Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020

nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 1 FORWARD CONTENTS

Forward by Lindsey Chapman Contents

I’m proud, as Patron of The Wild Only by getting people involved 4 Headlines Watch, to introduce this State of in creating these studies in large Nature report. numbers do we get a proper 5 Our commitments understanding of what’s happening Growing up, I spent a lot of time in our natural world now. Thanks 6 Summary climbing trees, wading in streams to the hundreds of people and crawling through hedgerows. who took part, we now know 8 Background to the Nidderdale AONB I loved the freedom, adventure more than ever before about State of Nature report and wonder that the natural the current state of Nidderdale world offered and those early AONB’s habitats and wildlife. 14 Overview of Nidderdale AONB experiences absolutely shaped While there is distressing news, who I am today. such as the catastrophic decline 17 Why is nature changing? of water voles, there is also hope As a TV presenter on shows like for the future when so many Lindsey Chapman 30 Local Action and people TV and Radio Presenter the BBC’s Springwatch Unsprung, people come together to support The Wild Watch Patron Habitat coverage Big Blue UK and Channel 5’s their local wildlife. 43 Springtime on the Farm, I’m 46 Designated sites passionate about connecting This State of Nature report is just people with nature. The more a start, the first step. The findings 53 Moorland we understand about the natural outlined within it will serve world, the more we create as a baseline to assess future 65 Grassland and farmland memories and connections, the habitat conservation work. It is a more we’ll want to protect it. platform to plan and build future 76 Woodland and trees practical conservation and public In an age of climate emergency, engagement activities, which 90 Water and wetlands nature is our ally. Investing in and desperately need to happen. nurturing wild landscapes, wildlife 105 Species and our own relationship with the More needs to be done. And the wild is imperative. exciting thing is it can be achieved 124 Natural capital, ecosystem services with a movement of people to and economic benefits This is why projects like The Wild be the custodians of our natural Watch are so important. world. So get out there, get 129 Methods and data sources involved and help your local By giving people of all ages wildlife. 135 Further data and monitoring the opportunities and tools to engage with and take action to 136 References conserve their local wildlife, The Wild Watch has undertaken the 140 Glossary and acronyms biggest survey of wildlife ever conducted in Nidderdale Area of 144 Acknowledgements Outstanding Beauty. 146 Annexes

2 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 3 Front and back cover images © David Tolcher Barn owl © David Tolcher Nidderdale view © David Tolcher

HEADLINES

Headlines

This State of Nature report is an overview of the rich wildlife and habitats of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB status means that Nidderdale is one of the country’s finest landscapes, (AONB). It provides a baseline against which changes in nature can important for its landscape, its wildlife and its cultural heritage. These special be monitored and assessed, and summarises the pressures on our qualities are important assets in their own right, but also for the benefits to nature and the actions that need to be taken to protect wildlife and people and their contributions to economic and social capital. strengthen the habitats they rely on. This report is a springboard for taking large scale action for nature, producing our new Nature Recovery Network Strategy, and working with others to realise our conservation aspirations.

• Nidderdale AONB supports a rich • Nidderdale AONB has a long history variety of wildlife through its wide range of active naturalist groups and of habitats including moorland, grassland and people volunteering to do practical farmland, woodland and trees, and water and nature conservation. The Wild Watch wetlands. project has built on this foundation, raising awareness of the AONB’s nature and collecting • Almost 35% of the AONB has large amounts of new survey data. More than additional legal protection for its 3,000 new surveys were carried out and 1,095 Our commitments nature, designated as Sites of Special Scientific new citizen science records submitted. Over Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and 6,400 people attended more than 140 events and Special Areas for Conservation (SAC). These sites volunteers gave over 4,500 hours. We are strongly committed to: are our nature ‘jewels’ and offer valuable refuges to wildlife and are natural spaces for people. • Nationally nature is at risk, wild places • Fostering a sustainable landscape, • Improving our designated sites: We are becoming scarcer and many species are in rich in wildlife: During the next phase of The will nurture the recovery of our designated decline. Threats to Nidderdale AONB’s nature Wild Watch project we will produce a Nature sites, ensuring they are managed to the highest mirror many of the national trends such as Recovery Network Strategy built from the standards. By 2024 we will ensure that at least changing agricultural management, climate change, findings in this State of Nature report. This will 25% of our SSSI’s are in favourable condition and invasive non-native species, and how habitats are guide us in improving, expanding and connecting 50% of our local wildlife sites (Sites of Importance managed. habitats, and delivering landscape conservation for Nature Conservation (SINCs)) have up-to-date actions in and beyond protected sites. management plans. • The creation of Nature Recovery

Networks to make wildlife-rich sites • Working in partnership: We will work • Protecting habitats: We will improve the

‘bigger, better and more joined up’ is with you, our stakeholders and partners, to management of priority habitats which are not

respond to the threats identified in this report by currently protected. We have produced a detailed seen as a key mechanism to address protecting wildlife and strengthening the habitats habitat model of the AONB as part of The Wild this decline. Protected landscapes such as that they rely on, promoting Nidderdale AONB’s Watch project, and will use this to underpin national parks and AONBs can act as large-scale biodiversity, supporting volunteers, and raising decision-making about future conservation action. nature recovery areas. At Nidderdale AONB funds for nature conservation work. we want to be at the forefront, using the vital

new knowledge from The Wild Watch project to facilitate landscape-scale conservation work.

4 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 5 Ragged robin © Kelly Harmar © David Tolcher

SUMMARY SUMMARY

Summary

Nidderdale AONB is a landscape full of contrasts to increase the active management of existing and rich in wildlife. The semi-natural habitats of the woodland and to significantly increase the amount AONB and the wildlife they support are important of new woodland within the AONB. in their own right but also provide benefits to people and to our economy. The aim of this report Water and wetlands are a key feature – including is to bring together and interpret the large rivers, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. The current amount of information concerning Nidderdale ecological status of our rivers is variable, with AONB’s natural environment. It has been compiled Almost 35% of the AONB is covered by sites non-native species, and inappropriate woodland threats including pollution, physical modifications by Nidderdale AONB with data from a wide variety with European, national or local designations. management. We have looked at the current of water courses, and invasive non-native species. of sources, and support from many people and These offer some level of protection to valuable situation in Nidderdale AONB and some of the Gouthwaite Reservoir is nationally significant for organisations. We thank all of those who have wildlife habitats as well as providing natural positive action that is being taken. many species of birds, and whilst otters are present contributed. spaces for people. 16,845ha (28%) of the AONB throughout the AONB water voles appear to have are designated moorland habitats (upland heaths Our moorlands are nationally significant for suffered large declines. Nidderdale AONB has a The State of Nature report provides a snapshot of and bogs). 2,050 ha (12%) of Nidderdale AONB’s wading birds, including curlew, and birds of prey. high number of ponds. Positive actions include Nidderdale AONB’s natural environment in early Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are in Positive actions include working with moorland controlling non-native invasive plants, taking 2020. It will act as a baseline against which changes ‘favourable’ condition, compared to 39% of English land managers and the Yorkshire Peat Partnership climate change adaptation measures by facilitating can be monitored and assessed in the future, and a SSSIs. Most of the rest of our SSSIs (15,300ha) are to restore peat habitats, a very significant store implementation of Natural Flood Management springboard for producing our Nature Recovery in ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition, compared of carbon, and promoting best practice for (NFM) measures, and improving water quality Network Strategy, which will contribute to to 55% of English SSSIs. This generally means they moorland management, helping the general public through positive riparian management. our area’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy to have been entered into a management scheme to understand the value of moorland habitats and their be produced under the Environment Bill, and improve their condition over the long-term. The management, and working with others, including Nidderdale AONB is home to important species implementing future conservation actions to AONB is also home to 86 local wildlife sites. shooting estates, to safeguard birds of prey. populations. The Wild Watch project has helped create Nidderdale’s nature recovery network us to collaborate with others and collect new and help deliver our Management Plan objectives. Nidderdale AONB has a long history of active We have over 115ha of grassland priority habitats information on a large number of species including, Our aspiration is to be a leader in nature naturalist groups collecting valuable biodiversity including calaminarian grassland, upland calcareous reptiles, owls, hedgehogs, invertebrates, and recovery, sharing our experience, linking our data, and people volunteering in practical nature grassland, and upland hay meadows. Positive actions flowering plants. We are committed to continuing high quality habitat into the surrounding landscape conservation. The Wild Watch project sought to include working with landowners to provide land this work. Positive actions include raising awareness and contributing to the bold ambitions for nature build on this by raising awareness of Nidderdale management advice, supporting Yorkshire Water’s of the value of our wildlife species through events, recovery in the Government’s 25 Year Environment AONB’s wildlife, habitats and landscape with wider plans to expand its network of ‘Beyond Nature’ working with others on actions for curlew and Plan using the new biodiversity net gain and future audiences and collecting large amounts of survey farms, and working with landowners to restore adder, collecting further data through citizen science environmental land management mechanisms. data. Over 3,000 new surveys were carried out and hay meadows. We are also raising awareness of the initiatives and our wonderful volunteers, and over 1,000 new citizen science records submitted. wealth of plants and wildlife of our meadows, and collaborating with our local naturalist groups. We hope that this report will be of interest to all Over 6,400 people attended over 140 events and supporting volunteers to help with surveys and of our partners and stakeholders as well as those volunteers gave 4,500 hours of their time to the monitoring of meadows and verges. Nidderdale AONB has a very significant stock of living and working in the AONB. We hope it will also project. natural capital, which delivers vital ecosystem inspire people and encourage future partnership The AONB is within the White Rose Forest, part services and provides economic benefits. working to conserve and enhance Nidderdale Over the last five years Nidderdale AONB has of the wider Northern Forest. Approximately 8% Provisioning services such as drinking water and AONB’s natural environment for both people and helped channel over £3.4 million of external grants of our area is woodland. Twenty-five percent of food production; regulating services such as carbon wildlife into the future. into nature conservation and two local funds, the this (2% of the AONB area) is ancient semi-natural storage and natural flood management; and cultural Greenhow Fund and the Friends of Nidderdale woodland or plantations on ancient woodland services such as recreation opportunities. This Nidderdale AONB is home to a wide range of AONB Countryside Fund, have invested over sites, 35% is planted conifer woodland, and 50% report provides an initial assessment of our natural habitats – moorland, grassland and farmland, £86,000 in local wildlife and cultural heritage is broadleaved woodland. We have over 1,200 capital, the ecosystem services it provides and the woodland and trees, water and wetlands – that conservation projects. veteran and ancient trees and estimate that almost economic benefits derived from these. We would support a rich variety of wildlife. Key priority two million tonnes of carbon are locked up in our like to analyse this further and better understand habitats within the AONB are upland heathland Threats to Nidderdale AONB’s natural environment woodlands. Positive actions include a commitment the link between our landscapes and Yorkshire’s (22% of the area) and blanket bog (almost 15% of mirror many national trends such as changing to tree planting demonstrated by the new woodland economy. the area). agricultural management, climate change, invasive opportunity plan, working with landowners

6 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 7 BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2020 targets Great Britain red list assessment Background to the Nidderdale AONB will not be met. Using new data and multi-species • 15% of species are threatened with extinction, 2% indicators the authors presented population trends are already extinct. State of Nature report for more species than in the previous studies and • 18% of plant, 15% of fungi and lichens, 40% of again measured change over two periods: the long- vertebrates, and 12% of invertebrates are at risk term (since 1970) and the short-term (the last 10 Headlines of extinction. years). Key findings from the 2019 UK report are • 32 plants, 33 fungi and lichens, 7 vertebrates, and • The Nidderdale AONB State of Nature report • Nidderdale AONB’s semi-natural habitats, and the presented below. 61 invertebrates are already extinct from Great brings together the best available data on species they support, are important in their own Britain. Nidderdale AONB’s nature for the first time, right whilst also providing benefits to people and National changes in species’ abundance providing a detailed assessment of its state in to our economy. However we do not have a full early 2020. understanding of our wildlife and some of it is • 13% decline in average species’ abundance over under threat. the long-term. • The UK’s nature is under serious threat. • 41% of species have declined over the long-term, • Nidderdale AONB has a long history of delivering 44% over the short-term. • AONB’s have a key responsibility for nature wildlife projects. The Wild Watch project aimed to • Over the long-term 33% of species showed within their area. build on this, and to raise people’s awareness of a strong change in abundance (increase or and greatly improve our knowledge of Nidderdale decrease) rising to 53% over the short-term. AONB’s nature to enable us to better plan and take action to safeguard its future.

6 Aims of the report National State of Nature Fig. 3. Percentage of species threatened

To bring together the large amount of information The initial UK State of Nature report and country Status of UK priority species and data that exists about Nidderdale AONB’s summaries were published in 20131, with follow The UK priority species (species listed in Section 41 natural environment into one place for on reports in 20162 and 20193. These reports pool of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities interpretation. It: the best available data from more than 70 partners Act 2006) are the species of greatest conservation • Provides a ‘snapshot’ of how Nidderdale AONB’s (nature conservation NGOs, research institutes and Fig. 1. National change in species’ abundance4 concern. Two of the official UK Biodiversity nature is fairing in early 2020 - showcasing key governments) to give assessments of the state of Indicators assess their status7. habitats and species, highlighting conservation UK wildlife, look at the pressures acting on it, and success stories, setting Nidderdale in context responses being made to recover nature. The trends National changes in species’ distribution Changes in abundance of UK priority species: with the rest of the UK, and demonstrating data are extremely worrying. • 5% decline in average species’ distribution since • 60% decline of abundance indicator over the gaps; 1970. long-term (since 1970), 22% decline over the • Will act as a ‘baseline’ evidence base against The 2013 report looked at changes to the • 27% of species declined over the long-term, 37% short-term (2011–2016). which changes in Nidderdale AONB’s nature can population or distribution of species over the last over the short-term. • Over the long-term 63% of species decreased, be monitored and assessed in the future. See the 50 years and found that 60% of the 3,148 species • Over the long-term 17% of species showed over the short-term 46% decreased. proposed key indicators in Annex 7 on page 161; assessed had declined, with 31% having declined a strong change in distribution (increase or • Enables us to continue to raise awareness of the strongly. decrease) rising to 39% over the short-term. AONB’s nature and actions needed to conserve and enhance it; and The 2016 report looked at changes to population • Will act as a springboard for planning or distribution of species over both the long-term conservation actions. (1970–2013) and the short-term (2002–2013). It found that over the long-term 56% of species had We hope that this report will inspire people declined, with 40% showing strong or moderate and encourage future partnership working to declines. Over the short-term 53% of species had conserve and enhance Nidderdale AONB’s natural declined, with 41% showing strong or moderate environment for both people and wildlife for the declines. Fig. 4. Change in relative abundance of UK priority species 1970 to 20168 future. Fig. 2. National change in species’ distribution5 The 2019 report found that the net loss of the UK’s biodiversity is continuing and most of the

8 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 9 BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

Changes in distribution of UK priority species: The 25 Year Environment Plan also outlined a Nidderdale AONB Management Plan This State of Nature Report will contribute to • 27% decline of indicator over the long-term commitment to consult on strengthening the 2019–2024 delivery of these key wildlife objectives, which (since 1970), 3% decline over the short-term (the requirement for the planning system to provide Nidderdale AONB’s Management Plan20 is a themselves underpin delivery of our other 13 5 years 2011–2016). biodiversity net gains. Following a consultation high-level strategy document that provides the Management Plan objectives. It will ensure robust • Over the long-term 37% of species decreased, the Government also stated its intention to framework for action designed to protect the wildlife data is widely available. It will also support over the short-term 50% decreased. introduce a mandatory biodiversity net gain AONB’s special qualities. The Plan is for everyone delivery of the other wildlife objectives – targeting 14 15 requirement through the Environment Bill which with an interest in the AONB. and delivering future conservation work ourselves was introduced to parliament in January 2020. The and with partners. The baseline information in Bill also introduces a new statutory requirement The plan sets out a long-term vision for Nidderdale this report will be used to develop our Nature for Local Nature Recovery Strategies. These will AONB to be: Recovery Network Strategy which will set the underpin NRNs and help guide key policies like net • A vibrant working landscape where rural framework for recovery of nature in Nidderdale gain, planning, and the future Environmental Land communities, land managers and other rural AONB. Implementation of our Strategy will Management system (see below). businesses are working collaboratively together establish our nature network on the ground using to protect natural beauty. a range of delivery mechanisms including the new In tandem to the Environment Bill, the Government • A place where environmental limits are widely biodiversity net gain policy and future Environmental 16 introduced the Agriculture Bill which provides the respected and concerted effort is being made Land Management scheme. framework for agricultural support schemes as the Fig. 5. Change in distribution of UK priority species 1970 to 20169 to reduce carbon emissions while seeking UK leaves the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy opportunities to increase carbon storage. (CAP). Under the proposed Environmental Land Northern Upland Chain Local Nature • Made up of a resilient landscape renowned for Partnership Management system in England, farmers will be paid its high windswept moors, ancient woodlands, to produce ‘public goods’ such as environmental or Nidderdale AONB works for nature at a landscape Context livestock-grazed pasture, flower-rich meadows, animal welfare improvements. historic country houses and parkland filled with scale as part of the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership (NUC LNP)21. The Policy context veteran trees. In July 2019 the National Association of AONB’s • Home to a greater abundance and diversity of LNP’s territory covers five protected landscapes 17 It is now recognised that biodiversity is in crisis (NAAONB) adopted the Colchester Declaration wildlife compared to this State of Nature report. including Nidderdale, the Forest of Bowland and and that urgent action is needed to recover and confirming the AONB family’s readiness to act to • A welcoming destination for people seeking North Pennines AONBs, and the Yorkshire Dales enhance nature and enhance people’s connections redress declines in species and habitats, and setting and Northumberland National Parks. The LNP is 10 opportunities for recreation. to nature. The Lawton Review (2010) investigated out commitments up to 2030. It included initial • A place where people can experience tranquillity working to improve collaboration and joint-working measures needed to enhance the resilience and commitments to increase connections to nature and and improve their health and wellbeing. at a landscape scale between AONBs, National coherence of England’s ecological network and prepare nature recovery plans within each AONB. Parks, RSPB, Rivers Trusts, water companies, farming concluded that it needs to be bigger, better and It also sets out the focus for 2019–2024 to make and landowning organisations, and representatives more joined up. It also recognised that, with a very The final report of the Glover review into significant progress towards the vision. of Government bodies including the Environment large share of biodiversity assets (50% of England’s designated landscapes published in September 2019, For wildlife, key areas will be: Agency, Forestry Commission and Natural England. SSSIs), protected landscapes, including Nidderdale is wide reaching and makes a series of proposals • Working with land managers and partner AONB, are uniquely placed to play a crucial role. under a number of themes including ‘Landscapes organisations including Natural England on The Northern Upland Chain LNP aims to: Alive for Nature and Beauty’, ‘Landscapes for designated sites and improving or maintaining the • Help to create a place where our special natural One of the key strategic ambitions of the Everyone’ and ‘Living in Landscapes’18. In relation to qualities, including breeding wading birds, blanket 11 condition of priority habitats outside of these Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan launched nature, proposals include: designations; bogs, hay meadows, tumbling rivers, and upland in January 2018 is to protect and recover nature, • A renewed mission for protected landscapes • Targeting future conservation work based on woodlands, are valued for their beauty, and for and to enhance the beauty of landscapes, with (AONB’s and National Parks) ‘to recover and comprehensive and accurate wildlife data; their contribution to the nation’s economic, creation of Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) enhance nature’ underpinned by regular and • Collaborating with partners including the physical and spiritual well-being. as a key mechanism. Natural England and Defra robust assessments of the state of nature and Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership • Support a living and working upland landscape. have provided more detail on NRN principles natural capital. A place where an environment-based economy 12 to try and reverse the decline in populations and objectives , which specifically mentions the • A call for protected landscapes to become of characteristic upland species like curlew and thrives and where development and growth take potential for protected landscapes (national parks leaders in NRNs, a proposal strongly supported adder; place in balance with the conservation of the 19 and AONBs) to act as large scale nature recovery by Natural England. • Continuing The Wild Watch project; and natural world on which they are reliant. areas. • Ensuring that robust wildlife data is made widely available. Currently, LNP partners are working together on a joint curlew project.

10 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 11 BACKGROUND Background

The Wild Watch project Compiling the report For the last three years Nidderdale AONB has been This report has been compiled by Nidderdale 22 running The Wild Watch . This project has carried AONB under the guidance of a steering group. out the AONB’s biggest ever systematic survey of It has the support of many local and national wildlife. It has helped people learn about and enjoy organisations and individuals who have provided Nidderdale’s natural heritage and acquire the natural data and written content. Data has been compiled history skills needed to collect data concerning the from a variety of sources including the National threatened species of Nidderdale. Biodiversity Network, North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre (NEYEDC), Natural England, We cannot look after Nidderdale’s wildlife if we do national species organisations, local naturalist not know its current status: whether species are groups, and The Wild Watch (see Methods and data common or rare, where they live, and what habitats sources section starting on page 129). We would they require to flourish. Hence a major part of The like to thank all of those who have contributed and Wild Watch has been surveying species to find out made this report possible (see Acknowledgements on exactly where they live. The project had a list of page 144). 76 target species (see Annex 1 on page 147) and included bird surveys (undertaken by volunteers, professional ecologists and gamekeepers), river Key caveats surveys (for otter, water vole, birds – kingfisher and Whilst there is a wealth of species records dipper) and selected invasive non-native species for Nidderdale AONB, the varied methods of (INNS)), invertebrate surveys, botany surveys, collection mean that it is hard to make estimates reptile surveys, e-DNA testing for great crested of populations of particular species or produce newt, and citizen science records for owls and detailed trends of changes in abundance or hedgehogs. distribution. Therefore the species data presented is not of a comparable detail to the UK State of Ecological modelling of the data, in the form of Nature reports and instead concentrates principally Habitat Suitability Models, identified priority areas on presenting information about current species’ where habitats could be improved and potentially distribution (based on data collected since 2010). In creating new habitat for some of our most addition it provides commentaries on trends in the important species potentially created in the future. AONB where historic data is available, and on the See Methods and data sources section starting on page status of species compared to the national context. 129 for more information about this modelling technique. There are different methods available for defining and mapping habitats. The UK Priority Habitat The project activities have provided a wealth of new Inventory (PHI) is produced at a national scale, data, including: which means fine-scale or local areas of habitat • A new habitat map of the AONB; may have been missed or excluded. Hence these • Habitat Suitability Models for 10 species; figures should be viewed as a minimum estimate and • Hundreds of species records (birds, invertebrates, additional UK PHI may be present in Nidderdale reptiles, mammals, etc.) from over 650 surveys; AONB. and • Over 1000 citizen science records for owls and Whilst an attempt has been made to provide fair hedgehogs. coverage of all taxonomic groups and habitats, not all species can be represented equally due to It has also created an army of trained surveyors differences in recording effort and certain species who will continue collecting new data into the are harder to study. It is not possible to discuss all future, enabling us to see how the status of our key the habitats and species present in the AONB in this species are changing. report, hence we have focused on the most locally relevant and important species.

12 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 13 Woodland in Nidderdale AONB © David Tolcher OVERVIEW OVERVIEW

Landscape and topography The landscape to the west is dominated by high Overview of Nidderdale Area of moorlands managed for grouse shooting, much of Nidderdale AONB covers four National Character which has internationally important conservation Outstanding Natural Beauty Areas (NCAs; Figure 8). Approximately two thirds status. The moorland plateau landscape is of the AONB is within the Yorkshire Dales NCA, characterised by an exhilarating feeling of openness, most of the rest of the AONB to the east is in the elevation and exposure. This landscape is accessible Headlines Dales Pennine Fringe NCA, with small areas to the to walkers under Open Access provisions, and is north–east and south in the Southern Magnesium • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) • These special qualities are important assets in widely enjoyed. The gritstone geology that underlies Limestone and South Pennines NCAs respectively. status means that Nidderdale is one of the their own right, but also provide benefits to the AONB’s moorland plateau outcrops in places to At a more local level the AONB has been country’s finest landscapes – important for its people and contribute to economic and social form crags that overlook river valleys. Elsewhere, characterised into 47 Local Character Areas. The landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. capital. millstone grit has formed striking weathered tors terrain of Nidderdale AONB is varied, the highest at Brimham Rocks, which is nationally important point is Great Whernside at just over 600m above for its geological significance. Millstone grit was sea level, upland areas range from 300–600m, with Context widely used locally as a building material, creating an the majority of land below 500m (Figure 9). appearance of unity and harmony in the landscape. Nidderdale AONB covers 601km2 in the foothills of Nidderdale AONB. A smaller area of land (5%) to the Pennines in North Yorkshire (Figure 6). Local the north is within Richmondshire and Hambleton To the east, as the landscape broadens and flattens, authorities act as accountable bodies for AONBs. Districts. Figure 7 sets the AONB in the context is a softer, more pastoral landscape with historic North Yorkshire County Council covers the whole of local and regional administrative boundaries, parks and gardens and great country houses like of the designated area and the majority (95%) of including the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Swinton Castle and the Fountains Abbey and Studley the AONB is part of Harrogate District. Harrogate Partnership (NUC LNP) boundary. Royal World Heritage Site. The AONB’s special Borough Council is lead authority for qualities have been strongly influenced by farming, moorland management and industry. The remains of 19th century mines and quarries, and the dams and reservoirs constructed by the water industry are still prominent markers in the landscape. Earlier settlement, farming and industry define the form of villages and towns, transport routes, and field patterns.

Farmland is the dominant feature of the grassland plateau to the east of the moorland line. 3 Fig. 8. National Character Areas Farmsteads, often associated with small broadleaved woodlands, are distributed across a landscape that is dominated by the strong and regular grid pattern formed by drystone walls.

The transition between the upland plateau and the gently rolling landscapes that merge with the Vale of York, as well as the difference between the moorland plateau and the enclosed valleys, creates a landscape that is full of distinction. The dale and valley landscapes are enclosed and pastoral with arable and mixed farms, meadows, woodlands, stone villages, and parklands.

Fig. 6. Map showing the boundary of Nidderdale AONB bordering the Yorkshire Dales Fig. 7. Local and regional administrative boundaries2 Fig. 9. Terrain4 National Park to the west1

14 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 15 OVERVIEW WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

Soils and geology Why is nature changing? The superficial geology of the AONB is mixed, with areas of glacial till and peat with poor drainage (Figure 10). The bedrock geology is principally mudstone, siltstone and sandstones of the Millstone Headlines Grit Group (Figure 11). Generally Nidderdale AONB has acidic rocks and soils of low permeability • The national State of Nature reports 1,2 examined • Other important impacts include hydrological with small pockets of more alkaline rocks and the most significant drivers of change that have change, urbanisation, invasive non-native species, soils with higher pH. This geology is significantly acted on the UK’s wildlife since 1970, both and how woodlands are managed. Positive different to the predominantly limestone geology positive and negative. impacts include wildlife-friendly farming, habitat of the adjacent Yorkshire Dales National Park. As a management, and the creation of new wildlife result the AONB has quite different habitats – acid • Changing agricultural management was found habitats. grasslands, acid woodland, different river ecology to have the biggest impact on nature with the and significantly more ponds. great majority of the impact acting to drive down • This chapter looks at some of these threats in species populations. more detail, paying attention to the situation in Nidderdale AONB, including some of the positive • The second most significant driver is climate action being taken. change which is causing range and population change in sensitive species alongside landscape- scale alteration to vulnerable habitats.

Agricultural management There have been wide-ranging changes in managers to halt the decline. For example, agricultural management in the UK over recent populations of UK farmland birds have halved since decades, including increased use of pesticides and 1970. Targeted wildlife-friendly farming supported fertilisers, increased stocking rates, changes in by government funded agri-environment schemes crops and cropping patterns, farm specialisation, (AES) can halt and reverse these trends. With the greater mechanisation and increase in farm size, UK leaving the EU Common Agricultural Policy, new and loss of nature-friendly features such as field agricultural support schemes are being introduced. Fig. 10. Superficial Geology5 margins and farm ponds. These have led to greater While the details are not yet settled, the new food production but have also had a dramatic Environmental Land Management schemes propose impact on farmland biodiversity despite a long term that in England farmers will be paid to produce commitment by many farmers and other land ‘public goods’ such as environmental or animal welfare improvements.

PRESSUREPRESSUREPRESSURE STATSTEATSTEATE RESPONSRESPONSRESPONSE E E AgriculturalAgriculturalAgricultural productivit productivit productivity y y FarmlandFarmlandFa birdrmland birdindicator birdindicator indicator has has hasAr eaAr undereaAr underea ag underri-e agnvri-e ironmentagnvri-eironmentnvironment has incrhas easedincrhas easedincr byeased ov byer ov 150% byer ov 150% er 150% fallen fallen by fallen54% by 54%since by 54%since 1970. since 1970. 1970. increasedincreasedincr to easedaround to around to 3 around million 3 million 3 ha million. ha. ha. sincesince 1973.since 1973. 1973. 300 300 300 120 120 120 4 4 4

3 3 3 s) s) s) scheme s scheme s 200 200 200 80 80 80 scheme s . . . (1970= 100) (1970= 100) (1970= 100) 2 2 2 Productivity Productivity (Million hecta re (Million hecta re Productivity (Million hecta re Index Index 100 100 100 40 Index 40 40 1 1 1 ea in agri-e nv ea in agri-e nv ea in agri-e nv Ar Ar Ar

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fig. 11. Bedrock Geology6 Fig. 12. National pressure, state, response statistics3

16 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 17 Brimham Rocks © Mel Riley Haymaking © David Tolcher WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

In Nidderdale AONB the use of pesticides and fertilisers has reduced over the last 20 years, as have stocking rates. Take up of AES has been relatively good, with around 80 current agreements covering an area of almost 25,000ha (about 40% of the AONB) and having a total value of £1.6 million (see distribution and coverage in Figures 13 and 14). However, as can be seen in Figure 14 the trend is a declining number of agreements over time as existing Environmental Stewardship Scheme agreements (Entry Level Scheme (ELS) and Higher Level Scheme (HLS)) come to an end and are not converted into new agri-environment schemes, the Countryside Stewardship Schemes (CSS). This rapidly declining scheme coverage of the AONB is mirrored in other protected landscapes. The key reasons for this decline is the reduction of local level Natural England adviser capacity and the increase in the complexity of the schemes.

Nidderdale AONB has a high number of recent Case CSS agreements compared to the total area/cost Nidderdale AONB of AES in many other AONBs, however these are Study land advice work relatively modest in comparison to North Pennines Marian Wilby, Land Management Team 2019: Successful application for three higher tier and Forest of Bowland AONBs, largely due to Leader, Nidderdale AONB and 21 mid-tier grants plus 12 boundary the size of landholdings within the AONB. The Fig. 13. Current Agri-Environment Coverage (ESS and CSS) in Nidderdale AONB4 grants. proposed new Environmental Land Management Conservation advice for AONB farmers and 2018: Successful application for five higher tier schemes (ELMS) which will pay farmers to produce landowners, and supporting submission of Agri- and 25 mid-tier grants plus 15 boundary ‘public goods’ such as environmental improvements, Environment Scheme applications, is a vital grants. sound positive for Nidderdale AONB, and a key part of the AONB team’s work. Since 2006, it opportunity to address the decline in uptake of is estimated that the AONB has helped local 2017: Successful application for one higher tier agri-environment schemes. Whilst final details of farmers apply for grants worth over £10 million. and 24 mid-tier grants plus 15 boundary ELMS are still be to be agreed they could be a key This has enabled significant actions to support grants. mechanism for delivering our nature recovery Nidderdale’s nature to be implemented on a large 2016: Successful application for one higher tier strategy and establishing our nature recovery proportion of the AONB’s land. The AONB’s and eight mid-tier scheme grants6. network on the ground. , close relationship with farmers and landowners is crucial to our work to support nature and is 2015: Conservation advice to 136 farmers. based on trust established through long-term Successful application for four higher tier 7 working relationships and Marian’s wealth of grants . knowledge and expertise. Based on our extensive 2014: Negotiated 33 grants covering more than experience, the AONB has also made various 2,500ha of the AONB and worth almost contributions to calls for evidence and national £1.8 million for AONB farmers8. consultations on new AES design therefore 2013: Negotiated 11 HLS farmland conservation seeking to ensure future schemes help support Fig. 14. Agri-Environment Coverage (ESS and CSS) over time in grants covering more than 3000ha of the 5 Nidderdale’s nature, as well as upland farmers’ Nidderdale AONB AONB and worth nearly £2 million for livelihoods. AONB farmers9.

