ST56-0-036-018

INVERTEBRATE SURVEY OF SITE ADJACENT TO HAWKFIELD ROAD

SITE NAME: SITE ADJACENT TO HAWKFIELD ROAD

LOCATION: HARTCLIFFE, BRISTOL

GRID REFERENCE: ST588679

SURVEY DATES: 07/06/2011, 02/07/2011, 15/08/2011

WEATHER: DRY AND SUNNY

BRERC Third Floor Bristol Central Library College Green Bristol BS1 5TL

September 2011

BRERC

1 INTRODUCTION

Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) were asked by Bristol City Council to undertake an invertebrate survey at a site adjacent to Hawkfield Road in the Hartcliffe area of Bristol (see Map 1 ). The site is a former Multi-use Games Area which has not been in use for several years. The sandy/gritty substrate has developed an interesting brownfield flora, which appears to be used by a variety of invertebrates.

2 SURVEY

The survey included three separate visits between June and August 2011. The site was initially visited on 7 th June 2011, a second visit was made on 2 nd July 2011 with the final visit made on 15 th August 2011. All three survey days were predominantly warm, dry and sunny, in conditions favourable to the recording of flying .

Invertebrates were recorded by direct observation, netting and/or photography of larger more conspicuous species together with collection by sweep netting and soil and ground layer investigation of less conspicuous species. Some specimens and soil samples were collected for subsequent investigation and identification by microscope. Individual specimens from some groups were sent off to specialists for identification or confirmation.

Species in bold are notable in the BRERC region. Other notable features are also in Bold .

2.1 Landform

The site is 0.74 hectares in area at an altitude of approximately 55m and comprises a flat, rectangular former sports pitch with a well-drained gritty substrate upon which a diverse flora of wildflowers, shrubs and young trees has developed. Pigeonhouse stream lies 50m to the west on the opposite side of Hawkfield Road.

The underlying bedrock of the area are the Jurassic mudstones of the Lower Lias which may in places have a calcareous component.

2.2 Surrounding land

The site is in a predominantly urban area with Hartcliffe to the west and Hawkfield Business Park to the north. To the east there is a complex of schools and colleges together with areas of disused land. A large area of amenity grassland lies adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site and a wide belt of woodland abuts the northern boundary.

Within a 1km radius of the site are a number of SNCIs: Hawkfield Meadows (400m to the west), Hengrove Park (400m to the north), Crox Bottom (800m to the north-west) and East Dundry Slopes (800m to the south and south-west). On the opposite side of Hawkfield Road is the green corridor of Pigeonhouse Stream running north-south.

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2.3 Habitat Overview

The 1999 Aerial photo of the site shows the pitch with no sign of vegetation when it was presumably still in use. By 2005 low-growing vegetation is visible around the periphery of the site with tree and shrub species encroaching in the north-western corner. Some disturbance to the surface is apparent in various places. At around this time the site was seeded with wildflower mix and many of these species seem to have persisted and now represent the dominant vegetation on the site. It is not known whether any tree-planting took place at this time or whether the tree species now present have self-seeded from adjacent areas. The most recent aerial photo available (2008) shows some further scrub encroachment together with a thickening up of the pre-existing scrub in the north-west part of the site (see Map 2 ). Most of the site is a dense swathe of wildflowers with some parts remaining poorly vegetated probably due to the low nutrient content and free-draining nature of the artificial substrate. The principal habitats present on the site are shown in Map 3 .

Dense scrub

Scattered scrub

Open wildflower-rich habitat

Bryophyte-rich areas

Perimeter hedgerow

2.4 Habitat Description

Dense scrub The scrub areas include frequent Goat Willow Salix caprea , Crack Willow Salix fragilis , Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg., Buddleia Buddleja davidii and Ash Fraxinus excelsior with occasional Downy Birch Betula pubescens , Silver Birch Betula pendula , Poplar Populus sp., Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna , Dog Rose Rosa canina and Dogwood Cornus sanguinea. Many species of bird were noted in the thickets of scrub including Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita , Greenfinch Carduelis chloris , Goldcrest Regulus regulus and House Sparrow Passer domesticus .

Scattered scrub A portion of the site is now scattered scrub with frequent Buddleia Buddleja davidii and other woody species with intervening areas of tall herbs such as Wild Carrot Daucus carota (abundant), Chicory Cichorium intybus (abundant), Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea , Fennel Foeniculum vulgare , Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium , Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica , Evening Primrose Oenothera sp. and Canadian Goldenrod Solidago canadensis (all occasional). Other species present include Hedge Bedstraw Galium mollugo and seedlings of Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur and Hawthorn. Grasses also occur in patches including Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus , False Oat Grass Arrhenatherum elatius and Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata .

