Biodiversity Action Plan

An update of the 1992 Nature Conservation Strategy Contents

Overview

1. Introduction 1 1.1 Contents of the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 3 1.2 Major achievements in implementing the Nature Conservation Strategy 3 1.3 Why the Nature Conservation Strategy needed updating 3 1.4 Contents of this updated strategy 3

2. Changes since the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 4 2.1 Changes in legislation and policy 4 2.2 Changes in land use, priorities and pressures 6

3 The resource 7 3.1 Important places - global, national and local sites 7

3.2 Priority habitats and species 9

Authors: Dr Lin Hand C.Env MIEEM, 3.3 Other open spaces 10 Natural Environment Manager 023 8067 1921 3.4 Accessibility 11 lin.hand@.gov.uk Ian Barker C.Env MIEEM, Planning Ecologist 4. Policies, targets and performance indicators 14 023 8083 2727 4.1 Protection of Southampton’s biodiversity 14 [email protected] 4.2 Enhancement of the environment: habitat management & creation 18 With significant contributions from Andy Welch, 4.3 Information and education 22 Bill Clark, Ann Greaves, Sarita Riley, Debbie Mobbs, Zoe James from English Nature, John Poland and Phil 4.4 Involvement, access and health 25 Budd from Southampton Natural History Society and the Hawthorns Wildlife Association, plus the many groups 4.5 Monitoring and links with other strategies 29 who responded to the various consultations involved.

Assistance with proof reading and publication from Appendix 1: Nature Conservation policies 31 Lindsay McCulloch and Hilary Bradley. Appendix 2: Living Space questionnaire 33 Photos supplied by ’s Natural Environment Team unless acknowledged. Appendix 3: Environmental Education Policy for Southampton Schools 35 Cover: Sparrowhawk, Bee Orchid © Southampton City Council City Southampton © © Southampton City Council City Southampton ©

Southampton City Centre Weston Shore - Historic Map 1846

An overview However, such responsibilities and ownership also lead to great opportunities, enhanced by in house expertise and developing systems. The council can ‘Biodiversity’ refers to the variety of life. This is not only all the plants and animals but also the habitats ensure that other priorities are fulfilled and budget that support them and the complicated interactions between these and the wider environment. constraints are programmed and also that the biodiversity work is linked to other strategies and Southampton in the future - A vision of nature Southampton’s biodiversity - Something community needs. A city that supports a variety of sustainable natural to treasure Improving biodiversity in the city open spaces, with associated wildlife that gives Southampton’s climate, geology and the variety - Established beginnings pleasure and enjoyment, and provides opportunities of open spaces that have been retained amongst for health, relaxation, recreation and involvement, the city development, support a wealth of wildlife The council has achieved much in the past two The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre for residents and visitors. that adds greatly to public enjoyment. Coast, decades since the importance of biodiversity and mudflats, rivers, streams, ponds, wet and dry nature conservation became a high priority: the Southampton - A city with natural advantages meadows, heathland, scrub, hedgerows, woodland series of streams and associated land that are found This combined Nature Conservation Strategy Southampton’s location on Britain’s southern coast and parkland are all present, some so important throughout the city were designated and protected Biodiversity Action Plan contains up-to-date gives a climate long appreciated by its residents. that they have national and international status. as Greenways - an award winning scheme; The information about the requirements for, and status Its geology on the clay and gravel of the Likewise the wildlife they support, with such notable Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre was built to of, nature conservation in Southampton based on basin with surrounding chalk hills, plus the two creatures as great crested newts, sparrowhawks, provide public information, schools education, legislation, other City Strategies, policies and plans important rivers that traverse it - The Test and The barn owls, water shrews, dormice and otters. As events and a base for natural environment work together with local community requirements and Itchen, complete an enviable natural heritage. well as these resident animals, there are also - another award winning initiative; Management aspirations. It establishes the policy direction for important passers-through on migration such as Plans were drawn up for Southampton Common Site Southampton City Council’s approach to Natural Southampton’s past and present salmon, sea trout, clouded yellow and painted lady of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the adjoining Environment issues. - A worthy heritage butterflies, and birds such as divers, flycatchers and Old - both now covered by Countryside & Roman Clausentum on the Itchen’s east bank, Saxon a whole range of coastal waders. Rights of Way legislation; SSSI sites in the city have Hamwic on its west and Medieval Southampton on been classed as in favourable condition by English the higher land above the Test were the heritage Southampton City Council -Important Nature; successful working partnerships with on which the modern city was built. During the responsibilities and opportunities statutory agencies, open space amenity groups and 18th and 19th centuries the city expanded to cover With such a special heritage to protect, and local branches of national wildlife groups have been the whole peninsula between the rivers, and the needs and desires of a large population to developed; Greening the City Grants are provided early dock development helped shape the modern please, Southampton City Council has important to support local environmental action and the first city. Continued expansion of the docks and city responsibilities to discharge, as well as legislation Nature Conservation Strategy was produced with boundaries plus the development of a variety to implement. It owns and manages the majority its nature conservation policies included in the City of transport networks have led to the present of open space with special biodiversity interests; Local Plan. vibrant and enterprising city with its status as the this, combined with its regulatory functions and its commercial and industrial capital of the south. area of service delivery, mean that it has the largest Throughout its development the leaders and people potential impact on biodiversity in the city. The main of Southampton have retained many open spaces reason for maintaining sites supporting biodiversity and about 20% of today’s 50 square kilometres in urban areas is for public benefit with the are open spaces. In survey after survey these open enjoyment and the health benefits being enhanced spaces are what Southampton people say they like by the presence of nature. The quality of the open best about their city. spaces requires that these be managed to protect and enhance the wildlife they support.

1 2 Godwits Nature Conservation Strategy Stag Beetle Nesting Bluetits 1. Introduction 2. Changes since the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 1.1 Contents of the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 the council’s Natural Environment Team. The major 2.1 Changes in the legislation and policy The Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Southampton City Council’s Nature Conservation successes in these three areas and others are listed Since the publication of the city’s Nature Assessment) Regulations 1999 Strategy was produced in 1992 and adopted under the appropriate policy sections. Conservation Strategy in 1992, a number of new Transposes the requirements of the EU Directive following wide consultation. Its main contents 85/337/EEC into UK law. The regulations integrate 1.3 Why the Nature Conservation Strategy statutory duties have been imposed on the city are an audit of city open spaces and wildlife. The the EIA procedures into the existing framework of needed updating council’s functions by the introduction of new most important sites for Nature Conservation were legislation. Central and Regional Government have local authority planning control. designated ‘Site Alert Sites’ and a summary of these There have been significant advances in legislation issued policy guidance that specifically addresses sites was produced on a ward-by-ward basis. and policy since the publication of the Nature biodiversity and that is highly relevant to the The Local Government Act 2000 Conservation Strategy in 1992, reinforcing the Establishes powers for local authorities to do Policies provided guidelines for the protection, functions of Local Authorities. There have also increasing expectation, from both citizens and been revisions to other wider environmental policy anything which they consider is likely to achieve promotion, improvement and creation of areas central government, for Local Authority action to the objective of promoting or improving the of nature conservation value within Southampton guidance that more robustly address biodiversity protect and enhance the natural environment. issues. Changes in legislation and policy include: environmental well-being of their area. Requires and for increased public access and involvement. that community strategies should promote or These policies were incorporated into the City Plan Against this expectation and interest, biodiversity improve the environment and contribute to the The Land Drainage Act 1994 Chapter 25 and have informed the planning and development throughout the United Kingdom continues to suffer achievement of sustainable development. control process since this time. significant losses. The city council’s policy base will (especially see Section 61b) be changing with the introduction of new approaches Establishes a duty on local authorities to exercise The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 1.2 Major achievements in implementing The such as the Community Strategy, Local Development any powers conferred by the act to further the Extends the protections afforded to Sites of Special Nature Conservation Strategy Framework and second generation Shoreline conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, Scientific Interest (SSSI) through specific consent Much has been achieved for nature conservation Management Plans. With an increasing recognition and the conservation of flora and fauna. procedures, duties and the introduction of fines and in Southampton since the adoption of the Nature that biodiversity guidance should be fully integrated imprisonment for damaging sites and protected Conservation Strategy. The three main areas where into such plans in order to achieve sustainable The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Wild Birds wildlife. Amends the species protection provisions of there has been significant progress are through development and deliver a better quality of life to the Directive (79/409/EEC) and The Conservation (Natural the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 introducing the the planning system, in the developments of people of Southampton, an updated strategy in the Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 offense of reckless disturbance. partnerships and in information and education. form of a Biodiversity Action Plan was required. The Habitats Directive seeks to protect habitats and species of European importance and requires The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive All planning applications are checked for affects on 1.4 Contents of this updated strategy Member States to take measures to maintain or 85/337/EEC and The Environmental Assessment of biodiversity and advice provided to Development This Biodiversity Action Plan builds on the audit restore natural habitats and species at a favourable Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 Control planners in order to mitigate impacts and and policies in the original Nature Conservation conservation status. Article 7 modifies the Birds Extends to fill the gap not covered by the EIA Directive provide compensatory measures. Strategy, taking into account the changes in Directive by bringing Special Protection Areas under to require the transparent assessment of the likely The partnerships with statutory agencies, open legislation, Government guidance and city policy. As the Wild Birds Directive within the terms of the environmental effects of the hierarchy of plans and space amenity groups and local branches of national previously it provides a framework for the protection European Sites provisions. programmes which have a strategic role in directing and enhancement of biodiversity whilst providing not only developments but also other interventions wildlife groups have been further developed and The Habitats Regulations transpose the have yielded successful projects. The city council’s opportunities for public enjoyment, physical and in the environment. These require the environmental requirements of the Directive into national law. “Greening the City” grant scheme has assisted intellectual access and community involvement. effects of a broad range of plans and projects to be Duties and requirements are imposed on decision community groups and schools to undertake assessed so that they can be taken into account while In particular, the Biodiversity Action Plan has makers, such as the city council in respect of practical action. In addition volunteer networks that plans are actually being developed. identified functions and services provided by the development control and other consents. The undertake practical conservation work on city open city council that have the potential to impact on Regulations establish a duty for authorities to space have been set up, trained and supervised. biodiversity. Actions are proposed to reduce negative show regard to the requirements of the Directive in Information and education is now a significant part impacts and to ensure that opportunities to enhance exercising any of their functions. of all nature conservation work, particularly through biodiversity are integrated into city council activities.

