodosa Knotted Pearlwort Herts Rare Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Herts Rare Samolus valerandi Brookweed Herts Rare Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet Herts Rare Scirpus sylvaticus Wood Club‐rush Herts Rare Scutellaria minor Lesser Skullcap Herts Rare Serratula tinctoria Saw‐wort Herts Rare Solidago virgaurea Golden Rod Herts Rare Spiranthes spiralis Autumn Lady's‐tresses Herts Rare Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Herts Rare The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 36 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Taraxacum palustre Dandelion Herts Rare Taraxacum richardsianum Dandelion Herts Rare Taraxacum tamesense Dandelion Herts Rare Thalictrum minus Lesser Meadow‐rue Herts Rare Thesium humifusum Bastard Toadflax Herts Rare Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover Herts Rare Ulex gallii Western Gorse Herts Rare Ulex minor Dwarf gorse Herts Rare Utricularia australis Bladderwort Herts Rare Utricularia vulgaris Greater Bladderwort Herts Rare Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Herts Rare Vicia sylvatica Wood Vetch Herts Rare Viola palustris Marsh Violet Herts Rare Vulpia ciliata Bearded Fescue Herts Rare
The Hertfordshire Local Wildlife Sites Partnership 37 Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Appendix 10. – Birds
These habitat species lists detail the national system (NCC species and threshold site-index scores), national population status (Birdlife et. al. 2002) and county Red List species (2010).
LOWLAND OPEN WATER AND MARGINS NCC national system; breeding NCC National County County system; species score List Red List breeding species Little Grebe 2.5 2.5 Great Crested Grebe 3 3 Black-necked Grebe 5 Amber YES 5 Bittern 5 Red YES Grey Heron 3 YES 3 Mute Swan 3 Amber 3 Shelduck 2 Amber YES 2 Gadwall 4 4 Teal 3 Amber YES Garganey 5 Amber YES 5 Shoveler 4 Amber YES 4 Pochard 4 Amber YES 4 Tufted Duck 3 3 Montagu's Harrier 6 Amber Marsh Harrier 5 Amber Spotted Crake 6 Amber Water Rail 3 YES 3 Little Ringed Plover 4 YES 4 Ringed Plover 3 Amber YES 3 Snipe 2 Amber YES 2 Redshank 2 Amber YES 2 Common Tern 3 Amber YES 3 Cuckoo 2 Amber YES 2 Kingfisher 3 Amber 3 Yellow Wagtail 1 Amber YES 1 Grey Wagtail 2 Amber 2 Cetti's Warbler 4 YES 4 Grasshopper Warbler 2 Red YES 2 Savi's Warbler 5 Red Sedge Warbler 1 1 Reed Warbler 2 2 Bearded Tit 4 Amber 69.5 62.5 TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4 only) Threshold Site-index Value 28 25 Percentage value of total 40 40
Score for county site 25 Any site holding 6 or more county Red List breeding species
Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria LOWLAND WET GRASSLAND NCC national system; breeding NCC National County County System; species score List Red List breeding species Mute Swan 3 Amber 3 Shelduck 2 Amber YES 2 Gadwall 4 4 Teal 3 Amber YES Garganey 5 Amber YES 5 Shoveler 4 Amber YES 3 Marsh Harrier 5 Amber Quail 5 Amber YES 5 Corncrake 4 Lapwing 1 Red YES 1 Ruff 5 Amber Snipe 2 Amber YES 2 Black-tailed Godwit 5 Red Curlew 2 Amber Redshank 2 Amber YES 2 Cuckoo 2 Amber YES 2 Short-eared Owl 3 Amber Yellow Wagtail 1 Amber YES 2 Whinchat 2 Grasshopper Warbler 2 Red YES 2 Sedge Warbler 1 1
TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4 only) 38 24 Threshold Site-index Value 16 10 Percentage value of total 42 42
Score for county site 10 Any site holding 4 or more county Red List breeding species
WOODLAND NCC national system; NCC National County County system; breeding species score List Red List breeding species Grey Heron 3 YES 3 Honey Buzzard 5 Red Kite 5 Amber Goshawk 5 Sparrowhawk 2 2 Hobby 4 4 Woodcock 2 Amber YES 2 Stock Dove 1 Amber 1 Cuckoo 2 Amber YES 2 Tawny Owl 2 2 Long-eared Owl 3 YES Nightjar 3 Red YES Green Woodpecker 2 Amber 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 2
Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 3 Red YES 3 Tree Pipit 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Nightingale 3 Amber YES 3 Redstart 1 Amber YES 1 Garden Warbler 1 1 Blackcap 1 1 Wood Warbler 2 Red YES Chiffchaff 1 1 Goldcrest 1 1 Firecrest 5 Amber YES 5 Spotted Flycatcher 1 Red YES 1 Pied Flycatcher 2 Long-tailed Tit 1 1 Marsh Tit 1 Red YES 1 Willow Tit 2 Red YES 2 Coal Tit 1 1 Nuthatch 2 2 Treecreeper 1 1 Jay 1 1 Siskin 2 2 Lesser Redpoll 1 Amber 1 Common Crossbill 3
Hawfinch 3 Red YES 3 61.5 TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4) 48.5 Threshold Site-index Values 43 35 Percentage value of total 70 72 Note: for woodland, a two-thirds (66%) threshold is considered appropriate.
