Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 2008-2011
04 June 2008
Courtesy of Sue Webber, Surrey Biodiversity Partnership
Courtesy of Tim Wilkins, Plantlife
Sponsored by
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 1 Contents
Executive Summary ...... 4
Introduction ...... 5 1.1 What is biodiversity?...... 5 1.2 Why is biodiversity important? ...... 5 1.3 What is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)?...... 6 1.4 Why does Spelthorne need a BAP?...... 6 1.5 Current Biodiversity ...... 6 1.6 Habitats in Spelthorne...... 7 1.7 Species for special action in Spelthorne ...... 8 1.8 What is the relationship between the BAP and other biodiversity initiatives? ...8 1.9 Monitoring and Reporting...... 10 1.10 Further Information ...... 11
2 Habitat Action Plan: Floodplain Grazing Marsh ...... 12 2.1 Habitat Definition...... 12 2.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 12 2.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat ...... 12 2.4 Current Action ...... 12 2.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 13 2.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives ...... 14
3 Habitat Action Plan: Standing Open Water and Reedbeds ...... 15 3.1 Habitat Definition...... 15 3.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 15 3.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat ...... 16 3.4 Current Action ...... 17 3.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 17 3.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives ...... 18
4 Habitat Action Plan: Unimproved Meadows ...... 19 4.1 Habitat Definition...... 19 4.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 19 4.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat ...... 20 4.4 Current Action ...... 20 4.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 20 4.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives ...... 21
5 Habitat Action Plan: Historic Parkland ...... 23 5.1 Habitat Definition...... 23 5.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 23 5.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat ...... 24 5.4 Current Action ...... 25 5.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 25 5.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives ...... 26
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 2 6 Habitat Action Plan: Urban...... 28 6.1 Habitat Definition...... 28 6.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 28 6.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat ...... 29 6.4 Current Action ...... 29 6.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans ...... 29 6.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives: ...... 30
7 Species Action Plan: Brown Galingale (Cyperus fuscus)...... 33 7.1 Species Definition...... 33 7.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 33 7.3 Factors Affecting the Species...... 33 7.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives ...... 34
8 Species Action Plan: Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) ...... 35 8.1 Species Definition...... 35 8.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 35 8.3 Factors Affecting the Species...... 35 8.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives ...... 36
9 Species Action Plan: Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) ...... 37 9.1 Species Definition...... 37 9.2 Current Distribution and Status...... 37 9.3 Factors Affecting the Species...... 37 9.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives ...... 38
10 Appendices ...... 39 10.1 Staines Moor Management Plan 2004-2014 Targets ...... 39 10.2 Shortwood Common Works List 2008-2012...... 44 10.3 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (from the Spelthorne Borough Local Plan, 2001)...... 45
11 Figures ...... 54 11.1 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance in Spelthorne...... 54 11.2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Spelthorne ...... 55 11.3 SPA and RAMSAR sites in Spelthorne ...... 56 11.4 An example of habitat loss in Spelthorne ...... 57
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 3 Executive Summary
The Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan is a decisive statement of Spelthorne Borough Council’s commitment to conserve and enhance biodiversity. It contains actions to improve five major habitat types in Spelthorne, and special actions for three species of conservation concern in the borough.
Central government is increasingly establishing biodiversity on the national agenda. Delivering the Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan will go a significant way towards fulfilling our statutory duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. A new National Indicator on biodiversity was published in October 2007 (NI 197: Improved local biodiversity – proportion of local sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented). The Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan will help us to improve performance on this indicator.
Spelthorne is blessed with several important nature conservation sites. Staines Moor is the largest area of floodplain grazing marsh in Surrey. This type of habitat is rich in plant and animal species, but it now covers only a small fraction of the area that it once did prior to agricultural intensification in the 20th century. Many of our reservoirs and sites of former gravel workings form a complex of waterbodies that are of international importance for gadwall (Anas strepera) and shoveler (Anas clypeata), bird species that overwinter here. Research is ongoing into how this complex of sites is used by the birds. The Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan highlights the importance of these sites, and ways in which we can conserve them.
Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is not just important for our nature conservation sites, but is essential everywhere in the borough. Because Spelthorne is one of Surrey’s most urbanised boroughs, our urban wildlife habitat is especially crucial to enhancing our biodiversity. Local residents enjoy seeing wildlife, and raising awareness of wildlife issues in the general community is vital. Managing our parks and open spaces more sympathetically for wildlife is a key aspect of the Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan. We aim to lead by example in considering Spelthorne Borough Council’s opportunities to enhance biodiversity, but also to provide education about biodiversity for those who live, work, and play in the borough.
Conserving and enhancing biodiversity in Spelthorne is not a task solely for the Borough Council. Developing and furthering relationships with partners is a crucial element of the Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan. Whilst we can make a large impact by modifying the management of land that we are responsible for, there are many sites that can only be improved by working in partnership with other public bodies, private organisations, community groups, and individuals.
The Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan is a firm commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity. With this plan we can fulfil our duty, work towards improvement on a national indicator, and satisfy the requests of local residents for greater access to nature.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 4 Introduction
1.1 What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity or biological diversity simply means the ‘variety of life.’ This includes all life in its various forms such as animals, plants, fungi, even bacteria and viruses. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variability within a species, together with the diversity of and interactions with their environment.
A more poetic description is given by the UK Steering Group on Biodiversity:
“Biodiversity is all living things, from the tiny garden ant to the giant redwood tree. You will find biodiversity everywhere, in window boxes and wild woods, roadsides and rain forests, snow fields and sea shore.”
The term biodiversity has come to encompass a number of different ideas. It is used to describe the rich variety of habitats, species and the ecosystems of which they are a part. It is not restricted to rare or threatened habitats and species, but includes the whole of the natural world from the commonplace to the critically endangered.
1.2 Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is important for many different reasons. Perhaps the most commonly cited reason for preserving biodiversity is the belief that every species has an intrinsic value and right to existence, and thus we should encourage every species to thrive.
Biodiversity also provides the support system that sustains human existence. The intricate network of ecosystems, habitats and species provide clean air and water for the planet; and food, clothing and relaxation for its human inhabitants. Biodiversity also has a direct economic value. Modern agricultural crops are descendants of wild relatives, whilst many medicines are composed of extracts from wild plants. The unknown medicinal or food value of many species is a reason to try to preserve as much as possible. Areas with high biodiversity can also be important recreational areas. In Spelthorne, Shortwood Pond is a popular fishing destination, while walkers and bird-watchers appreciate Staines Moor, and amateur botanists visit Dumsey Meadow.
Unfortunately, the world is losing biodiversity at an ever-increasing rate as a result of human activity. If we do not take action, we shall suffer both economic and spiritual loss and pass on to future generations a world that is considerably poorer than the one we are privileged to live in today. Alternatively, by working together we can pass on to future generations an environment capable of sustaining a richer variety of habitats and species than is supported at present.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 5 1.3 What is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)?
A Biodiversity Action Plan (or BAP) is a long-term plan to maintain or increase biodiversity in the region where the plan applies. Many levels of government have BAPs, as do many business and charitable organisations. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan covers all of the United Kingdom, and it defines priority habitats and species to take action on within the country.
The most important parts of a BAP are its objectives, targets and actions. These define where resources are to be focused, and stipulate a timeline for completing the actions. In this way, progress towards maintaining or increasing biodiversity can be measured and reported back to a central body, which can then reassess its resource allocations and redirect accordingly.
1.4 Why does Spelthorne need a BAP?
Spelthorne contains a number of sites that support rare plants and animals, and the Borough Council is responsible for maintaining many of these. Long-term management is necessary for these sites to thrive.
However, biodiversity is not just about places with rare species, but is found anywhere that plants and animals are allowed to thrive, including in our gardens, urban parks, and roadside verges. The Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan aims to provide achievable targets and proactive management to increase biodiversity throughout the Borough.
The production of this document will also help to fulfil Spelthorne Borough Council's duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 that states:
“Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity…conserving biodiversity includes, in relation to a living organism or type of habitat, restoring or enhancing a population or habitat.”
Central government is also increasingly establishing biodiversity on the national agenda. Biodiversity has been recognised in The New Performance Framework for Local Authorities and Local Authority Partnerships: Single Set of National Indicators, published in October 2007. A Biodiversity Action Plan will help Spelthorne to improve performance on National Indicator 197: Improved local biodiversity – active management of local sites.
1.5 Current Biodiversity
Despite bordering one of the world’s largest airports and being one of Surrey’s most urbanised boroughs, Spelthorne is home to some very rare species and important habitats. It has four Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dumsey Meadow, Staines
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 6 Moor (including Shortwood Common and Pond, King George VI Reservoir and the Staines Reservoirs), and the Kempton and Wraysbury Reservoirs.
In addition, the South-West London Waterbodies Special Protection Area and Ramsar site is partly formed of reservoirs and former gravel workings within Spelthorne. The SPA and Ramsar site was designated because it holds internationally important over- wintering populations of gadwall (Anas strepera) and shoveler (Anas clypeata). The site also supports nationally important numbers of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), pochard (Aythya farina) and coot (Fulica atra).