3 4 Chessel Bay Local Nature Reserve on the River Itchen Friends of assist conservation work Southampton Common Cycling and walking

Natural Environment and Rural and local level with specific targets to achieve Of particular relevance to Local Authorities are ones, but increased housing can produce pressures Communities Act 2006 implementation. the requirements of the Habitats Regulations on open spaces even when not being directly built Introduced a new duty for all public bodies: every that introduce tests to be applied to consents, on them. Multiple occupancy housing, high rise public authority must, in exercising its functions, ’s Biodiversity Strategy: Working with the permissions or other authorisations for, plans apartments, use of gardens for off-road parking and have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper grain of Nature 2002 or projects likely to affect European designated associated use all mean more people wanting to use exercise of those functions, to the purpose of Highlights the government’s expectation that sites, such as the River Itchen and its mudflats. the public open spaces. conserving biodiversity. biodiversity should be fully integrated into The Habitats Regulations also provide protection policy decision making to achieve sustainable for certain species recorded within Southampton, Open spaces have also increasingly become Within the NERC Act conservation of biodiversity development. Establishes a number of performance including all UK species of bats, dormouse, great commuting spaces and, whilst this gives great encompasses the restoration and enhancement of targets and strategic objectives relevant to local crested newt, salmon and otter. benefits to the quality of life, there are also some species populations and habitats, in addition to authorities. In particular highlights the need undesired side effects with increasing desire lines protection. for objectives for biodiversity protection and The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 as amended by cutting across areas of formal or natural importance. enhancement to be included in regeneration the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 has Cycle lanes, whilst greatly appreciated by commuting Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and guidance and funding schemes. introduced duties on public bodies such as the city and recreational cyclists, also can cause undesired Geological Conservation council where exercising its statutory functions side effects by making dual use paths unsafe for PPS9 replaced the previous Planning Policy Preparing Community Strategies: Government to take reasonable steps to further conservation pedestrians and giving easy access to fragile open Guidance note PPG9. It establishes the government’s Guidance to Local Authorities 2000 and enhancement of the special features of Sites space for off-road cyclists. objectives for sustaining and enhancing biodiversity of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Southampton States that only by improving the economic, social and Other healthy and desirable uses of open spaces for through the planning system. The government has four SSSIs within its boundaries: Southampton environmental wellbeing of their communities will events and the location of skate parks and basketball acknowledges that the planning system has a Common, Lee-on-Solent to Itchen Estuary, River community strategies contribute to the achievement courts etc, have also produced extra pressures on significant part to play in meeting commitments Itchen and Lower . New provisions were of sustainable development. They should also take open spaces and the wildlife they support. and policies for habitats, species and ecosystems. into account the ways in which national and global also made for the protection of wildlife, including Key principles include the need for up-to-date concerns – such as the mitigation of climate change the offence of reckless disturbance or damage to Finally, decreasing budgets for maintaining open information, the need to restore and enhance and the protection of biodiversity – can be addressed scheduled species and structures or places they use spaces, the availability of new machinery, and the biodiversity, requirements for a strategic approach through local action. for shelter. The Act therefore impacts on a range of encouragement of local communities to “tidy up” to conservation and for developments to incorporate regulatory functions carried out by the city council spaces have all lead to inadvertent harm to wildlife biodiversity features within their design. The Urban White Paper: Our Towns and Cities: as well as land management functions such as open and the habitats that support it. The Future 2000 space and highways maintenance. Government Circular: Biodiversity and geological Stresses the importance of the local environment, To safeguard the city’s natural heritage and to conservation – statutory obligations and their impact The actions and policies within this Biodiversity increase biodiversity whilst enabling all these and that access to green spaces reduces stress and Action Plan seek to ensure that the delivery of city within the planning system (ODPM Circular 06/2005 promotes well-being. changes and other uses of open spaces to benefit council’s services reflect the most up to date policy Southampton’s communities is a challenge this & DEFRA Circular 01/2005) guidance and complies with our legal duties. Accompanied PPS9 and sets out in detail the Much of the above legislation and policy guidance document seeks to address. places new statutory responsibilities on the city legislative provisions that can have an impact 2.2 Changes in land use, priorities and pressures council to demonstrate adequate regard to the on planning decisions affecting biodiversity Whilst there is an increasing desire and expectation conservation of biodiversity in the delivery of its conservation issues. from urban dwellers to be able to enjoy natural services. Whilst responsibilities have existed for open space, near their homes and work, with many years, there is now an increasing need The UK Biodiversity Steering Group Report (1995) legislation and policy to make this happen, the years for council functions to integrate biodiversity Following the UK Government ratifying the since the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 have considerations into their own service delivery. convention for Biodiversity at the Earth Summit also seen many other expectations for the use of This is required both to achieve conservation of in Rio in 1991, this government endorsed report open spaces which increase the pressure on natural biodiversity to reverse historical losses as well as to identifies the habitats and species most in open space and its wildlife. Housing needs have comply with biodiversity legislation. need of conservation action and establishes the always been a priority in cities, especially southern use of Biodiversity Action Plans at a national

5 6 Weston Mudflats -Ramsar Site Meadow with Bird’s Foot Trefoil Green Hybrid Spotted / Marsh Orchids

3 The resource Definitions of Statuary Site Designations (Natural England) 3.1 Important places - global, national and local sites. Ramsars are internationally important wetland habitats listed in ‘The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat’ implemented into UK law through the Planning and environmental legislation at both the government Ramsar Policy Statement. national and international level has led to a number of statutory designations (see box 1). Several sites in Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the Southampton are sufficiently important to warrant ‘EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC)’, also known as the Birds Directive, which identification by these designations. In many cases came into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I to the the different designations overlap. Although law Birds Directive, and for regularly occurring migratory species. establishes the site boundaries, it is important to remember that activities occurring outside the site can impact upon it and, if the wildlife interest of the Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are strictly protected sites under designated the EC Habitats site is mobile, habitats outside of the designated Directive. Article 3 of the Habitats Directive requires the establishment of a European network of important area may also have significance. In addition, high-quality conservation sites that will make a significant contribution to conserving the 189 habitat management to enhance a designated site may types and 788 species identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive (as amended). The listed habitat be required, especially if it is deemed not to be in types and species are those considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding “favourable condition” (government assessment of birds). A selection of these habitats and species are given priority status in the Directive because they are designated sites). considered to be particularly vulnerable and are mainly, or exclusively, found within the European Union. In many cases, the statutory designations only select a representative sample of important habitat. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) The SSSI series has been developed over the last 50 years It should not be assumed that merely because an as the national suite of sites providing statutory protection for the best examples of the UK’s flora, fauna, area is not designated it is not important. In order or geological or physiographical features. These sites are also used to underpin other national and to identify important biodiversity areas in addition to international nature conservation designations. Most SSSIs are privately owned or managed; others are those identified as statutory sites, Southampton City owned or managed by public bodies or non-government organisations. The SSSIs/ASSI designation may Council has assessed open spaces against criteria extend into intertidal areas out to the jurisdictional limit of local authorities, generally Mean Low Water in agreed with English Nature by local authorities England and Northern Ireland. within the county and published as part of the Originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, SSSIs have been Hampshire Structure Plan. The criteria reflect local renotified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which and national biodiversity priorities. Sites that meet applies in England and Wales only, amends the SSSI provisions set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act. the criteria are termed Sites of Interest for Nature Box 1 Conservation (SINCs), sometimes such sites are nationally referred to as Local Wildlife Sites or Local Sites. Most of these sites were identified as Site Local Plan Policy NE3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance Alert Sites in the Nature Conservation Strategy 1992. Development proposals which would adversely affect a locally designated Site of Importance for Nature The SINC designation is non-statutory, however such Conservation (SINC) will not be permitted unless the reasons for development clearly outweigh the sites are given an appropriate level of protection substantive nature conservation value of the site. through the Local Development Plan (policy NE3 Southampton Revised Deposit Local Plan 2003 – Box 2), as well as other council policies. Box 2