This type of habitat is very attractive to invertebrates providing sheltered micro-climates and a variety of food-plants and nectar sources. Notable invertebrates recorded in this habitat

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include the hoverfly Volucella inanis and the Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae (both adults and larvae on Common Ragwort) and the Tree Bee Bombus (Pyrobombus) hypnorum .

Open wildflower-rich habitat The majority of the site comprises a diverse swathe of wildflowers including several species notable in the BRERC region. The majority of these wildflowers, both common and rarer species, were probably derived from the original wildflower mix although these may have been supplemented by wild species seeding in or hybridising with the imported varieties. Of the wildflowers Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare was particularly abundant (notably in June) with Wild Carrot Daucus carota and Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria also noticeably abundant. Black Medick Medicago lupulina was also locally abundant. Other species present include Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata , Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria , Red Clover Trifolium pratense , Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra , Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus , Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus , Mouse-ear Hawkweed Pilosella officinarum , Viper's Bugloss Echium vulgare , Cornflower Centaurea cyanus and Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (all these being occasional). As these species are not part of a natural habitat it is difficult to assign them to a particular habitat type or NVC community. This combination of wildflower species is close to an assembly characteristic of calcareous grassland. The presence of abundant Kidney Vetch and Oxeye Daisy together with occasional Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Rough Hawkbit and Mouse-ear Hawkweed would under other circumstances meet the criteria for UK BAP Priority Habitat Lowland Calcareous Grassland. In other respects the species mix resembles that characteristic of neutral grassland with Oxeye Daisy, Common Knapweed, Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Agrimony and Rough Hawkbit and all these species are also indicator species for UK BAP Priority Habitat Lowland Meadow. The habitat which has developed here may be better characterised as an example of a vegetation community developed in an open disturbed area. It seems to bear some resemblance to the NVC Lolium perenne-Dactylis glomerata community (OV23) and in particular the Arrhenatherum elatius-Medicago lupulina sub-community.

Notable invertebrates recorded in this habitat include the Microplontus campestris , the ground (Ophonus) ardosiacus , Ophonus (Metophonus) puncticeps and Harpalus (Harpalus) rubripes , Adonis’ ladybird Hippodamia variegata and the Wrinkled Snail Candidula intersecta . All these species are generally associated with warm, dry, open or disturbed environments. Such habitats (and consequently the species associated with them) are relatively rare in this area. This might explain why these species have colonised this particular site.

In places, particularly in the centre of the site, the vegetation is sparse with the original gritty substrate predominating. The hard substrate here provides a number of anvils (with snail shell debris) evidently used by Song Thrush Turdus philomelos . These dry open areas also support patches of Stonecrop Sedum acre . Invertebrates recorded here include the harvestman Dicranopalpus ramosus .

In other areas Colt’s-foot Tussilago farfara , Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans and Ivy Hedera helix are locally dominant as ground cover plants.

Bryophyte-rich areas

Throughout much of the site (in both shaded and open areas) a deep layer of moss has built up on top of the original gritty substrate. The dominant moss species present is Pointed Spear Moss Calliergonella cuspidata . Samples of this were collected and investigated and

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were found to support a diverse population of invertebrates including the pill Simplocaria semistriata , the slug Arion (Kobeltia) owenii and the Milky Crystal Snail Vitrea contracta . 9 different species of springtail were also recorded from these samples including 5 species new for the BRERC database, although these species are all common and widespread in the UK although generally under-recorded.

Perimeter hedgerow A mix of tree and shrub species has developed (or may have been originally planted) around the perimeter of the site either side of the boundary fence. Tree species include Ash, Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus , White Poplar Populus alba , Goat Willow and Crack Willow with native shrubs including Dog Rose, Bramble and Dogwood. A single sapling of Rowan Sorbus aucuparia was growing near the south-east corner of the site. Several non-native shrub species are also present including Buddleia, Cotoneaster Cotoneaster horizontalis agg. and Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus . It is possible that at least in places this hedgerow-like boundary represents a UK BAP Priority Habitat Hedgerow in being predominantly composed of native species.

Some fly-tipping has occurred along the southern boundary. This dumped material provides a refuge for various invertebrate species including several species of woodlice, slugs and snails.

Mammals make use of the sight with field signs of the presence of Badger Meles meles , Fox Vulpes vulpes and Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus .

2.5 Boundaries

The perimeter of the site is delineated by the original tall metal fence to the sports pitch. A section has been removed permitting access. Tree and hedgerow species also grow along most of this perimeter.