The borough also contains 26 Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCIs). These sites were identified by the Surrey Nature Conservation Liaison Group as habitats that are important on a local scale, and they have been safeguarded from adverse development through the planning system. Many of these sites are wetland sites that support important wetland bird populations, including smew (Mergus albellus), goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and heron (Ardea cinerea). These sites also support plants that are rare in the county, such as round-fruited rush (Juncus compressus) and flat-stalked pondweed (Potamogeton friesii). More details about Splethorne’s SNCIs can be found in Appendix 10.3.
A significant area of the Colne Valley Regional Park resides in Spelthorne. The Park is the first major greenspace one encounters heading west of London, and is composed of a mosaic of 43 square miles of farmland, woodland and water on the urban fringe of Greater London.
Spelthorne is home to many uncommon species. Rare plants include small water- pepper (Polygonum minus), brown sedge (Carex disticha), brown galingale (Cyperus fuscus), southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa), marsh stitchwort (Stellaria palustris), and marsh arrow-grass (Triglochin palustris). The borough also contains a wide variety of animal life including stag beetles (Lucanus cervus), and pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). Staines Moor reputedly contains the oldest known anthills of the yellow meadow ant (Lasius flavus) in Britain, at an estimated 180 years old 1.
1.6 Habitats in Spelthorne
There are a number of diverse habitats in Spelthorne that are important for conserving biodiversity. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan groups habitats according to ‘broad’ and ‘priority’ habitats, with the priority habitats having their own Habitat Action Plans (HAP) over the entire country.
In Spelthorne, we have a number of both broad and priority habitats (as defined by the UK BAP) that are included in the Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan.
The priority habitats are:
1 Penny Anderson Associates (2006). Spelthorne Borough Council: Staines Moor Management Plan 2004-2014.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 7 • Floodplain grazing marsh – A very rare habitat, of which Spelthorne is very fortunate to have a large amount of on Staines Moor. • Unimproved meadows – Meadows that have not been improved through ploughing, artificial fertilisers, or herbicides. Sites include Dumsey Meadow and remnant common land, other small sites including Funky Footprints Nature Reserve, Bronzefield Prison, and Orchard Meadow. • Historic parkland – Consisting of parkland with open-grown trees. Sunbury Park and Stanwell Place are both historic estates.
The broad habitats covered in the Spelthorne BAP are: • Standing open water and reedbeds - Spelthorne has many reservoirs, restored gravel pits, and ponds that are important for wildlife. Ponds are now a UK BAP priority habitat, but are included in this broad habitat definition for completeness. Sites covered in this HAP are the South West London Waterbodies SPA/Ramsar, Shortwood Pond, Laleham Pond, Funky Footprints Nature Reserve, and Splash Meadow. • The urban environment – Spelthorne is a very urbanised borough and we can do much to improve this for wildlife. Sites include parks and open spaces not covered by a priority habitat.
1.7 Species for special action in Spelthorne
The species highlighted in Spelthorne’s BAP are brown galingale (Cyperus fuscus), stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) and song thrush (Turdus philomelos).
These species have been carefully chosen as species that can benefit from management actions within Spelthorne Borough Council’s control, and by being flagship species to promote biodiversity conservation. Positive management for these species will benefit many other species as well.
1.8 What is the relationship between the BAP and other biodiversity initiatives?
The UK BAP and the Surrey BAP are intricately linked to the Spelthorne BAP. Efforts have been made to ensure continuity between these two overarching plans and the Spelthorne BAP. Where necessary, extraneous objectives and targets from the UK and Surrey BAPs have been omitted from the Spelthorne BAP, whilst local objectives and targets have been added. Both the Surrey and UK BAPs are currently undergoing reviews, with revised targets due out soon. The Spelthorne BAP will be updated to reflect any changes when this information is available.
Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs) are sites that are safeguarded from adverse development under the Spelthorne Local Plan. Spelthorne’s policy RU11 states that:
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 8 “The Borough Council will safeguard Sites of Nature Conservation Importance as shown on the Proposals Map and will only permit development proposals within these sites, where there will be no adverse effect, either directly or indirectly on their ecological interest, or where the requirements of Policy RU14 are met. The Council, in consultation with the Surrey Wildlife Trust, will keep under review the Sites of Nature Conservation Importance and will seek to protect such sites following their selection on a County-wide basis by the Surrey Nature Conservation Liaison Group.”
Spelthorne’s policy RU14 is:
“Where a development proposal would destroy or damage the nature conservation interest of a site, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that the benefits of the proposed development outweigh the decrease in the nature conservation value of the site, that any such decrease has been kept to a minimum, that mitigation or compensation to provide for species protection and/or habitat creation or enhancement has been made within the area, and that appropriate measures to monitor the effectiveness of the mitigation have been established.”
Spelthorne is currently working towards adopting a Local Development Framework (LDF), which will replace the Local Plan. Policies RU11 and RU14 have been ‘saved’ from the Local Plan, and are valid under both plans.
The Spelthorne Development Plan’s core strategies focus on protecting the environment. These include Strategic Policy SP6: Maintaining and Improving the Environment:
“The Council will seek to maintain and improve the quality of the environment of the Borough. It will: a) Ensure the design and layout of new development incorporates principles of sustainable development, and creates an environment that is inclusive, safe and secure, is attractive with its own distinct identity and respects the environment of the area in which it is situated b) Contribute to improving air quality in the Borough. c) Protect and enhance areas of existing environmental character including sites of nature conservation value, areas of landscape value, the Borough’s historic and cultural heritage (including historic buildings and Conservation Areas) and open space of amenity and recreation value. d) Promote the improvement of poor quality environments both within the urban area and in the Green Belt”
and Policy EN8, Protecting and Improving the Landscape and Biodiversity::
“The Council will seek to protect and improve the landscape and biodiversity of the Borough, by: a) Safeguarding sites of international and national importance. b) Working with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop and secure the implementation of projects to enhance the landscape and create or improve habitats of nature conservation value, and to secure the more effective management of land in the Borough
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 9 c) Ensuring that new development, wherever possible, contributes to an improvement in the landscape and biodiversity and also avoids harm to features of significance in the landscape or of nature conservation interest d) Refusing permission where development would have a significant harmful impact on the landscape or features of nature conservation value e) Safeguarding the Borough’s Common Land and working with other interested parties to protect and where appropriate enhance its nature conservation and recreational value.”
These policies are complementary to the Spelthorne BAP and jointly, they work together to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the borough.
Surrey County Council is the Minerals and Waste Development Authority, and it is currently working towards adopting a Mineral Development Framework (MDF). Spelthorne has historically had a great deal of mineral extraction, and there are several sites of current and potential workings. The MDF emphasises the value that successful mineral restorations can have for biodiversity, and encourages mineral developers to consider biodiversity as a restoration option.
The Spelthorne BAP contains actions and targets that have been developed to further the Colne Valley Park Action Plan 2006-2008. Partnership and cross-boundary working are important elements of any successful biodiversity action plan; wildlife is not restricted to administrative boundaries. The Colne Valley Park is an excellent opportunity to harmonise actions to enhance biodiversity across administrative boundaries in a more cohesive, habitat-based approach within the catchment of the River Colne. Spelthorne Borough Council will work with the long-established Colne Valley Partnership, and progress partnerships with organisations such as Groundwork Thames Valley, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Natural England, and the Environment Agency to co-ordinate cross-boundary working on our actions to improve biodiversity.
Green Arc is a project that brings the big outdoors closer to people through the creation of an extensive, attractive, and valued recreational landscape of well-connected and accessible countryside around London, for people and wildlife. Spelthorne Borough Council is a partner in the Green Arc project, and we support its aims through this BAP.
There are numerous local community groups in Spelthorne that are committed to conserving and enhancing our biodiversity assets. These community groups, including the Association for the Preservation of Staines Moor, Egham and Staines Conservation Volunteers, Commoners Committee, Moormasters, Spelthorne Civic Pride, and Spelthorne Natural History Society have all passionately advocated on behalf of our environment for many years, and Spelthorne Borough Council aim to work in partnership with them to enhance biodiversity in the borough in future.
1.9 Monitoring and Reporting
The Spelthorne Biodiversity Officer will report upon progress towards the Plan’s targets annually using the Internet-based Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS). A copy of this report will be sent to the Head of Environment Services at
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 10 Spelthorne, the local area officer from Natural England, and the Chair of the Surrey Biodiversity Partnership. Targets should be revised in consultation with the Head of Environment Services and all internet-based publications updated during this time period.
1.10 Further Information
This document borrows liberally from both the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Both of these documents are accessible on-line:
Surrey BAP: http://www.surreybiodiversitypartnership.org UK BAP: http://www.ukbap.org.uk
Additional species-specific information can be obtained from:
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: http://www.rspb.org Plantlife UK: http://www.plantlife.org.uk People’s Trust for Endangered Species: http://www.ptes.org
If you’d like to visit Spelthorne to see our biodiversity, you can find information on circular walks and designated rights-of-way at: Colne Valley Park: http://www.colnevalleypark.org.uk Surrey County Council Interactive Map: http://www.surreymaps.surreycc.gov.uk
Many thanks must be given to the Surrey Biodiversity Partnership for their assistance and support. If greater depth of knowledge of the issues and information contained in the Spelthorne BAP is required, you are urged to consult the above documents.