Score for county site 35 Any site holding 5 or more county Red List breeding species
LOWLAND HEATH NCC national system; NCC National County County system; breeding species score List Red List breeding species Montagu's Harrier 6 Amber Hobby 4 4 Quail 5 Amber YES 5 Stone Curlew 4 Amber YES Snipe 2 Amber YES 2 Curlew 2 Amber YES Redshank 2 Amber YES 2 Cuckoo 2 Amber YES 2 Long-eared Owl 3 Nightjar 3 Red YES Woodlark 4 Amber YES 4 Tree pipit 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Whinchat 2
Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Stonechat 2 Amber 2 Wheatear 2 Grasshopper Warbler 2 Red YES 2 Linnet 1 Red YES 1 TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4) 36.5 20.5 Threshold Site-index Value 18 10 Percentage value of total 49 49
Score for county site 10 Any site holding 3 or more county Red List breeding species
SCRUB NCC national system; NCC National County County system; breeding species score List Red List breeding species Turtle Dove 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Cuckoo 2 Amber 2 Long-eared Owl 3 Nightjar 3 Red YES Tree Pipit 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Nightingale 3 Amber YES 3 Whinchat 2 Stonechat 2 Amber 2 Grasshopper Warbler 2 Red YES 2 Whitethroat 2 2 Lesser Whitethroat 2 2 Garden Warbler 1 1 Blackcap 1 1 Linnet 1 Red YES 1 TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4) 27 19 Threshold Site-index Values 13 9 Percentage values 48 48
Score for county site 9 Any site holding 3 or more county Red List breeding species
FARMLAND NCC national system; NCC National County County system; breeding species score List Red List breeding species Kestrel 2 Amber YES 2 Grey Partridge 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Quail 5 Amber YES 5 Stone Curlew 4 Amber YES Lapwing 1 Red YES 1 Turtle Dove 1.5 Red YES 1.5 Barn Owl 3 Amber YES 3 Skylark 0 Red YES 0 Yellow Wagtail 2 Amber YES 2
Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Spotted Flycatcher 1 Red YES 1 Whitethroat 2 2 Lesser Whitethroat 2 2 Garden Warbler 1 1 Blackcap 1 1 Tree Sparrow 1 Red YES 1 Linnet 1 Red YES 1 Yellowhammer 0 Red YES 0 Corn Bunting 1 Red YES 1 TOTALS: (scores 1 to 4) 25 21 Threshold Site-index Values 13.5 11.5 Percentage values of total 54 55 * Note: farmland is not included in the NCC system; but could be used to identify important areas of farmland in the county
Score for farm or area 11.5 Any site or area holding 8 or more county Red List breeding species
Appendix 11. - Assemblages of Amphibians
Good population Great Crested Newt Seen or netted in day counted at night >5
Smooth Newt Seen or netted in day counted at night >5
Palmate Newt Netted in day or counted at night 1 or more
Common Toad Counted >50
Common Frog Counted >50
Local Wildlife Sites Selection Criteria Appendix 12. – Butterfly indicator species
Dingy Skipper UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Grizzled Skipper * UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Brown Hairstreak UK Priority Species, Herts Red list White-letter Hairstreak UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Small Blue UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Chalk-hill Blue Species of Conservation Concern, Herts Red list Duke of Burgundy UK Priority Species, Herts Red list White Admiral UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Purple Emperor * Species of Conservation Concern, Herts Red list Silver-washed Fritillary Species of Conservation Concern, Herts Red list Wall Brown UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Small Heath UK Priority Species, Herts Red list Green Hairstreak Herts Red list Dark Green Fritillary Herts Red list Purple Hairstreak Herts Amber list Brown Argus Herts Amber list Marbled White Herts Amber list Essex Skipper Herts Amber list
* Herts SAP Species
Reference: The State of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland; 2006, Richard Fox et al (Pisces Publications)