3 RESULTS

A total of 118 species of invertebrate were recorded during the course of the survey. This includes 23 species of Diptera (true flies), 16 species of Mollusc (9 snail and 7 slug), 14 species of Coleoptera (beetles), 13 species of Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants), 12 species of Lepidoptera (9 butterfly and 3 moth), 12 species of Arachnida (9 spider and 3 harvestmen), 10 species of Collembola (springtail), 6 species of Isopoda (woodlice), 5 species of Hemiptera (bugs), 3 species of Orthoptera (2 grasshopper and 1 cricket), 1 species each of Diplopoda (millipede), Chilopoda (centipede), Dermaptera (earwig) and Annelid (worm).

9 species recorded are notable in the BRERC area. Of most significance were 4 Nationally Scarce (Nationally Notable) species: Adonis’ Ladybird Hippodamia variegata , the Ophonus (Ophonus) ardosiacus , the weevil Microplontus campestris and the hoverfly Volucella inanis . In addition 2 species notable in the BRERC area are nationally of local distribution: the ground beetles Ophonus (Metophonus) puncticeps and Harpalus (Harpalus) rubripes . The pill beetle Simplocaria semistriata is notable in the BRERC area but nationally common and the Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae ) is a BRERC notable as it is a UK BAP species. The slug Arion (Kobeltia) owenii is a BRERC notable and classed as nationally rare (although it is probably under-recorded).

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In addition 7 further species are nationally local although not currently notable in the BRERC region. This gives a total of 4 nationally scarce, 9 nationally local, 1 nationally rare and 1 UK BAP species. This is quite a good total especially for a very small and isolated site in an urban area.

An additional 6 species recorded here are entirely new records for the BRERC area. These species are all apparently common and widespread nationally but from under-recorded and generally neglected taxa (5 species of springtail and one species of aphid). Some other species recorded were from species with very few existing records on the BRERC database (for all 4 unitary authority areas) or for just the Bristol City (unitary authority) area.

A list of all these notable, significant or interesting invertebrate records from the survey is given in section 3.1

A complete list of the species recorded on the different survey dates is given in section 3.2. This allows some analysis of the species found on each date, although the absence of a species from the list for a particular date does not imply it was not present, merely that it was not noted on that day. Many of the invertebrates recorded are relatively common species which are likely to be present throughout the year.

3.1 Notable Species

Interesting and/or significant records are listed below (with notable species in the BRERC area shown in bold). An explanation of the status codes is given in Appendix 1 .

3.1.1 INSECTS

Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps and Ants)

Turnip sawfly Athalia rosae National Status: Local The 7 th record for this species on the BRERC database (and the 2nd for the Bristol area).

Small Garden Bumble Bee Bombus (Megabombus) hortorum National Status: Common Proposed BRERC Notable 2011 as currently a BNES LBAP species.

Tree Bee Bombus (Pyrobombus) hypnorum A bumble bee first recorded in the UK in 2001 in Wiltshire. Since then, the bee has spread rapidly particularly in the home counties and its spread is being monitored by BWARS (Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society). June is the peak activity time for this distinctive bumblebee and a single individual (a queen) was seen during the June visit of this survey. This is the 6 th record for this species on the BRERC database (and the first for the Bristol area). As it is relatively new to the UK it does not have a conservation status.

Ichneumon sarcitorius National Status: Unknown The 3 rd record on the BRERC database for this species of ichneumon wasp.

Coleoptera (Beetles)

Microplontus campestris National Status: Nationally Scarce (Nb)

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The 1 st record on the BRERC database for this distinctive black and white patterned weevil which is widespread but local in England and Wales. It usually occurs on disturbed ground, roadside verges and field margins. The species is phytophagous, associated with Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, which is abundant on this site. Some grazing, rotational cutting or other disturbance is normally necessary to maintain a suitable habitat for the host plant (Hyman & Parsons, 1992).

Ophonus (Metophonus) puncticeps National Status: Local BRERC status: Rare Only the second record on the BRERC database for this ground beetle normally found on dry sparsely vegetated stony or sandy soils in open situations. One individual was recorded on the August survey date.

Ophonus (Ophonus) ardosiacus National Status: Nationally Scarce (Nb) BRERC status: Rare The 3rd record on the BRERC database for this ground beetle and the first record outside of Steepholm. Officially nationally scarce, this beetle has apparently become more common in recent years. It normally favours moderately dry cultivated soils and is often to be found inside the ripening flowers of Wild Carrot where it feeds on the seeds. One individual was found inside a Wild Carrot flower on the August survey date.