Abbreviations of partner groups: APSM Association for the Preservation of Staines Moor DEFRA Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs EA Environment Agency ESCV Egham and Staines Conservation Volunteers FOSP Friends of Sunbury Park MM Moormasters NE Natural England SCPV Spelthorne Civic Pride Volunteers SNHS Spelthorne Natural History Society STW Spelthorne Tree Wardens SWT Surrey Wildlife Trust
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 11 2 Habitat Action Plan: Floodplain Grazing Marsh
2.1 Habitat Definition
Floodplain grazing marsh is defined as periodically inundated pasture or meadows with ditches that maintain water levels. Conservation interest is greatest in areas of grazing marsh that have not been drained or agriculturally improved with artificial fertilisers, ploughing, or reseeding.
Almost all areas of floodplain grazing marsh are grazed and some are cut for hay or silage. Sites may contain seasonal water-filled hollows and permanent ponds with emergent swamp communities, but not extensive areas of tall fen species like reeds. They are particularly important for their numbers of breeding waders such as snipe and lapwing.
It was estimated that in 1994, England had 200,000 ha of grazing marsh. However, only 5,000 ha of this grassland is thought to be semi-natural, supporting a high diversity of native plant species.
2.2 Current Distribution and Status
There are two main sites in Spelthorne that have significant areas of floodplain grazing marsh: Staines Moor and Dumsey Meadow. These two sites are both designated SSSIs, and have both been assessed as having an “unfavourable, recovering” status by Natural England. Staines Moor was last assessed in March 2005, whilst Dumsey Meadow was last assessed in May 2002. New SSSI condition assessments are currently being compiled by Natural England.
2.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat
Within Surrey, it has been estimated that 25% of the County’s unimproved grassland was lost between the period 1975-1985 (Surrey BAP), and that 64% of grazing marsh in the Greater Thames region was lost between the early 1930s and the mid-1980s (UK BAP). There are continuing threats to this habitat in Spelthorne, including:
• A decline in traditional management. • Development. • Urbanisation and problems relating to the urban-fringe. • Aggregate extraction. • Ecologically insensitive flood defence works constructed in the past.
2.4 Current Action
Spelthorne Borough Council has undertaken several actions to enable better management of its floodplain grazing sites. Ecological consultants recently
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 12 completed a comprehensive 10-year Staines Moor Management Plan. A National Vegetation Classification Survey of Dumsey Meadow was completed in March 2004, with several management recommendations provided by the consulting ecologists. These documents provide important guidance towards successful medium-term management.
Spelthorne has also successfully applied for medium-term funding through a Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Countryside Stewardship Scheme for Staines Moor.
2.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans 2.5.1 UK BAP relevant objectives/targets • Maintain the existing habitat extent (300,000ha). • Maintain the quality of existing habitat (300,000ha). • Rehabilitate 10,000 ha of grazing marsh habitat which has become too dry, or is intensively managed. • Begin creating 2,500 ha of grazing marsh from arable land in targeted areas, in addition to that which will be achieved by existing ESA schemes.
2.5.2 Surrey BAP: relevant objectives • Identify all sites of conservation interest and potential within Surrey. • Protect all known sites of conservation value, and manage appropriately. • Protect and restore natural function of the floodplain. • Improve public perception. • Restore and create wet grassland of conservation importance.
2.5.3 Surrey BAP: relevant targets • Identify sites of conservation importance. • Review resources. • Develop countywide database. • Complete detailed flood modelling. • Maintain existing area of floodplain. • Maintain and where possible improve water quality. • Favourable management of 50% of wet grassland. • Stop loss of valuable grassland. • 50% increase in area of valuable grassland.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 13 2.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives 2.6.1 Improve the quality of existing habitat • Target: Achieve a “favourable” rating on all SSSI land in the Borough.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Implement Staines Moor Achieve 100% of annual SBC MM, NE, 2008 I Management Plan (see management plan actions per Brett Appendices). year. Aggregates Achieve 50% of biannual SBC MM, NE, 2008 I management plan actions per Brett year. Aggregates Proactive management for Annual maintenance list SBC NE 2008 I Dumsey Meadow - Consult agreed and 100% of works with NE annually in early completed annually. April and September/October to monitor conditions and agree upon maintenance required.
2.6.2 Maintain the existing habitat extent in Spelthorne • Target: Ensure long-term grazing of all SSSI sites in Spelthorne
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Ensure adequate security for Report 100% of SBC MM, Surrey Immediately I graziers. incidents to police Police and record all reference numbers. Make SBC fences SBC Immediately I stock-proof within 24 hrs of reported damage. Ensure quality of forage. Monitor condition MM SBC Ongoing I of forage and move livestock as required. Acquire funding for sites. Apply for Higher SBC Grazier, NE, 2008 II Level Stewardship DEFRA on Dumsey Meadow.
• Target: Ensure suitable hydrological management for the habitat.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Follow Water Level 100% of annual EA SBC, NE 2008 I Management Plan for Staines targets achieved. Moor.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 14 3 Habitat Action Plan: Standing Open Water and Reedbeds
3.1 Habitat Definition
The Standing Open Water and Large Reedbed HAP is an amalgamation of several different habitats, including all standing fresh waters such as ponds, lakes, lagoons, and reservoirs. This HAP also includes ephemeral or seasonal standing waters which can dry out, and large reedbeds; in a Surrey context this has been defined as stands of common reed (Phragmites australis) that are over 2 hectares in area.
Ponds have become a new priority habitat under the 2007/2008 UK BAP review. When the national Ponds HAP has been produced, it will be incorporated into this HAP.
3.2 Current Distribution and Status
In Surrey, this is one habitat that has actually increased in size over the past century. Spelthorne is an excellent example of how this habitat has grown, with several very large water reservoirs and flooded former gravel workings distributed throughout the borough. Approximately 20% of the land area of Spelthorne is covered by water.
Because the reservoirs provide drinking water to the public, they have excellent water quality. Many of these reservoirs and gravel workings provide good habitat for over- wintering birds, and in 2000, the King George VI, Staines North and South, Wraysbury and Kempton Park reservoirs were designated as a part of the South West London Waterbodies Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. An SPA is a European designation under the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, whilst a Ramsar site is an international designation under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
The SPA and Ramsar site was designated because waterbodies in the area hold internationally important over-wintering populations of gadwall (Anas strepera) and shoveler (Anas clypeata). The site also supports nationally important numbers of cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), pochard (Aythya farina) and coot (Fulica atra). It is likely that several wetland sites in Spelthorne, whilst not designated as part of the SPA, are important to its integrity, and a research project is currently ongoing into why these sites are important and how they are used.
Spelthorne is also home to many smaller waterbodies that are important for wildlife. Several community projects, including Laleham Pond and Funky Footprints Nature Reserve, contain ponds created from recent gravel workings. They are now thriving under positive management and are maturing successfully. Splash Meadow, which is also managed as a community project, also contains a small pond and reedbed next to the River Ash in Shepperton.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 15 Shortwood Pond (part of Staines Moor SSSI) is an excellent example of a historic pond habitat in Spelthorne. It contains elements of reedbeds, and the rare, rush-like plant Brown Galingale (Cyperus fuscus). This pond is the only site in Surrey, and is one of only six sites in Great Britain, to support this species. Unfortunately, Shortwood Pond SSSI is listed in “unfavourable, declining” condition due to water pollution and the introduction of non-native, invasive plants. Many rare plants have been lost from the pond over the past 30 years. It is also very much an urban-fringe site, with a history of abuse from uncontrolled fishing. Fishing can be beneficial at nature conservation sites, but only if it is controlled. Controlled fishing can lead to fish stocking levels and litter levels that can be managed positively for nature.
Shortwood Pond was probably originally a gravel pit created about 150 years ago2. Over the last 30 years, there has been a history of management works, some of which aimed to prevent the pond from becoming over-vegetated. The antiquity and seasonally fluctuating water levels of Shortwood Pond are key factors underpinning its high conservation value.
Some other notable plant species recorded in or around the pond’s edge in 20073: • Riccia fluitans (a liverwort) • Water-violet (Hottonia palustris) • Round-fruited Rush (Juncus compressus) • Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) • Spiny Rest-harrow (Ononis spinosa) • Celery-leafed buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus)
3.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat
Unlike many other habitats in Surrey, standing water has been increasing in its total area over the centuries. However, this masks some significant changes in the type of standing water. The number of larger water bodies (especially manmade reservoirs) has increased, whilst there has been a decline in smaller water bodies in the rural/agricultural landscape. Equally, there has been a decline in the ecological quality of many waters.
Other factors currently affecting the habitat include:
• Increasing eutrophication/decline in water quality. • Over-stocking with fish, adversely affecting plant and invertebrate populations. • Loss of traditional ponds to development, ‘improvements’ or infilling. • Creation of stereotype ponds rather than ephemeral ponds. • Pollution incidents. • No management or inappropriate management.
2 Biggs, J., Williams, P., Whitfield, M., Fox, G. and Nicolet, P. (2000) The Ecology and Management of Shortwood Common Pond, Surrey. Pond Conservation Trust
3 Walls, R. (2007). Shortwood Pond botanical survey 4 June 2007. Commissioned on behalf of Plantlife.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 16 • Introduction of alien species. • Inappropriate and/or competing uses causing disturbance or decline in quality. • Water abstraction and land drainage. • Natural processes of succession involving the loss of small ponds and scrubbing up of reedbed communities. • Climate change: changes in rainfall patterns. 3.4 Current Action
A management plan for Shortwood Pond has recently been completed for Spelthorne Borough Council. Works required under the management plan were started in early 2007.