18 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 19 WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

Case High Nature Value Farming community to work together to support HNV elevations. The result will be smaller UK ranges for Case Making Nidderdale AONB’s Study in the North Upland Chain10 farming, including taking action to: many species and for some species it could mean Study nature areas more resilient • ensure the new Environmental Land UK-wide extinction. Marian Wilby, Land Management Team Leader, Nidderdale AONB Management scheme (ELMS) targets support to PRESSURE STATE There is strong evidence thatRESPONS protected areas,E HNV farmers; All the top 10 warmest years Climate suchchang ase SSSIs, remain a vital conservationProtecting toolnatu re-rich areas High Nature Value (HNV) farming describes low • provide a stronger voice for HNV farmers in since records began have has alreadydespite impacted shifting species’ distributions.secures For carbon , benefits intensity farming systems in the uplands, where developing policy; occurred post-1990. populationexample, trends protecting importantspecies areas of and semi- provides vital natural habitat will be important in providing farming is limited by topography, altitude and • raise awareness of HNV farming and the 1.5 of moths (explaining ecosystem services – 40% of theareas decline for species) to move intopr asov theyiding shift benefits all round. climate that are particularly valuable for wildlife, fantastic food it produces; 1.0 and aphidsnorthwards. (explaining However if species are to move, the environment and people – for example, 0.5 • develop tailored programmes of support, 60% of thehabitat incr ease).connectivity is vital, especially for less flower-rich meadows and moors with curlew. We 0.0 advice, and capital investment that are more mobile species. To make our biodiversity more collaborate with other Northern Upland Chain -0.5 nce (°C) from 1961-199 0 nce (°C) from

easily accessible to upland farm businesses; e resilient to climate change, Nidderdale AONB (NUC) partners to promote HNV farming. -1.0

Differ will be looking to link up fragmented areas of • introduce a more collaborative approach -1.5 Much of the stunningly beautiful hills and dales in to the delivery of schemes, using the skills habitats, and create ecological stepping stones and PRESSURE STATE RESPONSE 13 Nidderdale, and the wider NUC area, may look and knowledge of HNV farmers to deliver corridors . Over the next year we will be using wild but have been managed by generations of environmental outcomes; and All the top 10 warmest years Climate change Protectingthis natu Statere of-rich Nature areas report as part of the baseline farmers. Local farming systems use traditional since records began have has already impacted secures carbonfor identifying, benefits key areas to target for habitat • develop new payment mechanisms to enable livestock breeds like Swaledale sheep that have occurred post-1990. population trends species andrestoration provides or vital creation to help our nature adapt. the market to reward HNV farmers for the adapted to cope with the harsh conditions and 1.5 of moths (explaining ecosystem services – many public benefits they provide. form the backbone of the national sheep industry. 1.0 40% of the decline) providing benefits all round. and aphids (explaining Farming in these uplands also helps regulate 0.5 60% of the increase). the flow of many rivers minimising flood peaks, 0.0 Case A Natural Capital maintains large areas of land that is accessible -0.5

PRESSURE ST 1961-199 0 nce (°C) from ATE RESPONSE Study Investment Plan for peatland e by the public for recreation, and manages the Climate change -1.0

All the top 10 warmest years ClimateDiffer change Protecting nature-rich areas in the Northern Upland beautiful landscapes that support a multi-million Increasing annual average temperatures, and-1.5 rainfall 14 pound tourist industry. since records began have has already impacted secures carbon, benefits Chain occurand risingred seapost-1990. levels are just two of thepopulation symptoms trends species and provides vital of the complex climatic changes experienced in the 1.5 of moths (explaining ecosystem services – Peat is our best natural store of carbon – there But farming in these uplands is tough, with long, UK over recent decades. There is growing40% evidence of the decline ) providing benefits all round. cold winters, high rainfall, and a short growing 1.0 is more carbon stored in the peatlands of the that climate change is driving widespreadand and aphids rapid (explaining 12 0.5 Fig. 15. National pressure, state, response statistics UK than in the forests of the UK, France and season. The systems that make best use of the changes in the abundance, distribution, 60%and ecologyof the incr ease). 0.0 Germany combined. Damaged peatlands do land are relatively labour intensive with low of the UK’s wildlife and will continue to do so into -0.5 not have the same capacity for carbon storage productivity yield, so farming here costs more 1961-199 0 nce (°C) from thee future. Many species, including birds, butterflies and produces less. Many of the benefits that -1.0 and can even actively contribute to climate andDiffer moths, have shifted their ranges north over the Case -1.5 Climate change and change by releasing stored carbon back into the HNV provides are not rewarded by the market last four decades and the onset of seasonal events is Study Nidderdale AONB’s species atmosphere. therefore without support from public money earlier for a wide range of species. most of these farmers would disappear. Species distributions could change within To stimulate new investment in peatlands in the A UK-wide study of the impacts of climate change Nidderdale AONB resulting in the loss of some northern uplands, the NUC LNP has produced HNV farming remains the best and only realistic on species looked at 402 species, suggesting that of our species. For example, woolly willow found a Natural Capital Investment Plan. The current way of maintaining some of this country’s most 35% are at risk of range loss, particularly amongst at Greenhow is at the southern-most edge of area of peatlands in the LNP is 253,500ha and valuable habitats and landscapes, including bryophytes and vascular plants, while 42% may its range and may be lost from the AONB if includes almost 40% of all the deep peat in Nidderdale. The NUC Local Nature Partnership expand their range. Worryingly three-quarters of temperatures rise. Bats currently use caves in England. In the 10 years to March 2019, the (LNP) has been collaborating with groups of the upland species considered are predicted to the Yorkshire Dales, including in Nidderdale, as Yorkshire Peat Partnership has completed local farmers to explore ways of securing a be at risk from climate change11. Many of the UK’s roosts, but if temperatures rise these caves may restoration plans for over 46,500ha of blanket more robust economic future and delivering upland species are already at the southern edge of no longer be suitable roosts. It has also been bog, blocked 1844km of eroding grips (moorland more environmental benefits. It is calling on their ranges and may be forced to move northwards observed that barn owls appear to be moving to drains), and blocked 181km of eroding gullies15. Government, Local Enterprise Partnerships, in response to climate change. The climate some higher areas within the AONB. However, despite significant successful restoration environmental agencies and the farming of these species favour may also move to higher activities in recent years, an estimated 130,000ha

20 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 21 WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

remains degraded. Improving the condition PRESSUREPRESSUREPRESSUREPRESSURE STATSTESTATATEESTATE RESPONSRESPONSRESPONSERESPONSEE E Case Habitat Suitability Modelling of this degraded peatland will provide £460 Study and the role of citizen million net benefit to society over 40 years, ThereTherTher wase ean Ther waswas 8% ane anincr was 8%8%ease an incrincr 8%easeease incr easeBetw eenBetwBetw 2006eeneenBetw and 20062006een 2018, and and2006 2018,2018, and 2018,The conceptTheThe conceptconceptThe of net concept of ofgains netnet of gainsgains net gains in thein inpr thetheopor in prprtion oportheopor ofprtiontion oporthe of oftion thethe of the1,600 1,600miles1,600 miles1,600ofmiles road ofmilesof roroadad of road for biodiversityfforor biodiversitybiodiversityfor biodiversitythrough ththro roughugh th ro ugh just from reducing the amount of carbon being science in providing data for UK’s populationUK’UK’ss populationpopulationUK’s livingpopulation living living living were wereconstructedwere constructedconstructedwere constructed developmentdedevevelopmentlopmentde havevelopment hahaveve have local decision-making released into the atmosphere. Further significant in urbaninin urban urbanareasin urban areasbetwareas een betwareasbetw eeneen betw eenin Greatinin Great GreatBritain.in Great Britain.Britain. Britain. recentlyrerecentlycently beenre cently enshrinedbeenbeen enshrined enshrinedbeen enshrined benefits are likely to accrue through improved 1970 and19701970 2018. andand1970 2018.2018. and 2018. in planninginin planningplanning policyin planning policy policyin policy inin in Dan McAndrew, Principal Ecologist, biodiversity (estimated at £300 million over 40 Fig. 16. National pressure, state, response statistics16 EnglandEnglandEngland andEngland Wa andandles. Wa Wa andles.les. Wales. Harrogate Borough Council years), improved water quality through reduced sedimentation and water colouration, and Planning for biodiversity is dependent on improved natural flood management reducing having access to good data, especially in the downstream flooding. light of growing policy pressure to ensure that development incorporates net biodiversity gain. This policy shift reflects widespread and growing public concern about the progressive decline in Urbanisation biodiversity, and the consequent acceptance that land use planning could and should contribute The UK’s human population has risen steadily over to reversing this decline. To achieve this for the last century, mainly centred around urban areas. development management in planning requires This has required infrastructure developments a baseline of ecological data to ensure that to meet the demand for food, homes and appropriate ecological mitigation, compensation transport. Development for housing, industry and and enhancement is put in place as a requirement infrastructure result in direct habitat loss as well as for granting of planning permissions. Site-based fragmentation and changes in the remaining habitat. ecological surveys are essential in order to provide this baseline information but the wider Nidderdale AONB is home to around 16,000 landscape context of the setting is also important. people and is largely rural. While it has modest The costs of surveys must be also be reasonable development pressure compared to many in relation to the scale of the proposal, so that other areas, the landscape is such that the siting including improvements for wildlife within of development is key and even small-scale developments is not viewed negatively and so development can have a significant impact. Proposals that excessive survey costs do not deflect the in the AONB tend to be of small-scale, however provision of resources away from compensation in recent years there has been increased housing and enhancement for wildlife. development in some of the larger villages. Working with applicants to ensure development proposals The compilation and dissemination of existing are consistent with AONB objectives, commenting ecological data to relevant parties (including on planning applications that are large scale or might the applicant’s ecological consultants, local have an impact on the AONB, and contributing to planning authority, and interested third parties) planning policy affecting the AONB is a key part of by organisations such as the North and East the AONB’s work. Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre plays an important role in providing the context for site- based ecological surveys. However, Harrogate District covers a large area (over 500 square miles) approaching half of which lies within the Nidderdale AONB. Existing data on the presence of protected and priority species in the District is patchy. Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) can provide scientifically objective criteria to help focus survey effort on where it is most required and for what species. So it could

22 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 23 Pateley Bridge © David Tolcher WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

provide evidence, for example, that surveys for As the results of structured surveys are compiled Invasive Non-Native Species Table 1. Known INNS in Nidderdale AONB great crested newts might not be required for so that better models can be developed and Species name Status in AONB developments adjacent to ponds in moorland widely disseminated on accessible desk-top The impact of invasive non-native species (INNS) has long been recognised as a major driver of habitats if these habitats are demonstrated to GIS platforms, this can tie into a requirement Himalayan balsam Extensive within the AONB – be very unlikely to support great crested newts, to provide net gain for biodiversity, including environmental damage, noted as one of the top five (Impatiens glandulifera) see case study below 20 whilst highlighting other areas where an absence the principle of biodiversity offsetting, within drivers for biodiversity loss and ecosystem change . of records may more likely indicate a lack of the planning system. There is great potential Impacts are evident across all ecosystems, with Japanese knotweed Present but not extensive within survey effort to date, rather than the absence of a for HSM to be used more pro-actively as a particularly severe impacts on native woodlands, (Fallopia japonica) the AONB species. tool to identify important stepping stones and freshwater and riparian habitats, and INNS impacts corridors for wildlife where habitat creation can exacerbate other pressures, such as land use Zebra mussel (Dreissena Present at some sites within the In other cases, HSM may support the case should be prioritised. This can help ecological change and climate change. There are currently polymorpha) AONB around 2,000 non-native species known to be for ecological surveys and mitigation to be compensation and enhancement in planning to New Zealand pigmy Present at some sites within the undertaken where the requirement for them may be utilised in conjunction with other delivery established in Great Britain, with 10–12 new species weed/Australian swamp AONB, including Gouthwaite be in dispute or where professional judgements mechanisms, such as agri-environment schemes to establishing each year on average. Around 12% of stonecrop (Crassula Reservoir – see case study helmsii) below may differ. This has sometimes occurred, for help develop local ecological networks, providing these species cause serious adverse impacts, and are therefore classed as invasive (INNS). Present at some sites within example in areas fringing the uplands of the connectivity for wildlife across the landscapes of Batchelor’s buttons the AONB, including Upper AONB, where habitats may be sub-optimal for the Nidderdale AONB and Harrogate District. (Cotula alpina) Nidderdale – see case study bats in comparison with some lowland areas. The introduction and spread of INNS and animal/ below plant diseases pose a significant threat to the Nevertheless, work undertaken in the Yorkshire Giant hogweed Common around the fringes of special landscapes and wildlife of Nidderdale AONB, (Heracleum Dales and Nidderdale AONB by Eloise Brown mantegazzianum) the AONB of Leeds University17 has shown that such either directly, for example through the spread of Case Yorkshire Water Biodiversity disease or competition for resources, or indirectly, The gradual spread of signal habitats are likely to support a number of bat crayfish within our river Study Net Gain Commitment for example by causing or exacerbating damage to Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus species, depending especially on their proximity leniusculus systems threatens the future of vital wildlife habitats. They can also impact on our ) & crayfish our native white-clawed crayfish to trees, woodland, and open or running water. Ben Aston, Technical Specialist (Ecology, plague within the AONB and across This has resulted in a habitat suitability map Biodiversity and Invasive Species), enjoyment of the AONB by restricting access or the UK changing the character of landscape features. Species which indicates the probability of the presence of Yorkshire Water Currently found on some of individual species or an assemblage of bat species such as Giant Hogweed can even present a hazard Floating pennywort the river systems linked to the Within their 2020–2025 business plan, Yorkshire to human health. (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) Yorkshire Dales, but has not yet foraging within particular locations at a scale that made it into the AONB is useful for development planning purposes. Water have committed to achieving Biodiversity Net Gain within their internal development Introduction of INNS to an area can also have Non-native diseases threaten Tree diseases the health of our woodlands I have used this work to argue successfully for and maintenance projects and signed up to the economic and social impacts, by increasing with ash and larch currently 18 under particular threat bat surveys to be undertaken and for mitigation CIEEM/CIRIA/IEMA 10 Good Practice Principles . flood risk, damage to infrastructure, or costs of to be provided in situations where ecological Whilst the legal framework is currently lacking in control. It is estimated that INNS and animal/plant New Zealand Willowherb Present at some sites within the consultants have felt intuitively that this might formally defining and measuring how this will be diseases cost the UK economy approximately (Epilobium brunnescens) AONB 21 not be necessary, but where the HSM maps have achieved, the company has committed to mapping £1.7 billion a year. Once established, eradication demonstrated that several bat species are likely it’s estate to create a publicly reported baseline is often impossible and costs of control are large. American Skunk Cabbage Not currently in the AONB, but to occur. HSM is also able to demonstrate the on the various ecological habitats present across Therefore stopping the spread by implementing (Lysichiton americanus) close by value of connectivity and corridors within the its landholdings, publicly report on gains and simple biosecurity measures is often the most cost- Common yellow landscape which has enabled the local planning losses within these over the business cycle, and effective way of combatting the problem. Table1 (Mimulus Present at some sites within the monkeyflower AONB authority to require such features to be buffered to pilot mechanisms through its construction and summarises the INNS species currently known to guttatus) from development, particularly in respect of land management programmes to help achieve be present in the AONB. biodiversity net gain through the DEFRA 2.0 Muskflower (Erythranthe Present at some sites within the lighting impacts. This pioneering work provided an moschata) AONB inspiration for the AONB’s Wild Watch project. Metric19. Nidderdale is part of the Yorkshire Dales Biodiversity and INNS Group22, which collaborates to take a strategic and co-ordinated approach to American Mink (Neovison Present at some sites within the The future development of HSM on the basis of vison) AONB work undertaken by The Wild Watch project’s biosecurity and the management of INNS. The group recently agreed a scoring system to evaluate volunteers offers the opportunity, using citizen New Zealand mud Present at some sites within the the impact of various INNS in the Yorkshire Dales snail (Potamopyrgus science, to provide more detailed data on which antipodarum) AONB improved modelling can be built and to extend and assigned targets for INNS control for each this approach to other species and habitats. species.

24 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 25 WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

Case Himalayan Balsam Control: from localised areas of dense cover to occasional Funding from the project continues for the 2020 Case Gouthwaite Reservoir Study Upper River Nidd and clusters or singular plants. Himalayan balsam is control season, with potential further funding Study Crassula helmsii trials also found along roadsides and within areas of from Yorkshire Water in future years. tributaries ungrazed land such as woodland or bracken beds. Ben Aston, Technical Specialist (Ecology, Jackie Smith, Headwaters for Healthy Rivers Biodiversity and Invasive Species), Project Officer, Nidderdale AONB Should it continue to spread, its impact will be Yorkshire Water much more difficult to manage in future years and In 2019 Nidderdale AONB were awarded an of detriment to the habitats and the ecological Yorkshire Water own Gouthwaite Reservoir, a EU Water Environment Grant (WEG) by the status of the watercourses and Gouthwaite nationally important SSSI site designated for the Environment Agency to address invasive non- Reservoir SSSI. To ensure the complete bird assemblages that are present. An invasive native species (INNS), in particular Himalayan eradication of Himalayan balsam in the upper non-native species, variously known by the balsam, in the Upper Nidd catchment. The control catchment, a concerted effort to control the common names of New Zealand pigmy weed or of Himalayan balsam in Upper Nidderdale is listed species by landowners and targeted contractor Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) as an action priority in the INNS Strategy for the effort is required to avoid an escalation of the is present on the site, and is dominant across Yorkshire Dales. problem. the mudflat and delta areas commonly used by wading birds for feeding. The company is mid- Himalayan balsam is a highly invasive non-native Through funding from the Environment Agency way through a programme of trials to attempt to species that creates dense stands of vegetation and from Yorkshire Water, a programme of manage this species and thereby help safeguard and is able to outcompete native flora, particularly Himalayan balsam control has been initiated the ecosystem services the site can offer. on riverbanks and in damp areas. The plant is within Upper Nidderdale with approximately an annual and following winter dieback it leaves 5ha controlled in 2018 and 16ha controlled in Trials of herbicide, hot foam and hot water have fragmented habitats and riverbanks vulnerable 2019. Control methods used were both chemical been undertaken, where along with control to accelerated erosion which can then lead to spraying and hand-pulling; using volunteers and plots, management was undertaken at a variety the sedimentation of riverbeds. This has serious targeted contractor efforts for hand pulling and of depths of Crassula. Initial results have not Fig. 17. Extent of spread (marked red) of Himalayan balsam in the Upper been promising, with only glyphosate offering consequences for riparian/freshwater ecosystem contractors for specialised chemical control. Four Nidd catchment. Note: the red line depicts recorded Himalayan functioning and poses a risk to the integrity of the balsam irrespective of whether it is singular plants or dense partial control, and at a level where both Crassula landowners are currently involved and helping continuous patches. habitats, as well as to water quality. take control of Himalayam balsam on their land. material remains, preventing access to the mudflats, and regrowth occurs quickly undoing The key objectives of the Headwaters for Healthy the benefit. Rivers project are: The company has subsequently partnered with • Prevent Himalayan balsam establishing in areas CABI, DEFRA, Natural England and South West currently unaffected. Water to trial the use of a biocontrol mite from • Reverse the spread and eradicate it at sites Crassula’s native range. Initial investigations have currently affected. been testing the mite’s ability to overwinter in Yorkshire, prior to large scale releases to test the • Stakeholder engagement to encourage efficiency of management. the prevention, identification, control and monitoring/reporting of Himalayan balsam. The company is committed to protecting the value of the site for nature, and has further The headwater waterbodies of the Nidd (The plans in its next business cycle to ensure robust River Nidd, How Stean Beck, and Gouthwaite monitoring and management is available where Reservoir SSSI) and associated tributaries have evidence suggests it will be effective. been surveyed to establish the distribution and extent of Himalayan balsam on the River Nidd from Wath bridge, upstream. The survey found that Himalayan balsam occurs along 16km of the River Nidd and its tributaries including the length of Gouthwaite Reservoir; covering an estimated 13.5ha with varying densities ranging

26 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 27 Himalayan balsam © Elizabeth Bishop WHY IS NATURE CHANGING? WHY IS NATURE CHANGING?

Case Alpine cotula (Cotula alpina) parkland at Roundhay Park in Leeds where it was Adopting climate change adaptation measures: Study – an invader from Australia presumably introduced for ornament during the • Implementing a habitat expansion, linkage and early 20th century. Alternative theories include creation programme; Kevin Walker, Head of Science Botanical introduction in wool waste or medicated grit • Working with land managers and partner Society of Britain and Ireland, Harrogate imported from Australia. However it arrived, it organisations to reduce the risk of moorland District Naturalists Society is now thoroughly naturalised within the AONB wildfires; where it appears to be relatively benign despite • Implementing natural flood management In 2009 Linda Robinson, the Botanical Society having become locally dominant within road and measures on AONB river catchments. of Britain and Ireland’s recorder for Northwest trackside grasslands. Yorkshire, found an unfamiliar plant growing by a • Urbanisation roadside above Lofthouse in Upper Nidderdale. Developing a Biodiversity Net Gain policy and After searching images on the web she soon working with businesses to ensure proposals for realised that the plant was an introduction, Cotula new development deliver a net biodiversity gain. alpina, a rare native of southwest Australia and Tasmania that up to that point had not been • Invasive Non-Native Species recorded anywhere else in the world. • Reducing the impact of INNS by participating in the Yorkshire Dales INNS Steering Group Subsequent research by Linda and by Kevin including using risk assessment outputs to help Walker have shown that Alpine cotula is well fund biosecurity for AONB volunteers and staff. established along about 35km of moorland tracks • Collaborative work with the Yorkshire Dales on the eastern side of Upper Nidderdale as well Group to strategically manage INNS, especially as in similar habitats on the North Yorkshire Himalayan balsam in Upper Nidderdale. Moors. In addition, in 2009 it was also found on • Undertaking public awareness measures to help the Coigach peninsula in northwest Scotland people identify, control and monitor INNS. where it is spreading rapidly in acid turf by tracks and roads. In its native range C. alpina is confined What can you do? to damp heaths and springs at high altitudes in the mountains of New South Wales, ACT, Victoria Groups, individuals and the general public can: and Tasmania. Fig. 18. Known locations of Apline cotula in the UK. • Contact us to discuss new development proposals. In Northern England it has a very different niche • Volunteer with the AONB for example in – its main habitats are constructed moorland recording INNS, and taking part in INNS tracks and roadside acid grassland grazed by Recommendations and future actions management. sheep. More rarely it colonises areas of burnt • Take biosecurity measures to protect the 23 heather or mosses in trackside ditches. Although AONB plans and commitments AONB from the spread of INNS and consider it barely reaches more than a few centimetres designating a biosecurity officer for your The AONB is committed to the following actions by organisation. in height it flowers prolifically over an extended 2024: period (April till October) producing hundreds of tiny seeds that stick to the feet of passing sheep, • Agricultural management people and to vehicles. It also produces tough Increasing the environmental sustainability of rhizomes that route at the nodes allowing it to farms in Nidderdale by contributing to the spread vigorously in short grassland. Detached development of the new Environmental Land fragments are also likely to re-root. It therefore Management scheme. is able to disperse effectively along tracks or colonise new sites. • Climate change Reducing carbon emissions and increasing the Research has shown that it has been present AONB’s capacity for carbon storage through in Nidderdale since at least the early 1970s. moorland restoration and increasing the amount How it arrived is a mystery. C. alpina is rarely of woodland cover. grown in gardens although survives in lawns and

28 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 29 © David Tolcher LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

Local action and people Time given by volunteers Case Nidderdale AONB Botany Volunteers donate a huge resource to UK Study Volunteers conservation. It is estimated that 7.5 million volunteer hours go into collecting biodiversity A small group of volunteers were recruited 3 Headlines monitoring data each year . and trained in plant identification skills by the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership (a • People are interested in nature, but there is a gap • Over the last five years, public sector spending Nidderdale AONB has a long history of volunteers previous Nidderdale AONB Heritage Lottery- between people’s values and actions, thought to on biodiversity in the UK has declined, while undertaking practical conservation work including funded project). The volunteers all completed be at least part due to people’s disconnection spending by NGOs has increased. In this period habitat management activities like tree planting. the online and homebased ‘indentiplant’4 training from nature. Nidderdale AONB has helped channel over Whilst there are a number of local naturalists and and attended various AONB-run training courses. £3.4 million of external grants into nature naturalist groups active in the area, it was apparent As the Upper Nidderdale LPS project came to • Nidderdale AONB has a long history of active conservation and two local funds, the Greenhow from analysing historical data that there were huge end, The Wild Watch project gladly took on the naturalist groups collecting valuable biodiversity Fund and the Friends of Nidderdale AONB gaps in the information available for the AONB. The training and support mantle, knowing that the data and people volunteering in practical nature Countryside Fund, have invested over £86,000 in Wild Watch has started to raise further awareness botany surveys planned for The Wild Watch conservation. local wildlife and cultural heritage conservation of Nidderdale’s amazing nature and fill these gaps to required volunteers with good plant identification projects. gain a better understanding of wildlife and habitats skills. More training was planned and the • The Wild Watch project sought to build on in the AONB. volunteers started plant surveys for the project this, raising awareness of Nidderdale AONB’s • The AONB is committed to supporting our during 2018 and 2019. nature with wider audiences and collecting large biodiversity volunteers, collaborating with others, A key part of The Wild Watch was to gather new amounts of new survey data. Over 3,000 new and continuing to raise awareness of Nidderdale data, working not only with professional ecologists Over the two years 52 transects were walked in surveys were carried out and in excess of 1,000 AONB’s biodiversity whilst raising funds for and local naturalists but also to train volunteers to all areas of the AONB. Along the survey transects new citizen science records submitted. Over nature conservation work. Contact us if you are carry out surveys. A total of 110 volunteers were 520 quadrats were also surveyed by volunteers. 6,400 people attended over 140 events and interested in volunteering. recruited, and trained in different survey techniques This has led to 283 species records (from The volunteers gave 4,500 hours of their time. and identification skills. This has amassed a huge Wild Watch target list) being gathered. There was 4,500 volunteer hours over the course of the three an exciting moment whilst out on one training Connection to nature year project, and has significantly increased the course when it was thought that the very rare skills of the volunteers. Feedback from volunteers pale forget me not (Myosotis stolonifera) had As wildlife populations decline, there is increasing the RSPB predicts that if the decline continues, involved with the project has been positive. been found (see Pale Forget-me-not case study on concern about people’s willingness to act to reverse the consequences for wildlife and people could page 120), to the disappointment of all it turned this. Wildlife programmes such as the BBC’s Spring be catastrophic. This underlines the importance of out not to be! and Autumn Watch are extremely popular and creating new opportunities for people to connect It’s an opportunity to learn more about our local conservation NGOs such as The National Trust with nature, wherever they live and whatever their “ wildlife. It encourages you to get outside and to do The volunteers have worked really well and RSPB have high membership. Recent research age, so that a much broader range of people can something useful for the AONB.” - Volunteer 2018 together, forming a close knit group that go out on how people enjoy and use nature1 shows how enjoy the many benefits nature brings and also take regularly to look at plants. They are continually important greenspaces are to the nation’s mental part in caring for their environment. increasing their plant identification skills and and physical wellbeing, and there has been a marked It extends your knowledge and puts your knowledge several are members of local naturalist groups. increase in visits to the natural environment over We know Nidderdale’s natural heritage is Nidderdale AONB is also planning to use the the last decade. However, there are inequalities in important to people. In the 25 years since the “ to good use. There’s a variety of training to opt volunteer’s skills to help monitor the local Sites access, with children from the most deprived areas AONB designation was confirmed by Government, into. I’m enjoying doing it. There’s a semi-social of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) 20% less likely to spend time outside than those in thousands of people have taken part in wildlife element to it.” - Volunteer 2018 through a rolling programme of surveys. affluent areas. events and hundreds of people have joined our brigade of conservation volunteers. And when There is a recognised gap between people’s values Nidderdale’s wildlife habitats and species are and their actions. This is thought to be in part due threatened or harmed, people contact us for It’s an opportunity to learn more about wildlife, to people’s disconnection from nature – people reassurance – members of the local community “ play an active part in helping gather data needed don’t protect what they don’t know. Research certainly, but those from further afield as well. to protect it, and a really good excuse to be 2 commissioned by RSPB reveals the proportion of The Wild Watch sought to build on this interest, outdoors in fabulous surroundings.” - Volunteer 2018 children playing out in natural spaces has dropped increasing the number of people aware of, and by as much as 75 % over the last 30 to 40 years, and engaged in looking after Nidderdale’s nature.

30 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 31 Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers © Ross Evans

LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

Case Wading bird surveys with Study gamekeepers

In 2017 the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) published a report on their work with gamekeepers and farmers to monitor wader populations in the Yorkshire Dales. During the 2017 breeding season, gamekeepers and farmers carried out breeding wader surveys at a range of sites across Wensleydale using BTO survey methods tailored to fit with their work schedules.

Farmers and gamekeepers are out working throughout the AONB most days and often have a highly detailed knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Survey methodologies that fit into gamekeeper’s work routines have the Case The Nature Conservation potential for a wide uptake as well as generating Study Volunteers useful data, provided that appropriate training Liz Milner, Volunteer Co-ordinator, a huge difference to, is Hackfall Wood near is made available. Embedding the monitoring of Nidderdale AONB Grewelthorpe. They spend one day per month breeding waders within the work practices of there maintaining the paths and steps around the gamekeepers could be an effective approach for The Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers (NCVs) site, the Victorian features such as the waterfalls improving the monitoring of breeding waders in Fig. 19. km grid squares with gamekeeper survey transect number around 50 core volunteers and is made and pond, as well as Himalayan balsam pulling key areas. up of the three groups– Tuesday Task NCVs (30 and other tasks. They have been so successful in In the first year there was good uptake with the volunteers), Heritage Volunteers (10 volunteers), balsam pulling that this year, there are only tiny On the basis of this, The Wild Watch, working majority of the gamekeepers carrying out the and the Walling Group (10–12 volunteers). isolated pockets of it within the wood and no collaboratively with the Upper Nidderdale surveys. The second season was less successful. major pulling was required. A key success. Landscape Partnership, approached the Swinton The survey transects were moved to increase The Tuesday Task NCVs carry out nature Estate and gamekeepers of Upper Nidderdale the data, however this meant that some transects conservation work within the AONB. They focus At Ellington Banks Military Training Areas to see if they would participate in a similar were further away from the gamekeeper’s daily on tasks for AONB externally-funded projects the NCVs have carried out winter woodland bird survey and help gather information for the routes and the uptake was noticeably lower. This (such as the Upper Nidderdale Landscape management, cutting back willow and alder off the AONB. Two training sessions were run during demonstrates the vital importance of working in Partnership and The Wild Watch), on designated species-rich grassland to enable the wild flowers February in advance of the bird breeding season, conjunction with the gamekeepers when drawing sites such as Hackfall Wood Site of Special flourish. The group has been back in the summer at a relatively quiet time for the gamekeepers. up routes and transects. Scientific Interest, and/or on routes with public to see the benefits of their work and also map access such as bridleways and footpaths. Tasks some of the ancient and veteran trees onsite. The training outlined the survey methods and It is worth noting that whilst this method has the can include hedgelaying, tree and hedge planting, There is a huge variety of work that people can the species to target. A bird identification guide potential to increase wader monitoring across Himalayan balsam pulling, and coppicing. There get involved in – the group’s mantra is ‘low impact, was also provided. The Wild Watch worked with managed areas of moorland, any data analysis and is an emphasis on learning traditional skills with environmentally-friendly onsite conservation the gamekeepers to identify suitable survey interpretation would need to take into account regular training sessions held alongside the work, fuelled by homemade cake’. They don’t use transects that encompassed a variety of habitat the predator control and aspects of moorland practical conservation works. A scything course chemicals and the only machinery necessary is a but that was on or close to their daily route management that can have a positive or negative for meadow management was held, and also a chainsaw for woodland management. If you are around their respective estates. We asked them effect on wading bird populations and may not be coppicing and green woodwork course so that interested in the NCVs carrying out work on to survey each route twice between April and representative of all areas of moorland. the volunteers can make use of brash on site to your land, or in becoming a NCV, please contact July. create basic seats and hazel hurdles, turning waste the AONB. materials into a valuable resource.

One area of the AONB that the NCVs have carried out a huge amount of work at, and made

32 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 33 LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

Local wildlife and naturalist groups membership had grown to 50, plus 12 junior to members) throughout the year, by funding Case Nidderdale members (encouraged in their interest by local conservation projects throughout Wharfedale, Study Birdwatchers The AONB is acutely aware of the expertise that teachers who featured prominently in the Society and by active involvement in five Nature Reserves. local naturalist groups have and the large amounts in those early days). The annual membership fee of just £12.50 is Tony & Alwin Knowles, Founder Members of time they spend gathering knowledge about the deliberately kept low to encourage as many wildlife in the area, helping with surveys, and passing The Society continued to develop through people as possible to join and participate, and to Nidderdale Birdwatchers (NB) was formed in on their knowledge to other people. In some areas subsequent decades and special publications ensure we have funds available to fulfil our funding 2008, with a formal constitution stating these it has become increasingly difficult to recruit new were produced for the 25th, 40th and 50th objectives. Every effort is made to ensure new aims: members to these groups and time spent marketing Anniversaries. The 60th Anniversary featured members are made welcome and encouraged to • To promote interest in and understanding and the groups and recruiting new members is taking an evening with member Alan Titchmarsh at the participate in the Society’s activities. knowledge of birds, their environment and the committee members away from the reason they Kings Hall. Membership increased and peaked conservation, and in particular to promote joined the group in the first place. at 516 in 2010. A fall in recent years has been Annual Reviews (called ‘Transactions’ to begin the study and welfare of the birds within arrested with membership currently standing with) were produced from the start and today Nidderdale; The Wild Watch has been supporting local naturalist at 450 and growing. It is thought that this figure form a superb historical record of the wildlife • To promote access to opportunities for groups to improve their marketing and expand their means that WNS is the largest wholly voluntary in the local area. Given the beleaguered state of learning and the gaining of new skills and membership. For example, working with Harrogate natural history society in the UK. wildlife and conservation in the UK at the present competencies; District Naturalist Society to refresh their branding, time, Wharfedale Naturalists are determined to • To encourage participation in active produce a leaflet, and offer guidance on revamping Today, Wharfedale Naturalists is a Registered raise awareness of this disturbing trend and to recreational pursuits and in local environmental their website. We have tried to tailor the support Charity with two objectives – to promote and do all we can to try to make a positive wildlife research and conservation. available to each group – for the larger Wharfedale foster the study of all branches of natural history, impact at the local level. Naturalist Society, The Wild Watch has supported and to promote the conservation, protection It was also agreed, although not stated formally, their work through reprinting their leaflet. This has and improvement of the physical and natural Further information can be obtained by visiting that NB should always be friendly, welcoming been used to promote the group at events such as environment. It fulfils these objectives principally the WNS website at wharfedale-nats.org.uk and inclusive, and this has been maintained as the Ben Rhydding Community Fete. The Wild Watch by the provision of over 50 events (generally free the membership has risen from the original 22 has also supported Nidderdale Birdwatchers in a members to over 100. Since then, activities by similar way. the club and its members have increased year on year in line with the stated aims of the club. In A key part of this work has been to support the 2014, Nidderdale Birdwatchers was recognised groups in recruiting new members, in continuing to by HM Revenue & Customs as having charitable gather information on local wildlife, and in providing aims thus allowing the club to claim gift aid on expertise where resource within the group is membership and donations. lacking. Regular club meetings, involving either bird watching events or educational talks, were Case Wharfedale Naturalist introduced in the first year, and this annual Study programme of activities continues with at least Society two events each month, both in Nidderdale and Peter Riley, President further afield. A quarterly newsletter is produced for members, and regular updates sent out by The Wharfedale Naturalists’ Society (WNS) was email. The club also has a website and a blog, and founded in October 1945, when a group of keen has a regular presence at the Nidderdale Show, local naturalists gathered in Ilkley to establish a highlighting the work we do and encouraging group with the objective of studying and learning involvement. about local wildlife in Wharfedale, including its tributary, the River Washburn. Articles were Conservation activities also began in the first placed in local publications to generate interest year, with the emphasis on making nest boxes for and it wasn’t long before the Society was Bryan’s Wood, which the club ’adopted’ with the flourishing with a growing membership and a full then owner’s consent, and with AONB support, programme of outdoor and indoor meetings, undertook to help to conserve and monitor. the latter called ‘Lantern Shows’. Within a year, In the following year, members volunteered to

34 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 35 7-spot and 14-spot ladybirds © Peter Riley Zach Haynes © Zach Haynes LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

participate in the British Trust for Ornithology Since the formation of the club, individual Case Engaging young people with (BTO) Nest Record Scheme (NRS) involving members have been involved in wildlife surveys Study the natural world regular monitoring of breeding activity which and conservation work for the AONB, UNLP, over the years has provided a body of significant The Wild Watch, BTO, RSPB, High Batts Zach Haynes, Youth Patron, The Wild Watch data. The number of boxes increased and 130 Nature Reserve and other organisations, and boxes were checked each week during the continue to be actively involved in caring for the I can’t believe it was three years or so ago when breeding season. Additional boxes were made for environmental welfare of Nidderdale. I was asked to do something quite special, I was other areas in the Dale by members of NB and asked to be the youth patron of The Wild Watch. about surveying different species. I had a great the AONB’s Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers This was an honour and exciting for a number patch to survey and I had some lovely days out (NCVs) and, although not included in the BTO of reasons but the main one was that I was keen with dad looking for signs of otters, tracking NRS, they are maintained regularly and replaced People/children engagement to share my passion for the natural world with down golden-ringed dragonflies and trying to find when damaged. other young people. That’s harder than you think adders. One of the projects was to survey owls A key aim of The Wild Watch was to involve local sometimes, maybe it was just my school but if across Nidderdale. To do this the team wanted to In 2010, a new initiative to record members’ bird people in nature conservation and galvanise people you were into something that wasn’t football or work with schools, recruit lots of young people sightings within the Nidderdale AONB area began, into taking action for wildlife. Local residents, celebrities then you were seen as ‘a bit weird’ – to get out to look and listen for owls and report with the results published annually and shared volunteers, landowners and land managers have hunting was more popular than conservation. So any sightings. To get the message out to schools with other wildlife organisations. Work with been able to get involved in the project in a variety this was a great opportunity for me to help show they made a short film which I was asked to school children started and pupils at eight schools of different ways, depending on their interest, time other young people with similar interests how present along with a few other young people. in the Dale have been involved in making nest and skill level. Over the course of the project a total amazing and important the natural world is. Working with the owls, telling people what boxes and bird feeders; some schools have taken of 143 events were run with 6,427 people attending. wonderful creatures they are and encouraging the part in the RSPB’s Big School Birdwatch. This included a project launch, numerous training Nidderdale has some fantastic wildlife and it was school kids of Nidderdale to get involved in their courses and an evening with Chris Packham. great to go to the training sessions and learn conservation was a great project. In 2011, work started on preparations for building a sand martin wall at Gouthwaite Reservoir, an The surveying, the film to engage others, and Number of citizen science records 1095 idea first suggested in 2008. Support was given Numbers of surveys carried out 3,197 another big interest of mine, photography, all by Nidderdale AONB, Yorkshire Water, four Volunteer hours approx. 4,500 hours came together to give me an idea. I am also lucky Number of events carried out 143 local councils, landowners, Natural England and Number people attending events 6,427 to be an ambassador of the #iwill campaign which others. Consultation with other organisations Number of training attendees 540 is all about promoting youth social action. At the NumberThe of training events Wild for gamekeepers 7 and presentations to local residents was an Number of events run in schools 31 welcome event for this I saw a presentation for important part of the project development. Number of landowners asked for survey access 275 (approx.) the Grow Wild project run by Kew Gardens. Fundraising began with a sponsored Three This provided small grants for young people Peaks Walk in 2013. The Upper Nidderdale Watch to undertake projects inspired by wildflowers Landscape Partnership (UNLP) became a crucial 1095 citizen science records and fungi. I developed a project using accessible co-ordinator of the Sand Martin Wall scheme technology to show how easy it is to get out and in 2014 and the wall was built in the autumn of 3,197 surveys carried out discover wildflowers and their pollinators. that year. Martins have nested in the wall each year since 2015, with the exception of one year 4,500 volunteer hours (approx.) Using a smart phone and some clip on lenses when the wall went unused. In 2019, live camera the idea was to get young people out to look at coverage of the wall was organised and funded 143 events flowers, their different shapes and photograph by the UNLP. As part of the Upper Nidderdale them. This helped to explain how important Landscape Partnership, Nidderdale Birdwatchers 6,427 event attendees wildflowers are, how different plants have was also involved in a project to provide a developed to be pollinated by different insects Wildlife Watching Centre at Gouthwaite and how a wide range of insects are supported 540 training attendees Reservoir but this did not come to fruition. by wildflowers. The workshops went well and everyone got stuck in, including parents, finding In 2016, NB was involved in a fundraising 7 training events for gamekeepers different plants and trying to get shots of them programme for the national Curlew appeal being pollinated by lots of different insects. which undertakes research and conservation in 31 events run in schools response to the population decline of this upland Thank you to The Wild Watch and the project bird. 275 landowners asked for survey access (approx.) funders for giving me a chance to be involved.