Harpalus (Harpalus) rubripes National Status: Local BRERC status: Local The 3 rd record on the BRERC database for this medium-sized (8.5-12.2mm) black phytophagus ground beetle found on dry or sparsely vegetated gravelly ground often near the coast.

Curtonotus aulicus National Status: Common The 6 th record on the BRERC database (and only the second for the Bristol City area) for this seed-eating ground beetle generally found on open dry disturbed ground with herbaceous vegetation in seed.

Oedemera lurida National Status: Local Widespread in England and Wales and quite common in the Bristol area usually on flowering herbs.

Adonis' Ladybird Hippodamia variegata National Status: Nationally Scarce (Nb) BRERC status: Rare The 5th record on the BRERC database for this ladybird normally found on herbs or low shrubs on dry sandy or stony soils. Particularly rare in the south-west possibly due to the relative scarcity of this type of habitat. One individual seen on a Wild Carrot flower during the July visit.

Simplocaria semistriata National Status: Common BRERC status: Local The 4 th record on the BRERC database for this small pill beetle and the first record for Bristol. It appears to be quite rare in the south-west (according to the NBN distribution map)

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but is probably under-recorded as it is small (2mm in length) and inconspicuous. It was found in samples of moss collected on both the July and August survey dates.

Hemiptera (Bugs)

Tree Hopper Centrotus cornutus National Status: Local One individual recorded in June. The 19 th record on the BRERC database for this species but only the 3 rd known site in the Bristol City area.

Parent Bug Elasmucha grisea National Status: Common 21 records on the BRERC database for this shieldbug but only the 5th known site in the Bristol City area. The bug, which is named because of the diligent parental care shown towards its eggs and young, was seen on Italian Alder (a single female guarding its eggs).

Uroleucon sp. The 1st record on the BRERC database for this genus of aphid. There are around 20 species in the UK but little is known about their distribution and status.

Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae National Status: Common UK BAP listed Proposed BRERC Notable 2008 as UK BAP listed Common and well distributed throughout England and Wales although numbers of this moth have fallen (according to one survey by 83% in the last 35 years). Consequently the moth is currently listed as a UK BAP species. The distinctive yellow and black larvae feed gregariously on Common Ragwort. In the present survey adults were recorded in June and July and larvae in July and August.

Diptera (True Flies)

Coremacera marginata National Status: Local 11 previous records on the BRERC database for this snail-killing fly.

Conops quadrifasciatus National Status: Local A reasonably common but under-recorded conopid fly. There are 19 previous BRERC records for this species.

Volucella inanis National Status: Nationally Scarce Proposed BRERC Notable 2004 as nationally notable This large and conspicuous hoverfly has become more common in the south-east of England and in the BRERC region in recent years, but remains very restricted in distribution nationally probably due to climatic factors.

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Anthomyia procellaris National Status: Common The 9 th record for this species of fly on the BRERC database (only the 3 rd record for the Bristol area). It has also been recorded from the nearby Hawkfield Meadows SNCI.

Microchrysa polita National Status: Common The 11 th record on the BRERC database for this soldier fly.

Collembola (Springtails)

Orchesella cincta National Status: Common The 3 rd record for this species of springtail on the BRERC database (and the 1 st for Bristol). A very common and widespread but under-recorded species.

Orchesella villosa National Status: Common The 2 nd record for this species of springtail on the BRERC database and the first record for the Bristol area. This is actually a very common and widespread species but from an under- recorded group.

Tomocerus minor National Status: Common The 1 st record on the BRERC database but apparently a very common and widespread species.

Tomocerus longicornis National Status: Common The 3 rd record for this species of springtail on the BRERC database. It is a very common and widespread species, particularly in gardens.

Tomocerus vulgaris National Status: Common The 3 rd record for this species of springtail on the BRERC database although a common and widespread species.

Entomobrya multifasciata National Status: Common The 1 st record on the BRERC database but a very common and widespread species.

Entomobrya nicoleti National Status: Common The 1 st record on the BRERC database but a very common and widespread species.

Isotoma viridis National Status: Common The 1 st record on the BRERC database but a very common and widespread species.

Isotomurus palustris National Status: Common The 1 st record on the BRERC database but a very common and widespread species.

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3.1.2 OTHER INVERTEBRATES

Opiliones (Harvestmen)

Dicranopalpus ramosus National Status: Local 33 records on the BRERC database for this distinctive species of harvestman. The species is currently increasing its range having reached Europe (from Africa) in 1948 and the UK in 1957. The first record in the BRERC area dates back to 1980. Adults are not normally seen until August when one was noted in the present survey.

Diplopoda (Millipedes)

Ophyiulus pilosus National Status: Common The 5 th record on the BRERC database (and the 1 st for Bristol) for this species of snake millipede. Quite common and widespread throughout the UK but generally an under- recorded group .