The reservoirs in Spelthorne are managed by Thames Water to maintain drinking water supply, which also benefits wildlife.
3.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans 3.5.1 UK BAP relevant objectives/targets • Ponds HAP targets will be added when the HAP is completed.
3.5.2 Surrey BAP: relevant objectives • Develop our understanding of, and rectify data deficiencies on, the conservation value of open water and reedbed habitat, particularly in relation to less obvious species. • Protect all known sites of conservation value. • Maintain the integrity of existing open water and reedbed habitat by preventing loss and damage. • Appropriately manage all open waters and reedbeds to maintain and enhance their biodiversity interest. • Improve the quality of water bodies by combating the causes, and reducing the worst effects, of eutrophication. • Reverse the process of succession and scrubbing up of existing reedbed areas, and expand their size where appropriate. • In suitable areas, encourage the creation of open water and large reedbed habitat, particularly where this promotes a corridor/stepping stone concept linking both open water and reedbed habitats together, both within and without the County. • Improve public understanding of open water and reedbed habitat issues.
3.5.3 Surrey BAP: relevant targets Standing Open Water: • Identify and classify water quality and establish a database for open water sites. • All important conservation sites to be given statutory protection. • All important sites to have management plans in place. • To establish an open waters habitat group.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 17 • To create 5 x 10ha and 100 x <0.25ha new open standing water bodies. • Develop a strategy to deal with the integrity of the South West London Reservoirs and Gravel Pits Special Protection Area/RAMSAR (i.e. the London Waterfowl Strategy).
Reedbeds: • All important conservation sites to be given statutory protection. • Identify all existing sites over 2 hectares, or which hold populations of key species, and establish a database. • Ensure all important sites have management plans in place. • To establish a reedbed habitat group. • To identify locations for future reedbed creation. • To create 100ha of new reedbed.
The importance for wildlife of both standing open water and reedbeds, means that where both occur, a balance will be sought to optimise the overall biodiversity of the water body.
3.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives 3.6.1 Improve the quality of existing habitat • Target: Achieve a “favourable” rating on all SSSI land in the Borough.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Implement management plan for 100% of annual SBC Plantlife, 2008 I Shortwood Common Pond (see targets achieved. NE, SNHS, Appendices). EA
Acquire medium-term funding Apply for Higher SBC Grazier, 2008 II for sites. Level Stewardship NE, on Shortwood DEFRA Common Pond.
3.6.2 Protect all known sites of conservation value • Target: Protect wildlife from excessive amounts of litter at Shortwood Pond
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Aim to control Use close SBC Angling club 2008 II angling and season and/or associated invite an litter. angling club to manage the fishing at Shortwood Pond. Engage Encourage SBC SCPV, SNHS 2008 I community in local residents helping to keep to join SCPV’s the pond clean. ‘Spring Clean’ and ‘Autumn Clean’ events.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 18 4 Habitat Action Plan: Unimproved Meadows
4.1 Habitat Definition
Unimproved meadows are habitats dependent on traditional farming methods practiced for thousands of years. This habitat category refers to grasslands, meadows and pastures that have a fairly neutral soil pH and do not tend to extremely dry or wet conditions. The term unimproved refers to the fact that no significant agricultural intensification (using fertilizers or new grass species) has taken place in these habitats.
Traditionally, unimproved meadows were either grazed, cut for hay, or a combination of both. This type of management leads to a species rich habitat that tends to have a high proportion of broad-leaved herbaceous plants to grasses. Traditionally managed meadows and pastures have an abundance of flowers from early in the year. In addition to farmland, fragments of this habitat can be found in recreational sites, churchyards, roadside verges, commons and other unexpected locations.
4.2 Current Distribution and Status
Because most unimproved meadows occur on relatively dry, even terrain, it is very easy to improve agriculturally. It has become a highly fragmented habitat and is restricted to small, isolated islands. Recent conservation survey findings estimate that less than 15,000 ha of good quality neutral grassland survives today in the UK.
Species-rich neutral grassland would have been characteristic of the pastoral landscape in the London Basin before the intensification of agriculture in the early 20th century. In Spelthorne, Dumsey Meadow and Staines Moor SSSIs contain unimproved meadows on the drier land within their boundaries. Other sites that could be classified as unimproved meadows include parts of Shortwood Common and Sunbury Park, and Priory, Birch, and Leacroft Greens, which are remnant fragments of the Staines Metropolitan Commons. Funky Footprints Nature Reserve in Shepperton is a restored former gravel workings. It has been spectacularly restored to a nature reserve in a community project involving Surrey County Council, Tarmac, St Nicholas Primary School and Spelthorne Civic Pride Volunteers. Part of the reserve contains a restoration back to unimproved meadow. There are several wildflower meadow plantings in the borough, including at Bronzefield prison and Orchard Meadow in Sunbury Park. These relatively new restorations require proper hayfield management for the flowers to thrive, but will become an excellent wildlife resource in the future, especially for birds and invertebrates.
Sites with undamaged soil (e.g. that have not been ploughed) are generally seen to have a good potential for restoration.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 19 4.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat
This habitat has suffered immense destruction, with 97% being lost between 1930 and 1984. The remaining 3% is still declining rapidly. The severe loss of unimproved neutral grasslands in Spelthorne has mirrored that in the country as a whole. Development has had a major detrimental impact on unimproved grasslands in Spelthorne. Other contributing factors to the decline of this habitat include:
• Commons legislation that impedes grazing (e.g. through complications in erecting fencing) and leads to scrub encroachment. • Agricultural improvement through drainage, ploughing, re-seeding, fertilizer treatment, arable conversion and a shift from haymaking to silage production. • Increased stocking levels leading to overgrazing in the recent past. • Decline in suitable grazing stock (rare breeds). • Recreational pressures. • Atmospheric pollution. • Fly-tipping. • Climate change.
4.4 Current Action
As mentioned in the Floodplain Grazing Marsh HAP, Spelthorne Borough Council has a 10-year Staines Moor Management Plan and an ecological survey of Dumsey Meadow to inform future management decisions. An ecological survey with management recommendations is available for Sunbury Park, whilst a 5-year management plan for Shortwood Pond has recently been completed.
4.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans 4.5.1 UK BAP: relevant objectives/targets • Arrest the depletion of unimproved lowland meadow throughout the UK. • Within SSSIs, initiate rehabilitation management for all significant stands of unimproved lowland meadow in unfavourable condition. • Wherever biologically feasible achieve favourable status of all significant stands of unimproved lowland meadow within SSSIs. • For stands outside SSSIs, wherever biologically feasible, secure favourable condition over 100% of the resource.
4.5.2 Surrey BAP: relevant objectives • Restore and create areas of neutral and acid grassland to buffer existing grass and heathland sites. Recreate habitat on degraded meadows, pastures and arable land. • Ensure that public access and recreation on neutral and acid grassland is low- impact.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 20 • Improve the protection and management of neutral grasslands in the non-farmed landscape including commons, village greens, churchyards, playing fields and roadside verges. • Ensure that seed of native origin is used in all neutral grassland restoration/creation schemes, and that this is of local origin wherever possible.
4.5.3 Surrey BAP: relevant targets • All unimproved hay meadow sites to be appropriately managed and in favourable condition. • All high-quality unimproved neutral or acid pastures should be subject to an appropriate grazing regime.
4.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives
Many sites in the Borough have characteristics of unimproved meadows within their area. Please see the Floodplain Grazing Marsh HAP for actions relating to Staines Moor and Dumsey Meadow SSSIs, and the Traditional Parkland HAP for actions relating to Sunbury Park.
4.6.1 Where biologically feasible, secure favourable condition over 100% of the resource by 2015 • Target: Reintroduce grazing on Shortwood Common South.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Consult with Planning Application to SBC DEFRA 2008 I Inspectorate and SBC legal Planning department re: Commons Act Inspectorate if 2006 and how to legally obtain necessary. fencing on the Common. Assess fencing and maintenance Fencing/ SBC 2009 I requirements to reintroduce maintenance works livestock. list. Complete fencing and Cows on common SBC MM 2010 II maintenance works, reintroduce Y/N. grazing.
• Target: Manage small village greens and other small sites in the Borough as wildlife areas.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Identify potential sites and source Compile report for SBC 2009 I funding: focus on Commons and Head of SNCIs. Environment Services to evaluate. Garner support from residents. Education SBC 2009 II campaign to all residents bordering the sites.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 21 Provide bat and bird boxes, insect Aim to provide one SBC SNHS, 2009 III homes, deadwood, or wildflower of these wildlife SCPV, plug plants, to interested residents amenities in at least ESCV, within 500m of site. Provision 75% of sites. STW, FOSP and installation of equipment to be supervised by an SBC officer.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 22 5 Habitat Action Plan: Historic Parkland
5.1 Habitat Definition
This habitat belongs within the broader UK priority habitat of “Wood Pasture and Parkland.” Historical land management practices, and the presence of important historic, cultural, and/or landscape features broadly define this habitat.