7 8 ©Carole Allen ©Carole ©environment agency ©environment

Otters Barbastelle Bat Goldcrest & Firecrest Silver-washed Fritillary

UK Biodiversity Action Plan – protected habitats and species found in Southampton Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan – additional habitats and species found in Southampton Chalk rivers Otter Ancient semi-natural woodland Turnstone Coastal vegetated shingle Water Vole Coast Pochard Lowland dry acid grassland Dormouse Fen, Carr, Marsh, Swamp, Reed beds Dark-bellied brent goose Lowland heathland Pipistrelle bat Heathland, Acid grassland and Bog Dunlin Lowland meadows Barbastelle bat Lowland wet grassland Knot Mudflats Linnet Neutral grassland Cetti’s warbler Reedbeds Reed bunting Open standing water Reed warbler Wet woodland Spotted flycatcher Lesser spotted woodpecker Bullfinch Little egret Song thrush Hobby Great crested newt Yellow-necked mouse Snipe Stag beetle Serotine bat Mediterranean gull Silver-studded blue butterfly Harvest mouse Black-tailed godwit Southern damselfly Water shrew Nightingale Buttoned snout moth Box 3 Sea lamprey Red breasted merganser Atlantic salmon Grey plover Grayling Slavonian grebe Open spaces may also support rare species indirectly and community views. Box 4 lists those additional Firecrest by providing foraging resources or habitat used for species and habitats identified as locally important hibernation or migration. In an urban context such as in the Hampshire Biodiversity Plan that are found in Silver-washed fritillary Southampton, even the more common habitats acquire Southampton. Local Biodiversity Action Plans should White-letter hairstreak greater importance due to the lack of replace-ability be produced by local partners for these habitats and Purple emperor and their role in providing access to nature for local species as well as any others that are discovered. Downy emerald communities. Areas with low biodiversity value are Annual beard grass important due to the need for space to accommodate The city council’s Natural Environment Team has public use pressures so that they do not negatively carried out consultations seeking views of local Broad-leaved spurge impact on more important areas. community groups on priorities for biodiversity Dutch rush action. The results of these together with the team’s Green winged orchid 3.2 Priority Habitats and species review of records have resulted in the initial list Yellow vetchling The UK Biodiversity Action Plan established lists of of additional local priority species in box 5. This Greater boomrape particularly threatened or important habitats and is a list that will require continual updating to Box 4 species, see box 3. The government has used this reflect community changes. A separate publication as a basis for publishing a list of habitats and will list these species for each site alongside the 3.3 Other open spaces species that are of principal importance for the protected, UKBAP and Hampshire BAP species and There are many pockets of open space found in biodiversity on private land is through information conservation of biological diversity and compliance this publication will be constantly updated to inform Southampton that are not covered by designations and education. If people value the wildlife that lives with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity 1992. the management of the sites. This is currently being whether national or local, but are still important near them then they will take action to look after it, The government promotes action and reasonable developed in the form of Biodiversity Management for its biodiversity. These include school grounds, but they need access to relevant information. That practicable steps to further the conservation of the Statements (see Community Strategy targets). churchyards, highway verges and, that haven for there is an ever-increasing concern about wildlife species and habitats included in the list. It is not necessary or feasible, due to resourcing, to much urban wildlife – the private garden. Whilst in gardens is evident from a 2004 Mori survey In addition to national priorities, local authorities and prepare local action plans for all of these priorities. notified species have their own protection to where 42% of people stated that the presence of their partners are encouraged to identify local priority In many cases generic management and protection of safeguard them wherever they might be found, wildlife was more important than the attractiveness habitats and species that reflect local circumstances habitat will benefit a number of species. the most effective method for safeguarding of their garden and only 28% stated the opposite.

9 10 Bog Pimpernel Common Lizards Information sign in the Hawthorns Grounds Visitors at The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre

• no person should live more than 300m from their • Whilst the existing network of natural open Local priority wildlife nearest area of natural greenspace of at least 2ha spaces, and in particular Southampton’s Stoat Oyster catcher Large trees Greenways, have been protected from Weasel Woodcock Orchids • there should be at least 1ha of Local Nature development to date and provide opportunities for Mole Whitethroat Adder’s tongue fern Reserve per 1000 population access, they are increasingly in demand for other Adder Cuckoo Heathers functions. There is pressure from development for Grass snake Sparrowhawk Chalk flowers • there should be at least one accessible 20ha site housing, other uses, or management to change Common lizard Kestrel Purple toothwort within 2km from home them into more formal, horticultural open spaces Slowworm Tawny Owl Cow wheat • there should be at least one accessible 100ha site with lower nature conservation value. Common toad Barn Owl Water avens within 5km Palmate newt Sun dew • With new developments providing little or no Butterflies Bog Pimpernell • there should be at least one accessible 500ha site private amenity space with characteristics of Dragonflies Wood horsetail within 10km naturalness, user pressure on remaining natural Water stick insect Pale flax open space has intensified. Argiope (wasp spider) Hairy bird’s-foot trefoil Southampton’s Community Strategy acknowledges Toothed medick the importance of natural open space – ‘People • Concurrent with the increase in use, there has Small-flowered buttercup living in poor quality environments, without access to been a marked reduction in maintenance and Creeping yellow cress natural open space, are generally less healthy, have management of natural open space, as scarce lower self-esteem and have more concerns about Rue-leaved saxifrage Box 5 resources are targeted at formal parks and their personal safety. Crime rates are often higher in Government targets for cleanliness. these areas.’ It also highlights community support Even where public and private open space pockets the request of English Nature by the UK Man and for improvements – ‘Improving the condition of the Southampton City Council has identified those open contain little biodiversity, they can absorb human the Biosphere Committee’s Urban Forum in 1992. Living Environment also features as a Top Three spaces with wildlife value as Sites of Importance for pressure from more important sites and therefore This has been developed as the Accessible Natural priority for all five Neighbourhood Partnerships.’ Nature Conservation (SINCS). These represent the still have an important role in nature conservation. Greenspace Standard (ANGst). The strategy states that ‘Southampton must ensure resources of natural greenspace for the city. The this variety of wildlife is safeguarded by enhanced forthcoming Green Space Strategy, to be prepared Both the Nature Conservation Strategy for 3.4 Accessibility management of its parks and open spaces’ and the by the city council, will establish local standards and Southampton (1992) and City of Southampton Everyday contact with nature enriches people’s city must ‘Continue to safeguard and enhance the levels of provision of open space. This will highlight Local Plan 1991-2001 contained policies promoting quality of life. The wide variety of open spaces in city’s natural environment in line with biodiversity those areas of the city that have poor access to appropriate levels of access and adopted a standard Southampton makes a valuable contribution to and nature conservation objectives’. natural greenspace. the quality and character of its environment; they to ensure: - ‘that every resident should be within a promote a positive image of the city as a place kilometre of an area of accessible natural open spaces In addition to these existing policy commitments, Initial analysis of access to natural greenspace to live, work and visit. Open spaces, and natural at least 0.2ha in size’ and to ‘increase the total area of the ANGst model seems particularly relevant to by the Natural Environment Unit suggests that greenspace in particular, provide a sense of local green space in wards that are currently deficient’. Southampton as: - the adoption of the ANGSt. standard would not identity and opportunities for activities promoting be unrealistic for Southampton, based on the The English Nature reports produced since 1992 • Population density is already high, and, if current health and community interaction. Access to such distribution of the SINC sites. Many areas meet the have provided evidence to refine Southampton’s trends continue, is likely to increase. areas is essential for people to connect with nature. standard, and those that do not, such as housing policy standard, both in respect to distance and areas in the west of the city, have the potential for In addition, natural opens spaces perform valuable • Surveys and consultations with local people area requirements, including research into how far creating natural greenspace through sympathetic functions within the urban environment such as have shown natural open spaces are valued by people are prepared to travel to such open spaces. management of existing formal open spaces in providing natural drainage, improving air quality communities. Local communities prize the current Thus this document adopts the ANGst standards harmony with other uses. and the local microclimate. (English Nature Accessible Natural Greenspace access to natural open space and would like to The concept of national standards for the provision Standard) as being appropriate aspirational targets see it improved. It is the second most important The Natural Environment Unit’s analysis of of accessible natural greenspace in towns and cities for provision within Southampton, i.e: issue that communities value, according to the greenspace standard could be further refined as first arose from a discussion paper produced at Local Agenda 21 Survey 2001. part of the Green Space Strategy to include:

11 12 Interpretation panel St Deny’s Beach Comma caterpillar on nettle Council officers undertaking conservation work