Chilopoda (Centipedes)

Least lithobius Lithobius microps National Status: Common Only the 12 th record on the BRERC database and the 2nd for the Bristol area. This is a common but under-recorded species much smaller than other centipedes.

Mollusca (Snails and Slugs)

Arion (Kobeltia) owenii National Status: Rare BRERC Status: Notable This species of slug was only described in 1979 and its actual status and distribution are not yet established. There are no records for this species on the BRERC database (so this will be the first) but the NBN distribution map shows one record from Arnos Vale Cemetery from a national dataset. In this survey individuals were found in moss samples and under debris in July and August.

Milky Crystal Snail Vitrea contracta National Status: Common Regarded as a common snail nationally it is inconspicuous and under-recorded. There are 12 records on the BRERC database although this is the first record from the Bristol area. In this survey a single individual was found in a moss sample.

Wrinkled Snail Candidula intersecta National Status: Local A xerothermic species requiring dry, fairly warm conditions.

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3.2 Full Species List (Invertebrates) with number of individuals recorded on each survey date.

Survey Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3 Date 07/06/2011 02/07/2011 15/08/2011

Collembola Orchesella cincta 3 2 Orchesella villosa 2 Tomocerus longicornis 2 1 Tomocerus minor 1 Tomocerus vulgaris 1 Entomobrya nivalis 1 1 Entomobrya nicoleti 1 Entomobrya multifasciata 1 Isotoma viridis 1 Isotomurus palustris 1

Hymenoptera Athalia rosae 1 Bombus pascuorum 3 3 5 Bombus lapidarius 3 4 7 Bombus terrestris 1 1 Bombus hortorum 4 Bombus hypnorum 1 Bombus vestalis 1 1 Apis mellifera 3 5 Vespula vulgaris 1 2 Ichneumon sarcitorius 1 Diplolepis rosae 1 Lasius flavus 10 10 Lasius niger 10 100 100

Coleoptera Curtonotus aulicus 1 1 Harpalus affinis 1 Harpalus rubripes 1 Ophonus ardosiacus 1 1 Coccinella 1 3 2 septempunctata Hippodamia variegata 1 Oedemera lurida 5 2 Oedemera nobilis 1 1 Cassida rubiginosa 1 Rhagonycha fulva 2

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Ocypus olens 1 Simplocaria semistriata 2 1 Microplontus campestris 1

Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3 Lepidoptera Meadow Brown 5 Ringlet 5 Common Blue 5 Small Skipper 3 Speckled Wood 2 Large White 5 Small White 1 1 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Peacock 1 Agriphila tristella 1 Agriphila straminella 1 Cinnabar 1 11 10

Hemiptera Dolycoris baccarum 3 1 Centrotus cornutus 1 Leptopterna dolabrata 1 Uroleucon sp. 1 Philaenus spumarius 5 1 1

Diptera Volucella inanis 1 Myathropa florea 1 Episyrphus balteatus 1 1 1 Eristalis arbustorum 1 Eristalis tenax 3 1 Eristalis pertinax 1 Eupeodes corollae 1 Sphaerophoria scripta 1 3 7 Scaeva pyrastri 1 Lucilia sp. 1 2 5 Microchrysa polita 1 Anthomyia procellaris 1 Conops quadrifasciatus 1 Sapromyza 1 quadripunctata Musca autumnalis 1 Coremacera marginata 1 Scathophaga stercoraria 1 Chrysotus sp. 1 Minettia rivosa 1 Delia platura 1 Tetanocera sp. 1 Iteomyia capreae 10 10 Sarcophaga sp. 1 1

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Orthoptera Common Field 1 5 Grasshopper Meadow Grasshopper 1 1 Speckled Bush Cricket 1 Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3 Dermaptera Forficula auricularia 5 1

Arachnida Araneus diadematus 1 Euophrys frontalis 1 Microneta viaria 1 Metellina segmentata 1 Misumena vatia 1 Pisaura mirabilis 1 1 Xysticus cristatus 1 4 Heliophanes flavipes 1 Enoplognatha ovata 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus 1 Phalangium opilio 1 Phalangiidae sp. 4

Millipedes Ophyiulus pilosus 1

Centipedes Lithobius microps 1 1

Isopoda Armadillidium vulgare 6 2 Oniscus asellus 1 2 5 Porcellio scaber 1 1 Philoscia muscorum 1 3 5 Trichoniscus pygmaeus 1 Haplophthalmus danicus 1