Lowland wood pastures and parks are habitats where there has been a tradition of grazing livestock amongst trees. This had lead to a typical vegetation structure of large open-grown trees interspersed with grassland, heathland or woodland flora. There are no reliable statistics on the extent of the overall resource, or on historical and current rates of loss or degradation of this type of habitat. The figure of 10-20,000 ha 'currently in a working condition' given in the habitat statement of the UK Biodiversity Steering Group report is the current best estimate.
Because this habitat is quite broad, the UK HAP has provided further definitions of wood pasture:
• Lowland wood pastures and parklands derived from medieval forests and emparkments, wooded common, parks and pastures with trees in them. Some have subsequently had a designed landscape superimposed in the 16th to 19th centuries. A range of native species usually predominates amongst the old trees but there may be non-native species that have been planted or have regenerated naturally. • Parklands with their origins in the 19th century or later that contain much older trees derived from an earlier landscape. • Under-managed and unmanaged wood pastures with veteran trees, in a matrix of secondary woodland or scrub that has developed by regeneration and/or planting. • Parkland or wood pasture that has been converted to other land uses such as arable fields, forestry and amenity land, but where surviving veteran trees are of nature conservation interest. Some of the characteristic wood pasture and parkland species may have survived this change in state.
5.2 Current Distribution and Status
Sunbury and Laleham Parks, and Stanwell Place are all historic parklands within Spelthorne.
The Manor of Sunbury is referred to in the Sunbury Charter of 962, and the current park boundaries are encompassed within the boundaries of the estate on a map of Sunbury manor in 1722.4 The park is composed of several elements including a
4 Reynolds, S (Ed). 1962. ‘Sunbury: Manors’, A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 3: Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell, Sunbury, pp. 53-7. URL: http://www.british- history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=22249. Date accessed: 23 January 2008.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 23 Walled Garden, a ha-ha, a small woodland, and a large meadow with several outstanding veteran trees, of both native and cultivated species.
Laleham Park is located on the site of the former Laleham Manor, which is mentioned as one of the four appurtenances of Staines in the charter of Edward the Confessor granting and confirming lands to Westminster Abbey.5 The grounds of Laleham Park are home to numerous mature trees, and a diverse riparian habitat along the Thames.
The manor of Stanwell was recorded in the Domesday book, and the present manor house at Stanwell Place probably stands in the place of the manor house from the 14th century.6 Stanwell Place formerly belonged to the King of Iraq4, but currently the northern part of the site is being extracted for gravel. Stanwell Place has excellent woodland and wetland habitats in a historic parkland setting, and is a site that could provide considerable wildlife benefits and public amenity space in the future.
5.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat
• Lack of younger generations of trees producing skewed age structures, leading to breaks in continuity of dead wood habitat and loss of specialised dependent species. • Loss of veteran trees through disease (e.g. Dutch elm disease, oak dieback), physiological stress, such as drought and storm damage, and competition for resources with surrounding younger trees. • Removal of veteran trees and dead wood through perceptions of safety and tidiness where sites have high amenity use, forest hygiene, the supply of firewood or vandalism. • Damage to trees and roots from soil compaction and erosion caused by trampling by livestock and people, and car parking. • Changes to ground-water levels leading to water stress and tree death, resulting from abstraction, drainage, neighbouring development, roads, prolonged drought and climate change. • Isolation and fragmentation of the remaining parklands and wood-pasture sites in the landscape. (Many of the species dependent on old trees are unable to move between these sites due to their poor powers of dispersal and the increasing distances they need to travel). • Pollution derived either remotely from industry and traffic, or locally from agro- chemical application and nitrogen enrichment from pasture overstocking, causing damage to epiphyte communities and changes to soils.
5 'Spelthorne Hundred: Laleham', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 2: General; Ashford, East Bedfont with Hatton, Feltham, Hampton with Hampton Wick, Hanworth, Laleham, Littleton (1911), pp. 396-401. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=22215. Date accessed: 23 January 2008.
6 'Stanwell: Manors', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 3: Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell, Sunbury, Teddington, Heston and Isleworth, Twickenham, Cowley, Cranford, West Drayton, Greenford, Hanwell, Harefield and Harlington (1962), pp. 36-41. URL: http://www.british- history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22239. Date accessed: 14 February 2008.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 24 5.4 Current Action
The Surrey Wildlife Trust in 2001 completed an ecological survey of Sunbury Park and Orchard Meadow, which includes management recommendations. Spelthorne Borough Council has completed a 2006-2008 management plan for Sunbury Park, with a commitment to improving biodiversity in the park through this Biodiversity Action Plan.
A strategy for projects to improve Laleham Park is currently underway.
Groundwork Thames Valley is currently working with the landowners and Surrey County Council on some habitat works at Stanwell Place. The intention is to expand this in the future to include community consultation/involvement and to undertake further habitat enhancement works to the lake and woodland areas.
5.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans 5.5.1 UK BAP: relevant objectives/targets • Maintain the current extent and distribution of the total resource of wood- pasture and parkland. • Initiate in areas where examples of derelict wood-pasture and parkland occur a programme to restore 2,500ha to favourable ecological condition.
5.5.2 Surrey BAP: relevant objectives • Maintain the hectarage of all existing wood pasture and parkland by preventing loss and damage. • Ensure favourable management is put into practice for all wood pasture and parkland and its ancient trees, taking into account the various features of interest, with the aim that management is carried out under agreed management schemes wherever possible. • Restore and create areas of wood pasture to extend and buffer existing sites. Recreate habitat on neglected or overgrazed sites, prioritising sites where ancient trees stand and not neglecting heaths and commons where open grown selected trees can be allowed to grow. • Ensure that public access and recreation in wood pasture and parkland is of low impact and sensitively managed to avoid disturbance, especially to vital dead wood habitats. • Raise awareness of the value of wood pasture and parkland and the ancient trees and biodiversity of this habitat in Surrey.
5.5.3 Surrey BAP: relevant targets • All of Surrey’s wood pastures and parklands, and their ancient trees to be under, or directed towards, positive management. • Restore 375 ha of wood pasture and parkland at carefully targeted sites. Restoration should be directed towards the enlargement of existing sites and upon recently abandoned or overgrazed habitat.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 25
5.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives 5.6.1 Ensure favourable management for historic parkland in Spelthorne • Target: Enhance the biodiversity at Sunbury Park.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Replant wildflower plugs in 10% of meadow SBC FOSP 2008 I Orchard Meadow boundary replanted/year. plantings. Plant a variety of native British 200 bulbs/year. SBC FOSP 2008 II bulbs. Implement annual hay cut in 1 hay cut/year. SBC 2008 I Sunbury Park (late summer) to mimic historical management. Ensure that a mosaic of sward heights is created. Assess woodland area and 10% of woodland SBC FOSP 2009 II target for biodiversity replanted/year. management, including removing sycamore saplings and replanting understory to increase nesting and feeding opportunities for invertebrates, birds and bats.
Target: Investigate opportunities to improve the biodiversity at Laleham Park
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Investigate planting and Wildflower SBC SCPV 2008 II maintaining a wildflower meadow project a meadow in the park. part of the Laleham Park refurbishment. Investigate a partnership with Farmland bird SBC 2008 II Laleham Farm to enhance project a part of farmland bird habitat in the park, the Laleham Park such as leaving rough grassland refurbishment. for skylark.
Target: Ensure that works in historical parkland are carried out appropriately, sensitively, and with regard for the conservation of biodiversity
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Ensure that tree works on Contractor hired SBC Ongoing I veteran trees are carried out to do veteran tree sensitively. work possess necessary experience and qualifications. Ensure that tree work occurs Tree works only SBC Ongoing I only during periods that affect occur outside of as few species as possible these time frames (generally November to in exceptional
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 26 February although could be any circumstances. time of year for bats).
Practice ‘ring-barking’ to 1 ring-barked SBC Ongoing II promote standing dead wood tree/year. where it is not a safety hazard. (excluding veteran trees) Promote a mixed age stand of Tree planting, SBC SCPV, 2008 III trees in historic parkland, and acorn/seed STW encourage open-grown trees. planting, or natural regeneration as appropriate. Reduce safety risk from Assess feasibility SBC 2008 I standing deadwood by of moving discouraging people from footpaths away moving into potentially from standing hazardous areas deadwood and/or excluding access with log piles or longer grass
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 27 6 Habitat Action Plan: Urban
6.1 Habitat Definition The urban area can be difficult to define. One could argue that the entire Borough of Spelthorne is an urban area, with Greater London, Heathrow airport, landfill sites, several artificial reservoirs, and one of the busiest motorways in Britain all within, or adjoining, the Borough. For the purposes of the Spelthorne BAP, the urban area will be defined as the built up and developed part of the Borough that contains industrial, commercial, and residential areas, as well as its open spaces not covered under other sections of the BAP.
Spelthorne Borough Council has a real opportunity to help influence positive moves towards increasing biodiversity within its urban boundaries and to lead the Spelthorne community by example with its environmental targets. What happens in our towns and cities is of overriding importance to the future of biodiversity everywhere. Because most people live in urban areas, attitudes to wildlife and conservation are mostly developed in these regions. The connection between providing for wildlife (a bird feeder) and the consequence (seeing birds at close quarters) can be very immediate and rewarding in the urban environment.