36 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 37 Wildlife Detectives event attendees @ Paul Harris LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

Case Rewilding Citizen science £36,000 of grant funding has supported 24 projects. Study ourselves Biodiversity projects which have received funding An outright success of the Wild Watch that has contributions have included: Jeff Davitt, Wild Watch Volunteer successfully tapped into local people’s enthusiasm • Access and interpretation at Fishpond Wood, for wildlife is The Wild Watch’s ‘Owl Watch’ Bewerley. After an intense career in business, I decided in campaign. • Black Grouse relocation to Upper Nidderdale. 2017 to wind down to part-time work, leaving • Tree Planting at Knabbs Farm. me more space to pursue my life-long passion We asked people to tell us where and when they • Creation of upland bird habitat in Upper for the natural world. I wanted to spend more saw an owl so that we could start to build up a Nidderdale. time outdoors seeing wildlife, and also to support better picture of the owls in the local area. We ran • Hedgelaying in Azerley. conservation and rewilding activities. this alongside an evening talk about owls, which • Woodland bulb planting at Fellbeck. was attended by over 100 people. Citizen science • Save our Swifts, Mashamshire. As a member of Wharfedale Naturalists Society, owl sessions were also delivered by volunteers to I heard about The Wild Watch, and was grabbed schools across the area. The sessions included an Fig. 21. The ‘Owl Watch’ postcard For more information about the Friends by the ‘citizen science’ nature of the project. I illustrated presentation with a short educational Countryside Fund see nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/ therefore got in touch with Alice Crosby, and film about how to spot different types of owl in countryside-fund began providing admin support at the Nidderdale Nidderdale, with specific reference to the little owl, Local funding for conservation action AONB office two years ago. Activities vary from barn owl and tawny owl. The children were each In 2017/2018 an estimated £456 million of UK copying and scanning survey maps, to recording given a high quality information pack that included a The Greenhow Fund public sector funding was spent on biodiversity. This owl and hedgehog sightings, to commenting on sightings record postcard, further information, and The Greenhow Fund was established in 2006 by funding has been declining, by 29% over the last five management plans. Spring and summer give me activity sheets. These session were all delivered by Hanson UK following the granting of planning years, and by 34% since a high point in 2008/2009. the chance to undertake bird, river and reptile volunteers. permission at their Pateley Bridge Quarry. A total By contrast spending on biodiversity in the UK surveys – no two weeks are the same. of £10,000 of grant funding has been available to by NGOs with a focus on nature has increased, The campaign is ongoing. So far 675 owl records spend each year, and a total of 51 projects have reaching £239 million in 2017/2018, 24% higher than I’ve also been able to develop my understanding have been logged with the AONB and the data has received support. These have made a significant and five years ago5. of the natural world, with a particular focus been used for Habitat Suitability Modelling. long lasting positive impact, and include funding to on rewilding (in its broadest definition, not help protect the special habitats of the area and to reintroducing apex predators!) through residential support local groups doing fantastic volunteer work. courses in Wales and at Knepp in Sussex, Owls recorded March 2018 to January 2020 Biodiversity projects7 which have received funding and attendance at the Oxford Real Farming contributions have included: Conference. I carry out wading bird surveys for 3% • Hay meadow restoration – four landowners have the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and support 13% Short eared been supported to restore and enhance 20ha of the RSPB/YDNP Peregrine Watch at Malham Little traditional hay meadows. Cove. The more I learn, the more I feel like a • Humberstone Peatlands Project – The Yorkshire novice, as there are so many experts around, and Fig. 22. Expenditure on biodiversity in the UK, 2000/2001 to 2016/20176 Peat Partnership was supported to undertake so much that we don’t yet understand. practical restoration work, run educational events, 48% Over the last five years Nidderdale AONB has install interpretation boards, and produce a leaflet Involvement in The Wild Watch and the other Barn 36% helped channel £3.4 million in external grants into • Creation of Dacre Nature Reserve – Open activities outlined above give me hope that many Tawny conservation works in Nidderdale AONB. The Country, a group with learning disabilities people do care about the environment, and that success of the conservation work in Nidderdale and mental health issues, were supported to there is much going on – but so much more is is underpinned by partnership working, with undertake practical work including creating a needed. I am therefore working with my wife and government, charities, business, landowners, and wildflower meadow, planting an orchard, and with Rewilding Britain to set up a network for individuals. creating a seating/education area. those interested in small-scale rewilding, starting Fig. 20. Owl records logged with The Wild Watch between March 2018 and • Ecological survey work at Humberstone Bank with a regional pilot in Yorkshire. Watch this January 2020 including a summary of species Farm. space! Countryside Fund • Restoration of Fishpond wood8 The Friends of Nidderdale AONB Countryside Fund was set up in 2014 to raise and distribute money For more information about applying for the Fund for local wildlife and cultural heritage projects in see nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/greenhow-enhancement-fund Nidderdale AONB. Since its establishment over

38 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 39 LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE

Case How to restore a large long, flexible pipes with pond water then letting Study woodland pond (Don’t try the lower end go. We had four pipes on the go at this at home!) one time. That took three days but gravity did the work. The remaining puddle was kept low with Dr Peter Brambleby an electric pump and petrol generator. Our first two diggers got trapped in the mud and had be When I was fortunate enough to acquire rescued by a 15 ton digger that finished the job. Fishpond Wood in 2012, my first thought was There was a lot of agricultural junk in the pond how to restore the woodland, not how to but no Medieval treasures! Most of the rich loam restore the pond. But it soon became evident was dropped around the woodland and below the that the pond was a high priority. It had never dam. been dredged in living memory and was about half silted up. As trees, rushes and rhododendron As fish (mostly perch and roach and one large moved into the silt, the rate of loss was goldfish!) became trapped in puddles, we netted accelerating and would have displaced the aquatic all we could and took them to a temporary home wildlife and water fowl. After all, this fishpond was in a pond up the hill. Herons and moorhens what gave the woodland its name. and the occasional cormorant grew fat on easy pickings. The origins of the pond are not known for sure, but it seems likely it goes back to monastic times We excavated the original island as a refuge for when monks and lay brothers from Fountains nesting wildfowl. One side of the pond was left Abbey managed the local woods, fields and mines. fairly steep, and the other more gently shelving They would simply have needed to build a dam to encourage marginal plants. The pond refilled across the stream to create a pond ready for very quickly from rainfall and the stream. We ‘fish on Friday’. What we do know is that 18th returned several hundred fish and they were soon century landowners John Yorke and his nephew multiplying. That spring the moorhens nested and improved the pond and surrounding area. There had two successful broods. The ducks returned was a wooden boat house and, to store ice from in greater numbers and a heron became a regular the pond, an ice house. The ice house has been visitor. A big thrill the year after was the visit restored (with support from Upper Nidderdale by a kingfisher and he is a regular now too. Landscape Partnership (UNLP)) and is home to Frogs and toads spawned as usual. Visiting winter European cave spiders – well worth a visit. wildfowl still drop by. The marginal plants are re-establishing more slowly, but accelerating now, Getting advice on how to drain a pond with least and dragonflies were more evident during the adverse impact on wildlife, let alone the technical summer of 2019. challenges proved difficult and came from various sources. The UNLP selected Fishpond Wood as Fishpond Wood and its restored pond is a magical one of the Partnership’s Flagship Heritage Sites place, so do stop and look about you when you and the Friends of Nidderdale AONB donated visit. And let The Wild Watch know if you see £1,000 towards the effort. Natural England anything special! advised doing the work in September when the For more information about Fishpond Wood see amphibians would be on land, and the National uppernidderdale.org.uk/historic-nidderdale/flagship- Rivers Authority advised against releasing fish into heritage-sites/fishpond-wood local streams. Dr Peter Brambleby is a semi-retired public health In the end, three of us took it on during three physician, and former Director of Public Health for North (very rainy!) weeks in September 2015 – Tim who Yorkshire and York. His vision for Fishpond Wood is of a did all the digger driving and Dave, my friend and I, ‘natural health service’ where nature can contribute to health and wellbeing. A study barn for this purpose has who drove the dumpers. We drained the pond by been established in a clearing near the ice house. He can the siphon principle – filling 10cm diameter, 20m be reached on [email protected]

40 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 41 Fishpond Wood LOCAL ACTION AND PEOPLE HABITAT COVERAGE

Case Save Our Recommendations and future actions Study Swifts Habitat coverage AONB plans and commitments Mashamshire Swift Conservation Project • Supporting our volunteers to collect new The Countryside Fund is currently supporting biodiversity data, raise awareness of nature, and Headlines a project to help the recovery of swifts in the deliver on the ground nature conservation. Masham area. Swifts have been in national decline • Continued collaboration with local naturalist • Nidderdale AONB has a wealth of semi-natural • The AONB is committed to improving the for some time and this project seeks to provide societies. and modified habitats that support a rich variety management of priority habitats outside new nest boxes and innovatively, recorded sound • Continuing our citizen science initiatives. of wildlife. These habitats are divided up into designated sites. systems, designed to attract birds to established • Raising awareness of the value of Nidderdale four broad chapters in this report – moorland, colonies and/or form new ones. The Project has AONB’s nature. grassland and farmland, woodland and trees, and • We have produced a detailed habitat model of also increased awareness through a combination • Fundraising for nature conservation work. water and wetlands. the AONB as part of The Wild Watch and will use of school visits, a market stall and an open this to underpin decision-making about future • Key priority habitats are upland heathland (22% conservation action. evening meeting. What can you do? of the area) and blanket bog (almost 15% of the To date, the Project has helped install 90 nest Contact the AONB if you: area). boxes in the Masham area, with 18 in the church • Are interesting in becoming a Nidderdale tower! Conservation Volunteer (NCV) or be involved in other biodiversity-related volunteering with us. Priority habitat The Friends of Nidderdale AONB are looking • Have a site and are interested in the NVCs carrying out work on your land. Priority Habitat (as defined in section 41 of the afforded to the AONB’s priority habitat by SSSI to expand this work more widely and we would Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act designation and higher level agri-environment be keen to hear from anybody interested and/ (2006)) accounts for 40% (24,029ha) of Nidderdale schemes. This priority habitat information is or prepared to run a similar project in their local AONB. The most prominent habitats are upland compiled at national level from a range of data sets area. heathland (22% of the area) and blanket bog (almost compiled in 2016 and 2017 and so may not provide 15% of the area) - see Table 2 and Figures 23 and 24. up to date information, particularly for priority For more information about the swift project see Table 3 and Figure 25 shows protection currently habitat outside SSSIs. swift-conservation.org Table 2. Priority habitat coverage in Nidderdale AONB1 Total area Percentage of Percentage of national Priority habitat (ha) Nidderdale AONB habitat resource Blanket bog 8,315.23 13.8 3 Calaminarian grassland 4.73 0.008 4.3 Coastal and floodplain Grazing Marsh 110.40 0.02 0.1 Deciduous Woodland 2,175.32 3.62 0.3 Lowland Calcareous Grassland 10.17 0.02 0 Lowland Dry Acid Grassland 31.61 0.05 0.2 Lowland Fens 265.10 0.44 1 Lowland Heathland 71.58 0.12 0.1 Lowland Meadows 19.6 0.03 0 Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pastures 22.86 0.4 0.2 Traditional Orchards 3.55 0.01 0 Upland Calcareous Grassland 17.69 0.03 0.2 Upland Flushes, Fens and Swamps 54.28 0.09 0.5 Upland Hay Meadows 8.74 0.01 0.3 Upland Heathland 12,917.74 21.49 5.5 Total 24,028.58 39.97 13.3

42 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 43 The Wild Watch Aquatic Survey attendees © Paul Harris HABITAT COVERAGE

AONB habitat Recommendations and future actions 24,000 ha We have detailed data about some sites in the The AONB is committed to improving management AONB from site specific ecological surveys, but to of priority habitats outside designated sites so that of priority habitat: provide more comprehensive information about 50% are in favourable or recovering condition by habitats in the AONB, particularly outside SSSIs, we 2024. We will use our new habitat map to produce deciduous 2% range of other habitats have created a modelled habitat map of the AONB a Nidderdale Nature Recovery Strategy which woodland -most grassland using the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) includes actions for priority habitat and as a baseline as part of The Wild Watch. for future monitoring. 9%

35% 54% blanket bog upland heathland

16,934 ha (70%) of the AONB’s priority habitat is within designated sites. 16,645 ha (98%) of this is moorland habitat, including heathland and blanket bog. Fig. 24. Overview of priority habitat in the AONB Fig. 23. AONB priority habitat map2

Table 3. Priority habitat protection in Nidderdale AONB in 20183 Outside In Higher SSSI Tier / Not in In SSSI (ha) HLS Higher Total Outside Tier / (ha) SSSI (ha) HLS (ha) Fig. 26. Nidderdale AONB NVC habitat map

16,933.92 (70%) This detailed habitat map will underpin our future Favourable 1,735.32 decision-making about biodiversity in the AONB. As Condition4 (10.2%) 4,261.34 2,833.32 24,028.58 the new DEFRA Net Biodiversity Gain metric (see (18%) (12%) (100%) Yorkshire Water Biodiversity Net Gain Commitment case Unfavourable 15,185.66 Recovering (89.7%) study on page 24) is based on the new UK Habitat Classification approach (UKHab)6, we also intend 5 Unfavourable 13.94 Fig. 25. Current protection afforded to priority habitat in the AONB to convert our NVC habitat map into this format. No Change (0.1%) UKHab is a free to use, unified and comprehensive approach to classifying habitats, designed to provide a simple and robust approach to survey and monitoring.

44 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 45 Nidderdale view © David Tolcher DESIGNATED SITES DESIGNATED SITES

site is designated are dry heath, wet heath and Designated sites blanket bog. In total, the SPA/SAC designations 20,600 ha cover 28% of the AONB area. of designated sites: 2.5% sites with national designations only Headlines local nature SSSIs conservation sites • Almost 35% of the AONB is covered by sites • The AONB currently has 86 local wildlife sites. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are 86 sites covering with European, national or local designations. We do not have comprehensive information 3,228 ha are 16% nationally important sites designated by DEFRA These offer some level of protection to valuable about current management of these sites. designated as and based on advice from the Government’s wildlife habitats, as well providing natural spaces SINCs including key conservation advisory body Natural England under for people. • Lack of ongoing management resource is a grassland, wetland, and woodland the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. SSSIs can be constant challenge for wildlife sites, even if they habitats. biological, geological or both. • 16,844.7ha (28%) of the AONB is within are covered by a designation. 81.5% designated sites with moorland habitats (upland Natural England’s objective is to achieve ‘favourable sites covered by European and heaths and bogs). • The AONB is committed to ensuring our national designations - condition’ status for all SSSIs. The interim target designated sites are managed to the highest SAC, SPA, SSSI is to achieve “… at least 50% of SSSIs in favourable • 2,050ha (12%) of the AONB’s SSSIs are in standards. By 2024, we will ensure that at least condition, while maintaining at least 95% in favourable ‘favourable’ condition, compared to 39% of 25% of our SSSIs are in favourable condition and or recovering condition” by 20202. Favourable English SSSIs. 50% of SINCs are maintained in accordance with 2,050 ha (12%) of the AONB’s SSSIs are in ‘favourable’ condition, condition means that the SSSIs habitats and features conservation management plan objectives. compared to 39% of English SSSIs. 15,300 ha (88%) are in ‘unfavourable are in a healthy state and are being conserved • 15,300 (88%) of the AONB’s SSSIs are in recovering’ condition, compared to 55% of English SSSIs, meaning they by appropriate management (for definitionssee ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition, which have been entered into a scheme to improve their condition over time. Glossary on page 140). Natural England carry out generally means they have been entered into a Fig. 28. Overview of designated sites in the AONB periodic assessments of SSSI condition. scheme to improve their condition over time, compared to 55% of English SSSIs.

European sites Introduction to designated sites West Nidderdale Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and East Nidderdale Moors SSSI are Nature sites and areas of countryside can be large sites of international importance designated designated at different levels. The highest level of for their blanket bog and heather moorland protection is offered to sites that are of European communities and their moorland breeding birds significance: Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and including merlin, golden plover, snipe, curlew, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), together Fig. 29. Cumulative proportion of SSSIs in favourable or unfavourable recovering redshank, short-eared owl, and peregrine. Together condition, 2003 to 20193 Natura 2000 sites designated under European they form part of the North Pennine Moors Special Union Regulations. The next level of protection Protection Area (SPA) and the North Pennines There are nine SSSIs in the AONB (see Figure 30 on is for nationally important sites: Sites of Special Special Area of Conservation (SAC). page 50). Brimham Rocks is both a biological and Scientific Interest (SSSIs). There are then regionally geological SSSI. Greenhow Quarry SSSI and Upper designated sites: Sites of Importance for Nature The North Pennine Moors SPA is 147,246.41ha of Nidderdale SSSI are designated for their geology. Conservation (SINCs) which have been identified which 16,844.7ha (11%) is in the AONB. Key species The total area of the AONB designated as SSSI is across North Yorkshire. In total almost 35% of the for which the SPA is designated are golden plover, 17,364 ha (28.5%). AONB is covered by designations with European, hen harrier, merlin (which all breed on moorland national and regional protection (see Figures 27 and habitat) and peregrine (which tend to breed on 28). inaccessible cliffs and rock faces).

The North Pennines SAC is 103,114.4 ha, of which 16,844.7ha (16%) is in the AONB and covers the 1 Fig. 27. Designated sites in Nidderdale AONB same area as the SPA. Key habitats for which the

46 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 47 DESIGNATED SITES

Key habitats and species are: Table 4. Main NVC habitats in Nidderdale • East Nidderdale Moors and West Nidderdale AONB’s largest SSSIs Moors: blanket bog, heather moorland, gill woodland, and moorland breeding birds. NVC Community Common name %AONB %SSSI Cover • Brimham Rocks: upland woodland and dwarf shrub heath. East Nidderdale Moors • Gouthwaite: open water and birds. H9 Ling-wavy-hair grass heath 11.30 61.71 • Hackfall Wood: upland woodland M19 Ling-hare’s tail cotton grass mire 2.58 14.11 • Cow Myers: lowland woodland and fen. U20 Bracken-heath bedstraw community 1.56 8.52 • Greenhow Pasture: upland neutral grassland. H18 Bilberry-wavy-hair grass heath 0.65 3.55 M6 Star sedge-Sphagnum recurvum mire 0.57 3.10 H12 Ling-bilberry heath 0.44 2.40 M16 Cross-leaved heath-Sphagnum compactum heath 0.31 1.67 M23 Soft rush-marsh bedstraw rush-pasture 0.21 1.13 M15 Deer grass-cross-leaved heath 0.17 0.95 U6 Star sedge-Sphagnum recurvum mire 0.13 0.73 U5 Mat grass-heath bedstraw grassland 0.11 0.62 W16 Oak-birch-wavy hair grass woodland 0.07 0.36 W11 Sessile oak-downy birch-wood sorrel woodland 0.06 0.31 U2 Wavy hair grass grassland 0.03 0.16 M18 Sphagnum papillosum raised and blanket mire 0.01 0.07 M25 Purple moor grass-tormentil mire 0.01 0.05 U4 Sheep’s fescue-heath bedstraw grassland 0.00 0.03 West Nidderdale Moors H9 Ling-wavy-hair grass heath 7.95 45.02 M19 Ling-hare's tail cotton grass mire 4.08 23.08 H12 Ling-bilberry heath 1.52 8.60 U20 Bracken-heath bedstraw community 1.35 7.65 M6 Star sedge-Sphagnum recurvum mire 0.79 4.45 M20 Hare's tail cotton grass mire 0.72 4.07 U5 Mat grass-heath bedstraw grassland 0.27 1.51 U6 Star sedge-Sphagnum recurvum mire 0.20 1.16 M15 Deer grass-cross-leaved heath heath 0.16 0.89 H18 Bilberry-wavy-hair grass heath 0.11 0.60 H19 Cladonia arbuscular heath 0.08 0.44 M25 Purple moor grass-tormentil mire 0.07 0.39 M16 Cross-leaved heath-Sphagnum compactum heath 0.06 0.37 U4 Sheep's fescue-heath bedstraw grassland 0.06 0.35 U2 Wavy hair grass grassland 0.01 0.08 M2 Feathery/recurved bog-moss pool 0.00 0.01

48 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 49 Gouthwaite Reservoir and Ramsgill © Paul Skirrow DESIGNATED SITES DESIGNATED SITES

Figure 31 shows the current condition of Table 5 shows current Nidderdale AONB SSSI other AONBs shows that only two AONBs (Forest Nidderdale’s SSSI’s based on surveys carried out condition. Over 17,345ha (99%) of the total area of Bowland and Cannock Chase) have less habitat in between 2009-2016. Figure 32 shows the timing of of AONB’s SSSI’s of 17,364 ha are in ‘favourable’ or favourable condition than Nidderdale AONB. the last survey – as can be seen from this around ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition. This is higher a third of the SSSI’s have not been assessed since than the UK figure of 93.6% for all SSSIs. Breaking The condition of our main habitats (blanket bog and 2012. this down further 2,048ha (12%) is in ‘favourable upland heath) are shown in Figure 34 Compared condition’ (compared to 38.9% of English SSSIs (by to other Northern AONBs, blanket bog is in better area) in favourable condition in 20197), 15,297 (88%) condition in other AONB’s but our upland heath is is in ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition (compared in better condition that elsewhere. The condition of to 54.7% of English SSSIs). all habitats are shown in Figure 35.

Table 5. Nidderdale AONB SSSI Site Condition 20198 Condition SSSI Area (ha)

Favourable 2,048 (11.79%)

Unfavourable Recovering 15,297 (88.1%)

Unfavourable No Change 10.87 (0.06%)

Unfavourable No Change 18 (0.1%)

Total 17,364(100%)

Fig. 31. SSSI Condition5 Fig. 34. Nidderdale AONB SSSI condition by habitat (area ha)10

Fig. 30. SSSIs in Nidderdale AONB4

Fig. 33. Nidderdale SSSI condition 2003-20199 Fig. 35. Nidderdale AONB SSSI condition by habitat (% of total habitat)11 Figure 33 shows SSSI condition over time from 2003 – 2017. The period 2006 – 2009 shows a big change in SSSI condition status, with most habitat moving towards unfavourable recovering. SINCs Mostly this will be the entrance of SSSI land into agri-environment schemes with anticipated future In North Yorkshire local Wildlife sites are called improvement in condition. Those statuses hold Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation steady until 2014 onwards where we start seeing a (SINC) and their designation seeks to protect areas change from unfavourable recovering to favourable rich in wildlife, including ancient woodland and status. So, overall, it’s a modestly positive picture flower-rich grassland. with some measurable change in the right direction. Fig. 32. SSSI date of last survey6 However, a comparison of SSSI condition across

50 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 51 Hackfall Wood © Eric Moss DESIGNATED SITES MOORLAND

As a result of increasing pressures on land and Over half of the SINCs have not been surveyed in climate, SINCs are often small, isolated and the last 15 years – see Table 7. Moorland fragmented. Local Authorities have a duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act Table 7. Last SINC survey/monitoring dates 2006, to have due regard for biodiversity and they Last survey/ % of SINCs need to include Local Wildlife Sites in their Local monitoring date Headlines Plan. There are 86 SINCs in the AONB. Key habitats • Several priority habitats are present including Before 2000 4 • Nidderdale AONB is a key area at a national represented in the AONB’s SINCs are grassland, upland heath, blanket bog and upland flushes, and scale for wading birds including curlew. We have wetland and woodland - see Table 6. For a full list 2000-2004 49 fens and swamps, with the majority lying within developed Habitat Suitability Maps for curlew, of SINCs in Nidderdale AONB, see Annex 3 on page internationally designated sites. Upland heathland lapwing, and snipe which we will use to target 151. 2005-2009 27 covers 22% of Nidderdale AONB, with an conservation action. 2010-2014 14 additional 15% covered by blanket bog. • Nidderdale AONB is of national importance Table 6. Main habitats in SINCs in Nidderdale • Over 78% of moorland priority habitats are for birds of prey, but some key species, such as AONB 2015-2019 6 covered by designated sites, mostly with the peregrine and hen harrier, may be at risk from No of highest level of European protection. disturbance and persecution. occurrences • Almost 10% of moorland habitat within SSSIs is • Positive actions include working with moorland NVC Common name of this as a code in ‘favourable’ condition. 90% is in ‘unfavourable land managers and the Yorkshire Peat Partnership principal SINC recovering’ condition, which generally means that habitat Recommendations/future actions to restore peat habitats, promoting best practice it has been entered into a scheme to improve its for moorland management, helping the general Soft rush-marsh bedstraw 35 (41% of AONB M23 rush-pasture SINCs) condition over time. public understand the value of moorland habitats AONB plans/commitments • Characteristic moorland species include red and their management, and working with others, English oak-bracken- W10 bramble woodland 27 (31%) Ensuring our designated sites are managed to the grouse, sphagnum mosses, ling heather, cotton including shooting estates, to safeguard birds of highest standards in accordance with national grass, wading birds, birds of prey and other bird prey and prevent their illegal persecution. Sheep’s fescue-heath U4 bedstraw grassland 25 (29%) guidelines. By 2024 we will ensure that at least: species including ring ouzel, wheatear and cuckoo. • 25% of our SSSI’s are in favourable condition - Oak-birch-wavy hair grass W16 woodland 24 (28%) by working with Natural England and targeting advice and support to land managers whose land W8 Upland birch woodland 20 (23%) includes designated sites; and National context Habitats • 50% of SINCs are maintained in accordance with Alder-ash-yellow The national State of Nature reports show that Nidderdale AONB has some of the finest heather W7 pimpernel woodland 18 (21%) conservation management plan objectives - by producing an AONB SINC management strategy over the long-term 55% of upland species have moorlands in the country. They are internationally Crested dog’s tail- and by attending meetings of the NYCC SINC declined, with 54% declining over the short-term important for conservation because of their MG5 knapweed grassland 17 (20%) panel. and that 15% of upland species are threatened with rich concentration of rare plants and wildlife. 1 MG6 Ryegrass-crested dog’s-tail 17 (20%) extinction in Great Britain . Key reasons why upland The AONB’s moorlands are a result of close grassland wildlife is changing are: management over several centuries by moor Yorkshire fog-soft rush What can you do? • Management – including grazing, drainage and owners, gamekeepers, and sheep farmers. They MG10 rush-pasture 16 (19%) Get in touch with us to discuss land management if burning. work to provide the best conditions for red grouse U1 Sheep’s fescue-Common 15 (17%) you own/manage land that is in a SSSI or SINC site • Climate change – many of our upland species and sheep grazing. This management has created bent-sheep’s sorrel or if you own a site that you think may qualify for are at the southern limit of their ranges and may a network of important habitats that support Note: top’ 10 principal habitats only shown SINC site status. be forced to move northwards and to higher rare plants and internationally important bird elevations. The result would be smaller UK ranges populations: We do not have comprehensive information about for these species. the current condition or management of our SINCs. • Expansion of forest cover. • Upland heath: more commonly called heather Some of our SINCs have management plans e.g. • Air pollution – deposition of nitrogen fertilising moorland, it occurs above the upper edge of voluntary 10 year management plans for various nutrient-poor areas and changing vegetation type enclosed agricultural land. Drier upland heath woodland SINC sites were produced in 2010 and with effects on wildlife. is characterised by heather, bilberry and acidic will come to an end in 2020. grasses. Wet heath by cross-leaved heath with heath rush, deer grass, and sedges.

52 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 53 MOORLAND MOORLAND

• Upland flushes and pools: very wet areas The majority of Nidderdale’s moorland priority Table 10. Moorland designated sites in ranging from species-rich pools dominated by habitat is covered by designated sites - see Tables 8, Nidderdale AONB in 20184 sphagnum moss, sundews, and sedges to species- 9 and 10. % of poor flushes dominated by rushes. Designated Nidderdale site* Total Area (ha) AONB Key habitats Key species • Blanket bog: Underlain by a deep layer Table 8. Moorland priority habitat coverage in area of peat (over 400mm) the bogs are rich in Nidderdale AONB in 20183 Hen harrier sphagnum moss with cotton grass and heather. In Outside 147,246.41 of North Pennine which 16,844.7 is in 27% Upland heath Merlin Characteristic plants such as cranberry, bog Higher SSSI Moors SPA Blanket bog Peregrine Nidderdale AONB Golden plover asphodel, sundews, and butterwort can also be Priority In Tier / Not in Total Habitat SSSI HLS Higher (ha) 103114.4 of which found. (ha) Outside Tier / North Pennines 16,844.7 is in 27% Upland heath • Gill woodlands: remnant woodland, oak, birch, SSSI HLS SAC Nidderdale AONB Blanket bog alder shrub and bracken, grow in the sheltered (ha) (ha) Moorland breeding bird gills providing biologically rich habitats. 8,315 populations including 5,183 3,113 19 merlin, golden plover, • Moorland edge: the transition habitat between Blanket bog (62%) (37%) (0.2%) (100%) Blanket bog West Nidderdale 13,418.94 22% Dry heath snipe, curlew, redshank, agricultural land and heather. This area provides Moors SSSI Upland flushes teal and short-eared owl a very diverse range of habitats and is very Acid grassland Upland 11 4 39 54 Foraging peregrine, hen important for a wide range of upland birds. flushes, fens (20%) (100%) harrier and buzzard and swamps (8%) (72%) Figure 36 shows the extent of the moorland Blanket bog Merlin, peregrine, golden Upland 11,451 854 613 12,918 East Nidderdale Dry heath plover, short-eared owl, priority habitat in Nidderdale AONB heathland (89%) (7%) (5%) (100%) Moors SSSI 10,776.97 18% Flushes teal, red grouse, curlew, Mires redshank and twite Acid grassland Lowland 35 7 30 72 Millstone Grit tors together with a heathland (49%) (9%) (41%) (100%) Brimham mosaic of upland plant communities Rocks SSSI 162.7 0.27 including dry and wet heath, birch woodland and acid bog Total 16,645 3,978 701 21,359 Note: * The SPA and SAC sites overlap and share a common geography with the two large moorland SSSIs.

Table 9. Condition of moorland priority A large area of moorland is currently in higher level habitat within SSSIs agri-environment schemes – 20,000ha restoration of moorland and 2,500ha maintenance of moorland5. Priority Habitat Condition In SSSI (ha) This protection is forecast to reduce over time as 266 the area in schemes reduces unless the new ELMS Favourable (5%) scheme can reverse this trend (see Figure 14 on Blanket bog page 18). As SINC sites do not overlap with SSSIs Unfavourable Recovering 4,917 (95%) there is little moorland habitat protected in SINCs, Upland an exception is Angram SINC which is situated on flushes, fens Unfavourable Recovering 11 and swamps (100%) non-SSSI moorland. 1,392 Favourable (12%) Upland 10,053 Ownership and access heathland Unfavourable Recovering (88%) Overall about 40% (246km2) of the AONB is Unfavourable No Change 6 (0.05%) accessible to walkers in accordance with the Favourable 5 provisions contained in the Countryside and (14%) Rights of Way Act 2000, the majority of which is Fig. 36. AONB moorland priority habitat map2 Lowland 30 heathland Unfavourable Recovering (86%) moorlands. Within this open access land there are 60.5km of bridleway, out of a total of 171km in the 0.01 Unfavourable No Change AONB, and 161km of footpath, out of a total 731km (0.03%) Fig. 37. Open access land and public rights of way6 in the AONB – see Figure 37.