Mollusca Arion subfuscus 1 1 Arion ater 1 1 Arion hortensis agg. 1 1 Arion hortensis 1 1 Arion (Kobeltia) owenii 2 2 Limax maximus 1 Tandonia sowerbyi 1 2 Cepaea hortensis 1 Cornu aspersum 1 2 Monacha cantiana 5 6 10 Candidula intersecta 1 Aegopinella nitidula 1 Oxychilus alliarius 1 1 Cochlicopa cf. lubricella 2 4 3

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Cochlicopa sp. 2 Vitrea contracta 1

Annelida Lumbricus rubellus 1 1

Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3 Totals June July August No. individuals 95 233 256 Total no. species: 48 59 71

4 MANAGEMENT

The site does not appear to be managed. There appears to be some successional change in vegetation cover under way over some of the site. The dry nutrient-poor gravelly substrate is quite a hostile environment for most vascular plants. As initial colonising plants become established on the gravelly substrate, conditions become more favourable for other plants to colonise. It is clear that in the north-west corner of the site and around the perimeter there is a gradual transition to more scrub-dominated communities with a thin soil layer building up on top of the gravelly substrate. Without management it is possible that the whole site will eventually turn to scrub and woodland. However even without any management the site is currently a mosaic of different habitats and plant species and some areas remain as bare ground or with minimal plant cover. The unusual substrate is probably acting to greatly slow down the normal rate of natural plant and habitat succession.

5 FACTORS AFFECTING THE SITE

5.1 Public Use

Members of the local community are aware of the site and its wildlife interest although it is relatively inaccessible at present as the site is effectively locked up out of college and school hours (ie at weekends and outside term-time).

5.2 Educational Value/Amenity

The site has considerable potential for educational use as it is close to local schools and colleges. It could act as a valuable resource for wildlife studies and although many of the rare plants present were introduced artificially from seed, they nevertheless represent living examples of plant species which are now very rarely seen in the wild. The diversity and density of coverage of colourful plant species creates a very impressive sight and also attracts a diversity of other wildlife including birds and invertebrates.

The site is adjacent to and hence visible from the busy Hawkfield Road and so has landscape amenity value to pedestrians and motorists along this route.

5.3 Threats

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Scrub encroachment and urban development represent obvious threats to the site. A small amount of fly-tipping, although unsightly, does not directly impact upon the wildlife value of the site. It could, however, lower the perceived value of the site in the eyes of the local community. Some non-native species (eg Cotoneaster and Cherry Laurel) may need to be controlled.

6 RECOMMENDATIONS ON SITE STATUS AND SITE BOUNDARIES

6.1 Site status

A protocol for the designation of Sites of Nature Conservation Interest has been agreed between the nature conservation staff of the four unitary authorities of the former Avon county, in consultation with colleagues from the voluntary and statutory sectors. This protocol has been followed to assess the suitability of this site for designation as an SNCI. Although the site is artificial and contains no obvious UK BAP Priority Habitats, it scores strongly on three key criteria: Diversity of Species (203 distinct species recorded including 118 invertebrate species), Rarity of Species (4 nationally scarce invertebrate species) and BAP Species (3 UK BAP species recorded: House Sparrow , Song Thrush and Cinnabar ). Any site with 2 or more strong criteria can be recommended for designation as an SNCI .

This site appears to meet the criteria to be designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

6.2 Site boundaries

The boundary of the site is presently delineated by the perimeter fence although treeplanting and hedgerow species are also present outside this boundary with a large block of woodland immediately to the north. The recommended site boundary is shown on Map 4 .

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7 SPECIES RECORDED ON SITE

7.1 Species entered onto the BRERC species database

Notable species are emboldened.

UKAP - Currently listed as having a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP Species) SWAP - Currently listed in South West Biodiversity Action Plan (SW BAP Species) Avon - Currently listed in Avon Biodiversity Action Plan Bnes - Currently listed in Bath and North East Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan Bristol - Currently listed in Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan NSom - Currently listed in North Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan SGlos - Currently listed in South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan SOCC - Currently listed as a UK Species of Conservation Concern

Please Note: The absence of records in the following tables does not mean that species or habitats are not present on site, merely that they were not apparent at the time of survey.