There is a great potential to increase biodiversity in urban areas. Even small improvements over such large regions will have impacts on providing habitat, food and shelter for many species of plants and animals, especially those that can adapt to living in an urban environment. With a little help and conscious effort by those that live, work, and play here, we can make definitive strides to improving biodiversity in the borough.
6.2 Current Distribution and Status
Approximately 34% of Spelthorne is urbanised. This figure excludes the surface of water reservoirs. Spelthorne has approximately 750 hectares of publicly-accessible ‘open space’, including common land, playing fields, allotments, golf courses, and cemeteries. Nationally, it has been estimated that domestic gardens cover over one million hectares, an area larger than that accounted for all nature reserves combined.
The importance of domestic gardens cannot be underestimated. According to the Forum for Gardening with Wildlife in Mind, a group of 45 public and private sector organisations, including Natural England, Butterfly Conservation, Notcutts Garden Centres, and the Royal Horticultural Society:
“Gardens cover up to a quarter of the land surface in our towns and cities and act as a ‘food supermarkets’ for visiting and breeding birds and mammals. They support great plant diversity and are a major wildlife habitat for invertebrates, on which most other animals – as well as essential life processes – depend.”7
7 ‘Let our gardens live! A manifesto for gardens, people and nature (2007). Prepared by organisations belonging to the “Forum for Gardening with Wildlife in Mind.” Accessed 8 Feb 2008 from http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/breathingplaces/manifesto.htm
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 28 6.3 Factors Affecting the Habitat
The most important factor affecting urban spaces in Spelthorne is the pressure for development and redevelopment. There is particular pressure on previously developed or “brownfield” sites, many of which have rich communities of plants and animals.
Other factors affecting the suitability of urban habitat for wildlife include:
• Eutrophication of watercourses and reservoirs from agricultural runoff and over- stocking of fish. • Inappropriate management of public spaces: too-frequent cutting of grass, over- zealous tree care and use of pesticides/herbicides. • Unsympathetic waterway engineering, e.g. concrete banks. • Pesticide and herbicide use in domestic gardens/lawns, e.g. slug pellet poisoning of garden birds and hedgehogs. • Spread of invasive species from domestic gardens. • Impact of predation by domestic pets. • Damage to street trees by utilities. • Increased potential of killing wildlife on roads. • Isolation and fragmentation of wildlife sites due to urban development. • Concreting over of private gardens to provide car parking. • Dog fouling: causes nutrient enrichment of the soil and can change the ecology of an area, it may also lead to littering.
6.4 Current Action
Many positive steps have recently been introduced to raise public consciousness. Wildlife gardening and composting in domestic gardens has exploded in popularity, with many resources available for the public. The need for local authorities to cut costs has resulted in a reduction in the intensity of management of open spaces. Heightened interest in the natural environment has led to a growth in the number of community groups actively involved in its protection and enhancement.
6.5 Overarching Biodiversity Action Plans 6.5.1 UK BAP: relevant objectives/targets • N/A.
6.5.2 Surrey BAP: relevant objectives • Protect and enhance urban sites that are already known to be important. • Identify other possible key sites; and take measures to protect them. • Promote the enhancement of existing habitats, the creation of new habitats and the linking of habitats through corridor creation. • Ensure that all significant new development proposals are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, where appropriate.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 29 • Help to ensure that new developments produce a demonstrable gain for wildlife. • Increase awareness in all sectors of society of the value and significance of urban wildlife and of the role that people can play in providing for it. • Create and improve opportunities for organisations and people of all ages to take action for wildlife. • Contribute towards making development more sustainable by reducing the imprint that urban areas make on the rest of the county.
6.5.3 Surrey BAP: relevant targets • Each Borough, District, Parish and Town Council, wildlife organisation, school, business, garden and allotment society to address the issues in this plan and develop its own agenda for wildlife action. • Each local authority to produce a web-based directory of local groups, greenspaces and local sources of advice. • Declare all suitable informal greenspace land in Council ownership as Local Nature Reserves. • 50% of accessible urban greenspaces of over 1ha to have interpretation. • Each local authority to have access to urban biodiversity expertise. • Develop a mechanism which will ensure that all new developments incorporate informal greenspace for wildlife. • Web-based advice on wildlife gardening to be made available to the public through all local authority web sites. • All urban schools to have access to a wildlife area.
6.6 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan Objectives: 6.6.1 Engage the Spelthorne Community to protect and enhance biodiversity in the borough • Target: Educate the Spelthorne community about biodiversity.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Improve and update biodiversity Annual update. SBC SWT, Surrey 2008 I information on SBC’s website, (UBAP) or include links to the Surrey Biodiversity Partnership website. Include topics such as wildlife gardening, natural lawn care, water-saving gardens, amenity provisions for wildlife, keeping gardens green, and meadow creation. Prepare and present wildlife 2 talks/year. SBC 2008 II gardening talk to interested community groups, including allotment holders.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 30 Develop a demonstration Self-sustaining SBC 2010 III wildlife garden in a suitable wildlife garden in allotment site – could developed place. into a community project, or a project targeted to a specific user group.
Maintain a compost Compost SBC Allotment 2010 III demonstration on an allotment demonstration in holders site. place.
Co-ordinate with local 6 press SBC SCPV, 2008 II community groups to ensure releases/year SNHS, press releases are distributed ESCV, about biodiversity/conservation APSM, news. FOSP, STW Other awareness-raising At least 2 SBC SCPV, 2008 I initiatives for biodiversity by days/year SNHS, local groups, such as provision ESCV, of information and staff for open APSM, days, fairs, or displays will be FOSP, STW supported by SBC. Support the biodiversity Identification of SBC SCPV, 2008 I initiatives of local community volunteer SNHS, groups and local residents, and opportunities on ESCV, involve them in the management SBC sites and APSM, of SBC sites where it is desired communication of FOSP, STW and feasible. this to local groups for input into annual work plans. Work with private landowners to Biodiversity SBC 2008 III create or restore habitat, officer to liaise especially on or adjacent to with landowners designated sites, or if the land as opportunities could be a part of a wildlife arise. corridor. Assess opportunities for Report identifying SBC SCPV, 2010 II declaring Local Nature Reserves sites SNHS, in the borough. ESCV, FOSP, STW
• Target: Encourage the business community to enhance biodiversity
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Prepare and present talk to 2 talks/year. SBC 2008 II businesses about how they can contribute to biodiversity enhancement.
• Target: Co-ordinate with Spelthorne BC contractors to enhance biodiversity on Council grounds.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Reduce pesticide usage to essential Training SBC 2008 I use only at grounds managed by course for SBC. grounds maintenance
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 31 managers. Increase wildlife amenity in parks Assess and SBC SNHS, SCPV, 2008 I by providing areas of natural grass, source ESCV, STW bird/bat boxes, tree-planting, funding and hedges, habitat piles, etc. resources for 3 parks/year. All SBC 2008 I management plans for council-owned sites to include biodiversity provision. Ditch clearance on SBC land to be All ditches SBC SNHS, SCPV, 2008 I performed sensitively where with protected ESCV practicable and in all cases where species and protected species occur. Methods 50% of other include clearance of ditches on a ditches to be rotational basis, or alternate bank cleared using clearance. alternate methods. Potential for council-owned land to Plan SBC SNHS, SCPV, 2008 II be managed as part of wildlife developed and ESCV corridors to be assessed, especially implemented along the River Ash. where feasible.
6.6.2 Surrey UBAP targets and Local Authorities • Target: Maintain continuity in goals between overarching and local Biodiversity Action Plans.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Update the Spelthorne Update SBC Surrey 2008 I Biodiversity Action Plan regularly Spelthorne UBAP to accommodate actions within the BAP annually. Surrey UBAP. Ensure that all departments within Regular SBC SBC 2008 I Spelthorne BC consult with consultation Environment Services where with relevant relevant to maintain Best Practice departments. with regards to biodiversity.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 32 7 Species Action Plan: Brown Galingale (Cyperus fuscus)
7.1 Species Definition
Brown galingale is a small, rush-like plant with numerous compressed spikelets that hide tiny flowers. The scales of the spikelets are a chestnut brown colour, but with prominent green midribs. The stems are triangular, and can grow to 20cm, but are often considerably shorter. Brown galingale is an annual that germinates as water levels recede seasonally, and flowers from July into the autumn.
Brown galingale’s preferred habitat is damp silty peats and gravels on exposed unshaded pond margins. Seasonal fluctuations in the water level are required for germination. Brown galingale is associated with common land traditionally grazed by cattle or ponies, thriving on ground disturbance from trampling by grazing animals.
7.2 Current Distribution and Status
Brown galingale is classified as a ‘vulnerable’ in the Vascular Plant Red List for Great Britain (JNCC, 2005), meaning that it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, having undergone at least a 30% decline in area occupancy in Britain since the 1930s. It has recently been added to the list of priority UK BAP species because it continues to decline
Brown galingale is present at 6 sites in the UK, one of which is Shortwood Pond. It has been selected by Plantlife International as one of its 101 ‘Back from the Brink’ species, and work by Plantlife resulted in a spectacular re-emergence of over 10 000 plants at the pond in 2003.