• Identifying natural greenspace outside of 4 Policies, targets and performance indicators the the city council authority boundary that offers functionality and access to residents of The following pages of this Strategy detail the policy elsewhere e.g. nettles for butterfly caterpillars Southampton e.g. Itchen Valley Country Park. areas required to further the vision. They are divided and shelter for birds and other insects e.g. into the main themes for achieving this and fulfilling bramble, long grass etc. • Identifying points of access to sites, e.g. Greenway the legislative requirements placed on Southampton entrances, and taking distances from these City Council: protection, enhancement, information • Legislation and national policy guidance offers and education, involvement, access and health, appropriate levels of protection to biodiversity • Conducting network analysis along principle monitoring and links with other strategies. For each but only if effectively interpreted and successfully routes of access theme, the need for delivery, major legislation and implemented at a local level. • Identifying barriers to access e.g major roads, Government guidance, past achievements, ongoing • The city council has statutory duties to work, future targets and performance indicators are and reflecting these in analysis. maintain, conserve and enhance biodiversity. listed together with the amended policies and a list The government are proposing to produce In Southampton, the 20ha and 100ha ANGst of major partners. standard is met, mainly due to the vital contribution performance targets for local authorities. The city of The Common. The ANGst establishes a national 4.1 Protection of Southampton’s biodiversity council will have to report against these in the Comprehensive Performance plan (CPA). Local target of at least 1ha of Local Nature Reserve per Why protection is required policies that protect the resource are therefore 1,000 population. The population of Southampton • Human impacts have always threatened, and required to deliver these duties and facilitate is estimated to be 221,100, leading to the continue to threaten, biodiversity in urban areas. positive action. requirement of 221.1ha of LNR to meet the standard. Now that the resource is smaller, it is more Southampton currently has only one LNR, Chessel vulnerable to change. Major legislation and government guidance Bay, which contributes just 0.5ha to the target. • Even apparently common species can show a on protection sudden and catastrophic drop in numbers e.g. The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) house sparrows in Britain have plummeted in Regulations 1994: number by 66% and water voles by 90% over the Transposes the Birds and Habitats Directive into UK past 25 years. law. Requires protection of identified sites (Special Protection Areas & Special Areas of Conservation) as • Southampton contains many remnant natural well as listed species. Southampton City Council has open spaces which need protection for their own a duty, as a competent authority, to have regard to sake and to ensure that the resource is retained these requirements in the exercise of its functions. to enable increase in biodiversity elsewhere. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW): • Enabling an understanding of biodiversity and Introduced duties on public bodies such as the ecological systems in such areas engenders city council to take reasonable steps to further public support for protection of rarer wildlife and conservation and enhancement of the special features habitats distant from them. of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Provisions are also made for the protection of wildlife, including • Public love of open space and its associated the offence of reckless disturbance or damage to wildlife, and the many uses that are made of such scheduled species and structures or places they use spaces, places a responsibility on the council to for shelter. protect and sustain them. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended): • People love wildlife in their gardens, but would Provides for the protection of SSSIs, and protects often prefer that the habitat that supports it be

13 14 Old Cemetery Chessel Bay Local Nature Reserve Getting involved with a butterfly survey “Managed for wildlife” sign listed species. Local authorities identified as having candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)). Future needs/targets/action points to • Ensure opportunities are secured to protect function of raising awareness of the public and protect biodiversity and enhance biodiversity though the Local • The adopted City Plan has “loss of protected schoolchildren in particular, to provisions for • Ensure systems are in place to obtain and Development Framework process. protection of wildlife. habitat” as the Natural Environment Performance Indicator. disseminate biological information on protected • Seek appropriate partnerships with other local Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) sites and species. authorities, regional government and Non- • Planning policies have been successful at Introduced a new duty for councils to conserve and • Provide ongoing initiatives to train and raise governmental Organisations e.g. CABE space, enhance biodiversity. defending sites with biodiversity importance Southampton Partnership. from harmful development (e.g. Weston awareness of council staff and contractors whose Planning Policy Statement: Greenway /Hilton House). Policies have also been roles have potential to impact on protected sites • In partnership with other statutory agencies, e.g. Establishes guidance on how the government’s successfully upheld at Planning Inquiries. or species e.g. Development Control and Strategic Natural England (formerly English Nature), seek policies for the conservation of natural heritage Planners, Open Space Managers, Neighbourhood to address the implications of climate change and should be reflected in land use planning. • Planning conditions have been successfully used Wardens. sea level rise on terrestrial and coastal habitats. to obtain survey information for protected species Biodiversity Strategy for England: and mitigate impacts on them. • Raise awareness of decision makers, particularly Performance indicators for protection of Has established an indicator of condition of SSSIs planning panel, to the protection afforded to Southampton’s biodiversity in local authority ownership. Established action is • Biological surveys have been carried out to biodiversity and the city council’s responsibilities. • No prosecutions under environmental legislation required to ensure recognition of the role of local identify habitats of value in the city. Recording • Seek to protect national and local protected through ensuring compliance with relevant biodiversity objectives in planning policies. database systems have been updated and made available through the corporate GIS system. habitats and species through the forward environmental legislation for both sites and species. Past achievements in protecting biodiversity planning and development control process. • Southampton City Council has worked in • No further preventable loss of any protected • The identification and notification of The • Ensure due regard is given to national and local partnership with other relevant authorities to species found in Southampton (i.e. doesn’t Greenways and Chessel Bay Local Nature protected habitats and species in all city council produce a management plan for include species range changes caused by climate Reserve sought to protect them from harmful strategies, programmes and developments. European Marine Sites (SEMS). change etc). development. • Ensure that the city council uses its powers and • No council owned sites with features of nature Ongoing work for protecting biodiversity influence with partners to ensure that biodiversity • The Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 identified conservation interest disposed of without measures • Planning Ecologist post provides ongoing advice is protected. all major sites for Biodiversity (including the being taken to protect and conserve value. to city council planning functions and to other above) as Site Alert Sites and contained protection • Ensure that, as far as possible, coastal service areas. • Sites of Special Scientific Interest favourable policies that were included in the Local Plan. developments avoid disruption of coastal or other condition reports. • Professional ecological advice has been effectively • Advice is provided to the public, businesses and natural processes that might lead to the loss of and consistently provided to Development Control applicants on protected areas and species issues. coastal and estuarine habitat. Southampton City Council policies for biodiversity and Planning Policy functions of the city council • Sustainability checklists and appraisal matrices, • Ensure due regard is given by the city council to protection - from the adopted local plan by the post of Planning Ecologist. that include biodiversity issues, are being piloted the protection of biodiversity when making land NE 1 International Sites of Nature • The Review March 2006 City of Southampton for major planning applications. disposal decisions, including the role of Conservation Interest non-designated land in reducing pressure on Development that may affect a classified or potential Local Plan has identified designated sites • Flagship developments, such as Woolston Riverside, including Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. Special Protection Area, a designated or candidate are demonstrating good biodiversity practice. Special Area of Conservation or Ramsar site will (SINC) that reflect regional and local priorities. • Instigate good working practice where all officers These build on, and mostly include, the Site • Partnerships with the Hampshire Biodiversity be subject to the most rigorous examination. undertaking work that is likely to affect nationally Development that is not directly connected with Alert Sites. The plan contains policies that confer Information Centre and local expert groups and locally protected habitats and species appropriate levels of protection to the range of assist in the collection of biological data and or necessary to the management of the site routinely involve ecologists at an early stage for nature conservation, which is likely to have designated sites (e.g. Sites of Special Scientific the identification of local sites with intrinsic e.g. Neighbourhoods, Open Spaces, Highways, Interest (SSSIs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), biodiversity value worthy of protection. significant effects on the site (either individually or Building Design Services, Outdoor Recreation etc. in combination with other proposals) and where it

15 16 City of Southampton Local Plan Review

Adopted version Mar h 2006

Thi s plan f orms part of he C ty Council’s Policy Framework

City of Southampton Local Plan Review Great Crested Newt Kingfisher Pond Management cannot be ascertained that the proposal would not Nature Conservation (SINC) will not be permitted 9 CONTROL OF MUDLANDS (Local Plan G9) and scrub, and thus the areas of these need adversely affect the integrity of the site, will not be unless the reasons for development clearly outweigh expanding in order to safeguard the biodiversity permitted unless: the substantive nature conservation value of the site. See Appendix 1 for full list of current nature they support. conservation policies. (i) There is no alternative solution; and NE 4 Protected Species • Even retaining the status quo requires careful Major partners in the protection of Development will not be permitted which would management due to the pressures on open (ii) There are imperative reasons of over-riding Southampton’s biodiversity spaces inherent in urban areas that prevent the public interest for the development. adversely affect species: • Natural England: Responsible for designation of sustainability of natural habitats. (i) protected by law; national and international nature conservation Where the site hosts a priority natural habitat type • The increasing interest in wildlife watching, and/or species, proposals will not be permitted sites. Statutory consultee in respect of SSSI, (ii) identified as a priority species whilst important for education, enjoyment and unless it is necessary for imperative reasons of SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites as well as protected in the UK appreciation of environmental assets, puts public safety or for benefits of primary importance species (PPG para 47). Biodiversity Action Plan or any local additional pressure on special sites (also see to the environment. Biodiversity Action Plan; unless there is a • Environment Agency: Statutory consultee within section 4.4). Where development is permitted, compensatory need for the development which outweighs the planning system and also responsible for • As well as rarer species, Southampton people measures to offset any harm caused and a the ecological importance of the site: and specific consents. enjoy seeing common wildlife in city open spaces management agreement will be required. a) the development cannot be met in other • Hampshire Wildlife Trust: Utilises local knowledge and would like to see more (see Appendix 2). The sites are: less ecologically damaging locations; or of wildlife to contribute to the planning process. • School curricula require the comparison of a) Part of the Solent Maritime SAC b) the development cannot be met by • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Has different types of habitats and their wildlife. reasonable alternative means. experience of utilising national experience of • Use of native species within landscape schemes b) Part of the Solent and SPA planning system to influence and advise on NE 5 Intertidal Mudflat Habitats contributes to the city’s landscape character. regional/local planning issues. c) Part of the Solent and Southampton Water Development will not be permitted which would Ramsar site. result in the reclamation of, or disturbance to, the • Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC): Major legislation and government guidance on remaining intertidal mudflat habitat and land along enhancement d) Part of the River Itchen SAC Biological Records Centre conducts surveys the River Itchen, the and Southampton on behalf of partners, supports regional SINC Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: NE 2 National Sites Water and Weston Shore outside of the SPA as system and provides information to public and Introduced duties on public bodies such as the Developments likely to have an adverse effect on a shown on the Proposals Map unless: businesses. City Council to take reasonable steps to further Site of Special Scientific Interest will be subject to conservation and enhancement of the special features (i) There is no adverse affect on nature • Local communities: Can be effective at alerting special scrutiny. Where such development would of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Provisions conservation interests. regulatory authorities to issues and providing have an adverse effect on the site it will not be are also made for the protection of wildlife, including local information on biodiversity. permitted unless the reasons for development (ii) There is no damage to the open character the offense of reckless disturbance or damage to clearly outweigh the harm to the special nature of the riverside and landscape; and 4.2 Enhancement of the environment: Habitat scheduled species and structures or places they use conservation value of the site. for shelter. (iii) There is no damage to water-based management and creation Where development is likely to have an adverse recreation or leisure interests. Why enhancement is required Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) effect, the council will consider the use of conditions • So much of the city’s biodiversity has been lost Introduced a new duty for councils to conserve and or a planning obligation in order to minimise the (iv) There is no net loss of intertidal mudflat habitat. during its development that enhancement of the enhance biodiversity. damage and to provide compensatory and site These policies cover and update the following environment is required for biodiversity to return. management measures where appropriate. Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 policies: Land Drainage Act 1994: • Some habitats are now a critical resource Section 61b: Local Authorities should, in exercising NE 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance 4 PROTECTION (Local Plan G4) due to heavy loss as described in the Nature powers conferred by the act, have regard to the Development proposals which would adversely Conservation Strategy 1992 viz ponds, heath desirability of furthering the conservation and affect a locally designated Site of Importance for 8 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL (Local Plan G8)