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Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC Honey Bee Apis mellifera Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae Buff-tailed Bumble Bee Bombus (Bombus) terrestris Small Garden Bumble Bee Bombus (Megabombus)  hortorum Large Red Tailed Bumble Bee Bombus (Melanobombus) lapidarius Vestal Cuckoo Bee Bombus (Psithyrus) vestalis Tree Bee Bombus (Pyrobombus) hypnorum Common Carder Bee Bombus (Thoracombus) pascuorum Robin's Pin-cushion Gall Diplolepis rosae an ichneumon wasp Ichneumon sarcitorius Yellow Meadow Ant Lasius flavus Small Black Ant Lasius niger Common Wasp Vespula (Paravespula) vulgaris Thistle Tortoise Beetle Cassida rubiginosa Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata a ground beetle Curtonotus aulicus a ground beetle Harpalus (Harpalus) affinis a ground beetle Harpalus (Harpalus) rubripes Adonis' Ladybird Hippodamia variegata a weevil Microplontus campestris

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Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC Devil's Coach-horse Ocypus (Ocypus) olens a thick-legged flower beetle Oedemera lurida Swollen-thighed Beetle Oedemera nobilis a ground beetle Ophonus (Metophonus) puncticeps a ground beetle Ophonus (Ophonus) ardosiacus Common red soldier beetle Rhagonycha fulva a pill beetle Simplocaria semistriata Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Carrion Crow Corvus corone subsp. corone Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Robin Erithacus rubecula Great Tit Parus major House Sparrow Passer domesticus  Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Magpie Pica pica Goldcrest Regulus regulus Blackbird Turdus merula Song Thrush Turdus philomelos    Tree Hopper Centrotus cornutus Sloe Shieldbug Dolycoris baccarum Parent Bug Elasmucha grisea Meadow Plant Bug Leptopterna dolabrata Cuckoo-spit Philaenus spumarius an aphid (unidentified) Uroleucon sp. Least lithobius Lithobius microps Common Earwig Forficula auricularia Common Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus Meadow Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus Speckled Bush Cricket Leptophyes punctatissima a harvestman Dicranopalpus ramosus a Phalangiidae species Phalangiidae sp. (unidentified) a harvestman Phalangium opilio Common Orange Lichen Xanthoria parietina Badger Meles meles Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Fox Vulpes vulpes a julid snake millipede Ophyiulus pilosus Smooth Glass Snail Aegopinella nitidula Great Black Slug Arion (Arion) ater Southern Garden Slug Arion (Kobeltia) hortensis a roundback slug Arion (Kobeltia) owenii

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Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC Dusky Slug Arion (Mesarion) subfuscus a mollusc Arion hortensis agg. Wrinkled Snail Candidula intersecta White-lipped Snail Cepaea (Cepaea) hortensis Least Slippery Snail Cochlicopa cf. lubricella a Cochlicopa species Cochlicopa sp. (unidentified) Common Garden Snail Cornu aspersum Great Grey Slug Limax maximus Kentish Snail Monacha (Monacha) cantiana Garlic Snail Oxychilus (Oxychilus) alliarius Sowerby's Slug Tandonia sowerbyi Milky Crystal Snail Vitrea contracta Pointed Spear-moss Calliergonella cuspidata Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Peacock Inachis io Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Large White Pieris brassicae Small White Pieris rapae Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae  Straw Grass-veneer Agriphila straminella Common Grass-veneer Agriphila tristella Sycamore (tree) Acer pseudoplatanus Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera Italian Alder Alnus cordata Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius Daisy Bellis perennis Silver Birch Betula pendula Downy Birch Betula pubescens Buddleia Buddleja davidii Cornflower Centaurea cyanus   Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea Red Valerian Centranthus ruber Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium Chicory Cichorium intybus Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense Dogwood Cornus sanguinea

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Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC a Wall Cotoneaster (agg.) Cotoneaster horizontalis agg. Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Cock's-foot Dactylis glomerata Wild Carrot Daucus carota Wild Teasel Dipsacus fullonum Viper's Bugloss (plant) Echium vulgare Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Ash Fraxinus excelsior Hedge Bedstraw Galium mollugo Ivy Hedera helix Common Ivy Hedera helix subsp. helix Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus Perforate St. John's-wort Hypericum perforatum Nipplewort Lapsana communis Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus an apple (unidentified) Malus sp. Black Medick Medicago lupulina an evening primrose (unidentified) Oenothera sp. Timothy Phleum pratense Bristly Oxtongue Picris echioides Mouse-ear-hawkweed Pilosella officinarum Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata White Poplar Populus alba a poplar Populus nigra Creeping Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur Dog Rose Rosa canina Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. Goat willow Salix caprea Crack Willow Salix fragilis Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea Canadian Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus asper Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Dandelion Taraxacum officinale agg. Red Clover Trifolium pratense White Clover Trifolium repens