54 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 55 Brimham Rocks © National Trust

MOORLAND MOORLAND

Case Restoring upland peat in • winding channels, called gullies, erode into the Study Nidderdale AONB peat, allowing yet more water to drain from peatland and causing more erosion. The Yorkshire Peat Partnership What is left is huge areas of bare, exposed peat Peatlands form over thousands of years. They are broken up by deep gullies. the accumulation of layers and layers of slowly decomposing plants, which over time turns into How are we restoring our peatlands? a sort of organic soil we call peat. On average, it • Blocking grips and gullies takes about 1,000 years to form a 1m depth of This is the main focus of peatland restoration. peat. Peat can only form in very wet conditions, Blocking drainage channels helps to slow which cause the plants to rot very slowly, trapping the flow of water, helping reduce flood risk carbon. A large proportion of the plants that form downstream. It also brings the water table peat are sphagnum mosses a group of around 380 closer to the surface. species worldwide. • Re-profiling Yorkshire Peat Partnership is restoring peatlands Some of the drainage and erosion features we in Nidderdale AONB. The AONB contains over find are incredibly steep and several metres 21,000ha of peatland – of which around 80% are high. This not only makes it difficult for plants degraded. Our goal is to restore and conserve to colonise this exposed area, it also makes Case Brimham Rocks: Moor than Species upland peat resources in order to ensure the these features vulnerable to further wind and Study long-term future of these unique and valuable rain erosion. The trick is to ‘re-profile’ these just Rocks The moorlands of Nidderdale are particularly habitats. inclines to a shallower angle and cover the bare Catherine Barber, National Trust Ranger important for birds, especially for breeding wading peat with vegetation. birds (lapwing, curlew, snipe, redshank, golden plover Healthy peatlands are wet environments; At Brimham Rocks we care for 150+ acres and dunlin) and birds of prey. Other notable species sphagnum can hold 20 times its weight in water! Revegetation and blanket bog plants of SSSI moorland. We manage it as moorland are ring ouzel and black grouse. They're also fully saturated, meaning they can't Bare peat is good for no one. It isn’t useful for because it provides a home to species of interest absorb any more water. The plants and mosses the landowner, wildlife cannot thrive there, and it and is a small island of ‘wild’ land in amongst the that thrive in the wet habitat help to slow the Wading birds releases carbon into our atmosphere and water surrounding fields. Looking to the future we want flow of water across the land, reducing the risk of supplies. to foster a peat forming environment to help Between 2007 and 2012, Nidderdale AONB flash flooding downriver. lock away carbon from the atmosphere, and slow volunteers undertook surveys of breeding waders The first step for treating bare peat is damage the flow of water into the tributaries of rivers to understand the density of waders outside Peatland degradation limitation. We just need to get plants (heather, and prevent flooding downstream. Currently we SSSIs – see Figure 38 on page 58. This work Formed over thousands of years, it has taken just upland grasses and dwarf shrubs) established to maintain the habitat mostly by hand with our found a significantly greater number of breeding six decades to devastate Yorkshire's peatlands. cover and stabilise the peat. Once this vegetation fabulous team of volunteers, cutting back the pairs within improved pasture, rush pasture, and Most damage occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, has taken root we look to plant sphagnum moss birch growth and removing the biomass. We’ve rough grassland habitats implying these habitats when the government attempted to drain the and cotton grasses; two iconic blanket bog been working our way through the planning are more favourable for breeding waders. There land to make it more productive for agriculture, species and vital to peat growth. process to erect fencing that will allow us to was a positive correlation between both elevation by digging drainage channels or ‘grips’. graze the moorland with hardy cattle. This will and area, and number of breeding pairs, implying Since 2009 the Yorkshire Peat Partnership has provide the management we need to deliver that larger areas at higher elevations are more This releases the water the peat was previously worked on 17,410ha of upland peat in Nidderdale sustainable benefits for years to come. We also suitable for breeding waders. A negative correlation holding. Sphagnum and other important peat- AONB. have future plans to increase the cover of bog- between distance from moorland and number forming plants were unable to survive without forming mosses. We’re always thinking of how of breeding pairs supported previous research saturated conditions. As the plants on the surface we can improve the ways we work on site, and indicating that moorland habitats are favoured by of the peatland die, the peat underneath is in the coming seasons we’re looking to start wader populations. The results are also supported exposed. This has three major impacts: working with some heavy horses to minimise the by the higher densities of wader species located • the carbon stored within the peat is released amount of vehicular traffic on site. They will help around the edge of moorland habitats. Conversely, into the atmosphere; us remove logs from the felling work and manage distance from woodland was positively correlated • the peat is washed into the grips and ends up in the bracken through rolling and bruising. with number of pairs, implying that waders prefer our water system; and

56 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 57 Curlew © Paul Skirrow

MOORLAND MOORLAND

habitats further away from woodland regions This could be due to an increase in the chances of predation for ground-nesting birds when nearer to woodland. The areas of highest wader density were found to be located around the perimeter of current SSSIs, suggesting these locations should be prioritised for conservation as wader populations in Nidderdale AONB are of national significance.

Wader data collected by Natural England within the moorland SSSIs in 2006 is shown in Figure 397. Further data for Upper Nidderdale was collected during 2015–2017 as part of the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership – see Figure 40. This survey collected data on the numbers of breeding waders present to provide a baseline for assessing the effects of targeted agri-environment schemes and management, including scrape creation, rush management, and hay meadow restoration.

Work undertaken for the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership (NUC LNP) has found that in 2010 the NUC LNP area supported 49% Fig. 38. Wading bird survey 2007–20129 of the breeding curlew population in England and Wales and 27% of the breeding curlew population in mainland Britain. This is despite the fact that the NUC LNP area accounts for only 4.9% of the land Habitat Suitability Modelling for wading birds area of England and Wales, and 3.4% of the land Habitat Suitability Models were produced for area of mainland Britain8. This work also found that snipe, curlew and lapwing as part of The Wild abundance of breeding curlew over much of the Watch. Both regional and local scale variables NUC LNP area, including Nidderdale AONB, had were important for predicting their presence. The remained stable or had increased between 1990 cover of woodland, and the density of buildings, and 2010. This is in marked contrast to trends in the trees and hedges generally had negative effects on surrounding countryside where curlew numbers habitat suitability. The cover of water, such as rivers declined during this period. and lakes, soil moisture, slope, aspect, distance to/ cover of grassland, and cover of arable land were also important variables with preferences varying between species.

The Habitat Suitability Maps showed differences in the distribution of suitable habitats across the AONB for each wading bird species (see Figures 41-43). Suitable habitats for curlew are the most widespread across both upland and lowland areas, whereas suitable habitats for lapwing and snipe are more restricted. Patches of suitable habitat for snipe are mostly found in upland areas and on moorland, whereas the most suitable habitats for lapwing are on the fringes of these habitats. Fig. 40. Wading bird survey 2015–201711 Fig. 39. Wading bird survey within moorland SSSIs10

58 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 59 Redshank © Gillian Day MOORLAND MOORLAND

Map A Map B Map A Map B

Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of curlew according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of snipe according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. Fig. 41. Habitat Suitability Maps for curlew12 Fig. 43. Habitat Suitability Maps for snipe14

Map A Map B Case Upland Bird Study Habitat15 Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership and extensive, the birds will choose to nest (UNLP), 2015–2019 elsewhere. We helped farmers to manage the rush in their fields by cutting the rush in the late The rough, damp, tussocky pastures produced summer or autumn after the breeding season. by extensive traditional management provide Ideally up to 30% of rush covers should be left in perfect nesting and chick-rearing habitat for a field as some species like snipe prefer to have several species of ground nesting waders: lapwing, more cover. curlew, snipe, redshank and oystercatcher. These birds were once widespread on farms throughout Wader chicks need wet places to feed; wet mud is the country but many are now listed as ‘of full of insects and other invertebrate food which conservation concern’, with many experiencing chicks can easily find and adults will often lead declines of more than 50% in the past 30 years. chicks a considerable distance to find water. We Research has suggested that failure to breed helped farmers to put scrapes in the fields where successfully is the main reason for population birds were breeding to give chicks’ access to a declines. Our UNLP Upland Bird Habitat project vital food supply and help ensure their survival. worked with farmers to enhance habitat for Scrapes are shallow wet depressions which Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, waders and other ground nesting birds during the dry out in summer but are designed to have a blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of lapwing according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. breeding season. continual wet muddy edge during the breeding

13 season. Fig. 42. Habitat Suitability Maps for lapwing Waders prefer to nest in damp, tussocky, rush pastures but when rush cover becomes dense

60 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 61 Buzzard © Paul Skirrow

MOORLAND MOORLAND

Black grouse were re-introduced to Upper for all our upland breeding waders. It will work Recommendations/future actions Nidderdale about six years ago by the Game and within clearly defined ‘focus areas’ within each of Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), who also the five protected landscapes and develop themes AONB plans/commitments re-introduced grey partridge to Stean in Upper which include; Nidderdale16. These nationally declining species • Developing new data, recording and monitoring • Restoring peat habitats to reduce carbon are surviving well here due to low intensity of bird populations, trends and dynamics. emissions and increase the AONB’s capacity for farming and the variety of food and cover that • Engaging with farmers and landowners through carbon storage. We will continue to support work this provides. The Upland Bird Habitat project new or existing advisory networks. by moorland land managers, the Yorkshire Peat encouraged farmers not to intensify fields next • Sharing the plight of the curlew to a wide range Partnership, Natural England, Yorkshire Water and to the moorland edge and plant small pockets of of people from both upland (breeding) and other partners to increase the carbon storage woodlands in ghylls to provide winter shelter and coastal (over wintering) communities, through capacity of Nidderdale’s moorlands by helping food for these birds. which a sense of ownership and connection landowners access Countryside Stewardship will develop. grants including moorland restoration options. Key project outcomes: • Continuing to work with land managers and • 9 bird habitat sites surveyed by trained The work within Nidderdale AONB has partner organisations to reduce the risk of volunteers; supported the development of this Curlew moorland wildfires, particularly in light of changing • over 566ha of rush and rough grassland Project, such that the NUC LNP aims to roll out climate and the increased likelihood of extreme management carried out; a number of initiatives piloted by Nidderdale weather conditions. • 9.5ha of wetlands created; and AONB throughout the northern upland chain • Promoting best practice for moorland • Over 14ha of new native woodland planted. geographic area. First will be enhanced Curlew Case Birds of management by working collaboratively with Habitat Suitability Modelling using a similar Study Prey17 land managers and providing training events for model to that which has been developed within landowners. Nidderdale AONB. In addition, work being • Continuing to deliver water quality and natural Nidderdale AONB is important for a number flood management improvements through Case Northern Upland Chain championed through the Moorland Groups of key upland bird of prey species, including in Nidderdale, Yorkshire Dales and Northern peatland restoration and sustainable land Study Local Nature Partnership – hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, and short-eared management. Pennines with bird transect data currently being owl which are all associated with moorland Curlew Project collected by gamekeepers will be further refined • Helping the general public understand the value habitats. To better understand the status of its of moorland management and the importance of Ian Proudler, Curlew Project Funding and and developed. This may lead to gamekeeper birds of prey, in 2019 the AONB compiled data training by the British Trust for Ornithology in these habitats by running moorland events. Development Officer from a wide range of sources and assessed • We will continue to work with landowners, colour ringing and, where appropriate, the GPS the populations of its key bird of prey species, tagging of young curlew. moorland managers, the police and others to The project covers a geographic area of publishing the findings in the Birds of Prey in safeguard birds of prey in the AONB by working 6,635 square km (2,560 square miles) which Nidderdale AONB Evidence Report September with Operation Owl20 and by collaborating with The project will employ staff in varying roles 18 incorporates five Protected Landscapes 2019 . Assessments were based on the best shooting estates and moorland gamekeepers on (Northumberland National Park Authority, but with a remit of supporting the Protected breeding data currently available up to and Landscapes through specialised training relating actions agreed by the Raptor Persecution Priority Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, North including the 2018 breeding season (data from the Delivery Group21. Pennines AONB, Nidderdale AONB and the to the Curlew and wider wader population, 2019 season was not included as it was not fully Forest of Bowland AONB). developing additional public engagement as available). Although full details were not made appropriate and sharing new information and data public, it has been confirmed that hen harrier What can you do? as it becomes available. 19 In 2008, the curlew was deemed of global chicks did hatch in Nidderdale AONB in 2019 . • Follow the Moorland Visitors Code22. conservation concern and became listed as The AONB intends to repeat this exercise in the • Keep dogs under control. The Curlew Project is still in development, and it ‘Near Threatened’ on the International Union future to assess progress against this baseline. • Prevent uncontrolled moorland fires. may not begin until 2022, but once it starts it is for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of The report also looked at confirmed incidents of • Protect plants and animals, and take your litter intended to run for five years. Threatened Species. Steep declines have been persecution and identified that key species such home. particularly evident in the UK. Between 1995 and as peregrine and hen harrier may be at risk from • Come on an event and find out more about 2012, the breeding populations declined by 55% in disturbance and persecution. To address data Nidderdale AONB’s moorlands. Scotland and 30% in England. gaps there is a need to establish additional, more • Take biosecurity measures – cleaning your robust bird of prey monitoring programmes, footwear before and after visiting moorland areas. The project aims to conserve this flagship species including for buzzard, merlin, short-eared owl, and with considerable positive knock on benefits goshawk.

62 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 63 GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

Grassland and farmland

Headlines • At a national scale most specialist farmland • We have developed Habitat Suitability Maps for birds are declining due to changes in agricultural skylark and song thrush which we will use to practices. Current threats to farmland target conservation action. and grassland habitats include agricultural intensification, lack of protection, neglect and • Positive actions include working with landowners pressure from development. to increase the environmental sustainability of the AONB’s farming industry through provision • Nidderdale has over 115 ha of grassland of land management advice, supporting Yorkshire priority habitats. Priority habitats include upland Water’s plans to expand its network of ‘Beyond calcareous grassland, calaminarian grassland and Nature’ farms and working with landowners upland hay meadows. to restore hay meadows. We are also raising awareness of the wealth of plants and wildlife of • Most of our grassland is outside designated sites, our meadows and supporting volunteers to help with only 4% in SSSIs. Grassland habitats are with surveys and monitoring of meadows and better represented in SINCs, but information verges. about the current management of these is limited.

National context The national State of Nature reports show that, over the long-term, 52% of farmland species have declined and that 12% of farmland species are threatened with extinction in Great Britain1. UK biodiversity indicators show that farmland birds have declined by 54% since 1970, and butterflies by 41% since 1976.

Short-term, between 2011 and 2016 the smoothed UK farmland bird index declined by 7%, see Figure 44. Most specialist farmland birds are declining due to changes in agricultural practices. Four of the five most severely declining breeding bird species are farmland specialists (grey partridge, turtle dove, tree sparrow and corn bunting). The key reason why farmland wildlife is changing is increased agricultural intensification – seeHeadlines in Why is nature changing? section on page 17.

2 Headlines Fig. 44. Breeding Farmland Birds in the UK, 1970 to 2017

64 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 65 Nidderdale meadow © Paul Skirrow GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

Habitats Table 11. Priority Grassland Habitat coverage in Nidderdale AONB in 20186 Species rich grasslands and meadows are a Figure 45 shows the grassland priority habitat in In Higher Tier / Outside SSSI valuable habitat for plants and wildlife, they are Nidderdale AONB. Priority In SSSI HLS Outside Not in Higher Tier / Total an uncommon sight in Nidderdale AONB, but are Habitat (ha) SSSI (ha) HLS (ha) (ha) increasing with our hay meadow restoration and road verge projects. Calaminarian 4.73 grassland (100%) 0 0 4.73 • Upland calcareous grassland is present within Lowland 0.02 8.6 1.56 small areas of carboniferous limestone. It is calcareous (0.2%) (84%) (15%) 10.17 species rich and dominated by fine-leaved grasses. grassland • Calaminarian grasslands grow on the waste Lowland dry acid 0.01 17 14.49 from the once extensive lead-mining industry. grassland (0.03%) (54%) (46%) 31.61 The spoil heaps support a very specialised heavy metal-tolerant range of plant species such as 4.25 15.35 alpine pennycress and spring sandwort along with Lowland meadows 0 (22%) (78%) 19.60 rare lichens and mosses. Purple moor • Magnesian limestone grassland grows on grass and rush 0 1 22 23 outcrops of Permian-era limestone or dolomite pasture (4%) (96%) (100%) laid down 225 million years ago. They contain a Upland unique range of plant and invertebrate species, calcareous 0 1.05 16.64 17.69 including over 13 nationally-scarce plants and 84 grassland (6%) (94%) nationally-scarce invertebrates. stir memories of Upland hay 0.02 8.72 • Flower-rich meadows meadows (0.2%) (99.8%) 0 8.74 childhood visits to fields awash with colour and alive with insects. But over the last fifty years 4.78 40.62 70.04 approximately 97% of meadows in the UK Total (4%) (35%) (61%) 115.54 have been lost, largely due to modern, intensive 4 farming methods3. Although an increasingly rare Fig. 45. AONB Grassland Priority Habitat map sight, there are still some species-rich meadows in the AONB due to restoration, agri-environment Most of Nidderdale AONB’s valuable grassland Table 12. Condition of Grassland Priority schemes and traditional framing practices. and meadow habitat is outside protected areas Habitat within SSSI7 Species – see Tables 11 and 12. However, calaminarian Priority In SSSI The grassland and farmland of Nidderdale are grasslands are protected in two SINCs (Cock Condition Habitat (ha) important for birds. As part of The Wild Watch Hill and Sunny Side Lead Mines & Gilbeck (a site project we have been collecting data on five of almost 30 ha), and Coldstones Grasslands (an Calaminarian Unfavourable 4.73 grassland No Change (100%) farmland birds - cuckoo, skylark, song-thrush, linnet, 83.5ha site). A smaller area (7ha) is designated 5 lesser redpoll. as Greenhow Pastures SSSI . Unfortunately, due Lowland calcareous Unfavourable 0.02 to current management regimes the calaminarian grassland No Change (100%) This new data has been used to produce Habitat grassland sites are currently not in good condition, Suitability Models for song thrush and skylark. for example, over 90% of the Greenhow Pastures Lowland dry 0.01 Favourable Regional scale variables were important for skylark. SSSI site is currently in unfavourable condition – acid grassland (100%) The cover of arable land, water and woodland, see Table 12. The AONB has been working with Upland hay 0.02 and the density of buildings and trees had negative landowners to provide recommendations for land Favourable meadow (100%) effects on the presence of skylark, whereas semi- management to improve grassland sites, including natural grassland on flatter ground was preferred reduction of grazing levels in the spring and summer and suitable habitats were generally located in to allow plants to flower and set seed. Note that Grassland and farmland habitats are well upland areas in the west of the AONB - see Figure due to the nature of calaminarian grassland, the represented in Nidderdale AONB’s SINCs (see 46 on page 68. attributes for such a habitat will decrease over time Table 6 on page 52). Sites include March Ghyll as the elements are leached from the spoiled land. Grassland, Redlish Road Verges and Greenhow Burial Ground.

66 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 67 Hay meadow plant identification event © Paul Harris GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

Map A Map B Case Hay meadow Case Roadside verges Study Restoration10 Study survey project Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer, Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer, Nidderdale AONB Nidderdale AONB

The AONB team, volunteers and landowners are Roadside verges are patches of grassland working to reverse the decline in hay meadows that have avoided the disturbance of farming, by enhancing and restoring carefully selected though many have been affected by road works, grassland sites. Seed is harvested locally from underground cables, parking, litter and salt species-rich meadows and spread on to meadows gritting. They are home to some of the rarest that have lost their special species but still have plant species in the UK. In 2012 and 2013 suitable soil conditions. Harvesting local seed wildflower surveys were completed across all ensures that wildflower species are appropriate the road verges in Nidderdale AONB, with some to our area and that local genetics are maintained. fascinating results. Following the survey, all roads Using local seed also retains project funding in the AONB were colour coded red, amber, locally and rewards farmers who have maintained yellow or green depending on wildflower interest their species rich meadows. and 34 ‘Special Interest Verges’ were identified.

Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, Since 2011, we have surveyed over 300ha of The best sites botanically were classified as ‘red’, blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of skylark according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. meadow and grassland, with 30 volunteers being characterised by high species richness and Fig. 46. Habitat Suitability Maps for skylark8 trained to carry out surveys, and restored and the presence of some species rare in the area. enhanced about 230ha of hay meadow – see Table Sites in the next tier were classified as ‘amber’; By contrast, regional variables did not have an effect on song thrush and song thrush habitat suitability 13. Funding has come from a range of sources these are also good sites with high diversity of showed a different pattern, with suitable habitats located in lowland areas in the east of the AONB – see – including agri-environment schemes, heritage species but lacking many rarities. Other verges in Figure 47. The presence of woodland, hedges and trees, damp soils and grassland were important predictors lottery, the Landfill Community Fund (from both non-built-up areas were classed as ‘green’, being with positive effects on song thrush presence. Biffa Award and Sita Trust) and funding from characterised by low diversity and low species individual landowners, including Yorkshire Water11. richness. Map A Map B Our aim is restore or enhance further meadow habitat across the AONB12. These were by far the commonest verges – a situation familiar from other areas in the county. Table 13. Hay meadow restoration and Verges through villages or across reservoir dams enhancement areas were not included, as their vegetation is either Year Total Area (ha) artificial or non-existent. The ‘red’ and ‘amber’ 2011 41.91 sites together comprise the Special Interest Verges (SIVs). SIVs include Leighton Reservoir 2012 20.58 (with unusual species), Scar House Road Corner, Scar House Reservoir Road, Brimham Rocks 2013 43.35 (with heathland species), Thruscross (with lots 2014 15.88 of orchids), Redlish Road (also a SINC), and Sandwith Moor (wetter with ragged robin and 2015 24.94 orchids). 2016 39.87 Detailed species surveys were undertaken at 2017 22.27 each Special Interest Verge (SIV) and star species 2018 17.81 included twayblade, Solomon’s seal, common spotted orchid, rock-rose, marjoram, bilberry, Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, 2019 3.58 blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of song thrush according to the tenth percentile occupancy cowberry, sweet woodruff and a rare sighting of threshold. Total 230.19 Melancholy thistle in Nidderdale13. The survey Fig. 47. Habitat Suitability Maps for song thrush9 was carried out by experienced volunteers

68 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 69 Willsill Church © Kelly Harmar

GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

from PLACE (People, Landscape and Cultural With a struggling upland farming industry, and Environment of Yorkshire). SIVs need managing, the uncertainty as a result of Brexit, there is a particularly to prevent brambles, gorse and need to look wider at the future management of saplings getting established. They are best cut land, and the values which can be delivered from after the end of August to allow the seeds time it. There continues to be a need for those living to mature and spread. Mowing in mid-summer and working on these holdings to earn a living, can cut down species such as marsh orchids and and future policies need to capture and value also destroy the food plants of butterflies such the ecosystem services and reward those who as the meadow brown and ringlet. Following maximise the values of these. identification of its special status, volunteers have taken over the management of the SIV in There are currently eight farms in the Beyond Glasshouses. Nature portfolio, six of which are in Nidderdale AONB – see Table 14.

Table 14. Overview of current Beyond 15 Case Wilsill Nature tenancies in Nidderdale AONB Beyond Nature Study Churchyard tenancy / Farm management plan Ha Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer, commencement Nidderdale AONB Humberstone Bank September 2016 904 In early 2019 the caretaker of Wilsill Church contacted us for advice about how they could Case Upper Nidderdale Farm Case Beyond Nature, High Woodale August 2017 969 create a wildlife area in the churchyard. We Study Facilitation Fund Group Study Yorkshire Water visited the site and after spotting the leaves Originally Tara Challoner, YWT for the Lisa Harrowsmith, Land and Property Lead Trees House February 2019 139 of several wildflowers in the close cut turf we Upper Nidderdale LPS, now Claire Foster, Surveyor, Yorkshire Water advised them to let it grow up and see what Lodge Moor and Farmer Network Scar House Pasture April 2019 995 species were present before adding to this. A Beyond Nature14 is Yorkshire Water’s ambitious survey later in the season found about 25 species The Upper Nidderdale Farm Facilitation initiative on innovative sustainable land Baudshaw May 2019 30 present, with particularly good flowers in the Fund Group has been running since late 2016 management to optimise multiple ecosystem early season. Species found included bugle, cat’s supported by Countryside Stewardship Funding. Breaks Fold & values. The aim is for outcomes from land to Redshaw January 2020 90 ear, common sorrel, cowslip, creeping buttercup, The group has 24 members and has held a be diverse and appealing to all, protecting the cuckooflower, pignut, white clover, yarrow and number of workshops and training events on a Yorkshire landscape for future generations. There Total 3,127 Yorkshire fog. After identifying which species range of topics including woodland creation and are 9 themes to Beyond Nature: were already present, the site was then hand management, countryside stewardship, water scarified and donor seed was added – including quality – through soil and sward management, and yellow rattle to thin the sward as the sward is priority habitats and species. Group meetings are dense and grass dominated, and seed for late scheduled to best fit with the hill farming calendar, flowering plants to add colour late in the season. so group meetings are concentrated in the winter Additional cowslips were also added as plug months and July-August. Since its inception the plants. The meadow is currently being cut with group has held 14 workshops/training events, a strimmer in late summer/early autumn, raked had two demonstrations (wader habitats and and the grass cuttings removed. The plan is to scrapes and woodland management) and looked see how the meadow develops in 2020 and adapt at enhancing priority habitats (hay meadows and the management as necessary. The churchyard is grassland for breeding waders) on three member now a little oasis in the midst of more intensively farms. Meetings are well attended, with members managed pasture and silage and demonstrates joined by spouses and other local farmers, and what can be achieved at a modest scale in a feedback from farmers attending is positive with relatively short time frame and could easily be the group appreciating the opportunities the replicated at other sites across the AONB. Facilitation Fund is enabling.

70 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 71 New off-stream sediment pond at Humberstone Bank

GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

From the outset, Nidderdale AONB has been at included land management for breeding waders, Case Humberstone Bank the heart of Yorkshire Water’s Beyond Nature woodland creation and management, with planting Study Farm initiative, and over 64% of the land currently in over 10,000 trees, and hay meadow restoration. the initiative is within the AONB. Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer, and Trees House Farm entered into a Beyond Marian Wilby, Land Management Team The first farm to be signed up to a Beyond Nature tenancy in February 2019. Situated near Leader, Nidderdale AONB

Nature tenancy was Humberstone Bank. Harrogate this is predominantly a dairy farm, When we put the tenancy out to tender, we made (with some sheep) tenanted by the Ryder’s. The In 2016, Humberstone Bank Farm was chosen as it explicit that we were looking for someone farm is set in a transitional landscape between the first “Beyond Nature” tenancy on a Yorkshire to take on the farm who would share our upland and lowland and extends to 140 hectares. Water land holding. The new Beyond Nature Beyond Nature vision and have the enthusiasm The Beyond Nature management plan focuses 89.83 hectares and is situated at West End, the vision for the farm means that, in addition to and initiative to help us take it forward. Since on all nine of the Beyond Nature themes. More village which was flooded for the construction the usual agricultural returns and water quality September 2016 Yorkshire Water have been than half of the holding is within the Nidderdale of Thruscross Reservoir in the 1960’s, west of benefits generally required from Yorkshire Water working in partnership with Jonathan Grayshon16, AONB and the land is bounded to the South Harrogate. The farm is a grassland-based sheep farm tenancies, land management on site will be the new farming tenant, and the Pockstones Moor by John O’Gaunt’s reservoir. At the core of the and beef farming enterprise, running 250+ required to deliver multiple ecosystem services Shoot owner with a shared vision to deliver farm’s management is a commitment to extensive breeding ewes (Swaledale & Mules) and small gains, for example, biodiversity gains and carbon on five of the Beyond Nature themes: water grassland management and water quality. herd of 15 Dexter cattle. The farm has also storage improvements. quality, biodiversity, carbon storage, and farming successfully diversified with a popular campsite, and shooting enterprises. In these first three Also entering into a Beyond Nature tenancy in affiliated with the Freedom Camping Club, and To support this new approach to land management, Nidderdale AONB facilitated a years of the tenancy a wide range of work has 2019 is 995 hectares of land at Lodge Moor self-catering accommodation in the ‘Old Peat series of baseline surveys at Humberstone Bank been completed to implement the management and Scar House Pasture. This is predominantly House’. In November 2019 they also opened a plan. Work to improve habitats has started on moorland and wet rough grazing. All the land farm café in what was an old derelict cottage in 2016 and 2017, looking at vegetation, birds, moorland and in bye grazing land and creation of is catchment land for Angram, Scar House – ‘Flock to the Fold’. Ground-nesting waders, reptiles and invertebrates as well as taking soil new woodland areas – see separate case study and Gouthwaite reservoirs and lies within the including curlew, are a key priority species, samples. These surveys were designed to ensure below. In Summer 2018 the Upland Hub at Nidderdale AONB. The vision to be an exemplar and large parts of the farm are being managed that the current biodiversity is fully considered Humberstone was completed. This is a converted in upland land management concentrates on six to benefit these as well as botanical diversity. when developing a management plan for the site farm building, funded by Yorkshire Water with of the Beyond Nature streams: water quality; Planning for works to extend the existing and to provide a basis by which to evaluate the the facilities to host conferences, meetings and biodiversity; carbon; farming enterprise; sporting broadleaved woodland in Redshaw Gill, along with future land management at the site. educational visits. enterprise and social. This land is of significant some new hedge planting, is already underway. importance for its blanket bog and heather This will also help to buffer and improve the Informed by this baseline information we worked The 970 ha High Woodale Farm at the head moorland. Work to implement the management environmental value and water quality in Redshaw with the tenant, Jonathan Grayshon to develop of Nidderdale was the second farm to enter plan will include restoration of upland vegetation Gill Beck. Wall restoration is also planned which and implement a Biodiversity Conservation Grant into a Beyond Nature tenancy17. High Woodale is and blanket bog, planting gill woodlands and will help to consolidate the historic landscape. A programme to enhance the environmental value farmed by Martyn Brown and his family, and is a maintaining the low input grazing enterprise. circular self-guided trail from Breaks Fold Farm of the farm, targeted at pollinators, breeding bird classic upland farm on the margins of economic utilising the permissive paths and public rights of populations and improved water quality. This viability, but with very high biodiversity, cultural Entering into a Beyond Nature tenancy in way and with a new route through Redshaw Gill work had three elements: and landscape values. The Beyond Nature May 2019, the land at Baudshaw extends to is also proposed. • Construction of an off-stream sediment management plan focuses on water quality, 30 hectares of grazing land, forming part of pond and drainage ditch works to biodiversity, carbon storage, farming and sporting the catchment land for Thruscross Reservoir. Partnership working is a key part of the Beyond improve habitats for breeding waders. enterprises, and social values. As well as its natural Proposals for implementing the Beyond Nature Nature ethos and since the outset Nidderdale Drains in the wader habitat fields were environment this landscape has a rich industrial management plan are focused on extensive AONB staff have been working closely with reprofiled to allow access to the ditches for heritage, which draws interest from visitors and grassland management, maintaining key Yorkshire Water and the tenants – helping waders and their unfledged chicks. These have recreational users. The farm carries 800 breeding boundary walks, maintaining the barn to prevent produce and implement farm management plans, proved to be important sources of water for ewes – mainly Swaledales and Dalesbreds and has deterioration and maintaining access for barn secure funding and promote the Beyond Nature birds during the 2018 drought conditions. The a no input policy in the drinking water protection owls, native gill woodland creation and the approach through media, public events and sediment /flood storage and wildlife pond, zone around Angram reservoir. Alongside the creation of new leaky ponds. educational visits. The plan is to continue this approximate area 1000m², was completed in sheep enterprise, in the last couple of years a collaboration as Yorkshire Water works with its summer 2018 and is gathering water well. The range of initiatives have been delivered which 2020 started with Breaks Fold Farm entering current Beyond Nature tenants and increases the pond provides lots of edge habitat for feeding build on the biodiversity and landscape values of into a Beyond Nature agreement. Along with the size of its ‘Beyond Nature’ Estate. wading birds, open water for bats, wild fowl and the farm. Actions taken to improve habitats have land at Redshaw Gill, this holding extends to insects.

72 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 73 GRASSLAND AND FARMLAND

• Restoration of 13.3ha of upland species Recommendations/future actions rich hay meadow. Initial soil sampling and survey work was carried out to assess AONB plans/commitments suitability, this indicated a low pH. To improve the pH status of the meadows to a level • Continuing to increase the environmental sufficient to sustain wildflower species, all sustainability of the AONB’s farming the meadows were limed. Brush harvested industry (alongside increasing its resilience seed was collected from two donor sites in and profitability) through provision of land the AONB and spread on the meadows at management advice and support to Yorkshire Humberstone Bank in July 2018. The meadows Water’s plans to expand its network of ‘Beyond are developing well and are now being managed Nature’ farms. under a ten-year Countryside Stewardship • Working with landowners to restore meadows agreement with annual surveys to monitor through our hay meadow project progress. The diverse sward in the upland hay • Running events for the general public about the meadows will increase the food source for rich plants and wildlife of our meadows pollinators which at the bottom of the food • Producing a Special Interest Verge management chain provide food source for the wide range plan of birds found at Humberstone Bank. • Supporting volunteers to help us survey and monitor meadows and verges in the AONB • Installation of new livestock drinking points. Ten hard standings and cattle drinking What can you do? troughs were installed in Spring 2019 to • Landowners can contact us for land management mitigate for water quality from introduction of advice or to find out how you can get involved in cattle as a new initiative. Introduction of cattle the hay meadow project on to the farm has multiple benefits including: • Come on an event and find out more about the grazing sward structure to benefit breeding AONB’s meadows waders, enhancing stock health by mixed stocking and producing manure which will increase invertebrate activity in the soils for grass production and food supply for breeding birds.

Key lessons learned from the project: • Without the financial help of the Yorkshire Water biodiversity fund the majority of the works could not have been implemented because of the financial costs. • The synergies between the biodiversity fund and Countryside Stewardship have facilitated inclusion of restoration of species rich grassland options within the Countryside Stewardship Scheme Higher Tier application.. • Collaboration between parties (YW, AONB and tenant) has resulted in a well-executed project. • For some of the works the results will start to be seen quickly e.g Pond as a water source and feeding area for waders invertebrates and bats.