7.3 Factors Affecting the Species
There are a number of factors contributing to the decline of brown galingale in the UK:
• Overgrowth and neglect of ponds. • Operation affecting the water table/catchment, including drainage, abstraction, water regulation, building development and mineral extraction. (this species is sensitive to alterations in the seasonal fluctuation of water levels) • Invasion of vigorous non-native species. • A decline in traditional grazing methods. • Water pollution.
Positive management for brown galingale populations include retaining or restoring an appropriate grazing regime, occasional pollarding of bankside trees and dredging if necessary, and control of invasive species, especially non-natives.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 33 7.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives
Objective: To manage Shortwood Common Pond in such a way as to encourage a sustainable brown galingale population.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority To follow the Shortwood Common To complete all SBC Plantlife, 2008 I Pond management plan 2007-2009 priority I and II NE, EA, to encourage and monitor brown actions in the SNHS galingale. management plan by 2009. Priority III actions to be costed by 2007, and completed by 2009 if funding available. To apply for external funding to Bid application by SBC Same as 2008 I fund management works. September 2007. above. To gain support from local residents Annual SBC SNHS 2008 I for management plan works. presentation at SBC to inform local residents and community organizations of management plan targets and works.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 34 8 Species Action Plan: Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus)
8.1 Species Definition
The stag beetle is one of the UK’s largest and most impressive beetles. The male stag beetle is easily identified by its length of up to 7cm, black-brown wing cases, and characteristically enlarged mandibles that appear to be huge ‘antlers.’ Female stag beetles are slightly smaller than males, and do not have antlers.
Stag beetles take about five years to reach their recognisable ‘beetle’ stage. The female will lay small round eggs below ground close to rotting wood, favouring log piles, roots and tree stumps. The larvae will then feed on the decaying wood for most of their lives, gradually growing to be up to 11cm long. The larvae will then pupate by building a large, round cocoon in the soil and emerge as adults in late spring, and then fly off to find mates. Most adult stag beetles will die off by the end of summer, although very rarely they will survive through the winter. During their short adult lives, the males will spend their days sunning themselves in an attempt to gather strength for flying in search of a mate in the evening.
8.2 Current Distribution and Status
Southern England is a stronghold for stag beetles, and in Spelthorne, we are at the heart of the stag beetles’ UK range, which is concentrated in the Thames Valley, north-east Essex and Suffolk, and the New Forest. Two sites of European importance for stag beetle, Wimbledon Common Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Richmond Park SAC, lie within 15km of Spelthorne’s boundary.
Historically, the stag beetle has been recorded throughout much of western Europe, though in many countries populations have been declining and it is now globally threatened. As a consequence, stag beetles are protected here in the UK by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) to prevent them from being gathered and sold by collectors. Much of the decline can be attributed to the tidying-up of parks and woods, especially management such as stump grinding or stump removal, which will destroy any stag beetle larvae living underground in the dead wood. The stag beetle is a UK BAP priority species, and is listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, so it is a species protected by European legislation as well.
Stag beetles are not just important in their own right, they serve as a 'flagship' for a whole range of animals, plants and fungi that are dependent on dead wood. Many of these are becoming rare for the same reasons that stag beetles are declining - the removal of dead wood and the tidying-up of parks and woods.
8.3 Factors Affecting the Species
• Private collection
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 35 • Tidying-up of parks, woodlands and gardens, through the removal of dead wood (by stump-grinding, uprooting, burning, chipping or tipping) • Loss of habitat through re-development • Perceptions as a ‘creepy-crawly’ or potential pest leading to persecution or intentional destruction
8.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives
Objective: To preserve and enhance habitat for stag beetles.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Retain as much deadwood on SBC Inspection of SBC SNHS, 2008 I sites as is practicable. deadwood by SCPV, biodiversity officer ESCV at all sites where removal is considered. Provide additional habitat for stag 2 buried log SBC SNHS, 2008 II beetles, e.g. buried log/sawdust piles piles/yr SCPV, at selected SBC sites ESCV Educate residents on the importance Dedicated web SBC SWT, SCPV 2008 II of retaining deadwood. page on SBC’s website or the SWT wiki about stag beetle habitat requirements, with links to national organisations. Leaflets to be available upon request. Collect dead beetles for public displays. Publicise the People’s Trust for Link on website SBC SCPV, 2008 I Endangered Species annual ‘Great and article in the ESCV, Stag Hunt’ survey. Borough Bulletin SNHS
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 36 9 Species Action Plan: Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
9.1 Species Definition
The song thrush is a familiar, usually solitary bird of parks and gardens, hedgerows, and woodland. Song thrushes eat snails, which they like to break open by smashing against rocks. They also eat worms and fruit.
Most song thrushes in the UK stay in the same area all year.
The song thrush’s long breeding season lasts from March to August, as up to three broods can be raised per year. Nesting occurs low down in any suitable cover, including trees and shrubs, among creepers on walls, and on the ground amongst thick vegetation. The general life expectancy of a song thrush is three to four years.
9.2 Current Distribution and Status
Song thrushes are a UK priority species because of their severe population declines. Since the 1970s, song thrushes have declined by approximately 70% in farmland habitats and 50% in woodland habitats.
Song thrushes and their nests are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, or to damage or destroy its eggs, young or nest. It is therefore essential to ensure nests are not destroyed if hedge trimming or tree felling has to be carried out in the breeding season.
9.3 Factors Affecting the Species
Reasons for the decline of the song thrush are poorly understood, but may relate to the following factors:
• Lack of food and nesting habitats brought on by the increase in intensive agriculture • Loss of hedgerows and wet ditches • Loss or degradation of cattle-grazed permanent pasture • Severe winter weather and dry soil conditions affecting food supply. • Predation by corvids and foxes. • Competition with blackbirds. • Hunting in southern France.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 37 9.4 Spelthorne Biodiversity Plan Objectives
Objective: To preserve and enhance habitat for song thrushes.
Action Measure Lead Partners Start Priority Manage Spelthorne’s parks to SBC to maintain SBC 2008 I encourage song thrush nesting and appropriately foraging habitat. chosen areas of minimal management in parks to provide nesting and foraging habitat for song thrush. Educate residents on the habitat Dedicated web SBC SWT, SCPV 2008 II requirements for song thrush, and page on SBC’s emphasise the importance of website or the SWT maintaining ‘untidy’ areas in the wiki about song garden wherever possible. thrush habitat requirements, with links to national organisations. Leaflets to be available upon request.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 38
10 Appendices
10.1 Staines Moor Management Plan 2004-2014 Targets
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 39
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 40 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 41
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 42 Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 43
10.2 Shortwood Common Works List 2008-2012
Priority Works Required Year to be performed Ongoing after 2012? 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 1 Works register * * * * * Y 1 Pollarding bankside trees by Shortwood Ave * * Y (every 5-10 years) 1 New fencing - Shortwood South * N
1 High Level Stewardship application * N 1 Mechanical weed management * * * * * Y (annual until 2017) 1 Chemical weed management * * * * * Y (annual until 2017) 1 Ongoing maintenance - * * * * * Y (annual) boardwalk, kissing gates, litter picks 2 Determining natural sediment buildup * N 2 Determining presence of contamination * N 2 Reed management - * * * Y (every 2-5 years) by cutting or weed-wiping 2 Pollarding island trees * Y (every 5-10 years) 2 Amphibian Survey * N 2 Aquatic Invertebrate Survey * N 3 Managing contaminated silt * N 3 Removing natural sediment buildup * N
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 44
10.3 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (from the Spelthorne Borough Local Plan, 2001)
Site Location Area Grid Site Description Reason for Selection Reference (Ha) Reference n1 Moor Lane 4.53 TQ Wetland Nature Reserve with two Contains wetland habitats with a wide Nature 024726 mesotrophic lakes, important for range of species including 3 County Reserve, wildfowl and a pond associated ditch. rarities of which one, Small Water Moor Lane, Each area contains floating, submerged Pepper, has been identified as nationally Staines and emergent aquatic vegetation. scarce. Also site is close to several other Willows and other broad-leaved tree large water bodies including 3 reservoirs species surround the lakes. to the north. Site supports a good range of odonata and commoner breeding and wintering wildfowl.