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BRERC

Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara Common Vetch Vicia sativa Garden Orb-web Spider Araneus diadematus a comb-footed spider Enoplognatha ovata sensu lato a jumping spider Euophrys frontalis a jumping spider Heliophanus flavipes an orb-weaver spider Metellina segmentata a money spider Microneta viaria a crab spider Misumena vatia Tent Spider Pisaura mirabilis a crab spider Xysticus cristatus a springtail (Collembola) Entomobrya multifasciata a springtail (Collembola) Entomobrya nicoleti a springtail (Collembola) Entomobrya nivalis a springtail (Collembola) Isotoma viridis a springtail (Collembola) Isotomurus palustris a springtail (Collembola) Orchesella cincta a springtail (Collembola) Orchesella villosa a springtail (Collembola) Tomocerus longicornis a springtail (Collembola) Tomocerus minor a springtail (Collembola) Tomocerus vulgaris a fly Anthomyia procellaris a Chrysotus species (unidentified) Chrysotus sp. a snail-killing fly Coremacera marginata a fly Delia platura a Lucilia true fly (unidentified) Lucilia sp. a fly Minettia rivosa Face Fly Musca autumnalis a fly Sapromyza quadripunctata a flesh fly (unidentified) Sarcophaga sp. Yellow Dung Fly Scathophaga stercoraria a Tetanocera species Tetanocera sp. (unidentified) Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus an Eristalis hoverfly Eristalis arbustorum an Eristalis hoverfly Eristalis pertinax Drone Fly Eristalis tenax an Eupeodes hoverfly Eupeodes corollae a hoverfly Myathropa florea a hoverfly Scaeva pyrastri a hoverfly Sphaerophoria scripta a hoverfly Volucella inanis a gall midge Iteomyia capreae a fly Conops quadrifasciatus a soldier fly Microchrysa polita

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BRERC

Common Name Scientific Name

UKAP SWAP Avon Bnes Bristol NSom SGlos SOCC Common Pill Woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare a woodlouse Haplophthalmus danicus Common Shiny Woodlouse Oniscus asellus Common Striped Woodlouse Philoscia muscorum Common Rough Woodlouse Porcellio scaber a woodlouse Trichoniscus pygmaeus Red Worm Lumbricus rubellus

8 FILES HELD AT BRERC FOR THIS AREA

ST56-0-036-018 This report (Invertebrate Survey of site adjacent to Hawkfield Road, September 2011)

ST56-0-036-017 Species and habitat notes for this site compiled by local resident (2008)

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BRERC

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Explanation of Status Codes for Invertebrates

NATIONALLY RARE species are those falling within the Status categories defined in the British Red Data Books (Bratton, 1991; Shirt, 1987). These are internationally recognised species listed in the various Red Data Books published by, or under the auspices of, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Species included may not be informally removed or transferred between categories. There are four categories as follows:

RDB 1 – “Endangered” Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. These include Species known from only a single locality since 1970, species restricted to habitats which are especially vulnerable species which have shown a rapid and continuous decline in the last twenty years and are now estimated to exist in five or fewer localities and species believed extinct but which would need protection if re-discovered.

RDB 2 “Vulnerable” Taxa believed likely to move into the Endangered category in the near future if the causal factors continue operating. These include species declining throughout their range, species in vulnerable habitats and species whose populations are low.

RDB 3 “Rare” Taxa with small populations which are not at present endangered or vulnerable but which are at risk. These are species which are estimated to occur in fifteen or fewer localities.

RDB K. “Unknown” Taxa suspected to fall within the RDB categories but which are at present insufficiently known to enable placement.

NATIONALLY SCARCE species are those falling within the Nationally Notable categories introduced by Ball (1986). They are species which are estimated to occur within the range of 16 to 100 ten kilometer squares of the British National Grid system since 1970. The specific categorisations of species have been revised since their inception for a number of taxa; those revisions are taken into account in the present report. Notable species are subdivided as follows:

Na : species estimated to occur within the range of 16 to 30 10-kilometre squares of the National Grid System.

Nb : species estimated to occur within the range 31 to 100 10-kilometre squares of the National Grid System.

NATIONALLY LOCAL species are those which, whilst fairly common, are evidently less widespread than truly common species, but also not qualifying as Nationally Notable having been recorded from over one hundred, but less than three hundred, ten-kilometre squares of the UK National Grid.

Remaining species have either been formally declared “Common” or else are listed as “Unknown” where insufficient data is available to assign a species to any category.

BAP AND OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES The UK Biodiversity Action Plan includes a list of UK BAP priority terrestrial invertebrates. This list was compiled using a set of selection criteria based on international importance, rapid decline and high risk and was published in August 2007.

Some invertebrates may also be identified as BAP species at a local level (eg AvonBAP, SGlosBAP).

Other invertebrates may still be listed as BRERC notables even if they are not presently accorded any of the statuses listed above.

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MAPS

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