17 18 School nature area Hawthorns’ Grounds Bank improvements at The Ornamental Lake Jurd’s Lake butterfly walk enhancement of natural beauty and the conservation Woolston areas with local community involvement. been woody growth encroachment. habitats (open water, heath, scrub) to go in Green of flora, and fauna. Space Strategy / parks framework. • Greening the City grants have enabled many • Volunteer task days have also enabled improvements Past achievements in environmental enhancement community and school groups to achieve in the management of a number of SINCs e.g. • Identify and implement strategic opportunities for • The Hawthorns grounds are a major piece of enhancements to small green spaces. Peartree, Valley, Daisy Dip, Chessel Bay biodiversity enhancement. habitat creation in the city and their great success LNR, Jurds Lake Butterfly Walk, Weston Shore. • Routine development control and planning • Create FLAGSHIP SITES to demonstrate in supporting biodiversity shows the potential of application checks have led to enhancements to • A biodiversity target was included in the good practice and publicise SCC actions with such work. proposals including the placing of swift and bat Southampton Community Strategy and its community input on areas of high importance • Professional ecological advice has been boxes on new buildings. implementation will further improve biodiversity. for biodiversity. To start with the areas where effectively and consistently provided to the some good practice is already occurring e.g. The • Changes in mowing regimes e.g. at Peartree • Changes in mowing – although there are many land management and community involvement Common including the Old Cemetery, and St Mary’s extra churchyard have places where a change in mowing would benefit functions of the City Council by the post of the Green, Weston Shore, and then to develop others allowed orchids to flourish and changes at biodiversity, any changes must be robust enough Land Management Ecologist. where there is major unrealised potential e.g. Hannay Rise have enabled heathland to expand to fit work schedules and avoid the problem Greenways, Riverside Park, Weston Shore. • A successful partnership with the Environment – a priority habitat for Southampton. of “catching up” causing inappropriate plant Agency has produced advice and funding for destruction. • To devise a mechanism for Flagship Sites, all SCC ponds works. Ongoing work to enhance the environment land adjoining SSSIs (i.e. The Common, Chessel • The Land Management Ecologist post provides • A partnership with Environmental Health is starting Bay, Riverbanks, tidal area and adjoining land) • A successful partnership with Natural England ongoing advice to city council land management to yield results in developing effective pest control and Critical Habitats so that no changes occur has enabled The Common’s management to fulfil and community involvement functions and to using methods that are non-damaging to other without ecological input. Government legislation. other service areas. wildlife and more sustainable than poison i.e. through education, enforcement, live trapping, • Identify Champion habitats and species where • The Common Management Plan was written to • Information is provided for private landowners, ferrets, terriers and shooting. action plans will demonstrate greatest cost fulfil SSSI legislation, satisfy Natural England including householders, on managing / gardening benefit and have the greatest impact on the requirements and public expectations and has to improve biodiversity. Future needs/ targets/action points for enhancing conservation of local biodiversity. Produce the received widespread praise. the environment Action Plans. • Open water improvement works continue on the • Develop a mechanism for retaining nature • A Management Plan was produced for the Old city’s ponds, Sports Centre/Tanners Brook, Itchen conservation input into open spaces maintenance. • Produce workable strategies for dealing with Cemetery to give biodiversity gains without Navigation Canal / Riverside park. Methodology needs to take account of how problem species whether pests, invasive or changing frequency or cost of maintenance. instructions reach the ground. preventing biodiversity enhancement. • The management of Southampton Common • Partnerships with Southampton University have continues to improve its biodiversity and is seeing • Produce easy to follow schedules of good and • Produce a road map for survey & monitoring – resulted in biological survey and database creatures lost to the area returning and new ones bad practice in open spaces management check, tick and date main SINC habitats every creation (by Geodata) plus student projects arriving: these include bog pimpernel, ringlet, e.g. avoiding disturbing hedges during the five years. that give independent surveys and monitoring, green hairstreak and common blue butterflies, a nesting season, avoiding clearing ponds during especially for Southampton Common. number of dragonflies and damselflies, palmate amphibian breeding season. • Develop strategies for flood control options on newt, willow warbler, whitethroat, kestrel, open spaces that also give biodiversity gains • Partnerships with Hampshire County Council have buzzard, yellow-necked mouse, badgers and • Produce Biodiversity statements (see Community e.g. creation or alteration of ponds, ditches and resulted in joint gains through the Hampshire breeding roe deer. Strategy) for open spaces that are supported by sustainable drainage systems (SUDs). Biodiversity Information Centre and Hampshire the local community taking into account local Biodiversity Action Plans. • The management of the Old Cemetery is also favourites in addition to protected and UK / • Produce plans and seek funding for the leading to an improvement in biodiversity (where Hampshire BAP species. enhancement of river and stream corridors to • A Golden Jubilee Environmental Programme the plan is correctly followed) and volunteer help benefit biodiversity and the public enjoyment of was run that resulted in improvements both in is beginning to improve the plots where there has • Develop the above to produce detailed management these major city assets. habitats, and their management, in the Weston / options that enhance and expand endangered

19 20 St Mary’s extra cemetery with orchids Marbled White Partnership working - Environment Agency and Sparsholt College Hawthorns reception

• Devise methods of using the planning process to (Local Plan G5) and POLICY 6: HABITAT CREATION Hampshire Wildlife Trust (Test Valley Marshes), • Biodiversity is part of our cultural heritage, is achieve biodiversity enhancement e.g. locational AND DIVERSITY (Local Plan G6)). Borough Council (Itchen Valley Country integral to economic, physical and spiritual policies for enhancements, biodiversity and Park), Hampshire County Council (Westwood), well-being and a major factor in the quality of climate change policies, policies to ensure that Wildlife friendly landscaping Forest Enterprises (Lordswood). urban life. major developments include biodiversity as a The city council will seek to enhance provision for component of infrastructure provision. local priority species through biological community • Local communities: work in partnership with the • Teaching about biodiversity is a School planting schemes that provide appropriate habitats council in agreeing priorities and managing their curriculum requirement. Performance indicators or for wildlife. These will use native species or other local open spaces. environment enhancement wildlife-friendly species of trees and shrubs and will Major legislation and government guidance on discourage the use of non-native invasive species. • Schools: many school grounds support significant • Butterflies and other indicator species – ongoing information and education (Updates Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 POLICY biodiversity and their staff work with council public survey e.g. marbled white, speckled wood officers to enhance this and use it for students’ UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Information and 7: USE OF NATIVE SPECIES (Local Plan G7)). education is included as a major requirement. and peacock butterflies public surveys 2002-2005. education and enjoyment. Brownfield sites • Investigate the use of the following: presence of Biodiversity Strategy for England: Priority The city council recognises the value of its urban 4.3 Information and education scheduled species, birds of prey (predators at policy issue is the promotion of biodiversity brownfield (and Recreation areas, formal parks, etc) the top of food chains are a good indicator of a Why information and education is required understanding at the local level and desired for biodiversity and social use, particularly where • With 90% of British people living in urban areas, outcome of improved communication and healthy environment) and orchids at key sites. they can reduce pressure on nearby SINCs. It will it is vital that they learn to appreciate local understanding of biodiversity through take these factors into account when considering • Area of land managed for biodiversity. biodiversity if they are to support measures to contributions by local biodiversity partnerships. issues relating to their management and use. safeguard global biodiversity and the health of • Biodiversity statements (Community Strategy target). (Updates Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 POLICY National Curriculum (Qualification and the planet. 10: USE OF VACANT SITES (Local Plan G10)). Curriculum Authority): The requirement for • Metres of transitional habitat created i.e. the link • People are interested and want to get involved, biodiversity education is found throughout between short turf and woodland with a grading Pollution and other environmental concerns but require information and guidance before - especially in Science and Geography but also of short herb, long herb and shrub layers. The city council will identify any areas where taking action. within Citizenship, Design and Technology, pollution occurs and seek to reduce it using • Number of developments resulting in biodiversity Literacy and Numeracy. statutory powers and by negotiation. It will also enhancement / gain. • Information and education enables people to use its open spaces to assist with improving air understand the part they play and can lead to The Healthy Schools and Growing Schools • SSSI favourable condition reports. and water quality and in flood prevention where a reduction of antisocial behaviour such as the programmes: both include significant areas of this does not adversely affect the biodiversity value. tipping of garden and other waste. environmental education. Southampton City Council Policies for enhancing (Updates Nature Conservation Strategy 1992 POLICY the environment 11: POLLUTION (Local Plan G11)). • Information helps people to understand what OFSTED Guidance (2003): includes many biodiversity is, how it is dynamic and how these aspects of Education for Sustainable Development Enhancing biodiversity Major partners in environment enhancement of which biodiversity is an important part. Through its functions and activities, particularly the changes need to be managed. management of land, the city council will seek to • Natural England: statutory agency responsible for Past achievements in provision of information ensuring SSSIs are managed within legislative • The relationships between and within biodiversity enhance and restore biodiversity within the city and and the ecosystem are complicated and human and education encourage others to do so. framework and issue consents for changes in management or use of SSSIs. actions can be damaging or integral to them. • The Hawthorns, opened in 1990, provides displays, leaflets and direct information about In particular it will seek to increase the area and • Awareness of legislation and impacts of a wide • Environment Agency: statutory agency responsible wildlife, nature conservation and open spaces. Its diversity of habitats that have declined during variety of actions on biodiversity are limited, for water courses and bodies including fish stocks particular strength is the ability to respond at the the development of the city (open water, heath key sectors with impacts on biodiversity, such and pollution. local level for accessible open spaces. and scrub) and that are identified in national and as businesses, require information to improve local Biodiversity Action Plans. (Updated Nature • Adjoining Local Authorities and other bodies environmental performance. • The Hawthorns displays, funded by the Heritage Conservation Strategy 1992 POLICY 5: MANAGEMENT managing land on Southampton’s borders: Lottery fund, provide accessible information