74 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 75 Adder © Trevor Baker WOODLAND AND TREES WOODLAND AND TREES

National context • store thousands of tonnes of carbon and help us Woodland and trees fight climate change The national State of Nature reports show that • help link and expand habitats at a landscape scale over the long-term 53% of woodland species • health and wellbeing benefits to local have declined and that 11% of woodland species communities 7 Headlines are threatened with extinction in Great Britain . • create thousands of new jobs UK biodiversity indicators show that butterflies • Across the UK woodland birds have declined by • Most of our woodland is outside of the SSSIs. have declined by 51% since 1991 and woodland 20% since 1970 and butterflies by 51% since 1991. birds have declined by 20% since 1970, although Woodland habitats are better represented in Habitats Current threat to woodlands includes habitat SINCs. the indicator has now been relatively stable for a fragmentation and spread of invasive species. number of years. The key reasons why over 50% Trees, woods and hedgerows form an important Improvements to woodland management can help • We have developed a Habitat Suitability Map for woodland wildlife is declining are changes in the series of habitats for plants and wildlife in tackle this1. redstart which we will use to target conservation extent of woodland cover and in the intensity and Nidderdale AONB. action. type of woodland management. • 8% of Nidderdale AONB is classed as woodland2 Woodland in Nidderdale AONB can be grouped as: lower than the national figure of 10% and the • Positive actions include a commitment to tree • Upland semi-natural woodland: only small national target of 12% by 20603. planting demonstrated by the development of a remnants remain as most of the woodland in new woodland opportunity plan, working with upland areas was cleared more than a thousand • Around 5% of the AONB’s woodland is within landowners to increase the active management years ago. Woodland sites are often scattered and protected areas. of existing woodland and to significantly increase small, but despite this they can be of national or the amount of woodland cover for key ecological international importance with a wide range of • The AONB is within the White Rose Forest4, part benefits, reduce carbon emissions and increase species and communities not found in lowland of the wider Northern Forest5. carbon storage capacity. Also working with Fig. 48. Breeding woodland birds in the UK, 1970 to 20178 English woods. The cool, wet upland conditions landowners to plant trees to slow the flow of favour the growth of rare ferns, mosses and • 25% or 1,245ha of Nidderdale AONB’s woodland water and increase water quality. lichens. is categorised as ancient semi-natural woodland • Coniferous plantations: planted in more (ASNW) or plantations on ancient woodland • We will raise awareness of the impact of ash recent times for commercial purposes with non- sites (PAWS). This covers 2% of the AONB which dieback and help increase the resilience of native species. Their establishment has often been is slightly lower than the figure of 2.3% for the our woodlands to future diseases and climate controversial because they replace open ground UK. change by working from ‘the right tree in the right of high conservation value. However, some place’ principle using a wide mix of native, and plantations have become a nature conservation • 50% or 2,500ha of Nidderdale’s woodland is if appropriate non-native species, all sourced resource in their own right providing a refuge broadleaved woodland, 35% or 1,825ha is planted and grown in the UK and Ireland, when planting Fig. 49. Trends of butterflies of the wider countryside in UK woodland, 1990 to 20189 for rarer bird species such as goshawk and long- conifer woodland and 4% is mixed woodland*6. new woodlands, and carrying out biosecurity eared owl. Note: *remaining percentage made up from other NFI categories measures. Central government has pledged ‘to focus on • Wet woodland: consisting of alder and willow e.g. ground prep. woodland to maximise its many benefits’ by where drainage is poor. This can be in upland expanding woodland cover and ensuring that ghylls, the valley bottom or even within the other existing woodlands are better managed to maximise types of woodland already described. They host the range of benefits they provide. This includes sedges and ferns along with rare insect species. supporting the development of the Northern • Orchards: old and former orchards are of both Forest10. historic and biodiversity value. The Historic Parks and Gardens Study Group has researched the Nidderdale AONB is located within the White Rose location and history of orchards in the area (see Forest, part of The Northern Forest an initiative to hpg-nidderdale.co.uk). plant 50 million trees around the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. The increase in Wood pasture and parkland were created for woodland cover will help transform the landscape. different purposes but both have clumps or Benefits include: individual trees set in grassland. Wood pasture has • contribute to natural flood management, helping the longest history of the two types of woodland to reduce the risk of flooding in Nidderdale AONB. It was created during the

76 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 77 Nidderdale woodland © David Tolcher WOODLAND AND TREES WOODLAND AND TREES

Medieval period when much of the area was kept of the remaining AONB area with woodland is as hunting forest, or Chase, for the nobility. Areas of much higher and in line with the national figure trees were managed within open pasture, providing and target. Figure 50 and Table 15 show National a renewable source of firewood and leaf as fodder, Forest Inventory (NFI) information for the AONB while being far enough apart to allow grass to grow from 2018. Figure 51 and Table 16 shows ancient underneath for both farm animals and deer for the woodland and Figure 52 and Table 17 priority chase. habitat information.

In parkland, individual trees were either leftover Table 15. National Forest Inventory woodland from forest clearance or deliberately planted to category coverage in Nidderdale AONB in enhance the landscape by their wealthy owners. The 201812. earliest parks were created to hold herds of deer NFI Woodland Category* Area (ha) for hunting, such as Knaresborough Forest, while later parks were associated with grand country Assumed 87.23 houses such as Studley. Some of these parkland Broadleaf 2497.60 trees may be very old and are identified as veteran trees. They support colonies of fungi and provide Conifer 1825.41 habitats for rarer saproxylic beetles such as the stag beetle that eat decaying wood. The trees also Felled 314.70 provide important habitats for bird and bat species. Failed 2.67

Hedgerows are, in effect, linear woodlands. The Ground Prep 6.3 oldest ones were often left along fields and lanes Low density 16.56 Fig. 50. National Forest Inventory 201814 Fig.52. AONB woodland priority habitat map16 after surrounding woodland was cleared. Whether ancient or recently planted, hedgerows provide a Mixed mainly broadleaf 94.54 complex series of mini habitats within their narrow margins. Older hedges may be the remnants of Mixed mainly conifer 87.48 cleared ancient woodland and the rich variety of Shrub 2.62 species in and around them is a clear indicator Table 17. Priority woodland habitat coverage 17 of their origins. Plants like primroses, wood garlic Windblow 1.08 in Nidderdale AONB in 2018 and wood anemone are common. More recently In Outside planted hedges, like the hawthorn hedges associated Young trees 71.09 Higher SSSI th In SSSI Tier / Not in with the 19 century Enclosure Acts, may have Total 5007.28 Priority HLS Higher Total fewer plant species in them. However, they provide Habitat (ha) (ha) Note: *NFI data only includes woodland over 0.5ha Outside Tier / thin corridors of woodland along which birds SSSI HLS and other animals may safely move from place (ha) (ha) to place. Thousands of miles of hedgerows have Deciduous 248 182 1,746 2,175 been ‘grubbed out’ since the 1950s as farming has Table 16. Ancient woodland habitat coverage in Nidderdale AONB in 201913 woodland (11%) (8%) (80%) (100%) become ever more intensive, but thankfully today % of most agricultural hedgerows are protected by law Ancient Coverage Average Traditional 0.31 3.24 3.55 Woodland type (ha) AONB size (ha) 0 and Countryside Stewardship Schemes encourage cover orchards (9%) (91%) (100%) farmers to look after and even improve their hedges. Ancient Woodland 2 7.6 (All) 1245 Total 248 182.31 1749 2179 Eight percent of Nidderdale AONB is classed as woodland, lower than the national (England) figure Ancient and Semi- 0.75 6 Natural Woodland 451.62 of 10% and the 25 Year Environment Plan’s national target of 12% cover by 206011, for England. If we Ancient Replanted 1.3 9 Fig. 51. Ancient woodland15 exclude the area of our moorland habitats, which Woodland 793.47 are not suitable for planting trees the percentage

78 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 79 WOODLAND AND TREES

Most of Nidderdale AONB’s priority woodland hab- Woodland habitats are well represented in itat lies outside of the protected areas – see Table Nidderdale AONB’s SINCs (see Table 6 on page 17 on page 79, with only 5% of all the AONB’s 52). Sites include Backstone Gill Wood, Braisty woodland within protected areas. However some Wood, Bryan’s Wood, Catstone Wood, Cow Close woodland is protected in three SSSIs, designated Wood, Deepgill Wood, Dob Park Wood, Fishpond principally for their woodland – Brimham Rocks, Wood, and High Thrope Wood. SINC status only Hackfall Wood, Cow Myers, and there are also areas protects habitats through the planning system of woodland within the East Nidderdale Moors and and gives no control over management, although West Nidderdale Moors SSSIs – see Tables 18 - 20. at present we believe our woodland SINCs are generally well managed from a conservation Table 18. Woodland habitat in designated perspective. Voluntary 10 year management plans ‘woodland’ SSSIs in Nidderdale AONB for various woodland SINC sites were produced in 2010 and will come to an end in 2020. Tree Designated site Key habitats Protection Orders protect trees of amenity value Figure 53 show the trees across the AONB that Upland woodland and Brimham Rocks SSSI dwarf shrub have Tree Protection Orders. Figure 54 shows the area of Nidderdale AONB’s woodland under management through various grant schemes in 2017. Hackfall Wood SSSI Upland woodland

Lowland woodland and Cow Myers SSSI fen

Table 19. Areas of woodland habitat in moorland SSSIs in Nidderdale AONB Areas of Designated site woodland Woodale Arnigill Birkgill 5,007 ha East Nidderdale Moors SSSI Grimes Gill Gill Beck Colsterdale total area of woodland Skellgill in Nidderdale AONB: Guisecliffe Wood West Nidderdale Moors SSSI Harden Gill

Table 20. Condition of priority habitat within SSSI Priority In SSSI 38% Condition unmanaged woodland Habitat (ha) 62% 72.49 Favourable Fig. 53. Tree Protection Orders18 managed woodland (29.28%)

Unfavourable 172.16 Deciduous woodland Recovering (69.54%)

Unfavourable No 2.91 Change (1.17%) Fig. 54. Area of Nidderdale AONB’s woodland under management in 2018

80 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 81 Woodland © David Tolcher WOODLAND AND TREES WOODLAND AND TREES

In 2006 we commissioned a woodland opportunity the whole of the UK – presenting a threat to the map for Nidderdale AONB to identify priorities for UK’s treescape on a scale not seen since the Dutch new native woodland in the AONB and this guided Elm disease epidemic of the 1970s. It has been our woodland planting advice. In the intervening estimated that ash dieback could kill up to 95% of period tree planting/woodland cover has been ash trees in the UK and cost British society £15 given increased priority, including helping manage billion, as well as changing the appearance of the flood risk – see Figure 55. In this new context, we landscape and threatening many species which rely are currently working on an updated woodland on ash21, including some species that are entirely opportunity map – see case study below. reliant on ash trees.

Since 2014 ash dieback has been confirmed as present in approximately two-thirds of the Nidderdale AONB area – see Figure 56. The overall density of ash in woodland, hedgerows and individual trees is shown in Figure 57. However, it is not all bad news. Initial findings suggest that there might be some ash trees tolerant to the disease, Fig. 57. Density of ash in woodland (ha per km2), hedgerows (km per km2) and 2 24 meaning the population could eventually recover individual trees (trees per km ) over time. This is why we are also encouraging the retention of as many ash trees as possible and suggesting the tree be able to decline naturally Woodland birds wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, pied flycatcher, (where it is safe to do so), in the hope that these Target areas for woodland bird assemblages have lesser spotted woodpecker and red start. The new dieback-tolerant trees can be identified and their been identified for Countryside Stewardship data has been used to produce a Habitat Suitability seed allowed to naturally regenerate22. Schemes. In Nidderdale AONB priority areas Model for red start. Habitats for redstart were include Colsterdale, Upper Nidderdale, Grantley, found in lowland areas of the AONB in proximity Sawley, and the Pateley to Otley area25. to woodland – see Figure 58, with woodland cover, density of woodland edge and proximity to water courses having a positive effect on habitat suitability. As part of The Wild Watch we have been collecting data on a number of woodland birds – tree pipit, Map A Map B

Fig. 55. Woodland potential19

Species Nidderdale AONB’s woodlands are important for nature conservation, providing a rich habitat for plants, animals, birds, and insects.

Ash The damage to trees, woods and forests from insect pests and organisms such as bacteria and 20 Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, fungi is significant . Ash dieback, also known as blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of redstart according to the tenth percentile occupancy chalara (caused by the non-native invasive fungus Fig. 56. Confirmed presence of ash dieback per year23 threshold. hymenoscyphus fraxineus), is now widespread across Fig. 58. Habitat Suitability Maps for redstart26

82 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 83 WOODLAND AND TREES WOODLAND AND TREES

Case Yorkshire Water’s Ancient flora diversity by increasing light through the in 1987 to safeguard the wood. In 1989 the Case Bank Study Woodland Restoration canopy and removing INNS. On one site, this led Woodland Trust acquired the site on a 999 year Study Wood30 to an increase from 45 ground flora species to lease with grant aid from various bodies including Philip Tennyson and Geoff Lomas, 70, representing a 64% increase in diversity. Over the Hackfall Trust and English Heritage. That same Helen Neave, Founder and Director, Yorkshire Water time, the woodland restoration will help return year, Hackfall was designated a Site of Special Make it Wild Ltd these ancient woodland sites to their former Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a site of ancient As Yorkshire’s second biggest landowner, glory to support a wide range of our native semi-natural woodland29. We were looking for some land to buy, to manage Yorkshire Water’s landholding contains an wildlife. for nature. How delighted we were when we extensive range of habitats. Widely recognised as Together the Woodland Trust and Hackfall found Bank Woods in 2017 – we could see it the most irreplaceable of all, ancient woodlands Trust restored the site and the wood is now a was exactly right! Not only is it set in stunningly are wooded areas that have persisted in the Grade I listed garden and a number of its built beautiful Nidderdale, but it had been farmed in a landscape since 1600 or earlier. Left to develop ‘benign’ way. The grass doesn’t look as green as Case Hackfall Wood, ancient features listed at Grade II and II*. In 2007, a major without disturbance from humans, these areas restoration project was funded principally by the neighbours’, through less use of chemicals, support a myriad of birds, plants, fungi and are Study semi-natural woodland SSSI the then Heritage Lottery Fund, now National and there are many more trees and woodland. home to more threatened species than any Lottery Heritage Fund. This enabled the The undulating land is blessed with four blocks of other habitat in the UK. All ancient woodlands Hackfall appears today to be a natural wood, a restoration and preservation of the buildings, ancient woodland, containing some beautiful old in the UK have been mapped by Defra and can ‘beautiful wilderness’ to quote one of the 19th the dredging and restoration of water features, trees, babbling brooks, and evidence of historic be identified by ‘indicator species’. These include century writers who thought Hackfall Wood one further improvement of the footpaths, and human activity. It varies from richer grazing nearer bluebell, wood anemone, primrose, wild garlic and of the most beautiful places in the country. In fact opening up of the vistas. to the river, via scrub and woodland to a more small-leaved lime. it is very much a landscape moulded by people. 27 ‘upland’ area around a beautiful veteran beech tree at the top. In the Nidderdale AONB, Yorkshire Water The landscape that can be seen today is largely own seven sites identified as ancient woodland attributed to the Aislabies. John Aislabie, already It has a wide variety of habitats, and we are sure totalling 132ha. To reflect differences in their land famous for his landscaping works at nearby that with some help, it could become a haven management to date, these ancient woodlands Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, bought for a wide variety of wildlife. We know that even have been classified as either semi-natural ancient Hackfall for £906 in 1731. It is John’s son, William beautiful countryside can be lacking biodiversity, woodland, meaning they are ancient woodland that was responsible for its landscaping in the and it is our intention to do everything we can to sites which have been managed for timber style of the picturesque, building follies, and give this space back to nature! or other industries, or plantation on ancient grottos, and creating surprise views, waterfalls, woodland sites, meaning they been planted with and a fountain. During the 19th century under the We have reduced the number of sheep grazing trees (often coniferous) for forestry and industry. ownership of Lord Ripon, visitors paid to visit the the land to a bare minimum and have bought a popular woodland gardens. small herd of belted Galloway cattle. Their role as Over the past 10 years, Yorkshire Water have our conservation grazing team has already shown enhanced and restored these sites, undertaking Hackfall has inspired writers and artists including great results, and we had many more wildflowers works such as felling non-native trees allowing Turner (1816) and gets a brief mention in William in the fields this year, compared to last year; the native trees and flora to grow. We have also Wordsworth’s ‘A Guide through the District of curlews and lapwings have returned in greater controlled invasive non-native species (INNS), the Lakes’ published in 1835: numbers too. We are erecting a deer fence such as Himalayan balsam that are threatening the “There are three approaches to the Lakes around the ancient woodland, to allow natural woodland biodiversity. Where necessary, we have through Yorkshire ; … The second road regeneration. This should be completed next year, planted native trees to replace felled conifers leads through a more interesting tract of and it will be interesting to see how taking the and removed conifer trees that threaten to kill country, beginning at Ripon, from which browsing pressure off will allow tree seedlings to ancient and existing native trees where it was place see Fountain’s Abbey, and thence by grow. With help from the AONB we have taken not advisable to fell the conifer plantation around Hackfall, and Masham, to Jervaux Abbey,… the first step in restoring a hay meadow, and we these key trees. and up the vale of Wensley ; …”28 are looking forward to spring, when we will see what new wildflowers we have. But the most The woodland management we’ve undertaken Hackfall went through a long period of decline noticeable change we have made is the planting has increased the volume of standing and lying and in the 1930s it was sold to a timber merchant of 5,000 trees. We previously planted 20,000 on deadwood which is invaluable habitat for all kinds who felled it. It subsequently fell into neglect. our land at Kirk Hammerton, and the explosion of insects, birds, and bats which rely on the softer In response to a threat from commercial in biodiversity was stunning. We hope to see the dead wood. We have also increased the ground development, the Hackfall Trust was formed same thing here!

84 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 85 Hackfall waterfall © Robert Hudson Belted Galloway cattle at Bank Wood © Helen Neave

WOODLAND AND TREES

Case Ancient and Case Woodland Opportunity Study veteran trees Study Planning Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer, Nidderdale AONB has more than 1,200 recorded Nidderdale AONB veteran and ancient trees. The exact age at which a tree is called ‘ancient’ depends on a number of We are excited to be producing a new Woodland factors including the species and the type of site Opportunity Plan for our area. Our current where the tree is growing. This means that a birch Woodland Opportunity Plan is 12 years old and tree could be considered ancient at 150 years old, the context for woodland planting has changed an oak tree at 400 years, and a yew at 800 years. significantly in this time; there is renewed impetus Three key features of an ancient tree are a low, for woodland planting from The Northern Forest fat and squat shape, a wide trunk compared with initiative and for climate change mitigation, and others of the same species, and hollowing of the our current plan pre-dates the arrival of ash trunk (which may not always be visible). A veteran dieback. Woodland cover also appears to have We were thrilled that a survey of flora this encouraging a variety of plants – this helps to tree shows ancient characteristics but can be fallen slightly in the AONB from 2012 to 2018 summer revealed over 70 species, with several supports a wider range of wildlife. any age – its characteristics could be the result and a new Woodland Opportunity Plan will help unusual ones. As a result, Bank Woods is a of natural damage, management, or the tree’s stabilise and reverse this trend . environment, as well as its age. So all ancient trees candidate for designation as a Site of Importance The estate is within a priority area for woodland 31 for Nature Conservation – and we couldn’t be creation and woodland bird assemblages are all veterans, but not all veterans are ancient! Our new plan will be based on new woodland more thrilled! identified by Defra, and has embarked on a large opportunity maps created within a GIS tree planting project, planting 65,000 trees to Between 2006 and 2010 we undertook a survey (Geographic Information System). This system date. As well as increasing woodland cover, this of our veteran trees, recording precise locations, allows us to merge multiple layers of mapped will provide new habitat for woodland birds, trunk girth, estimated height, and condition. As data, each layer representing a single benefit or the map shows there are key clusters of trees constraint to woodland planting, to help identify Case Woodland Creation on the help improve water quality, and help reduce the incidence of flooding by slowing the flow of water in the south and east of the AONB, as well as areas where tree planting will have the greatest Study Summerstone Estate, to the river. The tree planting has imitated a around Pateley Bridge and Gouthwaite Reservoir. benefits and cause the least damage. The plan will Upper Nidderdale natural approach, designed to benefit the farming There are almost 50 veteran trees in the areas of prioritise areas where tree planting can deliver Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and Dob Park. multiple benefits, maximising the value of any new Roy Burrows, Summerstone Estate Manager and sporting interests of the estate. Small blocks of woodland have been planted at different planting. The Summerstone Estate, a 1,500 acre Upper densities, using species typical of upland oak woodland, such as birch, rowan, hazel for ground The new plan will help us to: Nidderdale sporting estate, had historically • Understand the extent and distribution of our been intensively grazed until it was taken over cover alongside holly and some conifer, which benefits the estate’s pheasants. current tree cover and how this relates to by its new owners four years ago. We have a national tree planting targets. vision to make the estate better for wildlife and • Agree sensitive areas where tree planting have kicked this off by planting trees, sowing The moorland is changing too, species-poor grassland and bracken have been cleared and then would not be supported, providing clear wildflowers, reseeding hay meadows, and justification for exclusion. restoring blanket bog and heather. re-seeded with heather and cotton grasses – the estate is aiming to increase dwarf shrub cover • Prioritise areas for future tree planting, from 300ha up to 500ha. Fifty small bird boxes concentrating on areas where tree planting To encourage ground nesting birds such as would have multiple benefits. lapwing, curlew and redshank The Estate reduced have been installed alongside three bat boxes and three kestrel boxes. These were supplied • Identify a first tranche of sites for landowner grazing. Over the last few years sheep numbers liaison, site appraisal and woodland planting. have been reduced and there is now a small by Nidderdale Birdwatchers. Five pairs of pied flock of native Swaledale sheep alongside a herd flycatchers, a globally threatened red listed bird, are also known to be in residence. The opportunity plan is being produced in of belted Galloways. Belted Galloway cattle and collaboration with The Woodland Trust, The Swaledale sheep eat more scrub, such as bramble Forestry Commission, Harrogate Borough and hawthorn, than many other cattle and sheep This work has been led by the Estate Manager, Roy Burrows, the tree planting was developed in Council’s arboriculture department and local types. This helps to remove some of the coarser forestry consultants, and is supported by funding grasses and scrub, keeping areas open and conjunction with Tilhill Forestry. Fig. 59. Ancient and veteran trees from The Woodland Trust.

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Recommendations/future actions

AONB plans/commitments What can you do? We are: • Landowners can contact us for advice about • Working with landowners to help them access whether you may be eligible for a grant to help the wide range of government woodland create a new woodland. grants currently available32 for tree planting • Seek advice from us before starting a planting and woodland management as well as through project. the Northern Forest, Woodland Trust, Forestry • Join a volunteer group and help us plant some Commission, and other funding opportunities. trees! We will also support landowners as the new • Take biosecurity measures – cleaning your Environmental Land Management System is shoes and bike wheels before and after visiting a developed and implemented. woodland, and avoiding taking plant material or • Providing advice about appropriate planting cuttings to or from the countryside. schemes. • Providing supervised volunteer groups for tree planting projects and woodland management.

In particular by 2024 we will: • Increase active management of the AONB’s woodland to improve the landscape and wildlife value of semi-natural ancient woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites by working with The Forestry Commission and The Woodland Trust. • Significantly increase the amount of woodland cover at a locally appropriate scale which will help meet the targets of the White Rose Forest (part of the Northern Forest) and also the government’s aim for 12% woodland cover across the UK. Increases in woodland cover contribute to natural flood management, mitigate carbon emissions and increase the AONB’s capacity for carbon storage, we will identify new, appropriate areas for woodland expansion and creation in our new woodland opportunity plan. • Increase awareness of the impact of ash dieback to promote the benefits of woodland management in responding to threats from pests and diseases. • Help to improve the resilience of our woodlands to future diseases and climate change by using a wide mix of native species when planting new woodlands, and managing the spread of other diseases and pests by carrying out biosecurity measures.

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improving water quality and use of resources such Gouthwaite Reservoir’s purpose is to act as a top- Water and wetlands as fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. up water source for the River Nidd to help maintain a constant flow. Today, it is a nature reserve and is particularly important for both water and woodland birds. Headlines • Water is a key feature in Nidderdale AONB – • We have developed Habitat Suitability Maps for Lindley Wood, Swinsty, Fewston and Thruscross in rivers, streams, ponds and the AONB’s 11 dipper and grey wagtail which we will use to Reservoirs in the Washburn Valley, Roundhill and reservoirs. target conservation action. Leighton near Masham, and Angram and Scar House in Upper Nidderdale were built in the late 19th • The current status of Nidderdale AONB’s rivers • Otter are present throughout the AONB and are and early 20th centuries to supply water to the is variable with the majority of the area assessed increasing in number, but water vole appears to growing industrial populations of Bradford and as of moderate ecological, chemical and overall have suffered large declines. Fig. 60. Breeding water and wetland birds the UK, 1970 to 20175 Leeds. The majority of the AONB’s moorland forms status by the Environment Agency. a significant proportion of the watershed and feed • Nidderdale has a large number of ponds, a small into these reservoirs. The reservoirs are a haven for • Threats to Nidderdale AONB’s water and number of which tested positive for the presence wildlife and vital for the flocks of migrating wildfowl wetlands include pollution, physical modifications of great crested newt. (ducks and geese) that use them as stop off points of water courses, and invasive non-native species and for breeding. (INNS). • Positive actions include controlling invasive non- native plants, taking climate change adaptation • Most of our water and wetlands are outside measures by facilitating implementation of designated sites, with only Gouthwaite Reservoir, Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures on which is important for its breeding wader the AONB’s river catchments, including helping assemblage and non-breeding mallard and teal, landowners’ access water grants and providing designated as a SSSI. Water and wetland habitats Catchment Sensitive Farming advice, working with are better represented in SINCs, but information partners including Environment Agency, Natural Fig. 61. Change in distribution of freshwater invertebrate species, 1970 to 20156 about the current management of these is limited. England, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust and National Trust.

Habitats National context The many streams, and of course the River The national State of Nature reports show that ‘high’ ecological status to 35% in 2018 from 36% in 3 Nidd, both shape and define Nidderdale AONB, over the long-term 53% of freshwater and wetland 2009 and 37% in 2013 . Of the UK’s waters, rivers but equally important are the reservoirs which species have declined, with 51% having declined over appear to be facing the most pressures. Diffuse dominate the upper part of Nidderdale, the upper the short-term and that 13% are threatened with pollution from agriculture remains a key issue4. 1 reaches of the River Burn, and the Washburn Valley. extinction in Great Britain . Many of the pressures Physical changes to rivers, lakes and estuaries, such Clean flowing water is the lifeblood of the AONB, affecting the distribution and quality of freshwater as flood defences and weirs, affect the ecology of and watercourses of all sizes support many different habitats relate to historical land drainage and land over a third of UK waters, preventing them from plants, insects and animals both in and alongside the management practice. UK biodiversity indicators functioning naturally. Further pressures come from water. show that the breeding water and wetland bird climate change and INNS. indicator fell by 6% between 1975 and 2017, but Natural England, the Environment Agency and over the short-term has increased by 3% – see Interestingly, modelling work suggests that the Nidderdale AONB work to conserve and improve Figure 60. distribution of freshwater invertebrate (stoneflies, the water catchment areas of the AONB’s rivers caddisflies, aquatic bugs, dragonflies, mayflies and through schemes such as Catchment Sensitive 2 Fig. 62. Rivers, streams and reservoirs The Water Framework Directive (2000) committed freshwater molluscs) is improving – see Figure Farming. Improving water quality and flood Member States to achieving good chemical and 61. The drivers for this recovery are not fully prevention are the result. ecological status of all water bodies by 2015. understood, but the Water Framework Directive However, despite this there has been a slight decline (WFD) requirements, Catchment Sensitive in the percentage of water bodies with ‘good’ or Farming (CSF) and peat restoration are likely to be

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The majority of Nidderdale AONB’s rivers are of Some of our rivers fail to meet good status due to Only a small part of Nidderdale AONB’s water and moderate WFD ecological river status – see Figure their chemical status for heavy metals – a legacy of wetland is priority habitat – coastal and floodplain 63. As this figure also shows, this ecological status the AONB’s history of lead mining and this could be grazing marsh, see Table 21 and Figure 65, and most contributes to the overall status of the vast majority having a knock on impact on the invertebrates and of Nidderdale AONB’s water and wetland habitat of the AONB’s rivers being classified as moderate. fish, as seen in Figure 64. is outside protected areas, except Gouthwaite Figure 64 summarises the reasons for AONB rivers Reservoir SSSI – see Tables 22 and 23. This SSSI not achieving good status. is currently considered as being in favourable condition although there have been some issues with non-native Crassula helmsii – see Gouthwaite Reservoir case study on page 27.

Table 21. Water and wetland priority habitat coverage in Nidderdale AONB in 20189,10 Outside In Higher SSSI In Tier / Not in Priority SSSI Total Habitat HLS Higher (ha) (ha) Outside Tier / SSSI (ha) HLS (ha) Coastal and 0.02 18.10 92.27 110.40 floodplain grazing marsh (0.02%) (16.39%) (83.58%) (100%) 1.68 42.38 221.04 265.10 Lowland fens (0.64%) (15.98%) (83.38%) (100%) WFD overall river status WFD chemical river status WFD ecological river status Fig. 65. AONB wetland priority habitat map11 Fig. 63. Water Framework Directive river status7 Total 1.7 60.48 313.31 375.5

Table 22. Condition of Priority Habitat within Water and wetland habitats are well represented SSSI in Nidderdale AONB’s SINCs. Sites include Beaver Dyke Reservoir, Fewston/Swinsty Reservoirs, Priority Habitat Condition In SSSI (ha) Leighton and Roundhill Reservoir, Lindley Wood Coastal and floodplain Unfavourable 0.02 Reservoir Complex, Lumley Moor Reservoir, and grazing marsh Recovering (100%) River Ure (Masham to Mickley). Unfortunately, our 1.68 information about current management of many Lowland fens Unfavourable Recovering (100%) of the water and wetland SINC sites is limited. We do know that the former Beaver Dyke Reservoir is not currently under positive management and the Table 23. Water and wetland habitat in SSSIs AONB is working with Yorkshire Water and other Total % of Designated area AONB Key Key partners to develop a project in the area around site (ha) area habitats species Beaver Dyke Reservoir to enhance valuable habitats, Assemblages secure their sustainable management for the long- of non- term, and involve people. breeding birds – mallard and Gouthwaite Open teal. Invertebrates Bryophytes and Phytobenthos Fish 150 0.25% Reservoir SSSI water Assemblages Fig. 64. Water Framework Directive reasons for not achieving good status8 of breeding birds of lowland open waters and their margins.

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Species Nidderdale AONB’s large expanses of water are important for birds, and wetland areas and ponds provide a perfect environment for dragonflies and damselflies. Otters are regularly recorded alongside rivers and streams and river lampreys are widespread.

The Wild Watch River Bank Transects During the 2017, 2018 and 2019 survey seasons The Wild Watch carried out surveys along watercourses within the AONB. Each transect was 1km long and transects covered primary, secondary and tertiary rivers and the shores of some reservoirs. Surveys were carried out by trained volunteers and professional ecologists.

The species surveyed were: otter, water vole, dipper, kingfisher, grey wagtail, golden ringed dragonfly, Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed. The azure damselfly was also included in the first year but proved too difficult to identify so this was removed from the target species list.

Access was difficult for some sites but with the enthusiasm and dedication of the survey volunteers a total of 378 transect walks were carried out, recording 362 occurrences of species on The Wild Watch target species list.

Fig. 66. River bank transects surveyed

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Habitat Suitability Modelling for river birds soil types typically found in broadleaved woodlands Otters Data was gathered for kingfisher, dipper and grey and upland bracken and gorse communities – see Over the last few decades otters have been wagtail. From the results gathered there were Figure 67. gradually increasing across the UK. The national enough records to carry out Habitat Suitability otter survey found that the Yorkshire region has Modelling for both dipper and grey wagtail. For grey wagtail, only local scale variables shown a major increase both in positive sites contributed to the final model, although the effects and in otter distribution since the final survey in For dipper, both regional and local scale variables were small. Slowly permeable seasonally wet acid 2009–2010. Fast forward another seven years and were relevant for predicting their presence. loamy and clayey soils were preferred, and the The Wild Watch otter survey suggests that the Although the results of the model should be treated density of watercourses (within 100m) and cover of distribution has been maintained and, in some areas, with some caution given the model was built with a mixed woodland (within 500m) had a positive effect increased. low number of records, dipper preferred areas with on habitat suitability – see Figure 68. mixed woodland, a high density of watercourses and In 2017, The Wild Watch embarked on another survey of the AONB’s rivers looking for signs Map A Map B of otter – spraint, tracks, holts etc. Otters are nocturnal and often difficult to see as they are so secretive. They are territorial, using spraints to mark territory at prominent places such as under bridges or on large stones, providing a relatively easy way to spot the presence of otters and carry out a survey. The Wild Watch ran several training courses with ecologists from a local consultancy firm, Haycock and Jay, training 56 volunteers on how to look for signs of otters. Volunteers were assigned 1km stretches of waterway and asked to visit twice between April and September, with visits one month apart. Throughout the survey periods Haycock and Jay were on hand to answer queries and look at any Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, spraints if identification was uncertain. The survey blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of dipper according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. was repeated during 2018 and in 2019. In 2019 the survey transects were moved to new stretches of Fig. 67. Habitat Suitability Maps for dipper12 rivers and streams, to widen the search area.

Map A Map B Figure 69 shows the 1,977 results from the national otter survey. Within the AONB, otters were only found at one site, despite surveying over thirty sites. Moving onto the 2010 survey, the results are very different with the majority of sites showing signs of otter. Sites with no otter signs were mainly restricted to minor headwaters. During The Wild Watch survey volunteers found 70 indicators of otter activity across 13 different survey transects. Signs of otters can now be found near Angram Reservoir – an area where signs of otters were not seen during the national otter survey.

Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, blue). Map B shows predicted presence or absence of grey wagtail according to the tenth percentile occupancy threshold. Fig. 68. Habitat Suitability Maps for grey wagtail13 Fig. 69. Otter in Nidderdale AONB, 1997–2019

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WATER AND WETLANDS WATER AND WETLANDS

Water voles – particularly as many of the ponds sampled were a The results from The Wild Watch eDNA surveys Water voles have declined by 30% in the last 10 long walk from the nearest parking place. were in line with recent results from a Natural years alone14, they are Britain’s fastest declining England Yorkshire-wide survey to gather data for mammal species and have disappeared from many Five of the ponds sampled tested positive for the Habitat Suitability Modelling for great crested parts of Britain. Key factors include intensification of great crested newt DNA, two were indeterminate newt across North Yorkshire. In both sets of farming, loss of habitat, and predation by American and the rest were negative. With eDNA detection data, great crested newts were not found in the mink. it is generally accepted that a negative result higher moorland ponds tested. It is thought that is a strong indication that the newts are not on the moorlands, as well as the natural geology, a Historical records showed that the water vole was present. Under normal, more traditional sampling combination of high rainfall, low nutrient status and once found across the AONB at several different methodologies several visits are required to confirm development of peat contributes to the acidity of locations. The Wild Watch river bank surveys absence. However, we recommend further survey at the water of the moorland ponds. GCNs tend not included water voles on the target species list and these ponds before ruling out the presence of such to favour ponds in dense woodland with high shade surveys commenced in June 2017. Sites were visited an important species. and lots of leaf litter. These factors could well be twice as a minimum by volunteers and signs of controlling the population within Nidderdale AONB, water voles recorded (such as droppings, feeding although further research would be needed to The Wild Watch pond surveys – eDNA and 16 sites, burrows, footprints etc.). A proportion of the great crested newt confirm this . the river bank survey routes were also visited by a Recent advances in survey techniques means it is professional ecologist. A key finding to emerge during the survey was that possible to identify the presence of great crested the AONB has a surprisingly high number of ponds, newts (GCN) by analysing pond water for the Signs of water vole were tentatively found at four particularly when compared with the neighbouring presence of their DNA. Environmental DNA Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is due to the sites by volunteer surveyors and at none of the (eDNA) is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that is survey sites by the professional ecologist. The initial difference in the bedrock geology, with impermeable released from an organism into the environment sandstone and gritstone covering most of the findings of both the trained survey volunteers and – this might be from secreted faeces, mucous, the professional ecologists indicate that water vole AONB in comparison to the permeable limestone gametes, shed skin, hair and carcasses. In aquatic of the National Park. Until the GCN survey was has suffered severe declines in the area. However environments, eDNA is diluted and distributed in further survey is recommended before confirming carried out, the extent of the pond resource was the water where it persists for 7–21 days, depending not known. It is clear that further work on ponds presence or absence of this species within the on the conditions. AONB. is needed to find out more about the ponds, raise their profile, and improve their management. The advantages of using this method, especially for volunteer surveyors, are that only one site visit is required and samples can be gathered at any time of day. A licence also isn’t required to take the water sample as disturbing the animals is not required Case The Washburn Valley (if we had been using the information to support Study and its birds a licence application we would have need to use a eDNA Pond Survey Results Peter Riley, President, Wharfedale licenced ecologist to do this). This methodology is Pond Sample Naturalist’s Society17 widely regarded as a highly effective and reliable way Indeterminate 15 11% of checking whether or not GCNs are present I have been undertaking regular long walks in the beautiful Washburn Valley north of Otley st th Between 1 May and 30 June 2019 The Wild Watch 13% since 1997, both to observe and catalogue the volunteers tested 46 ponds within Nidderdale GCN Present birdlife and get some regular exercise. There have AONB. Pond selection was based on an equally been some very clear trends that have emerged distributed selection of grid squares to ensure an 76% from my data that have led me to conclude that even coverage of the AONB as well as avoiding GCN Not Present significant changes have been taking place and sampling bias. Volunteers were trained to carry out I am reinforced in this belief by comparing my correct sampling techniques by an Officer from conclusions with national trends, particularly the the Freshwater Habitats Trust and then pairs of Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) which has been run volunteers were allocated ponds within the AONB. by the British Trust for Ornithology since 1995. A great deal of effort was put in by the volunteers Fig. 71. Great crested newt records for Nidderdale AONB Fig. 70. Water vole in Nidderdale AONB Note: Data sources The Wild Watch, NBN Atlas and Natural England. So which birds are up and which are down?

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Table 24. Bird population increases Table 25. Bird population decreases BBS trend BBS trend Species for period Washburn Species for period Washburn 1995–2014 Valley trend 1995–2014 Valley trend

Grey Very marked decline. First seen in 2003. partridge -55% Now struggle to get Red kite Over 10,000% Exponential increase one record per annum

Common sandpiper -36% Somewhat reduced Common First seen in 1995. buzzard +172% Exponential increase Decline with fewer Cuckoo -68% sightings year on year +31% but over Large increase due Pheasant twice that in to pheasant rearing Substantial decline in Yorkshire activity Little owl -55% excess of BBS trend

-46% and -45% No significant decline. Swift, house Curlew and but no significant Breeding habitat martin and -41%, and -27% Clearly declining in Washburn is swallow lapwing decline in moorland and fringe Yorkshire habitats Swallow +27% Decline

Jackdaw +42% Clearly higher Rook -13% Decline

Carrion crow +24% Very prevalent Almost extinct as Whinchat -38% breeding bird

Spotted Declines but hanging Blackcap and flycatcher -61% on in several chiffchaff +115% and +90% Clear increase Washburn locations Numbers in breeding Starling -60% season definitely -37% but no reduced Willow significant decline Shallow decline warbler in Yorkshire Declining, really linnet -27% difficult to see in breeding season

Common +27% Common as ever redstart Greenfinch -29% Clearly down

Song thrush +10% Doing well after One other trend is revealed from my statistics, dearth in mid 1990s namely that the number of species seen/heard per walk has been going down in the last few Bouncing back. First years. The Washburn Valley remains for the Tree sparrow +77% seen in 2003 moment a wonderful place for watching birds but it is certainly not immune from wider bird population trends. As each generation passes we Grey wagtail -5% Thriving lose our collective memory of what it used to be like and think that what we are seeing and hearing is the norm which is, of course, far from the Very obviously more truth. Whilst not optimistic I can only hope that Goldfinch +106% common eventually we will grasp the nettle and work to make our environment more wildlife friendly.

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Case Safeguarding the Case Yorkshire Water’s water vole This didn’t come as much of a surprise as the is outside Nidderdale AONB. The catchment Study River Washburn Study reintroduction at watercourses running through the site have a partnership has 505 farms and covers 550km² of stone dam below and a moorland keeper above, North Yorkshire, part of the Nidd, Ure and Upper Ben Aston, Technical Specialist (Ecology, Timble Ings Woods meaning mink populations have been kept very Ouse catchment that subsequently enters the Biodiversity and Invasive Species), Philip Tennyson, Yorkshire Water low. Humber and the North Sea. Roughly half of the Yorkshire Water Nidd catchment is upland. Several water bodies in Timble Ings Woods, owned and managed by In Spring 2020, Yorkshire Water will be placing the catchment fail to meet WFD good ecological Yorkshire Water manage a series of reservoirs Yorkshire Water, sits within the catchment of the clay rafts back into position to check for any status. The River Nidd, Howstean Beck, Fell Beck, on the River Washburn, with Thruscross being Fewston Reservoir, between Otley and Pateley mink ingress over winter. If no mink are detected, Darley Beck and River Laver and Skell all have at the head of the chain. The company relies on Bridge. The woodland is mixed age coniferous Yorkshire Water and Derek Gow Consultancy moderate status, Thornton Beck, Grundifs Beck, the water resources generated in the catchment and broadleaf trees, managed sustainably to are hoping to release around 300 water voles the Crimple and Park Beck have poor status, and to supply Leeds and Bradford, but recognises the FSC certification standards. The area provides into the woodland in July 2020. We look forward Ashfoldside Beck bad status. reservoir also provides a valuable resource for invaluable habitat for a variety of wildlife, which to establishing this species at Timble Ings. kayakers and other users, who take advantage of Key objectives of the CSF work are to: is the reason why it is designated as a Site of organised flow releases for sporting activity. • Reduce sediment and soil phosphate loss Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). from agriculture, by encouraging better soil To ensure that the company could continue to husbandry, and to improve water quality in the Part of the management regime for the site is to provide both water resource and recreational Case River Laver whole area. manage the vegetation around the riparian zones requirements without causing undue impact on Study 18 • Improve manure management and integration to keep them mostly free of trees to allow light Restoration Project the river itself, a series of long term investigations of the timing and spreading of manures with availability for the ground layer. The vegetation Nidderdale AONB and Yorkshire Dales took place in collaboration with Hull University fertiliser inputs to reduce nutrients entering acts as a trap for leaf litter and sediment, Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency. Brown trout were all waterbodies to help achieve WFD good improving water quality and soil structure. Due to caught and tagged under licence from Defra, to ecological status. the availability of riparian habitat and the number The aim of this project, which ran between help understand how they responded to the high • Reduce the direct access by livestock to open of interconnected ditches and ponds across the 2014–2015, was to remove physical barriers flow events needed for kayaking. Invertebrate and streams and rivers to prevent sediment loss site, it was identified that the site could provide to the migration of fish and carry out habitat electric fishing sampling baselines were created, and reduce phosphate within watercourses. great habitat for water voles. Water voles are improvements on the River Laver and Kex Beck. before new, more natural flow release profiles • Reduce the connectivity between land and believed to be the fastest declining mammal in The project removed a weir near Laverton that were developed to benefit ecology without surface water by encouraging uptake of water Britain, losing 97% of their former geographical had been identified by the Environment Agency as compromising recreational use. Subsequent post grants for yard infrastructure improvements. range. This is largely due to habitat loss and the an obstruction to fish migration, and the AONB intervention surveys have indicated a beneficial • Raise awareness of pesticide failures within release of American mink. Mink were brought helped farmers on land bordering the river with outcome. To further improve resilience of the the drinking water protection area and reduce to England in the 1920s for fur farming and six projects designed to improve the ecological river, Yorkshire Water worked with British pesticide drinking water standard exceedances colonised the country following the collapse of health of the aquatic environment. Canoeing and the Washburn Canoe Committee, failures. the fur trade. to install biosecurity facilities at the site to help • Raise awareness of WFD reason for not mitigate the spread of invasive species at this achieving objectives in the focus water bodies Following guidance from Derek Gow Consultancy, nationally used facility. and the key farming measures needed to who breed water voles in captivity for release, Case Catchment Sensitive address these. Yorkshire Water surveyed the watercourses for Study Farming habitat suitability. These surveys were used to The overall CSF approach is to prioritise working inform the number of water voles which should River Nidd Catchment Partnership with farmers whose uptake of CSF measures be released to create a sustainable population would reduce water pollution from agriculture based on the habitat availability. The objective of the CSF partnership, which most effectively. Specialist one to one advice is administered by Nidderdale AONB, and and support is provided to priority farmers. Before a release can go ahead, the presence of involves Natural England, Environment Agency, Group events and newsletters are also provided. mink must be monitored. Jim, a volunteer at Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust and Yorkshire Priority issues for the partnership are reducing Yorkshire Water’s Tophill Low Nature Reserve, Water, is to reduce diffuse water pollution from dissolved organic carbon and colour, sediment constructed six floating clay rafts which were agriculture. Work has been ongoing since 2009. and phosphate, and nitrate within Darley Beck placed in ponds and watercourses across Timble The area covered by the River Nidd Catchment and Nitrate Vulnerable Zones; metaldehyde and Ings Woods. Between the months of July and Partnership includes the Rivers Nidd, Laver, Skell drinking water protection zones in the lower October 2019, only grey squirrel, rat and one and Burn within Nidderdale AONB and the catchment; and protection of the UNESCO dog’s prints were observed on the clay cartridge. River Nidd to the confluence of the Ouse which World Heritage site on the River Skell.

102 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 103 Brown trout caught and tagged on the River Washburn © Tim Stone WATER AND WETLANDS SPECIES

Recommendations/future actions Species AONB plans/commitments Taking climate change adaptation measures by facilitating implementation of Natural Flood Headlines Management (NFM) measures on AONB’s river • Nidderdale AONB is home to important • We have developed Habitat Suitability Maps for catchments, including helping landowners access populations of species. barn owls and tawny owls which we will use to water grants. target conservation action. • The Wild Watch has helped us collaborate Conserving, enhancing and restoring aquatic and with others and collect new information on a • Positive actions include continuing to raise riparian habitats by: large number of species including reptiles, owls, awareness of the value of our wildlife species • Implementing water quality and NFM measures hedgehogs, invertebrates and flowering plants. through events, working with others on actions on the Crimple/Park beck catchments. for curlew and adder, supporting our volunteers • Implementing actions contained in the River Nidd • There are still data gaps and species we haven’t to collect further information, and collaborating Catchment Sensitive Farming programme. looked at so the AONB will continue collecting with local naturalist groups. information, including through our Citizen Science What can you do? initiatives.

• Landowners can contact us for advice about eligibility for a grant to help implement water quality and NFM measures. • Report sightings of Himalayan balsam in the Introduction Upper Nidderdale catchment to us. Nidderdale AONB is home to important • Take biosecurity measures cleaning your shoes populations of species. The Government has pledged before and after visiting water and wetland areas, to improve Britain’s most threatened wildlife and avoiding taking plant material or cuttings through in Defra’s 25 year plan and the forthcoming from the countryside. Environment Bill. The species selected are referred to as Section 41 (NERC Act) species. A diverse range of these species can be found in Nidderdale AONB including adder, up to 10 species of bats, curlew, lapwing, and hen harrier, to name a few, as well as invertebrates like Pyropterus nigroruber and the big blue pinkgill fungus (Entoloma bloxamii).

Lesser-spotted woodpecker, yellow wagtail, wood warbler, twite, and hawfinch have probably been lost from the AONB in recent years. Black grouse became extinct historically but birds re-introduced as part of a project lead by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and shooting estates have started to lay the foundations for a new population in recent years (see Moorland section starting on page 53).

Some species (Biodiversity 2020 species and wider) are closely associated with a particular habitat and these have been assessed in preceding chapters. Others range more widely across habitat types and some of these are discussed in this chapter.

104 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 105 Skrikes Wood stream © Paul Skirrow Red grouse © Kelvin Smith SPECIES SPECIES

Bats low elevation, riparian habitat – trees and water and many are likely to be locally important provide roosts and invertebrate prey in relatively swarming and hibernation sites. However, the Nidderdale AONB is home to eight to ten of the warmer and more sheltered environments, relatively small size of most of the mines and the UK’s 17 species of bat. Common and soprano meaning that the east of the AONB is a key area frequent flooding of the caves suggest that they pipistrelles are present in high numbers, and for bats. will not be more than locally significant. We can both species greatly outnumber all other the bat say little about population sizes or trends, either species combined. With the possible exception of in absolute terms or in relation to the national Daubenton’s bat and the brown long-eared bat, all picture. Strong but anecdotal evidence points to others could be described as rare in the AONB. a huge decline in bat numbers nationally during the last century. The National Bat Monitoring Programme suggests that across the UK most Case Bats in species are now relatively stable, albeit at low Study Nidderdale AONB levels. John Altringham, Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds and The Wild Watch Patron Reptiles In the summer of 2013, transects were walked The Wild Watch carried out surveys for reptiles across Nidderdale AONB to measure bat activity within the AONB in 2018. Twenty volunteers were Fig. 73. The Wild Watch reptile records (excluding adder) based on recordings of their echolocation calls. trained to carry out reptile surveys, using The Wild The data were used to develop Habitat Suitability Watch survey methodology. Models (HSMs) for the more common species Adders 1 of bat . The methods used were developed by 2 Refugia (1m pieces of roofing felt) were placed The adder (Vipera berus) is one of our three native Bellamy, Scott & Altringham (2013)2 and have every 100m, in sunny locations within a range of snake species, most often found on heaths, moors been the template for HSMs developed by The habitats, along specified survey transects. As reptiles and coastal areas. It has a secretive nature and Wild Watch for a broader range of animal and Fig. 72. Predicted number of species across Nidderdale AONB are ‘ectothermic’ they tend to bask in warm places cryptic markings mean it often goes unnoticed. plant species. HSM maps show the suitability of to help raise their body temperature. They are often 5 Some bats, most notably common pipistrelles, will A recent report from Make The Adder Count all locations for a species across the entire map found underneath objects that absorb heat. It was feed on higher ground on warmer, stiller summer has painted a stark picture for adders. Changes and tell us what habitat features are important. hoped that these artificial refuges would heat up nights. Upland habitat could be more suitable for in status derived from biological recording data They are based on the statistical strength of quickly compared to the surrounding environment most bats if tree planting/natural regeneration indicate adder numbers in the UK have been in associations between species presence and and attract nearby reptiles. Each survey route was 6 was extended into sheltered dales/gills, especially decline since the 1930s . Make the Adder Count habitat characteristics at the survey locations. walked three times between April and September if these linked up to existing woodland/shrubby began in 2005 as a national surveillance programme, and any reptiles observed were recorded. Target collecting standardised counts of adders lying- HSMs were produced for common and soprano patches along watercourses. species were the two species of snakes found in out after emerging from hibernation. Data from pipistrelles, noctule bat, Daubenton’s bat and Yorkshire, adder and grass snake, alongside common 260 sites confirm a significant decline, on average, whiskered/Brandt’s bats (these two species The HSM maps refer specifically to summer lizard, and slow worm. across sites with small populations, while the few cannot be reliably separated by their calls). foraging habitat. In winter, bats hibernate. Noctules prefer hibernating in deep holes in with large populations (less than 10%) are show a Natterer’s bats and brown long-eared bats were Our results were disappointing and whilst reptiles mature trees, pipistrelles make use of a very slight increase. If these trends continue then within also recorded, but too few were recorded to were recorded at a few known sites, adder records wide range of sites, including trees and the 15-20 years, adders will be restricted to a few produce reliable HSMs. In addition, it is probable were scarce – positive records were found at three cooler parts of buildings. Survey of such sites large population sites, significantly increasing the that Leisler’s bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle are sites only. A key reason for this was the unusually 7 is very difficult and little is known. All other extinction risk for this priority species in the UK . present in the AONB in small numbers, based on hot summer of 2018 that meant that rather than species most commonly hibernate underground, Adder data is limited for the AONB (see Figure 74 their known UK distribution. basking, adders and other reptiles had retreated in natural caves, disused mines and smaller on page 108) but by pooling several data sources into the shade, making detection difficult. The structures such as icehouses and lime kilns. The we can see there is a reasonably broad distribution Figure 72 shows the predicted number of species deliberately randomised transect section required disused mines around Greenhow and the caves across areas of suitable habitat in the AONB, largely across the AONB. Only the five modelled species for Habitat Suitability Modelling also meant that of the Manchester Hole/Goyden Pot area have tallying with the adder’s preferred habitats of are included in the map. Other bat species are key sites known for their adder populations were woodland, heathland and moorland. However much likely to have similar distributions. Put simply, been surveyed for autumn swarming (mating) 3,4 not surveyed. As a result we generated fewer than of this data is historical, with few records from the bats of all species are most likely to be found in activity . Activity was found at all sites surveyed expected records. last 10 years.

106 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 107 SPECIES SPECIES

Slow worm populations are known in the AONB Wharfedale Naturalists Society records indicate Nocturnal Birds but detail about distribution and populations was that a population was extant at this location in sparse. As a result they were included on The Wild 1986, and a series of ‘tins’ were placed at the In March 2018, as part of The Wild Watch, ‘Owl Watch species list and were a target species during site and checked each year. Slow-worm have Watch’ was launched, asking people to tell us when the reptile surveys in 2018. subsequently been recorded at this location with they saw or heard a barn owl, tawny owl, little a maximum of seven individuals in 2010, and owl, long-eared owl or short-eared owl. There photographs have been taken of mating pairs was a fantastic response to the campaign, with 670 and young. Most recently, six individuals were record sent in. The records have been collated and recorded in June 2018, however, at the time ‘tins’ the results have been used for Habitat Suitability were also placed at other locations on the dam Modelling. wall, but no slow-worm (or other reptiles) were recorded. Owls recorded March 2018 to January 2020 Over the years, gorse, hawthorn scrub and bramble have increased on the slope in spite of 3% occasional work parties to remove the scrub. 13% Short eared Yorkshire Water maintain a strip of grassland Little approximately 1.5m wide from the top of the spill-way for access. This continues to be species Fig. 74. Historic adder records for Nidderdale AONB rich grassland and slow-worm continued to be recorded in this zone up until 2018. 48% Due to its scarcity and the lack of recent data Barn 36% the adder was selected as a target species and in In 2018 a request was made by Harrogate Tawny 2018 we carried out a systematic survey for them Borough Council for a meeting on site to discuss works to the spill-way proposed by Yorkshire following The Wild Watch survey methodology. Fig.75. 1km grid squares with slow worm records Data sources: The Wild Watch, NEYEDC, NBN Atlas Water. I met with the project ecologists and Harrogate Borough Council on site. We inspected To build on the data and volunteer skills developed Fig . 77. Owl records logged with The Wild Watch between March 2018 and during The Wild Watch, we will carry out further the slow-worm habitat, and discussed proposed January 2020 including a summary of species adder surveys during 2020 and subsequent years. mitigation to ensure slow-worm were not Using the methodology outlined in Make the Adder harmed during the operation. It was proposed Count, The Wild Watch survey volunteers will be Case Slow worm at that a raised walkway be constructed over the trained to enable them to undertake similar surveys Study Lindley Wood Reservoir grassland where the slow-worms live for the duration of the project. Works began in 2019 and across the AONB. Surveyors will visit known Gordon Haycock, Secretary, hibernacula, recording the number of adult snakes Wharfedale Naturalist Society no access to the site has been allowed whilst the observed basking after emergence from hibernation. works are taking place. This will enable us to determine whether or not Records of slow-worm Anguis fragilis are regularly adder populations still exist at known sites and also made in the Washburn Valley, and there may well estimate population size and track changes in the be a meta-population of slow-worm from the population. All results will be fed into Make The moorland fringe at Humberstone Bank (where Adder Count. they were recorded in 2017) down to Lindley Wood Reservoir as there is connecting semi- Slow worms natural habitat suitable for slow-worm. Following the construction of the dams in the Often mistaken for snakes, slow worms (Anguis Washburn Valley, suitable habitat for slow-worm fragilis) are a type of lizard without legs, with smooth was accidentally created on the south-west facing golden-grey skin. They like to bask in the sun and slope above the spill-way for the reservoir wall are usually found in heathland, tussocky grassland, (see Figure 76). This was recorded in the 1980’s as Fig. 76. Area of slow worm habitat woodland edges/ridges, and feed on invertebrates. open grassland with scattered gorse and proved an ideal place for slow-worm. Fig. 78. Number of owl records per 1km2 for Nidderdale AONB

108 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 109 SPECIES SPECIES

Habitat Suitability Modelling for Barn Owl Examples of predictions that showed inconsistencies Map A Map B and Tawny Owl8 included tawny owl where some of the habitat The modelling gave mixed results. Whilst some of variables have confounding effects at different the habitat associations made sense and fit previous spatial scales and there are sharp changes in work, others were inconsistent. Examples where habitat suitability in the predictive maps. This could the modelling ‘fit’ includes barn owls that preferred be because the models are built from anecdotal low altitude areas with a low density of trees and evidence rather than a systematic survey. Collection avoided improved grassland and arable land. This fits bias may have influenced the outcome and, due with previous research showing a preference for to the species we were looking at, it was hard to open habitats with scattered trees and unimproved exclude the bias of observation being made close grassland in lowland areas9,10. Tawny owl, by contrast, to building or roads as barn owls may roost and preferred areas with a higher density of trees and hunt in and around buildings. There may also be some grassland cover, which fits with previous fine-scale habitat associations that it isn’t possible to research showing that tawny owl hunt from, roost capture within the models. For example, barn owls and nest in trees and prefer woodland and grassland often forage along field margins and ditches, and habitats11,12. prefer rough tussocky unimproved grassland, which supports a high density of their small mammal prey13,14. Map A Map B

Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, blue). Map B shows predicted absence of tawny owl. Fig. 80. Habitat suitability maps for tawny owl

Map A shows continuous habitat suitability indices (HSI) ranging from 0 (low suitability, yellow) to 1 (high suitability, blue). Map B shows predicted absence of barn owl. Fig. 79. Habitat suitability maps for barn owl

110 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 111 Barn owl © Kelvin Smith SPECIES SPECIES

Hedgehogs gardens more hedgehog friendly and help reverse Invertebrates these declines. Hedgehogs live in most parts of Great Britain and The Wild Watch volunteers carried out invertebrate are expected to be found widely across Nidderdale surveys during the 2018 and 2019 survey seasons. AONB. In rural areas, hedgehogs live along Each volunteer was allocated a survey transect and woodland edges, hedgerows in meadowland, and required to walk it three times between April and rough pasture. In towns, they make use of gardens September. and amenity grassland, as well as other green spaces. Between November and the end of March, when The target species were: food is scarce, hedgehogs hibernate to conserve • Bumblebee – Garden bumblebee (Bombus energy, remaining largely inactive. During the rest hortorum), Mountain bumblebee (Bombus of the year, they are mostly nocturnal, moving over monticola) areas of 10–50ha during the summer, and 1–2km in • Butterflies and day-flying moths – Wall a single night15. (Lasiommata megera), Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi), Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), It is estimated that there are about 1.5 million Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia), Speckled Yellow hedgehogs in Britain16,17 although we don’t currently (Pseudopanthera macularia), Clouded Buff (Diacrisia have a reliable estimate of the population within sannio), Mother shipton (Euclidia mi) (3,7,33,2,0). (GB Rarity Status Nationally Scarce). Saproxylic in the rotting heartwood of various trees, especially Betula the AONB. However, across Britain there is strong • Beetles – Green tiger beetle (Cicindela and Fagus, in ancient woodland sites, with Yorkshire and parts of surrounding counties being a national stronghold evidence that hedgehogs are in decline and that campestris), Carabus nitens for this species. South Yorkshire and the Helmsley areas are where most of our records originate. We have several there are big differences between rural and urban • Dragonflies – Golden ringed dragonfly winter records for pupae which emerged in July. (vi-viii, populations, with rural populations in greater (Cordulegaster boltonii), Black darter (Sympetrum peak vii) decline than their urban counterparts. danae) Fig. 82. Yorkshire records of Pyropterus nigruber 19

To find out more about hedgehogs in the AONB, in The project was fortunate to work with March 2019 The Wild Watch launched ‘Hedgehog Fig. 81. Hedgehog records in Nidderdale AONB professional entomologists Steven Falk, Andrew Watch’ where people were asked to let The Wild Data sources: TWW, NEYEDC, NBN Atlas, Mammal Society Grayson and Andrew Godfrey, all carrying out a Watch team know if they had seen a hedgehog. number of surveys for the project, recording all Records were added to a database and their species encountered rather than the target species distribution was mapped. This would provide a list. baseline for future monitoring. So far there has Case How to make your garden been a great response. Figure 81 shows the known Study hedgehog friendly distribution of hedgehogs within the AONB, Beetles including The Wild Watch records. During the invertebrate surveys none of the target • Create hedgehog homes by stacking up logs or beetle species were recorded. However, Pyropterus In rural areas, between 2002 and 2017, counts of piling up leaves and brash. nigroruber was recorded. This is a species of net- hedgehog road casualties recorded in People's Trust • Cut a hole the size of a CD case in the bottom winged beetle belonging to the family Lycidae. for Endangered Species’ Mammals on Roads Survey of your fence or wall to create a hedgehog This is an interesting find as in the UK it has a fell by between a third and a half across Great highway. If we link up surrounding land then restricted and fragmentary distribution; it is locally Britain18. The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey we can increase the connectivity of hedgehog common in the East Midlands around Lincolnshire where sightings of live hedgehogs are recorded, also populations and increase their numbers. and Nottinghamshire. There are local populations showed a decline across rural areas. Contrastingly, in • Put out water and food for hungry hedgehogs in the Caledonian Pine forests of Inverness and urban areas, hedgehogs are being recorded in fewer coming out of hibernation – they like cat food. in Southern Ireland there are two populations in places but these populations are increasing. • Check thoroughly for hedgehogs before using old oak woodlands of Kerry and Sligo. The typical power tools in the garden or lighting bonfires. habitat is open established and humid woodland Looking at UK-wide trends, the wide distribution is • Slow down on roads, especially between dusk of all kinds with plenty of decaying wood and likely to mask population declines. Due to the length and dawn when hedgehogs are active. vegetation. of time the survey has been running it is also not • Visit hedgehogstreet.org for plenty of useful possible to monitor population size at this stage. resources. However everyone can take steps at home to make

112 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 113 Green tiger beetle © Steven Falk SPECIES

Bumblebees The Wild Watch invertebrate surveys, where volunteers were asked to record occurrences of both mountain or bilberry bumblebee and small garden bumblebee, were carried out in 2018 and 2019. Whilst the surveys ran for two years, uptake by volunteers was lower than for other surveys resulting in fewer surveys.

The bilberry or mountain bumblebee (Bombus monticola) is a beautifully banded bumblebee, with bright yellow bands on the thorax and a rich orange-red tail covering around two-thirds of the abdomen. They are a localised and declining species, found almost exclusively on moorland. As its name suggests, bilberry is an important if not crucial part of the diet for queens in spring and they also like the blossom of willows and sallows. Workers forage on a variety of flowers including heathers, clovers, brambles, bird's-foot-trefoils, self-heal, cinquefoils and thistles, and will take honeydew from shrubs like juniper20.

The Wild Watch also recorded the garden Fig. 83. Map showing existing and TWW records for mountain bumblebee bumblebee which is one of the ‘Big 7’ widespread Data sources: TWW, NEYEDC, NBN Atlas and abundant species. Despite being found in a wide range of habitats across the UK and often frequent in gardens, where it is one of two common species found visiting foxglove, only a few sightings were recorded under The Wild Watch within the AONB.

Bumblebee Conservation’s BeeWalk concluded that 2018 was a difficult year for bumblebees. The cold weather of the ‘Beast from the East’ in late February and early March pushed the start of the season back, and most species only really got going with a spell of good weather in mid-April. Bumblebees are also known not to do well in hot, drought conditions so it is perhaps unsurprising to see that the year was a poor one for the group as a whole21.

This may well have had an impact on The Wild Watch surveys but it is clear that the surveys significantly increased the number of records for this species. The BeeWalk survey methodology was followed for the survey, although there is not enough data to analyse population trends for the area. The Wild Watch data has been submitted to the BeeWalk project. Fig. 84. Map showing existing and TWW records for garden bumblebee Data sources: TWW, NEYEDC, NBN Atlas

114 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 115 Bumblebee and foxglove © Paul Skirrow A worn Bilberry pug, Guisecliffe © Charles Fletcher

SPECIES SPECIES

Moth surveys in Nidderdale AONB Species Nidderdale AONB moth records at Beeston Moor Plantation and A number of moth species were on The Wild Watch summary 2017–2019 Guisecliffe. target species list. Due to the complex logistics Report • Beautiful Snout found for the first time in the around systematically moth trapping across the Charles Fletcher Yorkshire Naturalist Union area at Guisecliffe. AONB, and the difficulties of moth identification, macro-moth recorder • Devon Carpet found for the first time in the The Wild Watch worked with a small number Overall 658 species of moths recorded during area at Sawley. of moth specialists: Charles Fletcher (Yorkshire the first two years of The Wild Watch project and Naturalist Union macro-moth recorder), Jill (from the Latin debilis meaning ‘weakened’) Some other unexpected new species for when all the 2019 records are submitted the total the AONB Warwick (Harrogate District Naturalist Society suggests, its fresh green colour quickly fades is likely to be about 670. macro-moth recorder) and Andrew Godfrey to greyish white as it ages. It is designated Nb, • Nut-tree Tussock at Beeston Moor plantation. (professional ecologist), rather than with volunteers, meaning that is has been recorded in 31 to 100 The project provided the opportunity to: Well away from the usual populations. to carry out systematic moth trapping across the 10km squares in Great Britain since 1st January • trap in upland sites and other sites in the • Thyme Pug at Duck Street Quarry – the only AONB. The surveys were supplemented with public 1980. Most of these squares are in the south and AONB where little moth trapping has Yorkshire record away from the Ingleborough trapping sessions run by Charles Fletchers and Jill west of the country with no records in Yorkshire, historically taken place. area. Warwick. so it was a surprise when a larva was found on • see how common some of the upland species • Eana penziana at Duck Street Quarry also bilberry near Halifax in 2016. really are. The submission of records currently the only Yorkshire record away from the Before carrying out surveys, sample grid squares reflects the sites of gardens of moth enthusiasts Ingleborough area. were pre-selected following The Wild Watch survey The Wild Watch project spurred us on to see so doesn’t give us the full picture. • Clepsis senecionana found at Guisecliffe. site selection methodology to identify the land whether Bilberry Pug lurked undetected in the • Elms at Hackfall are supporting good quantities Over 650 species of moth were recorded over transect locations. In many cases it was possible to AONB. The best habitat is bilberry growing in of Blomer’s Rivulet and Clouded Magpie, the three years and collated from some 7,700 moth trap on or near where land transects were open woodland with conifers – not unusual in both rare in the area. This site also produced individual records. located. In other cases, where access with moth the Nidderdale area. The moth is most easily Lampronia corticella (Raspberry Moth) at its only site in the AONB and the bracket fungus- survey equipment was difficult, or there were found by looking for the adult at dusk rather than Organised public trapping sessions were: feeding Triaxomera fulvimitrella which is new for other access issues, locations as close as practicably using light traps. The Washburn Valley seemed a • 2017: Druid’s Temple/Leighton Reservoir the AONB. possible were selected instead. good place to start searching and suitable habitat Thruscross Reservoir was found at Beecroft Moor Plantation near • 2018: Scar House Reservoir Other interesting records Fewston. A visit in late June 2017 at dusk was Thruscross Reservoir • Silver Hill (Pateley) turned up Galium Carpet, immediately successful with a fresh adult being • 2019: Brimham Rocks Golden-rod Brindle and Hedge Rustic. All Case Moths: Searching for netted half an hour after sunset. Some other Guisecliffe uncommon in the AONB. Study Bilberry Pug sites in the area were searched in 2018 with no • Northern Rustic appeared in good numbers at success, in particularly woodland above Pateley Some infrequently-recorded moths in the Duck Street Quarry. Charles Fletcher, Yorkshire Naturalist Union Bridge at Guisecliffe which looked to be ideal area appeared in good numbers: • Small Argent and Sable was again found in the • Grey Scalloped Bar at six sites (usually 2–3 macro-moth recorder habitat. In mid-July 2019 a moth trapping session upper Washburn Valley records in the whole of Yorkshire per year). was organised here, rather late in the season • Druid’s plantation turned up Grey Mountain • Scarce Silver Y noted at nine sites (normally Pugs are troublesome moths inspiring negative for Bilberry Pug. The weather was poor with Carpet and also Monochroa cytisella which was 10–12 records in the whole of Yorkshire per emotions in many moth trappers because of persistent drizzle but the moths did not seem to new for the area VC65. difficulties in identification. Whilst many are mind and in a good catch there were two worn year). obscurely marked, others are more distinctive Bilberry Pugs, proving that it did in fact occur • Angle-striped Sallow, Barred Chestnut, Fen Several species of leaf mining species were and cause few problems. One of these is Bilberry there. square-spot and Red Carpet all noted at found as new for either VC64 or 65*: Pug Pasiphila debiliata which is an attractive moth several sites. All these species are probably • Woodland at Leighton Reservoir: Stigmella when fresh, but as the scientific namedebiliata In a short space of time we had been rewarded under-recorded in the county. glutinosae mines on alder new for VC65. • Woodland at Swinton Castle: Stigmella with the second and third county records. Some declining moths across the country We have no idea how long this species has ruficapitella mines on oak new for VC64. still have populations in the AONB: • Brimham Rocks: Stigmella roborella mines on occurred in the area. As it is unlikely to appear • V-moth doing well in the Grewelthorpe area oak new for VC64 and Ectoedemia heringi mines in garden moth traps, it has to be actively and also seen at Healey. on oak new for VC64 and for North Yorkshire. looked for. Targeted searching has found it to be • Figure of Eight still has a small population in the • Fountains Abbey: Ectoedemia louisella mines on more common than expected in some of our east of the AONB. neighbouring counties and it is likely that there field maple keys new for VC64. are many more sites in our area where it might Some unexpected rarities turned up: Note: * For information on recording areas used by YNU, see occur. • Bilberry Pug, second and third Yorkshire yorkshiremoths.info/portal