n2 Wraysbury 257.90 TQ Reservoir with steeply sloping, terraced, The large water body is important for Reservoir 025746 improved grassland banks grazed by Tufted Duck and Shoveler and is sheep. The main interest is in wintering nationally important for Great Crested wildfowl. Grebes and Cormorants.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 45 n3 Wraysbury 1.24 TQ This site is a natural river channel with The selected site only includes the river River west 033750 good marginal vegetation along the and an 8m buffer zone to the west. The of Poyle western bank. The eastern bank of the river supports diverse macroinvertebrate Meadows, river forms part of the flood meadow of fauna including a Red Data Book species, Horton Poyle Meadows and is included within a riffle beetle (Ouliminius major). The Road, Poyle the Staines Moor SSSI. This stretch of bank supports Blue Water-Speedwell river is shown by the Environment which is scarce in Surrey and Arrowhead Agency to be in the top 13% of UK which is also uncommon. watercourses due to its macroinvertebrate diversity. Other habitats include adjoining grassland part of which supports botanical interest. n4 Land east of 3.26 TQ Wetland with pond and associated Diversity of habitats including wetland Poyle 035753 aquatic features and grassland with which support species indicative of Meadows, hedges and scrub communities. Thames Alluvial soils and includes a rare Horton and declining rush, Common Clubrush. Road, Poyle It also supports the nationally notable Roesel's Bush Cricket. n5 Greenhams 0.38 TQ Remnant of old gravel working now a The lake and a 10m buffer strip contain Fishing 037751 fishing lake in the corner of a field used two nationally scarce water beetles Pond, for grazing. typical of good fresh water habitats. Hithermoor, Leylands Lane, Stanwell Moor
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 46 n6 River Colne 4.42 TQ River Colne, a fast flowing river with The Environment Agency's data shows (from 038746 good aquatic and marginal vegetation and that this section of the river falls within Airport areas of bare ground which are attractive the top 10% of the EA's watercourses Way to to breeding birds. nationally due to its diverse Staines macroinvertebrate fauna. The selected Moor), area includes the river and an 8m buffer Stanwell corridor on either side. Moor n7 Land east of 5.56 TQ Mosaic of gravel pits and ditches Main interest lies in the relatively large Stanwell 048745 supporting a range of marginal vegetation area of fen vegetation (approximately 5 Moor Road, including fen. hectares) which is of County importance. Stanwell Also important for other wetland habitats, (Stanwell such as reed beds which support Reed II) Bunting. n8 Princes 43.81 TQ Large body of standing water with bare This wetland site supports large numbers Lake west 072725 ground, tall grass, scrub and dense of wintering wildfowl including of willows. A large island in the centre of Shoveler. Clockhouse the lake provides a valuable refuge for Lane, nesting and rearing birds. Ashford n9 Land 1.56 TQ Semi-improved, dry meadow with Remnant of a once much larger area of adjoining 052717 species indicative of unimproved Thames rare and declining habitat supporting Shortwood alluvial soil. species typical of unimproved Thames Farm, alluvial meadow including Meadow Staines Barley, Yellow Oat Grass, Rough Hawkbit and Rough Hawksbeard.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 47 n10 Shortwood 5.25 TQ Semi-improved, dry meadow with Remnant of an important alluvial Common 050717 species indicative of unimproved Thames grassland contiguous to Shortwood (part only alluvial soil. Common SSSI. Dry alluvial meadows adjoining are an important and declining habitat. SSSI) n11 Land north 5.47 TQ Sheep-grazed, tussocky, wet grassland This type of wetland grassland is of Birch 038721 with ant hills, lying between the River uncommon and declining in the County. Green, Ash and a water channel. Areas of the Staines river have diverse emergent flora. (between bypass and aqueduct) n12 Land west 36.45 TQ A complex of lakes, scrub and grassland The wetland habitat supports a good of Queen 070700 with ruderal communities, created by old variety of aquatic species. It is of County Mary gravel workings. There is a strip of to regional ornithological importance, Reservoir, woodland along the western side and the supporting Little Ringed Plover, Ashford eastern boundary is the River Ash. The Kingfisher, Water Rail and Smew in Road, site provides important additional addition to a wide range of breeding and Laleham habitats to the adjacent Queen Mary overwintering populations. Reservoir. n13 Queen 320.42 TQ Large body of open water, with tightly Interest lies in significant numbers of Mary 062696 grazed slopes, willow scrub and some wildfowl and visiting seabirds. Reservoir planted trees. Nationally important for Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Gadwall and Shoveler.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 48 n14 Land east of 16.26 TQ Eutrophic lakes with steep sides and This wetland site is important for Charlton 088694 surrounded by willows and other wintering wildfowl including Shoveler. Village broadleaved trees. (north M3) n15 Lake at 6.88 TQ Approximately 30 year old gravel This wetland habitat supports a number Nutty Lane, 078684 working with mature willows and scrub of typical species of which one, Flat Shepperton around lake with a good marginal Stalked Pondweed, is a County rarity. vegetation. n16 Penton 4.22 TQ A large island in the River Thames. The Contains a diversity of good wetland Hook 043692 peripheral vegetation is dominated by habitats with several notable species Island, willows and the interior by elder and including Round Fruited Rush, a County Thames hawthorn thicket. rarity. Side, Laleham n17 Land west 39.77 TQ Two large lakes bordering the River Good range of wetland habitats important of Littleton 056676 Thames bisected by the M3 that are for wintering wildfowl and 5 species Lane, important for wintering wildfowl. found on the RSPB's Birds of Shepperton Conservation Concern (1996) including Pochard, Herring Gull, Lapwing, Kingfisher and Goldfinch.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 49 n18 Littleton 44.28 TQ Large body of eutrophic water, now a Important wetland for both wintering and Lake, 064675 sailing club, contiguous with site n19, summer breeding birds. The bird interest Littleton Sheepwalk Lake reserve (SWT). Three comes from over 100 species recorded at Lane, small islands provide ideal sanctuaries for the site, such as Great Crested Grebe, Shepperton breeding birds. Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Common Term, and Kingfisher, all of which breed regularly. Songbirds such as Wren, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler use the mature banks and islands. In the winter months up to 2000 wildfowl such as Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Smew, Gadwall, Teal and Widgeon use the area.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 50 n19 Sheep Walk 16.73 TQ This Surrey Wildlife Trust Reserve is Important wetland for both wintering and Lake, Sheep 067675 part of a complex of lakes, together with summer breeding birds. Nearly 300 Walk, one large and two smaller lakes. The site terrestial and aquatic plant species have Shepperton has high bird interest, being important been recorded including a County rarity wetlands for both wintering and summer and other notable species. The bird breeding birds. It is contiguous with interest comes from over 100 species Littleton Lake (n18). recorded at the site, such as Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Common Tern, and Kingfisher, all of which breed regularly. Songbirds such as Wren, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler use the mature banks and islands. In the winter months up to 2000 wildfowl such as Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Smew, Gadwall, Teal and Widgeon use the area. n20 Land east of 14.50 TQ Eutrophic lake with grass margins and This wetland habitat has good bird Sheep 071670 numerous willows and other broad- diversity for wildfowl and also supports Walk, leaved tree species which have been Herons, Little Terns, Little Ringed Shepperton planted. Plovers and Little Egrets. n21 Ferris 18.78 TQ A lake created after gravel working now This wetland habitat supports typical Meadows, 076662 occupies this site. Several grassland plants including Fringed Water Lily, a Ferry Lane, habitats now surround the lake, including County rarity. It also supports important Shepperton remnants of Thames alluvial grassland. numbers of wintering wildfowl and Wetland communities fringing the River summer breeding birds. Thames are of importance.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 51 n22 Kempton 16.93 TQ Eutrophic lake with marginal vegetation The site is important for birds and Lake and 113707 in Kempton Racecourse, and area of includes a large Heronry. The lake and Half Moon broad-leaved woodland. surrounding grassland support large Covert, numbers of wintering Teal. Staines Road East, Sunbury n23 Kempton 11.04 TQ Reservoir surrounded by improved The site is important for birds including Reservoir, 122700 grassland, and to the south a small area of Herons and for wintering wildfowl Upper semi-natural woodland. including Teal, Snipe and Shovelers. Sunbury Road, Sunbury n24 River Ash - 0.41 TQ Short section of gently flowing river with The selected area includes the river and upstream of 080684 overgrown river bank containing good an 8m buffer corridor on either side. It Nutty Lane, marginal and aquatic vegetation. falls within an area shown by the Shepperton Environment Agency to be within the top 10% of UK watercourses for macroinvertebrate diversity. The site also supports a County rarity, Fringed Water Lily.
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 52 n25 River Ash - 4.31 TQ River with good aquatic and marginal Included in the area shown by the EA to Splash 081682 flora. The section from Gaston Bridge to fall in the top 10% of UK watercourses Meadow, TQ Watersplash Farm is a good example of a due to its macroinvertebrate diversity. Old 085678 natural river channel with a good pool The selected area includes the river and Charlton TQ and riffle system. an 8m buffer corridor on either side Road to 094677 supporting good wetland vegetation Watersplash including a County rarity, Water Garm, Crowfoot. Fordbridge Road, Shepperton n26 River 188.70 TQ The River Thames sites include the river Selection of the entire length of the River Thames - 030716 (to the top of the bank) and semi-natural Thames through Spelthorne is supported County TQ habitats associated with the towpath. by English Nature and the Environment boundary to 037704 Agency who have confirmed that the Sunbury TQ Thames falls within the top 10% of UK (boundary 049692 waterways on the grounds of numbers of with LB TQ macroinvertebrate species present. The Richmond) 053676 fringing habitats provide a corridor for TQ species migration and act as a buffer zone 064666 to protect the riverine environment. The TQ Thames provides an important highway 070660 for migratory fish as well as an important TQ corridor for migratory birds. 092662 TQ 094665
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 53 11 Figures 11.1 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance in Spelthorne
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 54
11.2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Spelthorne
Staines Moor SSSI (6 units)
Kempton Park Reservoirs SSSI (1 unit)
Dumsey Meadow SSSI
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 55
11.3 SPA and RAMSAR sites in Spelthorne
Southwest London Waterbodies SPA (part)
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 56 11.4 An example of habitat loss in Spelthorne
Spelthorne Biodiversity Action Plan 57