21 22 Tree planting in Lordsdale Greenway Hawthorns Education Officer leads school visit to Chessel Bay School children on a visit to Weston Shore Wildlife gardening display

targeted at the urban dweller. • Monthly guided walks on Southampton Common Future needs/targets/action points for mice, pigeons, gulls). are led by an ecologist able to explain changes information and education • Environmental education staff at The Hawthorns and developments to members of the public. • To develop Southampton school children’s deliver biodiversity, nature conservation and its • To continue to develop direct information entitlement to understanding and use of flagship good citizenship requirements direct to school • The Natural Environment Team continue to provision at, and from, The Hawthorns that sites where they can see biodiversity i.e. Common children in The Hawthorns, on The Common, on develop their walks, talks and events programmes responds to public needs. including old Cemetery, Peartree Green, with their local open space and in their school. and also publicise events by others that • To produce a biodiversity section within Cityweb with others to be included as the schools programme contribute to biodiversity and nature conservation information about all council services promoting and is extended. • The council’s Natural Environment Team have information dissemination e.g. by Hawthorns produced a range of leaflets on topics such as caring for biodiversity, with links to other useful sites • To develop and run surveys of school grounds to Wildlife Association, Friends of Southampton to meet modern information needs. wildlife gardening, greener gardening, specific Old Cemetery, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Sholing raise biodiversity appreciation of students as well open spaces and their wildlife, etc. Valleys Study Centre Association, Southampton • To provide biodiversity and protected species as collecting data for the city Biological Record. • Interpretation boards have been produced for Natural History Society and Butterfly information in an easy form for businesses, • To co-ordinate the work of Natural Environment some open spaces such as The Common, Chessel Conservation. developers etc. Education with Open Spaces School Grounds Bay, Jurd’s Lake and Miller’s Pond. • Natural Environment Team representatives sit on • To provide an information/education programme Team to enhance biodiversity education opportunities. • Talks and guided walks are provided by ecologists the Southampton Sustainability Forum to ensure for councillors and officers whose work affects • To ensure that all Heritage Lottery Fund and other and volunteers. that biodiversity issues are included in the wider biodiversity such as planners, Development funding bids regarding Open Space include an environmental agenda. Control, Open Spaces, Neighbourhood interpretive aspect e.g. , Weston • Educational input has been added to The Partnerships and management teams etc to Shore, Old Cemetery. Hawthorns Family Activity Days regarding • Southampton City Council has produced an enable the council to more easily comply with biodiversity and its care. Environmental Education policy that includes legislation and Government guidance. Performance Indicators for information and education aims for biodiversity education (Appendix 3).

• Liaison with local amenity groups has included • To produce a comprehensive series of leaflets • Number of open spaces with high quality assisting with their own interpretive work. • School visits to The Hawthorns and The Common and other information programmes to give information boards and/or leaflets that include ensure that many thousands of the city’s youngest information on all city open spaces, what makes biodiversity and management information. • Liaison with local experts, such as those in the residents learn about biodiversity, its ecology and them special and how they are managed to retain Hawthorns Wildlife Association, Hampshire • Number of walks, talks and events per annum care in the city’s most visited open space. and enhance their biodiversity. Wildlife Trust, Southampton Wildlife Link and that promote and give information on biodiversity Southampton Natural History Society, has • The Hawthorns Education officer also leads school • To develop a public awareness and understanding and nature conservation. visits on students’ local open spaces. produced wildlife information that has fed into of management schedules, good practice to be • Number of visits to website information. Council actions • Visits to schools deliver biodiversity information followed and bad practice to be avoided. • Percent of Southampton children that receive • Many hundreds of media and newsletter articles about the students’ most accessed open space • To provide information on wildlife welfare - their school grounds. outdoor environmental education on city open have been written by the Natural Environment including why it is usually better to let nature take spaces during their school life. Team and others. • School grounds development to enhance its course. • Availability of suitable written information (leaflets, Ongoing work in information and education biodiversity and education about it are delivered • To provide information on gardening that benefits through the Council’s ecologists, school grounds website etc) that provides information to fulfil wildlife. • The Hawthorns continues to gather up-to-date officers and environmental education staff. requests from e.g schools re curriculum; information and investigate new methods of • To provide information on birds in the garden developers for planing purposes; public for disseminating this. • School wildlife areas and private wildlife garden and good and bad practice on feeding wild birds involvement, identification, wildlife, gardening etc. categories in the annual Southampton in Bloom (including ducks). • New boards, leaflets, flyers etc are produced as competition provide another opportunity for the needs, budgets and workloads permit. owners/ carers to gain information and advice on • To provide information and education on food biodiversity enhancement. waste and the pest problems it causes (e.g. rats,

23 24 Rats and rubbish Environment Agency information stand Southampton Common Walking to health

Southampton City Council Policies on supporting biodiversity in urban areas is for public social exclusion, employment, housing, education, encourage active partnership with community biodiversity information and education benefit and thus access is required. and the environment are all important and, for the groups, or individuals, in the management of first time, the health strategy acknowledges these land under its control where such work does not Information • Access to favourite areas garners support for and encourages action to address them.’ conflict with existing council policies relating The city council will provide (in-house or in maintenance of distant sites for others. partnerships) interpretive information on wildlife to the use of in-house resources or to nature ‘People value, enjoy and draw benefit from a conservation. 2) all works on city-controlled land and nature conservation and will promote a greater • Good citizenship includes involvement and good and healthy environment. The link between which community groups undertake must be awareness, enjoyment and understanding of wildlife enables people to influence service delivery and health and the environment is long-established.’ in the city. (Updates Nature Conservation Strategy decision making. part of an agreed management plan which has 1992 POLICY 2: INFORMATION(Local Plan G2)). English Nature Policy Statement: been approved in advance by the appropriate city • Public health concerns, including obesity, can Nature…inspires us and helps us to understand our council officers. 3) the city council will provide Note- the Authority’s Environmental Education benefit from programmes utilising the free history and sense of place or belonging. Nature an ecologist, or approve a leader, for each Policy (Appendix 3 - due for revision in 2005) resource of Southampton’s Open Spaces. helps us satisfy our quest for knowledge, from conservation project. This person will oversee gives further emphasis to the provision of such activities and, if appropriate, the council will Major legislation and government guidance on children watching spiders spin webs to scientists information within the school framework. monitoring global climate change. Nature is an supply necessary advice, training and equipment. involvement, access and health important part of our cultural identity and spiritual Major Partners in providing information • Distance markings have been painted on running/ Biodiversity Strategy for England: well being. We are surrounded by new technology jogging routes on Southampton Common to assist and education Priority policy issue to recognise and reinforce the links and it is now easy to forget how much we depend • Hampshire County Council collect and provide between biodiversity and health. Desired outcomes on the natural world. We believe it is important to those using such pursuits to assist in a healthy lifestyle. information about Southampton biodiversity include: local GPs prescribing walks and conservation bring people and nature closer together by showing • The Southampton in Bloom wildlife gardens and through the Biodiversity Information Centre. activities in local greenspace; local sites linked to local how nature is relevant and important to everyone’s school grounds sections encourage involvement Health Trust and Health Action Zone programmes daily life. in enhancement of biodiversity in such areas. • Hampshire Wildlife Trust and Southampton and actively hosting ‘health’ activities. Liveability Natural History Society are major providers of and biodiversity as part of the quality of life is also English Nature accessibility standard: • A series of paths and boardwalks were constructed information for their members and others. seen as a priority policy issue. Examples of desired Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) in the Greenways to provide physical access and • Statutory bodies such as Natural England and outcomes: the inclusion by local authorities of better produced and promoted. See 3.4. leaflets (plus some boards) were produced for the Environment Agency work with the council to local environments for people in indices of deprivation intellectual access. provide information common to both their agendas. and local renewal schemes for residential areas to Past achievements in involvement, access and health have biodiversity components. ‘Objective research • Local amenity groups – Southampton City Council • Many cycleways have been constructed in • Southampton City Council Local Education Authority is confirming what many people intuitively know: supports many groups that provide a mechanism Southampton – when suitably located they deliver education to Government policy and guidance contact with nature is good for us, and enhances our for people to become involved with their local open enhance the health benefits of open spaces, that includes biodiversity and its conservation. quality of life as a whole. This is the basis for English space and its biodiversity whether by information though at the cost of some biodiversity loss, Nature’s Accessible Greenspace Model, which aims to collection, dissemination, walks or events. especially since the rise of off-road cycling. • Schools and other educators fulfil the above but encourage local planning authorities to ensure that also give their students opportunities to learn in • The Hawthorns grew out of the work of one of • As part of Southampton’s Golden Jubilee no person need live further than 300m from a quality programme a Butterfly walk was developed in the local context. natural green space.’ these – the Southampton Common Studies Centre Association – with hundreds of members of the one of the Greenways – enhancing biodiversity 4.4 Involvement access and health Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation (1999). community being involved with its proposals and and access simultaneously – information boards Why involvement, access and health is required The Government’s White Paper, recognises that development before the Council absorbed it as, were also produced. there are wider influences on health: ‘While • Open Spaces are for people and their enjoyment what is now, the Natural Environment Unit. • Major consultations: these provide another individual lifestyle decisions (such as diet, exercise and health benefits are enhanced by the presence method for community involvement in open and sexual behaviour) will have an important • The council adopted policies to assist public of nature. spaces without requiring physical activity. effect there are many other factors that lie outside involvement whilst safeguarding biodiversity Examples include the Nature Conservation • Whilst some areas are important for protected of the individuals control but that can still directly (1995 ref. 134/96). 1) the city council will Strategy, Common Management Plan, Old wildlife, the main reason for maintaining sites influence their health. Factors such as: poverty,