116 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 117 A fresh Bilberry pug © Charles Fletcher SPECIES SPECIES

Flies C. berberina adults fly from April to September Flowering plants Flowering plant Broad habitat Fifty-nine species of fly (diptera) were recorded but are most often seen in May and June visiting surveys found in the flowers of Hawthorn, brambles and Hogweed. Surveys for flowering plants were carried out during The Wild Watch surveys. Although many by The Wild Watch in 2018 and 2019. For the Betony (Stachys officinalis) Heathland, grassland of these species are common, they have not been Females can also be seen flying slowly around stumps and the bases of old trees in shaded volunteers involved training sessions were run recorded in the area before – either due to low at the start and middle of each survey season by Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Woodland, grassland invertebrate recording activity or not of interest locations. They give a superb impression of a small bumblebee looking for its nest. The larvae develop Dr Judith Allinson. Volunteers were allocated a Narthecium when noted. Several species of note have cropped Bog asphodel ( Wetland in wet decaying tree roots and old rotten stumps, 1km survey route which was walked twice, once ossifragum) up. These are detailed below: during May/June and once in July/August, and then typically of broadleaved species, though coniferous Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) Bog species can apparently be used abroad23. 10 quadrats placed along the route and the target Late bear hoverfly (Arctophila superbiens) plants recorded. This enabled a more detailed A large bumblebee mimic that flies late in the survey to be carried out. Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliate) Wetland season, peaking in September. A. superbiens typically Lesser hornet hoverfly (Volucella inanis) Ceratocapnos A large hoverfly that looks more wasp-like than Climbing corydalis ( Woodland occurs in and around wet, peaty, base-poor The species list (see Table 26) was drawn up in claviculata) woodland, particularly in the north and west of hornet-like. This is essentially a southern species, though it is currently expanding north and has association with Botanical Society for the British Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) Heathland - high Britain. The larvae are presumed to develop in wet Isles (BSBI), linking into their National Plant peat or shallow peaty pools like those of other become fairly frequent in the Midlands in recent 24 Monitoring Scheme (NPMS). The NPMS uses an Common spotted orchid Sericomyia species. Adults are usually seen visiting years . The larvae develop as scavengers and larval (Dactylorhiza fuchsia) Grassland 22 predators in the nests of social wasps, perhaps indicator species approach, whereby volunteers the flowers of devil's-bit scabious . record changes in the abundance of species selected Common sundew (Drosera especially the German Wasp Vespula germanica rotundifolia) Bog by us as indicative of positive or negative changes in Dimorphic bear hoverfly (Criorhina berberina) and to a lesser extent Common Wasp V vulgaris. Consequently, the fly is frequently seen in suburban habitat condition. The scheme seeks to be attractive Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) Bog A widespread but localised species of ancient to recorders at all skill levels, this requires the woodland and other places with old trees. Two very locations such as gardens and waste ground where such wasps have good populations, though inclusion of some easily identifiable indicators that Cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix) Wetlands different colour forms exist, the darker 'type' form can be recognised by less experienced botanists26. with a white tail and broad buff collar (a superb it also turns up in a variety of habitats away from settlements. Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes) Grassland mimic of the Tree Bumblebee, Bombus hypnorum) In consultation with BSBI, The Wild Watch selected Grassland, heathland, and the all-buff form 'oxycanthae' (a mimic of carder species from a range of local habitats, that were Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) bumblebees such as B. pascuorum). Adults like bramble, thistle and umbellifer flowers in bogs relatively easy to identify and occurred in the Succisa summer, but can also be found visiting, snowberry Devil's bit scabious ( Heathland, grassland and devil's-bit scabious into autumn25. AONB. If the survey is continued regularly, the pratensis) use of indicator species would allow change in the Hare's-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum countryside to be monitored. vaginatum) Bogs

Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) Wetland Table 26. Species list for The Wild Watch flowering plant surveys Meadow saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) Grassland Invasive Species Species Code Mountain pansy (Viola lutea) Grassland Giant hogweed GH Mouse ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) Grassland Himalayan balsam HB Pale forget-me-not (Myosotis stolonifera) Wetland Japanese knotweed JK Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) Wet grassland The presence of New Zealand willowherb and Cotula was also noted. Spring sandwort (Minuartia verna) Rocks and scree

Wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus/ pulegioides) Heathland, grassland

Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) Woodland

Woodruff (Galium odoratum) Woodland

118 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 119 Lesser hornet hoverfly © Steven Falk SPECIES SPECIES

Over the two years 52 transects were walked Case Pale Forget-me-not Nidderdale AONB is an important area for the Case Fungal surveys of two sites across the AONB. Along the survey transects 520 Study Myosotis stolonifera a species with around 15 populations currently Study in Nidderdale AONB quadrats were also surveyed by volunteers. This has known, especially along the upper reaches of the led to 283 species records from within The Wild globally restricted species Nidd below the summit of Great Whernside. It Peter Duffy, Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group Watch target list being gathered. in Nidderdale is extremely localised elsewhere in the AONB Fountains Abbey Kevin Walker, Head of Science, Botanical although it is almost certainly under-recorded, Society for the British Isles especially in the less frequented moorland Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (FASR) was areas, where its habitat is very localised but purchased by the National Trust from North Pale Forget-me-not is a montane plant with a widespread. Recent recording for the Botanical Yorkshire County Council in 1983. The Abbey highly restricted global distribution (northern Society of Britain and Ireland’s Atlas 2020 project, is one of the most famous and spectacular Portugal, Spain and Great Britain). British for example, has led to the discovery of many Cistercian ruins in Europe, and its adjunct, populations, which are confined to the upland new populations in areas that are unlikely to Studley Royal Park, with its exquisite landscaping regions of northern England and southern have been visited by botanists in the past. Very and water features, is hardly less renowned. The Scotland, are therefore of global importance. little is known about the ecology of this little site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Unlike most other rare plants of upland habitats known species. It is a perennial plant which, as its site in 1986. MYFG have been visiting Fountains it is almost entirely restricted to acidic rather common name suggests, spreads vigorously by Abbey at least once a year, usually during than calcareous habitats – typically occurring long leafy stolons, that root precariously within October, since 2009. We usually meet at the along the margins of acidic rills, spring-lines and spongy mats of bryophytes, within streams, lakeside car park and enter via the rear gate; we flushes and streamsides in upland areas, often flushes and rills. Its main means of regeneration then follow the same route each year, turning left Fig. 85. Example of plant survey result for a Wild Watch survey transect growing in a very species-poor community is unknown; it flowers prolifically in most years towards the bridge over the lake, crossing the dominated by mosses, with a few higher plants although seed production appears to be relatively bridge, and then up through the tunnel and along Figure 85 shows the results from one survey such as blinks (Montia fontana), opposite-leaved low suggesting that its main means of dispersal the High Ride. We then make our way back along route. The surveyor has identified several areas golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) may be the spread of vegetative fragments the lakeside path, and up towards the Banqueting of bluebell along the route. Although not clear on and bog stitchwort (Stellaria alsine). along watercourses. Recently, it has been shown House, and finally back out the way we came. the map above the area either side of the stream to hybridise with creeping forget-me-not (M. From a mycological point of view, the route is woodland. Some plant species, such as bluebell, secunda) with which it often occurs within acidic offers a wide variety of habitats and substrates, are a good indicator of ancient woodland (land upland habitats. This hybrid, M. x bollandica, is including both coniferous and broadleaf wooded for at least 400 years) and have been listed known from the Forest of Bowland and may woodland, and (mostly improved) grassland. The as ‘ancient woodland indicator plants’. Ancient well occur within the AONB. It does not appear High Ride in particular produces a rich crop of woodland indicators should always be considered to be under any immediate threat in the AONB different species – although over the last few alongside other evidence, such as historic maps, land although like many other species of acidic upland years, it has not been as fruitful as previously. This features, and other indicator species27.They can also habitats it would benefit from more sympathetic may have been due to a number of exceptionally flag up, at an early stage, that the ecological history management of moorland habitats including the dry summers, and possibly climate change; there of a site should be investigated further. restoration of blanket bogs and reductions in also appears to have been some ground and intensity of grazing and burning as well as more drainage works done in the area, which also On The Wild Watch transect the woodland is also general reductions in atmospheric pollution. may have affected the fungi. The area in front of identified as woodland on historic maps but not the Banqueting House also regularly produces on the ancient woodland inventory. If significant interesting finds – one of the most spectacular is change was proposed for this land in the future the big blue pinkgill (Entoloma bloxamii), which is the presence of bluebell at this site shows that Fungi exceptionally rare: we have found this on at least further work would be required to establish if this The Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group (MYFG) visits three occasions at this site. woodland was ancient woodland or not. various sites in Yorkshire for the purposes of finding, identifying and recording fungi. Two in particular, Swinsty Reservoir Swinsty Reservoir and Fountains Abbey, have been Swinsty is one of the group of several large visited regularly over a period in excess of 10 reservoirs in the Washburn Valley which supply years; both these sites are within the bounds of the the water needs for large areas of Yorkshire. Nidderdale AONB. The reservoir is surrounded by woodlands, and a path which enables circular walks around the entire reservoir. The site is extremely large and offers a wide variety of potential habitats for

120 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 Typical streamside habitat of Mysosotis stolonifera in Upper Nidderdale nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 121 © Kevin Walker SPECIES

fungi; there are extensive areas of woodland, noticed is a tendency for the fruiting season to What can you do? mostly coniferous, and there are several areas extend: fungi which previously would only be • Participate in our citizen science initiatives. of minimally-improved grassland, which often expected to fruit in September to November • Join one of the local naturalist groups. produce interesting finds. MYFG have been often now seem to appear much earlier or later. • Submit casual species records, for example visiting the site since 2008, originally once a year records of bird species can be shared with us, in the autumn; over the last few years, further MYFG sent to Nidderdale Birdwatchers or entered visits have been introduced at other times of The Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group was formed on-line at the local biological record centre at the year. We usually assemble in the car park to in 1993 as a result of an initiative by the neyedc.org.uk the south of the main dam between Fewston British Mycological Society to encourage local • Attend one of our events. reservoir and Swinsty, and then follow a route mycologists to try to organise enthusiasts into up through the woods to the south of the car more formal groups, which it was hoped would park, making our way anticlockwise towards the attract more people to the study of their local bottom dam. We then cross the dam and explore fungi. Since then, the group has built up a thriving the tree-clustered lawn to the north of Swinsty membership and a large database of fungal Cottage (this regularly produces interesting records; each year, it runs a series of forays at finds, including the uncommon Copper Spike sites in Yorkshire and indoor meetings at which (Chroogomphus rutilus) and the even scarcer and finds are discussed. more spectacular Golden Bootleg (Phaeolepiota aurea)). We also explore the area of grassland For more information about MYFG, please see to the south of the dam – this often produces the website at myfg.org.uk. A longer case study large fruitings of waxcaps, including the most and detailed information about the species photogenic of fungi, the Pink Waxcap or Ballerina recorded by MYFG is available on the AONB (Hygrocybe calyptriformis: this was formerly on the website at nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature Red Data list, but was found to be somewhat less rare than was feared). We then return across the dam and via the track past Swinsty Hall to the Recommendations/future actions car park. AONB plans/commitments Conclusions We are committed to improving the condition of The MYFG records for Fountains Abbey and the AONB’s priority species by: Swinsty reservoir tend to reflect the general • Continuing to collect information about distribution of woodland and grassland fungi populations of wildlife species targeted by The which might be expected at such sites. Recently, Wild Watch (see Further data and monitoring there have been several exceptionally dry section starting on page 135). summers and autumns, and at the forays at • Continuing The Wild Watch Citizen Science Fountains and Swinsty during those years, it was initiatives. noted that several fungi previously recorded at • Continuing to raise awareness of our wildlife the sites did not put in an appearance. However, through outreach events engaging young people this could simply mean that the fungi happened and families in wildlife. not to be fruiting on the dates that we visited • Using the outputs of the HSM maps to plan on the sites – it does not necessarily mean that the the ground conservation action for key species underlying organisms had expired. and inform development of our Nature Recovery Network Strategy. The effect of climate change and global warming • Working with the NUC LNP on actions for on fungi is the subject of much research, but curlew. few conclusions have as yet been reached. Fungi • Undertaking regular adder surveys of known are great opportunists, and it has been noted in hibernation sites. recent years that a number of species previously • Supporting work to reduce the impact of INNS confined to southern Europe have appeared in (see Why is nature changing? section starting on the UK. One effect which we ourselves have page 17).

122 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 123 Fungi Mycena arcangeliana(Angels’bonnet), Swinsty Reservoir © Peter Duffy NATURAL CAPITAL, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS NATURAL CAPITAL, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

To provide an indication of the ecosystem services Table 27. Ecosystem services provided by the Natural capital, ecosystem services provided by Nidderdale AONB we have undertaken Nidderdale AONB area a basic qualitative assessment based on our detailed Ecosystem Baseline and economic benefits knowledge of the area, and in particular the habitat service Final services service types across the area – see Table 273. There is very category provision* Headlines significant delivery of: Food provision: crop and +++ • Provisioning services – drinking water, food livestock production • Nidderdale AONB has a very significant stock • This report provides an initial assessment of our production. Timber provision: wood/wood ++ of natural capital, which delivers vital ecosystem natural capital, the ecosystem services it provides • Regulating services – carbon storage and fuel Provisioning services and provides economic benefits. and the economic benefits derived from these. sequestration, water flow (flood regulation). Biomass provision + Provisioning services such as drinking water We would like to analyse this further and better • Cultural services – aesthetic experiences, and food production; regulating services such as understand the link between our landscapes and recreation. carbon storage and natural flood management; Yorkshire’s economy. Drinking water +++ and cultural services such as recreation Carbon sequestration and +++ opportunities. storage Economic benefits Filtration and accumulation ++ To date, there has been no detailed economic (air quality regulation) analysis of the economic value of Nidderdale AONB, Natural Capital but we know that: Soil erosion control ++ • In the last five years the Nidderdale AONB team In early 2018, the Government published ‘A Land managers have a vital role in maintaining the have secured £3.4 million in external grants, Water flow (flood regulation) +++ Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the AONB’s stock of natural capital. They pass on the which have been invested to protected the 1 Environment’ . It sets out the Government’s benefits to people across the region, including AONB’s special landscape, including the Upper Pest and disease control + objectives for improving the environment, within a carbon sequestration, drinking water, and high Nidderdale Landscape Partnership4. Regulating generation. The Environment Plan recognises that quality food. These benefits, which are called • Since 2006 we estimate that over £10 million Pollination + difficult choices are inevitable, but that decision Ecosystem Services, make a significant contribution of conservation grants have been negotiated by making should take account of the full value of to the quality of life for people living in urban areas Nidderdale AONB staff for farmers and invested benefits derived from the environment by adopting surrounding the AONB and to the wider rural to protect the AONB’s special qualities. Water quality regulation ++ a natural capital approach. community. There is growing evidence that human • Nidderdale AONB volunteers put in health and well-being is linked to a rich and diverse approximately 850 work days a year, worth Soil quality regulation ++ Natural capital is ‘the sum of our ecosystems, historic environment as well as an environment that £128,000. species, freshwater, land, soils, minerals, our air and is full of wildlife. • Nationally 156 million people visit AONB’s Climate regulation ++ seas. These are all elements of nature that directly annually spending in excess of £2 billion and or indirectly bring value to people and the country Habitat and population ++ supporting thousands of jobs and businesses. maintenance at large’. As described in earlier chapters, the AONB Ecosystem Services Tourism brings many visitors to the Nidderdale has large stocks of natural capital such as peat, AONB area, estimated for 2017 to be more The 2001 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Aesthetic experiences +++ woodland and clean water. than 134,000 people who stay in the area (in identified four categories of ecosystem services: Education, training and B&Bs, holiday cottages, caravans, etc.) and over • Provisioning services (e.g. water, food, fuel and scientific investigation, and ++ 1,256,000 day visitors. These visitors bring cultural heritage genetic resources) important economic benefits to the area. In • Regulating services (e.g. flood alleviation and Health and wellbeing + 2017 it was estimated that their spending was carbon sequestration) Cultural £60.5 million, directly supporting 874 Full Time • Cultural services (e.g. heritage and recreation) Recreation +++ Equivalent (FTE) jobs and indirectly supporting a • Supporting services (e.g. soil formation and further 300 jobs5. nutrient cycling) Biodiversity (existence value) ++ For more information on the Millennium Ecosystem Going forward we may look to undertake a more Assessment see millenniumassessment.org/en/index. Spiritual and cultural detailed analysis of Nidderdale AONB’s natural ++ html experiences capital, flow of ecosystem services and economic *Key: + delivery; ++ significant delivery; +++ very significant delivery Fig. 86. Key types of ecosystem services2 benefits.

124 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 125 NATURAL CAPITAL, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS NATURAL CAPITAL, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Case Connecting landscape and Study economy in Yorkshire – the case for doing business with Yorkshire’s landscapes6 Yorkshire’s landscapes have a material impact on the success of Yorkshire’s economy and yet few businesses in the region have practical options for influencing and optimising that relationship. This initiative is about forging those links; creating business value from healthy landscapes, and at the same time driving investment in healthy landscapes by mobilising their value to business. It’s based on an approach called ‘Landscape Enterprise Networks’ (LENs). Developed by 3Keel in partnership with Nestle, LENs builds a system of ‘collaborative value chains’, where groups of businesses work together to invest in landscape outcomes in which they have a common interest. The first step is understanding the connections between landscape and business. This study focused on two target areas one of which was Ripon and Fountains Abbey, where it found there may be opportunities to build business links between hospitality and heritage interests and traditional estate landscapes. It also identified the opportunity for potential commercial relationships to businesses in the wider region, with a particular nexus in York.

Case Health and well-being: study Study finds a two-hour ‘dose’ of nature significantly boosts health7,8 Research has found that a two-hour ‘dose’ of nature a week significantly boosts health and wellbeing, even if you simply sit and enjoy the peace. The finding was based on interviews with 20,000 people in England about their activity over a week. Of those who spent little or no time in nature, a quarter reported poor health and almost half said they were not satisfied with their life, a standard measure of well-being. In contrast, just one-seventh of those who spent at least two hours in nature said their health was poor, while a third were not satisfied with their life.

126 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 127 Fountains Abbey © Mike Morley NATURAL CAPITAL, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS METHODS AND DATA SOURCES

“What really amazed us was this was true for The Project Vision: just about every group we could think of,” said To understand North and East Yorkshire’s Methods and data sources Dr Mathew White, at the University of Exeter natural capital assets to inform local and regional Medical School, who led the study. “The benefits decisions, and maximise social and economic of a two-hour dose were the same for both benefits through investment in the environment. young and old, wealthy and poor, and urban and Headlines rural people”, he said. Goals and objectives: • Agreed natural capital definition, including the • A wide range of data sources were consulted for • A key part of the Wild Watch project was using The researchers were also surprised that it did strands being covered by this framework. this report, this included national, regional and new data gathering and analysis techniques. This not matter whether the two hours in nature • Mapping locations and value of natural capital local data sets. included remote habitat sensing, habitat suitability were taken in one go or in a series of shorter and providing datasets on a single platform. This modelling and eDNA surveys. These were visits, or whether people went to an urban park, will include a natural capital asset risk register run alongside more traditional wildlife survey woodlands or the beach. and valuation methodology. techniques. • Measure changes in natural capital from an The research used data from a Natural England established baseline to allow reporting and survey9,10, the world’s largest study collecting actions to improve its quality and extent. UK wildlife data sources Species Data data on people’s weekly contact with the natural • Provide a framework for planning functions to We collected data from as many data sets as Species data within Nidderdale Area of Outstanding world. The study did not attempt to find out why consider natural capital in development control possible to support the production of this report. Natural Beauty was obtained from the following being in nature was so beneficial, but Dr White and forward planning. National data sets included: data sources: suggested a sense of tranquillity could be the key, • Inform and direct funding through both • Natural England – Monitoring Environmental • The Wild Watch also that the richness in biodiversity of a setting the Local Enterprise Partnership and via an Outcomes in Protected Landscapes (MEOPL) • North and East Yorkshire Ecological Records seems to be important, as people get more stress environmental investment framework to ensure data, Priority Habitat Inventory, Ancient Woodland Centre reduction if the location was an area of high decisions consider the natural capital approach. Inventory, National Character Areas, designated • NBN Atlas (multiple data sources) biodiversity such as an AONB or SSSI. • Active engagement and connection of people to their environment, ranging from local sites (SPA, SAC and SSSI) • Yorkshire Mammal Group businesses to community groups. • Environment Agency – WFD • Yorkshire Moths • National Biodiversity Network This project commenced in 2018 and is expected • Forestry Commission – National Forest Inventory The analysis was done through Microsoft Excel and Case York, North Yorkshire, to conclude in 2020. (NFI), England Managed Woodland Performance ArcGIS 10.4.1. In many cases, whilst The Wild Watch Study East Riding and Hull To support development of the natural capital Indicator has significantly increased the level of data available Natural Capital Investment investment approach NYCC funded a natural • JNCC – UK Biodiversity Indicators for the AONB, it was not possible to present trends capital data assessment12 to: • National Census on species abundance and distribution due to the Framework and Data type of data available. Assessment11 • Identify and analyse the range of natural capital • Centre for Ecology and Hydrology data sets; and Matt Millington, North Yorkshire and York • Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Regional/local data sets included: All maps produced in this report are © Crown Local Nature Partnership / Hull and East regional natural capital data hub. • Wildlife site (SINC) data from North Yorkshire copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Riding Local Nature Partnership County Council Survey 100019628. The analysis suggested a range of potential hub • Planning data from Harrogate Borough Council. The Directors of Development across the options, but highlighted a range of issues around geography of York, North Yorkshire, East Riding using national natural capital data at a local level. and Hull, including the Yorkshire Dales and North Regardless of which hub option is selected, the York Moors National Parks, have agreed to study suggested there would be value in first develop a natural capital investment framework undertaking an initial preparatory exercise: LNPs and mapping exercise. This is seen as crucial could start by exploring how to improve baseline to underpinning good growth and developing habitat data across the region e.g. via remote business resilience and to improving the lives of sensing. Then a sub-regional natural capital communities across the sub-region. The work is asset register (an inventory of indicators of the being led by the North Yorkshire and York, and extent and condition of natural capital), can be Hull and East Yorkshire Local Nature Partnerships developed, which is the first step of a natural (LNPs). capital account.

128 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 129 Hare in wild flower meadow © Kelvin Smith METHODS AND DATA SOURCES METHODS AND DATA SOURCES

Data Techniques By collecting lots of records for a species, with accurate grid references, and by searching all National Vegetation Classification the habitats it might be found in, we can get that detail. This has been made possible because of the The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) is a explosion in digital mapping and the development of standardised way of classifying types of habitat by powerful mathematical tools in ecology. Digital maps grouping the plants that they contain, covering all are available for many of the habitat features that natural, semi-natural and major artificial habitats in are important to wildlife and increasingly accurate Great Britain. This level of information about an area maps are being made available all the time. can be hugely valuable but NVC maps are usually created through on the ground survey and mapping Computer modelling of the habitat around tens which is often prohibitively expensive. or hundreds of locations were a species has been found is used to predict where else a species might Over the last few years methods to create detailed then occur across the entire AONB. The map and habitat maps from aerial or satellite imagery has underlying ecology also tell us a great deal about been developing. Using methods similar to the the habitat requirements of each species. ones used for the successful modelling of NVC For every dot on the map for a species, we can use communities within the Yorkshire Dales National GIS digital maps to describe in enormous detail the Park1, The Wild Watch has developed an NVC map environment around the animal or plant, altitude, Fig. 88. An example of a HSM map for the whole of the AONB. slope, aspect, habitat, land use, vegetation type, soil type, climate, and so on. We know how far it is to Very simply this methodology used remote sensing, the nearest stream or wood. We know the length The maps really help us to make decisions about known environmental variables (e.g. elevation and of stream in a 1km circle around the species, the where efforts to conserve species should be aspect) and on the ground surveys to develop area, edge length and patch size of woods and the targeted and where we can improve or create detailed habitat map of the Yorkshire Dales National distances between them – the available information habitat to help our wildlife to flourish. This might Park, with an accuracy of between 87–92% for 24 Fig. 87. Overview of the NVC level 3 classification for Nidderdale AONB on habitat is huge and growing. be by enlarging existing areas or connecting small NVC communities within the National Park. fragments of suitable habitat together. These models If we know all this for lots of points we can look With some modifications to the methodology a have been successfully used in conservation projects for patterns, comparing the habitat around an detailed habitat map was compiled for Nidderdale globally and by the University of Leeds for bats and Habitat Suitability Modelling animal with that at places where the species is not AONB. The map contains information on NVC wading birds across northern England (including (John Altringham) found. To cut a long story short, after a great deal levels 2 and 3, and the data will be converted into Nidderdale). Habitat Suitability Modelling is a technique used of number crunching we can produce new maps, UKHab map in the coming months. The detailed to provide a detailed assessment of the ecological based on mathematical Habitat Suitability Models habitat information has been fed into the Habitat value of habitats across large areas – like the whole (HSMs) that predict just how good the habitat is E-DNA Suitability Modelling to improve their accuracy and of Nidderdale AONB. The model uses Geographic for a species – for every 50m or 100m square of Recent advances in survey techniques means it is performance. Long term the information will also Information Systems (GIS) to look for relationships land in the AONB. After testing the accuracy of possible to identify the presence of great crested significantly improve habitat knowledge for the between a species and the detailed environment these maps with new data collected at new sites newts (GCN) by analysing pond water for newt AONB. around it. we have a valuable conservation tool. We not only environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA is nuclear know where a species is found, but why it is there. or mitochondrial DNA that is released from an Knowing where an important and vulnerable species We know why a location may not be suitable for organism into the environment – this might be lives is a good start, but we also need to know why a species, and if appropriate, what we can do to from secreted faeces, mucous, gametes, skin, hair it is there. If we can identify the features of the make it better. The maps identify possible new etc. In aquatic environments, eDNA is diluted and habitat that are important to it, we can manage the locations for a rare species, targeting survey and distributed in the water where it persists for 7–12 habitat to make sure these features are maintained, conservation work. HSMs are a valuable addition days, depending on the conditions. or even improved and extended. On a simple level, to our conservation toolbox, helping us to use our we know that some species depend upon woodland, resources wisely. Advantages of using this method include an easier others on rivers or moorland. We know that way to sample, and pond samples can be gathered providing nesting sites can help some species, and at any time of day. GCNs can be cryptic and hard so on. But the information is often simplistic and to spot using more traditional methods of sampling. incomplete. Ideally, we’d like more detail. A licence isn’t required to take the water sample

130 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 131 Common blue butterfly male © Anne Riley METHODS AND DATA SOURCES METHODS AND DATA SOURCES

as disturbance is not required. However if the collection was taken as not only is it a cost effective The Wild Watch survey site selection Within each survey square, individual surveys were information was going to be used to support a way to gather data it is also an excellent tool for Data collection was underpinned by a systematic carried out for each of the 13 survey groups that licence application, a licenced surveyor would be engagement, increasing local people’s knowledge sampling design. This is a commonly used sampling were subject to systematic survey. Specific methods required. It is also regarded as a highly effective and and awareness of wildlife in Nidderdale. An initial strategy in ecology in which survey sites are evenly and survey locations were appropriate to each reliable way of checking whether or not GCNs are review of citizen science activities was carried out and regularly distributed across the area to be survey group. Survey sites were repositioned in present. to inform planning of our activities, see Annex 4 on studied. This provides good coverage of the whole some cases, for example to avoid access problems, page 152. study area and makes the data more suitable for or if the original square did not contain appropriate st th Between 1 May and 30 June 2019, 46 ponds modelling. habitat, or was outside of the range of the survey within Nidderdale AONB were tested. Figure 89 Volunteers were allocated a 1km survey route species. In these cases, the neighbouring square shows the distribution of the ponds tested. Results that they were required to walk a certain number A grid of 25km2 squares was aligned with the immediately to the north of the original square are discussed in the Water and wetlands section of times during a survey season, noting down Ordnance Survey grid. At the centre of each grid, was checked for suitability, followed by the next starting on page 90. species on The Wild Watch target species list. a 1km2 square was selected as the survey site. neighbouring square to the north-east, moving Opportunities for error were minimised by running This results in 24 independent survey sites across clockwise around the original square until a suitable specific training for volunteers, linking volunteers Nidderdale AONB that are 5km apart (centre to study site was located. with a professional ecologist for help and advice centre). Each survey site was visited multiple times during surveys, and requiring volunteers to assign (depending on the species being surveyed) over confidence to their species records. Professional the three years of the project to conduct surveys ecologists were also used for surveys to increase for each survey group. It was considered that Case The Wild Watch the amount of data collected and also as a checking this number of sites and surveys should provide Study methodology: pros and cons mechanism for survey routes. sufficient data and a representative sample across the whole AONB. Alice Crosby, The Wild Watch Postcard campaigns were run asking members Project Officer of the public to notify the AONB when they saw certain species. Quality of records was harder to The Wild Watch was a ground-breaking project ensure but this was accounted for during any data for Nidderdale AONB, which enabled people to analysis. It was also found that for unusual records play an active part in conserving Nidderdale’s for example an unexpected species of owl, a natural heritage by helping them gather natural photograph usually accompanied the record. history data that will be used to improve habitats for wildlife. The project combined the power of citizen science, a dynamic partnership approach The Wild Watch data collection and the latest research to gather natural heritage The specific survey methods for each survey records, reconnect communities to their local group were developed by reviewing existing survey natural heritage and pioneer a new way of guidelines and recommendations, and adapting these delivering conservation action on a landscape for the purpose of this project based on experience scale. and ecological knowledge. Survey methods are appropriate to the species within each survey group A key part of the project was gathering data to be Fig. 89. Approximate locations of The Wild Watch eDNA surveys but are generally based on collecting data along used for Habitat Suitability Modelling. These data walked transects or at fixed points or plots. needed to be gathered in a scientifically robust The specific methodologies developed were: way. For this reason the project used a systematic Citizen Science • River Bank Survey Methodology sampling design. The aim was to survey as many The aim of The Wild Watch was to enable people • Reptile Survey Methodology sites as possible, ensuring a good geographical to conserve Nidderdale’s natural heritage by helping • Pond Survey Methodology spread across the study area and a range of them to acquire the natural history skills they need • Invertebrate Survey Methodology habitats. Whilst this was to ensure survey effort to collect data on threatened species of wildlife in • Botany Survey Methodology was even and check that species information was Nidderdale. • Bird Survey Methodology available for all habitats, in reality this often meant • Non Waders that no species were recorded along a survey The project used volunteers to help gather data on • Waders in Upland Landscapes Fig. 90. Approximate location of the land survey transects route – sometimes making it difficult to maintain wildlife within Nidderdale AONB in a number of For full details of these methodologies, see Annex 5 volunteer enthusiasm. different ways. The citizen science approach to data on page 156.

132 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 133 METHODS AND DATA SOURCES FURTHER DATA AND MONITORING

Survey approach the field. Volunteers often took photos of anything For the more mobile species such as birds and they were unsure about and the trainer was able Further data and monitoring otters, the survey system has worked well. These to offer advice remotely. For the adder and bird species tend to be found over larger areas of surveys this was extended, with the professional habitat, can be seen from a distance, and are ecologist carrying out a proportion of survey often easier to identify. As a result only a small transects too. This worked really well as the UK wildlife monitoring AONB survey legacy proportion of transects recorded few or no ecologist understood any difficulties with the species. survey routes and could provide tailored advice There is a vast amount of data about the UK’s To put in place a long term monitoring strategy for to volunteers. biodiversity. Although some of this data is collected Nidderdale AONB would require a considerable Some species, such as mountain bumblebee by professional scientists and conservationists a amount of resource – to recruit, train and motivate or the flowering plants, have specialist habitat Engagement huge amount of the information comes from the volunteers, as well as preparing survey maps and requirements and the spread of the randomised A central part of The Wild Watch was engaging recording and monitoring of wildlife carried out processing the data. Any data gathered should be survey transects meant that often the species people with the wildlife of Nidderdale AONB. The by volunteers. It has been estimated that 18,700 scientifically rigorous and fit for purpose. Without were not recorded as the required habitat was project offered a range of ways that people could volunteers are involved in structured monitoring the continuation of The Wild Watch project staff it not met along a survey route. It was difficult to get involved, aiming to offer something for all skill schemes that cover bats, birds, butterflies and is not possible to do this effectively. keep volunteers motivated in this situation and levels and levels of engagement. The Wild Watch plants; and that as many as 70,000 volunteers submit identification skills improved less as species were ran events throughout the project, from training ‘unstructured’ records to national and local records The Wild Watch has assessed this and come up with not encountered at the same level. courses, to events in schools to evening interest centres. The financial value of volunteers’ time the following plans to capitalise on the volunteer talks. These were variable in success and some contributions is immense, estimated at £20.5 million survey skills developed during the project and the In a citizen science project volunteer morale is of the events required high levels of promotion per annum for the structured monitoring schemes anticipated future resources within the AONB so 1 really important. Volunteers have given over 4,500 which was resource intensive. Over the course of alone . we can carry on collecting additional data. hours of time to this project and it is absolutely the project a total of 143 events were run with clear that without this time the project would not 6,427 people attending. Monitoring is important as it builds our knowledge of the natural world and underpins our efforts to • Adders – Plans have been put in place to have been so successful. monitor adder populations across the AONB. The postcard citizen science campaigns for owls conserve it. Looking at trends can enable us to prioritise species for action and assess responses (For details see Methods and data sources section Volunteer training and hedgehogs were extremely successful, with starting on page 129.) Professional ecologists were used to run 100s of postcards being returned. There was to conservation actions. The information collected volunteer training courses on species even enough owl data to run Habitat Suitability through The Wild Watch and collated in this report • Botany – The botany volunteers have now identification and survey methodology. Each Modelling (for full details see Species section will enable us to better understand Nidderdale received considerable training and are becoming trainer was then on hand for the duration of the starting on page 105). AONB’s nature and plan actions including skilled botanists. A programme to regularly survey season, answering questions and queries development of a Nature Recovery Network survey the AONB’s Sites Importance for Nature that had arisen once the volunteer were out in Strategy, targeting of grant schemes, and responding Conservation (SINCs) will be implemented. to planning proposals. Our proposed key indicators Volunteers have been trained in this survey for assessing changes against the baseline set out in methodology already and will be able to use this report are included in Annex 7 on page 161. the skills gained throughout The Wild Watch. Volunteers will be able to assist with surveying potential SINC sites as well as re-surveying and re-assessing existing SINCs on a rolling basis. • River banks – To maintain skills developed during the river banks surveys, volunteers will be given the opportunity to continue walking their 1km2 river bank survey transect following the river bank survey methodology. Volunteers will also be encouraged to join national monitoring schemes to help build up data for both these schemes and Nidderdale AONB – for example Bumblebee Conservation’s BeeWalk scheme and British Trust for Ornithology national monitoring schemes.