25 26 Golden Jubilee Butterfly Walk The Hawthorns Guided walk led by Greenways Ranger Boardwalk in Lordsdale Greenway

Cemetery Management Plan, Common for simple exercise – these walks are ongoing. Spaces, Neighbourhoods, Environmental Health, Access Ornamental Lake Restoration Project, and schools and colleges. The city council will seek to provide sensitive • Guided walks are run by various council officers public priorities in the management of Sites of public access for all to its important sites Importance for Nature Conservation. and volunteers – these have a special role where • To develop a Southampton Green Trail that takes supporting biodiversity (Designated sites including people say they feel unsafe alone in making such in all major biodiversity areas with recorded SINCs) unless such access would be significantly • Wildlife surveys: as well as gaining valuable areas accessible e.g. The Common. distances (for healthy walks, runs etc), ease of detrimental to the wildlife interest or land use of data for the city, surveys can enable the public to walking / wheelchair access, gradients etc. • As part of its required sustainability indicators, a specific area. It will work towards the Access become involved with biodiversity e.g. recent Stag Natural Greenspace Standard. (Updates Nature beetle, reptile and amphibia surveys. the council has started collecting Butterfly • To promote the health benefits of voluntary sighting data. The Natural Environment team involvement and walks through doctors’ surgeries. Conservation Strategy 1992 POLICY 1 – ACCESS • In 1988, the Natural Environment Team responded have produced leaflets, a website and publicity to (Local Plan G1)). • To review the Greenway Ranger pilot scheme to a request from Associated British Ports to help gain this from the public and report results back Major Partners in providing involvement in, rescue frogs from a large piece of land that they to participants and through the media. and to use the lessons learned to improve the access to, and health from, natural open space were developing – volunteers were sought and maintenance of, use of and community involvement trained in suitable methods and over 200 people Future needs/ targets/ action points on in, Greenways and other open spaces. • The Environment Agency run Good Fishing involvement, access and health Practice events in Southampton in partnership took part. • In partnership with appropriate authorities and • To schedule public walks and task programme with ecologists so that, as well as promoting • LA21 plan produced that supports the importance statutory agencies, to develop access to the responsible angling, participants are informed aligned with monitoring visits and summer countryside and coast beyond the city boundaries. of the role of natural green spaces as a walks always following winter tasks to enable about biodiversity and nature conservation community resource. participants to see the value of their work. Performance indicators for involvement, access aspects of city ponds. and health Ongoing work for involvement, access • To link these tasks and walks to healthy walks/ • Adjoining Local Authorities have officers who and health green gym and similar initiatives in order to • Involvement: number of task days per annum work in partnership with the council on open • The council’s Natural Environment team run a provide maximum opportunities to Southampton where Southampton City Council officers have spaces crossing or abutting the city boundary e.g. programme of conservation task days through the residents for involvement and health worked with community groups on their local Hampshire’s Westwood Rangers and Eastleigh’s winter months on weekends and Wednesdays. improvement in this exceptional free resource of open spaces. Itchen Valley Country Park Rangers. the city’s open spaces. • They also advise on, and assist with, community • Access: proportion of Southampton meeting • The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers run group liaison/ tasks organised by the • To investigate designating Local Nature Reserves ANGst standard. “Green Gym” on Southampton land. Neighbourhoods Partnerships. or other local notifications to raise the profile of • Health: proportion of residents involved in their • Local community groups and other residents are important biodiversity areas for local communities Open Spaces per annum (includes those attending • A pilot greenways Ranger post (in Lordsdale the main source of volunteers becoming involved as well as working towards the National Standard organised walks). with their environment and for providing the Greenway) has been appointed to work with the of 1ha/1000 population (current level is .000002), council with information. Land Management ecologist in actively engaging and to include conservation signage. Southampton City Council Policies for local residents and groups in maintaining the involvement in, access to and health from, • The National Health Service assists with health • To review the impacts of access routes Greenway as an appropriately managed natural initiatives and can refer patients to, for example, through open spaces (especially boardwalks natural open space resource. healthy walk programmes. in Greenways) and to alter these where they Consultation and involving people The council will seek the active support of local • The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers are unsustainable or impacting negatively on Why monitoring and links with other strategies biodiversity or human access requirements. communities, businesses, private landowners, are required “Green Gym” provides similar opportunities in voluntary conservation and other relevant groups, and the Shirley Regeneration area. • To provide more joint working between council schools in managing, improving and creating habitats • Sound biological data are needed to inform departments regarding community involvement for wildlife. (Updates Nature Conservation Strategy policies and management. • The council’s Open Spaces section has developed and health issues to give maximum opportunities 1992 POLICY 3 : CONSULTATION(Local Plan G3)). • Biodiversity is everywhere and thus requires a Healthy Walks pack in partnership with the NHS to the public e.g. Natural Environment, Open amongst others to assist in the use of city parks consideration in many actions undertaken by councils. 27 28 Friends of Mayfield create a wildflower labyrinth Biodiversity sites map with green denoting active improvements Green Winged orchids on Southampton Common Swans on the River Itchen

• The council is required to measure how effective development proposals and a method for • To update these surveys every 5 years for Southampton City Council Policies for it is in fulfilling legislation and improving life for monitoring progress. nationally designated and flagship SINCs. monitoring its Biodiversity Action Plan and those in the city. • A Service Level Agreement with Hampshire • To obtain better data on all protected and BAP species. linking it to other strategies 4.5 Monitoring and links with other strategies Biodiversity Information Centre allows for shared Monitoring Major legislation and government guidance on biological data enabling both authorities to • To gather information from groups that collect The city council will ensure that all of its strategies such data so that they can inform open space monitoring and links with other strategies monitor and inform planning processes and consider impacts on biodiversity and conserving and management and the planning process. promoting wildlife in Southampton. Progress will Government’s White Paper, Our Countryside: management decisions regarding biodiversity be reviewed annually, and policies and proposals protection and enhancement. • To develop monitoring systems that give useful The Future: modified if necessary. (Updates Nature Conservation data and are of public interest e.g. first date of Gives greater encouragement to local authorities to • The development of biodiversity Performance Strategy 1992 POLICY 12: MONITORING AND REVIEW). have their own local biodiversity action plans. Local Indicators such as butterfly monitoring enables various flowers, spawning, nesting etc. Biodiversity Action Plans are a way of involving all Major partners in monitoring biodiversity progress to be monitored. • To develop the butterfly monitoring project to sectors of the local community in identifying what • The Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre increase public participation and gain useful data. can be done and making choices about priorities. At • There are biodiversity priorities in Southampton’s houses biological records for the county enabling Cultural Strategy. present some 50% of local authorities in England • To use innovative methods to obtain fuller bird Southampton to plan its work in a wider context. already have such plans. The White Paper states that counts for the Itchen, Test and estuaries bird it expects all local authorities to incorporate planning • There is a biodiversity target in Southampton’s counts - e.g. could work with canoeists from for local action on biodiversity in the integrated Community Strategy. Woodmill to obtain swan and sandpiper counts; community strategies which they are required to Ongoing work in monitoring and linking strategies prepare under the Local Government Act 2000. could also involve residents whose properties • To further develop the partnership with the abut the river. Biodiversity Strategy for England: Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre to • To develop improved liaison with statutory Establishes targets for local and regional priorities improve monitoring and linked working. to be informed by national biodiversity strategy, and agencies over protected species. feedback mechanisms to be implemented to allow • To continue surveys such as the Butterfly monitoring project to identify trends and inform • To contribute to monitoring systems associated national priorities to be influenced by local work. with the Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Co-ordination and monitoring of biodiversity action open space management decisions. should be achieved through contributing to the • To develop the results from Bird ringing data to Performance indicators for monitoring and links government’s online Biodiversity Action Reporting augment the above. with other strategies System (BARS). • Annual review of actions coming out of this • To develop other monitoring methods. Biodiversity Strategy for England: plan with relevant targets in business plans The integration of biodiversity into local and • To meet the Community Strategy biodiversity target. throughout the council. regional policies and programmes is a priority • All new relevant policies and strategies to issue. Biodiversity should be integrated into Local • To fulfil the Cultural Strategy priorities. acknowledge and take account of the policies Authority activities and in particular as part of the • To contribute to the proposed Open Spaces detailed in this plan – maintain list of those preparation and implementation of community Strategy to assist in the delivery of this where advice was given and monitor how much strategies and recognition of local biodiversity Biodiversity Action Plan. was used in final document. objectives in planning policies. Past achievements in monitoring and linking strategies Future needs/ targets/ action points for monitoring and linking strategies • The adoption of the 1992 Nature Conservation Strategy policies in the Local Plan enabled • To commission phase 1 & 2 surveys that are cross-referencing in city planning and updated every 10 years for all SINCs.

29 30 Fox at The Hawthorns Heathland Evening Primrose brightens a Brownfield site Information panel at Weston Shore Appendix 1 Nature Conservation Policies Where such development would have an adverse Local plan policies the River Itchen, the River Test and Southampton Pollution and other environmental concerns effect on the site it will not be permitted unless NE 1 International Sites of Nature Conservation Interest Water and Weston Shore outside of the SPA as The city council will identify any areas where the reasons for development clearly outweigh the Development that may affect a classified or potential shown on the Proposals Map unless: pollution occurs and seek to reduce it using harm to the special nature conservation value of Special Protection Area, a designated or candidate statutory powers and by negotiation. Special Area of Conservation or Ramsar site will the site. (i) There is no adverse affect on nature conservation interests. It will also use its open spaces to assist with be subject to the most rigorous examination. Where development is likely to have an adverse improving air and water quality and in flood Development that is not directly connected with effect, the council will consider the use of (ii) There is no damage to the open character prevention where this does not adversely affect the or necessary to the management of the site conditions or a planning obligation in order of the riverside and landscape; and biodiversity value. for nature conservation, which is likely to have to minimise the damage and to provide significant effects on the site (either individually or compensatory and site management measures (iii) There is no damage to water-based Information in combination with other proposals) and where it where appropriate. recreation or leisure interests. The city council will provide (in-house or in cannot be ascertained that the proposal would not partnerships) interpretive information on wildlife NE 3 Sites of Local Nature Conservation (iv) There is no net loss of intertidal mudflat habitat. adversely affect the integrity of the site, will not be and nature conservation and will promote a greater Importance permitted unless: awareness, enjoyment and understanding of wildlife Development proposals which would adversely Additional Southampton City Council Policies in the city. (i) There is no alternative solution; and affect a locally designated Site of Importance for Enhancing biodiversity Through its functions and activities, particularly the (ii) There are imperative reasons of over-riding Nature Conservation (SINC) will not be permitted Consultation and involving people unless the reasons for development clearly management of land, the city council will seek to public interest for the development. The council will seek the active support of local outweigh the substantive nature conservation enhance and restore biodiversity within the city and communities, businesses, private landowners, Where the site hosts a priority natural habitat type value of the site. encourage others to do so. In particular it will seek to voluntary conservation and other relevant groups and/or species, proposals will not be permitted increase the area and diversity of habitats that have and schools in managing, improving and creating NE 4 Protected Species unless it is necessary for imperative reasons of declined during the development of the city (open habitats for wildlife. Development will not be permitted which would public safety or for benefits of primary importance water, heath and scrub) and that are identified in adversely affect species: to the environment. national and local Biodiversity Action Plans. Access The city council will seek to provide sensitive (i) protected by law; Where development is permitted, compensatory Wildlife friendly landscaping public access for all to its important sites measures to offset any harm caused and a (ii) identified as a priority species in the UK The city council will seek to enhance provision for supporting biodiversity (Designated sites including management agreement will be required. Biodiversity Action Plan or any local local priority species through biological community SINCs) unless such access would be significantly planting schemes that provide appropriate habitats detrimental to the wildlife interest or land use of The sites are: Biodiversity Action Plan; unless there is a need for the development which outweighs for wildlife. These will use native species or other a specific area. It will work towards the Access a) Part of the Solent Maritime SAC the ecological importance of the site: and wildlife-friendly species of trees and shrubs and will Natural Greenspace Standard. discourage the use of non-native invasive species. b) Part of the Solent and Southampton Water SPA a) the development cannot be met in other Monitoring less ecologically damaging locations; or Brownfield sites The city council will ensure that all of its strategies c) Part of the Solent and Southampton Water The city council recognises the value of its urban consider impacts on biodiversity and conserving and Ramsar site. b) the development cannot be met by brownfield (and recreation areas, formal parks, etc) promoting wildlife in Southampton. Progress will reasonable alternative means. for biodiversity and social use, particularly where be reviewed annually, and policies and proposals d) Part of the River Itchen SAC they can reduce pressure on nearby SINCs. It will modified if necessary. NE 5 Intertidal Mudflat Habitats take these factors into account when considering NE 2 National Sites Development will not be permitted which would issues relating to their management and use. Developments likely to have an adverse effect on result in the reclamation of, or disturbance to, the a Site of Special Scientific Interest will be subject remaining intertidal mudflat habitat and land along to special scrutiny.

31 32 Appendix 2 Living space questionnaire Appendix 3 Environmental Education Policy for Southampton Schools Responses from Shaping Southampton’s Future Public event Saturday 6th September 2003

1 2 3 4 Rationale Skills disagree disagree agree agree This policy provides a framework for schools in As a basis for developing the ability to critically strongly strongly Southampton to develop their own approach to Question analyse and judge the work of evidence in order to environmental education. It sets out the range of make decisions about environmental issues. Pupils 1 It is important to me that there is wildlife in knowledge, understanding and skills needed to help should be taught to: Southampton’s Open Spaces 0 0 7% 93% pupils make informed judgements. It also sets out the attitudes, which if promoted will help pupils • State their own ideas and opinions clearly. Comments understand their role in safeguarding the future. 4 ‘Ensure that herbicides and pesticides do • Find and retrieve relevant information. not adversely affect wildlife when used Principles in parks’ • Understand data in a number of forms. 3 ‘As long as it’s not rats’ Knowledge 4 ‘For ecological reasons’ As a basis for making informed decisions pupils • Collect environmental data (e.g. Through auditing 4 ‘But see the development in Bassett Avenue’ should be given the opportunity to develop and monitoring). 3 ‘Birds in particular’ knowledge and understanding of: • Understand the limitations of data. • The natural processes that take place in the 2 I would support changes to my local environment. • Identify bias in information. open space to benefit wildlife 0 0 29% 71% • Negotiate with others to achieve a common goal. Comments • The different types of environment in and around 4 ‘Wildlife gardens in parks with education/ Southampton and their importance to the locality. Attitudes interpretation, sculpture/ boards’ If pupils are to find their place in the world and 4 ‘We need balance’ • The importance of biodiversity and its develop positive attitudes towards the environment 4 ‘As long as Hawthorns approves’ implications in Southampton. they will need to: • Human dependence on the environment. 3 I would like to see a greater variety of • Appreciate that other people have different views. wildlife in Southampton’s Open Spaces • The impact of human activities on natural 0 0 16% 84% processes in the environment. • Realise that most environmental issues are Comments complex and multi-faceted. 4 ‘Design parks to cater for a variety of • That their own decisions can affect the habitats and species’ environment. • Realise that attitudes and values can and should 4 ‘But amazed how much there is’ change and develop. 4 ‘Not rats!’ • How human needs are met and the 4 ‘This goes without saying’ environmental impact of lifestyle decisions. • Listen to, respect and consider the ideas of others. 4 New developments should keep • The principles of sustainability and actions which are being taken in Southampton to promote this. • Develop a respect for evidence and rational room for wildlife 0 2% 11% 87% argument. Comments • The role of legislative bodies in safeguarding the 4 ‘Utilise section 107 agreements for wildlife benefit’ environment and the scope of such legislation. • Be tolerant and open minded. 4 ‘Instead of pushing it out’ • Be independent of thought. 4 ‘I think we should have a city farm’ • The reasons for monitoring change in the environment and methods for doing this. we told her about ‘Down to Earth’ • Be prepared to seek solutions to conflict. 4 ‘If appropriate’ • The principles of, and reasons for environmental audits. 4 ‘And drop kerbs for easier access’ • The need to take effective action to manage and protect the environment when appropriate. 33 34 The context in which environmental education is taught in Southampton schools should be relevant to the present and future: Pupils can learn about the environment and environmental issues in: • The school and its grounds. • Localities in Southampton city. • Field Study Centres. • National environments. • Global environments, through use of ICT.

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