134 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 135 The Wild Watch Pollinator Workshop attendees © Alice Crosby REFERENCES REFERENCES

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Multiscale, presence-only Entomology/2003-Volucella-inanis.pdf 11 York, North Yorkshire & East Riding Local 6 NF1 2018 as above 25 Falk https://www.flickr.com/ 1 Hayhow, DB et al (2016) State of Nature habitat suitability models: fine resolution Enterprise Partnership (undated) Invest 7 Hayhow, DB et al (2016) State models for seven species of bat. Journal photos/63075200@N07/ in nature to grow our economy? Available 2016. The State of Nature partnership. albums/72157629452410414/ of Nature 2016, as above Available from https://www.rspb.org. of Applied Ecology 50, 892-901. from https://www.businessinspiredgrowth. 8 UK Biodiversity Indicators 2019 uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/ 3 Glover AM & Altringham JD. 2008. Cave 26 Pescott OL, Walker KJ, Harris F, New H, com/news/invest-nature-grow-economy/ www.jncc.gov.uk/ukbi conservation-projects/state-of-nature/ selection and use by swarming bat species. Cheffings CM, Newton N, et al. (2019) 12 AECOM and NEYEDC (2019) Natural 9 UK Biodiversity Indicators 2019 state-of-nature-uk-report-2016.pdf Biological Conservation 141, 1493-1504. The design, launch and assessment of a Capital Data Assessment for York, North new volunteer-based plant monitoring www.jncc.gov.uk/ukbi 2 European Commission (2019) Introduction to 4 Browning E. 2013. The use of disused Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull mine shafts and caves by swarming scheme for the United Kingdom. PLoS 10 Defra (2018) A Green Future: Our 25 Year the EU Water Framework Directive. Available ONE 14(4): e0215891. Available from Plan to Improve the Environment, as above from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ bats in the Nidderdale AONB. BSc Thesis. University of Leeds. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ 11 Defra (2018) A Green Future: Our 25 Year water/water-framework/info/intro_en.htm article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0215891 Methods and data sources Plan to Improve the Environment, as above 3 UK Biodiversity Indicators 2019. Indicator 5 Gardner E, Julian A, Monk C and Baker J (2019). Make the Adder Count: population 27 Woodland Trust – How to identify ancient 12 NFI 2018 as above B7 – Surface water status. Available from woodland. Available from https://www. 1 Bradter, U., Thom, T.J., Altringham, J.D., Kunin, https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/b6dbbc22- trends from a citizen science survey of UK W.E. and Benton, T.G. (2011) Prediction 13 Natural England Priority Habitat adders. Herpetological Journal 29, 57-70. woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees- data 2019. Available from https:// 235a-4664-8192-3a178d32ffde and-woods/ancient-woodland-restoration/ of National Vegetation Classification data.gov.uk/dataset/0ef2ed26-2f04- 4 Environment Agency (2018) The state of 6 Cooke, A.S. & Arnold, H.R. (1982). National how-to-identify-ancient-woodland/ communities in the British uplands using 4e0f-9493-ffbdbfaeb159/national- the environment: water quality. Available changes in the status of the commoner environmental data at multiple spatial scales, habitat-networks-england from https://assets.publishing.service.gov. British amphibians and reptiles before 1974. aerial images and the classifier random forest. British Journal of Herpetology 6, 206–207. 14 NFI 2018 as above uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Journal of Applied Ecology, 48(4), pp.1057-1065. attachment_data/file/709493/State_of_the_ 7 Gardner E, Julian A, Monk C and Baker Natural capital, ecosystem 15 Natural England Priority Habitat environment_water_quality_report.pdf J (2019). Make the Adder Count: data 2019, as above services and economic benefits 5 UK Biodiversity Indicators 2019. Available population trends from a citizen science 16 Natural England Priority Habitat Further data and monitoring from www.jncc.gov.uk/ukbi survey of UK adders, as above 1 HM Government (2018) A Green Future: data 2019, as above Habitat Suitability 6 Hayhow, DB et al (2019) State of 8 Berthinussen (2018) Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment. et al State of 17 Natural England Priority Habitat Modelling Preliminary Report 2018–2019. 1 Hayhow, DB (2019) Nature 2019. The State of Nature Available from https://assets.publishing. Nature 2019. The State of Nature data 2019, as above partnership. Available from https://nbn. 9 Taylor, I. R. (1994) Barn Owls. Predator-prey service.gov.uk/government/uploads/ 18 Harrogate Borough Council, 2019 partnership. Available from https://nbn. org.uk/stateofnature2019/reports/ Relationships and Conservation. Cambridge system/uploads/attachment_data/ org.uk/stateofnature2019/reports/ 19 Environment Agency Working with Natural 7 Environment Agency (2018) Catchment Data University Press, Cambridge, UK. file/693158/25-year-environment-plan.pdf Processes (WWNP) Floodplain Woodland Explorer: Humber River Basin District data. 10 Bond G., Burnside N. G., Metcalfe D. J., 2 Holt, A (2018) A baseline ecosystem Potential Data, 2017. Available from Available from https://environment.data.gov. Scott D. M. & Blamire J. (2005) the effects of services assessment of the Sheffield https://data.gov.uk/dataset/717bffc4- uk/catchment-planning/RiverBasinDistrict/4. land-use and landscape structure on barn Lakeland landscape. Available from http:// b165-4deb-b761-a12a7d58af58/wwnp- 8 Environment Agency (2018) owl (Tyto alba) breeding success in southern www.naturalcapitalsolutions.co.uk/ floodplain-woodland-potential Catchment Data Explorer: Humber England, U.K. Landscape Ecology, 20, 555-566. wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Sheffield- 20 Government guidance on tree River Basin District data as above 11 Mikkola, H. (1983) Owls of Europe. Lakeland-Final_2.compressed.pdf diseases. Available from https://www. 9 Natural England Priority Habitat T & A. D Poyser: Calton. 3 UK National Ecosystem Assessment gov.uk/government/collections/ data 2019. Available from https:// 12 Rumbutis S., Vaitkuviene D., Grašyte G., http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/; Common tree-pests-and-diseases data.gov.uk/dataset/0ef2ed26-2f04- Dagys M., Dementavičius D. & Treinys R. International Classification of Ecosystem 4e0f-9493-ffbdbfaeb159/national- (2017) Adaptive habitat preferences in the Services https://cices.eu/content/uploads/ habitat-networks-england Tawny Owl Strix aluco. Bird Study, 64, 421-430. sites/8/2018/01/Guidance-V51-01012018.pdf

138 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 139 The Wild Watch Wildlife Detectives attendee © Paul Harris GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS

Woodland Water and wetlands Glossary and acronyms This habitat type covers most semi- Coastal and Pasture or grazed/cut meadows which Deciduous natural woodlands across the UK. Many floodplain are periodically flooded or have high woodland* are ancient woodlands grazing water levels sustained by ponds or Characterised by the presence of trees marsh* ditches. from the Rosaceae family which includes Peatlands which receive water and Traditional fruit trees. The habitat is usually composed nutrients from the soil, rock and ground Habitat descriptions Grassland and farmland orchards* A range of semi-natural and anthropogenic of managed grassland with a dense water as well as from rainfall. This habitat There are several different classifications, sources sparsely vegetated habitats on substrates arrangement of managed trees. Lowland fens* can support a high level of biodiversity including numerous higher plants and and mapping methods for habitats, including characterised by high levels of heavy Natural and semi-natural broadleaved metals such as lead, chromium and copper, plantations more than 80% cover of insects. It is an important habitat for Broadleaved+ aquatic beetles. Natural England’s Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI), Calaminarian or other unusual minerals. These are broadleaved species. the National Forest Inventory (NFI), the Ancient grassland* associated with outcrops of serpentine Plantations with more than 80% cover of Standing Comprising all areas of natural and Woodland Inventory (AWI), National Vegetation and river gravels rich in heavy metals, Conifer+ coniferous species. water artificial standing water including as well as with artificial mine workings reservoirs, lakes, ponds and canals. Classification (NVC), Phase 1 and the new UK and spoil heaps. Succession is slowed or Areas with very even, smooth appearance Habitat Classification approach (UKHab). This arrested by the toxicity of the substrate. on aerial photographs. Recently cut areas Coppice+ may have a very clear floor with little Running water All running freshwater features and report principally uses the first three methods Grasslands characterised by lime-loving felling debris. systems, mostly rivers, brooks and plants and found mainly on shallow, streams. and the categories referred to in this report are Lowland calcareous soils overlying limestone. These Areas of woodland where the trees have calcareous grasslands are naturally largely found on Felled+ been harvested or felled. defined below. Habitats classified through PHI are grassland* noted by *, those classified through NFI by +, and escarpments or dry valley slopes below Area recently converted from some other 300m. Ground those through AWI . More detailed descriptions land use to woodland. Will show plough prepared for furrows or mounding but new planting (if Upland new planting+ of the PHI habitats are available from: data.jncc.gov. calcareous As above but found over 300m. present) cannot yet be discerned. uk/data/2728792c-c8c6-4b8c-9ccd-a908cb0f1432/ grassland* Mixed – The proportion of broadleaves will be UKBAP-PriorityHabitatDescriptions-Rev-2011. Nutrient-poor, free-draining soils often mainly >50% and <80% of the area. pdf, NFI definitions from forestresearch.gov.uk/ Lowland overlying gravel. Large areas occur in broadleaved+ upland fringes and also form well-drained dry acid Mixed – documents/2773/NFI-Description-of-attributes.pdf and grassland* parched habitats in dryer lowland areas. It The proportion of conifer will be >50% is normally managed as pasture. mainly and <80% of the area. AWI definitions from publications.naturalengland.org. conifer+ uk/file/6219402453712896. Lowland neutral meadows and pastures Shrub lands are characterised by rough consisting of a rich mixture of native ground growth with at least 20% cover of gasses and broad-leaved herbs, often on small, immature trees that cannot yet be For a list of the key NVC habitats found in Lowland shallow slopes or level ground with deep Shrub+ meadows* distinguished as conifer or broadleaved Nidderdale AONB, see Annex 6 on page 160. neutral soils. They are mostly managed by species. hay cropping, followed by grazing, or may be managed as permanent pasture. Areas with visible plantation where there is no clear difference between conifer Moorland Marshy grasslands dominated by purple Young trees+ Purple moor and broadleaved species because of their A broad habitat definition that covers moor-grass and/or rushes. They are immaturity. grass and traditionally used as rough grazing for wetlands that support peat-forming rush pasture* Blanket vegetation and which receive mineral cattle or ponies and occasionally for hay. Woodland that has existed continuously bog* nutrients principally from rainfall rather than since 1600 or before in England. They Upland meadows with dense growth of Ancient support complex communities of trees, ground water. Peat depth is very variable, with grasses and herbs up to 0.6–0.88m high. woodland an average of 0.5–3m being fairly typical. plants, fungi, microorganisms and insects. No single grass species is consistently Includes both ASNW and PAWS. Upland hay dominant and the most striking feature Peat or mineral-based terrestrial wetlands meadow* in upland areas, which receive water and is the variety and abundance of herbs. Woodlands where stands are composed Upland nutrients from surface and/or groundwater They are mostly managed by hay cropping, predominantly of trees and shrubs native flushes, Ancient to the site that do not obviously originate sources as well as rainfall and remains followed by grazing. semi-natural fens and waterlogged year-round. This habitat is from planting. Stands may have been swamps* Improved grasslands consist of areas with woodland managed by coppicing or pollarding in the restricted to upland areas and is typically Improved vegetation dominated by fast growing (ASNW) dominated by sedges and Sphagnum species. past, or the tree and shrub layer may have grassland grasses and managed as pasture for grown up by natural progression. A broadly open landscape on impoverished, agricultural purposes excluding amenity acidic mineral and shallow peat soil (<0.5m grassland managed with the purpose of Areas of ancient woodland where former deep), which is characterised by the presence recreation and amenity purposes. native tree cover has been felled and Plantations replaced by planted trees, predominately Lowland of plants such as heathers and dwarf gorses. It Arable Land modified and used for annual and heathland* is dependent on management (grazing, cutting on ancient species not native to the site. Sites often perennial crops and horticulture, often retain some ancient woodland features and burning) to prevent invasion by trees and defined by regular ploughing. woodland conversion to woodland. It is generally found sites (PAWS) such as soils, ground flora, fungi and below 300m. Grasslands managed as pastures for woodland archaeology and can respond Improved agriculture including short-term grasslands well to restoration management. As above, but in upland areas (typically above grassland Upland and pastures that are made up of high Any boundary line of trees or shrubs 300m). It is characterised by the presence of productivity grasses often used for silage heathland* dwarf shrubs at a cover of at least 25%. over 20m long and less than 5m wide, or to support livestock. Hedgerow and where any gaps between the trees or shrub species are less than 20m wide.

140 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 141 Fun in the River Nidd © Paul Harris GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS

Glossary A plant, fungus, or animal species that The area of each SSSI unit in hectares Acronyms was introduced to a specific location SSSI Unit calculated from digitised unit Invasive Non- Condition Abundance (of A measurement of the number of and that has a tendency to spread to a boundaries. Native Species degree believed to cause damage to the species and/or individuals of a species or the amount (INNS) Species and AES Agri-Environment Scheme habitats) of habitat found. environment usually by outcompeting native species. Habitats of Species and habitats that are A measure of the number of individual Principal conservation priorities and require Richness (of species represented in the habitat (in Lowland Land at the level of the alluvial plain and Importance ASNW Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland species) conservation action, usually through the contrast to abundance). terraces. Sometimes considered to be production of a Biodiversity Action Plan. land below 200m above sea level. (NERC Act Occurrence (of The presence, or absence, of a species National Section 41) BSBI Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland species and/or or habitat within a site or location. A species that is protected within the habitats) Protected UK under the Wildlife & Countryside Often known simply as 'recovering'. Species Units/features are not yet fully The geographical spread of a species or Act (1981). This also contains all conserved but all the necessary Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience Distribution (of habitat. European Protected species. CABI species and/or management mechanisms are in International habitats) The sum of our ecosystems, species, Unfavourable place. At least one of the designated Recovering feature(s) mandatory attributes are not freshwater, land, soils, minerals, our CROW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Water running off agricultural land into air and seas. These are all elements of Condition meeting their targets (as set out in the Agricultural bodies of water, containing chemicals Natural capital nature that directly or indirectly bring site specific FCT). Provided that the which affect its balance and health, recovery work is sustained, the unit/ runoff value to people and the country at Department for Environment, Food & e.g. excess nitrogen from fertiliser or large. feature will reach favourable condition DEFRA fungicides, and herbicides and pesticides in time. Rural Affairs from crop treatment. Priority habitat Habitats of conservation concern as outlined by Natural England in the The unit/feature is not being conserved Ancient trees Very old trees that provide a range of Priority Habitat Inventory (PHI). and will not reach favourable condition EA Environment Agency unique services and features within a unless there are changes to the site wider habitat. Many individual species and habitats management or external pressures receive statutory protection under and this is reflected in the results of The total variety of life, including all ESS Environmental Stewardship Scheme Biodiversity a range of legislative provisions. monitoring over time, with at least genus, species and habitats. The protection afforded is different one of the mandatory attributes not Biodiversity depending on the legislation but can Unfavourable meeting its target (as set out in the Assessments of biodiversity that are for example range from a duty to No Change site specific FCT) with the results not INNS Invasive Non-Native Species Indicator used to summarise and communicate Protected further the conservation of the living Condition moving towards the desired state. The broad trends. (species or organisms and types of habitat to longer the SSSI unit remains in this habitat) preventing intentional injury, removal poor condition, the more difficult it will Natural Environment and Rural Scientific data collection carried out NERC Act Citizen science or death of certain species or damage be, in general, to achieve recovery. At Communities Act 2006 by the general public either to simple to habitats. National Protected Species least one of the designated feature(s) instructions or under the guidance of a are protected within the UK under mandatory attributes and targets (as trained professional. North & East Yorkshire Ecological Data the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981). set out in the site specific FCT) are not NEYEDC Centre The benefits provided by ecosystems These include Section 41: Species being met. Ecosystem of Principal Importance and (NERC that contribute to making human life The suite of indicators adopted by the Services both possible and worth living. Act Section 41) Habitat of Principal NGO Non-Governmental Organisation Importance in England. UK Biodiversity UK Government to monitor progress Animals and plants that are listed in towards meeting biodiversity goals: European Annex IV of the European Habitats Threatened species, defined by The Indicators jncc.gov.uk/our-work/uk-biodiversity- Protected Directive and are covered under Red list species International Union for Conservation indicators-2019 PAWS Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites of Nature (IUCN) that fit precise Species regulation (section) 41 of The Land above the level of the alluvial plain. Conservation of Habitats and Species criteria relating to their risk of Upland Regulations (2010), offering species extinction. Veteran tree A tree usually in its second or mature PHI Priority Habitat Inventory protection from deliberate harm. The condition of the SSSI land in stage of its life that often provides The designated feature(s) within a unit England is assessed by Natural England, : micro-habitats to nesting species. are being adequately conserved and the using categories across England, SAC Special Area of Conservation results from monitoring demonstrate Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland through the Joint Nature Conservation that the feature(s) in the unit are SSSI Condition meeting all the mandatory site specific Committee. There are six reportable monitoring targets set out in the condition categories: favourable; SINC Site of Interest for Nature Conservation Favourable Condition Table (FCT). The unfavourable recovering; unfavourable Favourable FCT sets the minimum standard for no change; unfavourable declining; part Condition favourable condition for the designated destroyed and destroyed. SPA Special Protection Area features and there may be scope for SSSI units are divisions of SSSIs used the further (voluntary) enhancement to record management and condition of the features/unit. A unit can only details. Units are the smallest areas SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest be considered favourable when all the for which Natural England gives a component designated features are SSSI Unit condition assessment. The size of units favourable. varies greatly depending on the types UNLP Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership Flash of management and the conservation A shallow body of still freshwater, interest. There are around 22,000 SSSI sometimes only present in wet weather. units.

142 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 143 The Wild Watch Aquatic Survey Volunteer © Paul Harris

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgements Case Study Contributors Alice Crosby, Nidderdale AONB Alwyn Knowles, Nidderdale Birdwatchers Ben Aston, Yorkshire Water The production of the Nidderdale AONB State Consultants Catherine Barber, National Trust of Nature 2020 Report was linked to The Wild Charles Fletcher, Yorkshire Naturalists Union Watch project. This ground-breaking, three year 2Excel Clare Foster, Farmer Network wildlife survey project was generously funded by Andrew Godfrey Dan McAndrew, Harrogate Borough Council the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported Cause UK , Yorkshire Water by the Friends of Nidderdale AONB, Geenhow Dr Judith Allinson Gordon Haycock, Wharfedale Naturalist Society Fund, Kew Gardens (Grow Wild), Meopta, Prince of Dr Anna Berthinussen – Conservation First Helen Neave, Make it Wild Ltd Wales Trust, Sir George Martin Trust, Wharfedale Elizabeth Bishop Ian Proudler, Curlew Project Naturalists. Haycock and Jay Ecological Consultancy Jackie Smith, Longrigg Smith Conservation Ltd on Oatlands Ecology behalf of Nidderdale AONB We are extremely grateful for the support and help Planet Birdsong Jeff Davitt, The Wild Watch of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the many Steven Falk John Altringham individuals and organisations who have submitted Sunny Moodie Kelly Harmar, Nidderdale AONB data and case studies. We are especially grateful Twigsnstix Kevin Walker Harrogate District Naturalist Society to The Wild Watch Steering Group for providing Wold Ecology Liz Milner, Nidderdale AONB guidance. Marian Wilby, Nidderdale AONB Matt Millington, North Yorkshire and York Local Others Nature Partnership / Hull and East Yorkshire Local Project Patron Nature Partnership Jeff Davitt Peter Brambleby Lindsey Chapman Jill Warwick Peter Duffy, Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group Charles Fletcher Peter Riley, Wharfedale Naturalist’s Society Andrew Grayson Philip Tennyson, , Yorkshire Water Kevin Walker Project Ambassadors River Nidd Catchment Partnership Harrogate District Naturalists Roy Burrows, Summerstone Estate Professor John Altringham Wharfedale Naturalists Save Our Swifts – Mashamshire Swift Conservation Zach Haynes Nidderdale Birders Project The gamekeepers who worked with us Tony Knowles, Nidderdale Birdwatchers The c.350 landowners that let us on their land to Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership Project Staff carry out surveys. Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust The photographers whose images have helped bring Zach Haynes, The Wild Watch Alice Crosby, Project Officer this report to life. Helen Byron, Development Team Leader Kelly Harmar, Biodiversity Officer Citation Sarah Kettlewell, Development Team Leader The Wild Watch volunteers Solange Ponce, Project Assistant Nidderdale AONB (2020) Nidderdale AONB State The 112 wonderful volunteers who gave their time of Nature 2020. Nidderdale AONB, Pateley Bridge. to do surveys, talks and other activities to support Steering Group Members the project. Summary version of this is report is available from nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre Professor John Altringham RSPB Yorkshire Water Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

144 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 145 ANNEX 1 ANNEX 1

Annex 1 Invertebrate transects Flowering Plant surveys The Wild Watch survey species list Bumblebee Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes) Garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia)

River transects Skylark (Alauda arvensis) Mountain bumblebee (Bombus monticola) Common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)

Aquatic mammals Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) Butterflies and day-flying moths Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum)

Water vole (Arvicola amphibious) Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) Wall (Lasiommata megera) Cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix)

Otter (Lutra lutra) Lesser redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) Hare's-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum)

River birds Wading birds (breeding) – upland farmland and moorland transects Small heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliate) Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) Curlew (Numenius arquata) Speckled yellow (Pseudopanthera macularia) Spring sandwort (Minuartia verna) Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) Clouded buff (Diacrisia sannio) Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) Invasive plants Redshank (Tringa totanus) Mother shipton (Euclidia mi) Mouse ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) Beetles Marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris) Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Dunlin (Calidris alpina) Green tiger beetle (Cicindela campestris) Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) Giant hogweed (Hercaleum mantagazzianum) Woodland birds – woodland transects Carabus nitens Meadow saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) Dragonfly Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis) Betony (Stachys officinalis) Golden-ringed dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) Wood warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) Nocturnal birds – anecdotal sightings Devil's bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) Azure damselfly Coenagrion( puella) Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa( striata) Barn owl (Tyto alba) Wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus/pulegioides) Black darter (Sympetrum danae) Pied flycatcher Ficedula( hypoleuca) Little owl (Athene noctua) Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)

Lesser spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) Long-eared owl (Asio otus) Mountain pansy (Viola lutea) Reptiles – basking/refugia surveys Tawny owl (Strix aluco) Pale forget-me-not (Myosotis stolonifera) Adder (Vipera berus) Nocturnal moth trapping Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) Grass snake (Natrix natrix) Pale eggar (Trichiura crataegi) Pond surveys Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) Square spotted clay (Xestia stigmatica) Amphibians Common lizard (Lacerta zootoca vivipara) V-moth (Macaria wauaria) Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) Ghost (Hepialus humuli) Common toad (Bufo Bufo) Bird transects Grey mountain carpet (Entephria caesiata) Farmland birds – farmland transects Invasive plant species Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

146 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 147 ANNEX 2 ANNEX 2

Annex 2 Full list of species considered for The Wild Watch Survey

148 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 149 ANNEX 2 ANNEX 3

Annex 3 Full list of SINCs in Nidderdale AONB

• Angram • Low Hall Wood • Azerley Marshy Grassland • Low Skelding Field • Backstone Gill Wood • Lumley Moor Reservoir • Bark Cabin Wood • Magdalen Wood • Beaver Dyke Reservoir • March Ghyll Grassland • Birch Wood • Mickley Barras • Braisty Woods • Middle Tongue Bank • Brim Bray Pond • Middleton Hospital • Bryan's Wood • Middlewood • Catstone Wood • Mowbray Castle • Coal Bank Wood • Nidd Marsh • Cock Hill and Sunny Side Lead Mines • North Close Wood and Gill Beck • Park House Farm Woodland • Coldstones Grassland • Picking Gill Nature Reserve • Copy Wood, Gouthwaite Farm • Prim Gap • Cow Close Wood • Redlish House Farm • Deepgill Wood • Redlish Road Verges • Denton Park • River Ure (Masham to Mickley), Hambleton • Dob Park Wood • Skrikes Wood and Nought Bank • Duck Street • South Park Wood & Adjacent Grassland • Duck Street Quarry • Spa Gill Wood • East Wood • Spring Hall Wood • Eavestone Lake • Spring House Wood • Ellington Banks • Spring Wood (Riva Hill) • Farnley Hall • Stony Bank • Farnley Lake • Strawberry Hill • Fewston/Swinsty Reservoirs • Stripe Wood • Fishpond Wood • Tang Beck Complex • Fountainhead • Tewit Farm, Greenhow • Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Complex • Throstle Nest Bridge Wood • Great Wood • Thruscross Reservoir • Greenhow Burial Ground • Timble Ings • Hammer Farm • Toft Gate Lime Kilns • High far side cottage fields • Tranmire Bog • High Thrope Wood • West End Marsh • High Wood Farm Wood • West Park Wood/Stubbs Wood • Holden Gill Wood • Weston Park • Horse Wood • Wet Woodland, Park House Farm • Hungate Gill • Winksley Banks • Kex Beck Wood • Winsleyhurst Wood • Laver Banks Wood Complex • Woodhouse Farm Fishing Ponds • Lawnwith Two Acre • Woodman Wray Flush • Leighton and Roundhill Reservoir • Lindley Wood Reservoir Complex • Lofthouse Spoil Heaps

150 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 151 Betony © Kelly Harmar ANNEX 4 ANNEX 4

Annex 4 Example Description Strengths Weaknesses URL Self-contained, Doing it this well focused and with costs money. Summary of biodiversity engagement initiatives and a strong current This single survey Harlequin An example of a well-produced, designed narrative, credible is rumoured to http://www.harlequin- Ladybird and focused on-line data collection / citizen links to science have had a budget survey.org/ citizen science projects Survey science project. and to real world similar to the implications of one proposed for Example Description Strengths Weaknesses URL invasive species. Nidderdale. iSpot is an on-line community for the Lacks effective sharing of taxonomic skills, developed Very large, strong Cannot really be local links and by the open university and based on a and active user used as a means of http://www.ispotnature.org/ There are a number of on-line time- perspectives. iSpot community of users and experts that community with fast gathering biological communities/uk-and-ireland limited events, which are similar in Slick design Lacks direct links consider digital photographs submitted response times records. concept to a bioblitz, most notably with experts and including on-line https://ww2. on-line. the Big Garden Birdwatch; however, opportunities for data entry. Well rspb.org.uk/ Big Garden though undoubtedly hugely popular, progression under Bioblitzes were developed in the USA publicised and scoverandenjoynature/ Bird Watch with BGBW gathering more than mentoring. Would as a public engagement activity in which marketed, with discoverandlearn/ taxonomic experts, ecological data experts 8,000,000 records), it very much has be interested and the general public came together in a a national trend emphasis, rather than good feedback to birdwatch participants. to know the time limited event targeted at identifying a reconnection with local wildlife progression rate as many of the organisms present at that Can lack structure emphasis in terms of data analysis. from BGBW to place as possible. The concept was intended and focus due to to promote public engagement with activity across a other BTO / RSPB surveys. both nature and data about nature. They Time limited, with wide physical area. were seen as gateway events to biological Little incentive Attracts a huge direct exposure to Focus is very recording and ecological monitoring. both taxonomic for participants number of re- Bioblitzes had a brief period of popularity to re-visit results, cords and scores much on distribu- and biodiversity https://yorkshirebioblitz. tions and national within Yorkshire and NEYEDC collaborated even when they wordpress.com/about/ with a number of partners including the data specialists. are readily available very highly in Bioblitzes Fun with a sense terms of satisfac- trends. Has a poor Stockholm Environment Institute to publish of shared mission. on-line, due to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ record of sharing a guide to bioblitzes and the lessons ephemeral “feeling” BTO / RSPB tion with bird- Opportunity to BioBlitz watchers. Is a safe data with other learned http://www.opalexplorenature.org/ of the events breeding Without question the most success- organisation and signpost further and secure on-line http://www.bto.org/ sites/default/files/7/file/Bioblitz-lessons- and the fact that bird survey ful on-line survey and data recording for local purposes learned-York.pdf and http://www.ynu.org. engagement results are usually repository for a volunteer-surveys/bbs uk/node/320. Unfortunately, the term has opportunities. available in real- and Bird initiative. like local decision Track user’s data, with been more generally annexed to events time on the day. AN a number of very making. Many sub- in which the ecological data element was OPPORTUNITY useful data man- scribers do not lost and over time bioblitzes have become WASTED? agement functions realise that this indistinguishable from the more generic is the case and events described in the section above. as well as an on- line data collation assume that data Properly done, the bioblitz is a powerful is widely used. event, but it may be too late to regain the mechanism. focus it originally had. A combination of supported and un- Record, based in Cheshire, is an example Has a very strong of a very public engagement / volunteer local base and The OPAL or Open Air Laboratory supported activi- focused Local Environmental Record focus, though is project was a major multi-partner Her- ties, underpinned Centre (LERC) that operate RODIS, an Financially with high quality on-line recording scheme aimed at amateur very active in vulnerable as itage Lottery funded project, aimed at rECOrd / the national LRC developing and critically evaluating cit- published mate- naturalists. Their mission is very different reliant on short http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/ rials (produced Rodis from the one established for NEYEDC, community. Have term funding izen science tools and activities;. OPEL however, both are rare examples of taken a leading role arrangements. developed a number of time limited by FSC) and an independent LERCs and we work together in the development surveys, which had both local workshop effective website. very closely on a wide range of technical of local on-line and online elements. NEYEDC was a issues related to biodiversity data. recording. Prompt and member of the OPAL steering group effective feedback Expensive and http://www.opalex- Can be insular and OPAL and worked closely with Dr Sarah both of results unsustainable. plorenature.org/ the communication West ([email protected]) of the and their scientific between the Stockholm Environment Institute on implications. Strong local local level and OPAL tools and activities from a very focus, committed national level of early stage in the project. Whilst it was Effective monitor- Butterfly An example of a very active and effective members and the organisation http://www.yorkshirebutterflies. unfortunate that the University led Conservation local recording community, with an effective recorders and a on issues of data ing of outcomes org.uk/ OPAL project was not legacy funded by and engagement Yorkshire on-line presence. strong track record exchange and the Universities which took part, many of survey, research sharing with outside by academics who and publication. orgainsations of the tools and activities are excellent also developed an and projects can and all are still available for use. engagement moni- be confused and toring and efficacy inconsistent. toolbox.

152 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 153 ANNEX 4 ANNEX 4

Example Description Strengths Weaknesses URL • Whilst it is quite easy to identify examples of • Involvement with charismatic species. good practice, it is less easy to confidently identify • Rapid and eloquent feedback of both of raw data The international “daddy” of on-line citizen science initiatives. A platform for its components. There is a consensus that certain and interpreted information. a huge number of projects which spans elements are commonly found in a successful • Strong and compelling project narratives are the spectrum from the most ephemeral biodiversity data project: popular and encourage re-engagement. engagement with big data analysis to the capacity to award higher degrees Is remote and https://www. • Currency and real world context. Data collection • Easy submission of data. Difficult survey forms Well established, in partnership with Universities. Some lacks any human zooniverse.org/proj- initiatives that link to invasive and indicator and clumsy on-line interfaces have been shown to Zooniverse flexible & well of the most impressive applications are contact or local ects?discipline=na- supported species for example have often been found to be lead to the demise of otherwise strong projects. related to astronomy. Similar crowd focus. ture&page=1 successful. • Projects that have opportunities for real-world sourcing approaches have been taken to repetitive tasks in biological record- • Evidence that project data will lead to or virtual interactions with and mentoring from ing like transcribing the notebooks of interventions or influence decision making seems subject specialists. famous naturalists and digitising herbar- to attract and retain participants. • Strong and active on-line communities supporting ia labels. • Perceived integration with rigorous science is survey activities, sharing experiences and The Natural History Museum develops often cited as a positive aspect of a biodiversity answering questions. excellent Citizen Science programmes that emphasise the importance of data project. combining workshops or other forms • Clear focus and purpose. Projects with multiple of direct access to NHM staff or local biodiversity data objectives often struggle. Natural History Groups with an on-line element. The Natural History Museum High quality initia- very much acknowledges the impor- tives, developed tance of a human element in providing within an inter- Very London Natural national centre centric. The scale History a gateway between an interest in nature and technical participation in Natural of excellence. of the ID trainer http://www.nhm. Museum Emphasise the initiative does not ac.uk/take-part.html Outreach History and have developed ID Trainers for the Future, a work based training role of mentors meet the scale of scheme aimed redressing the decline and trainers with- the need. in experts with the necessary skills in the engagement process to train would-be natural historians. NEYEDC have a good working rela- tionship with the NHM Citizen Science team having worked with them over a period of years and could broker their involvement in the project. The Field Studies Council runs an excellent and well established national programme of workshops which equip participants with identification and methodological skills,. Their workshops, Detailed, immer- sive, supported by Expensive, few Field Studies however, are quite expensive and are http://www.field-stud- excellent tutors, national locations, Council unlikely to constitute a first point of ies-council.org/ engagement for someone with a passing materials and expensive interest in nature or wildlife. There is a publications cross-over from FSC training and work- shops into academia and continued professional development.

Has amassed a Has had many administrative huge number of records from a and technical diverse range of problems and data providers. currently does not constitute a fully https://data.nbn.org. NBN Gate- Designed to be the over-arching UK Many of these, functional biodi- uk/ way biodiversity data hub / access point. however, are not versity data infra- available at use- structure. Many able resolutions. policy makers that Has the support support the NBN of all uk statutory do not realise that bodies. this is the case.

154 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 155 The Wild Watch Wildlife Detectives attendees © Paul Harris ANNEX 5 ANNEX 5

6. Two further survey visits are needed and these • Biosecurity information sheet (x1) Annex 5 should be spread throughout the survey season, undertaken at least two weeks apart and before • Biosecurity kit The Wild Watch survey methodologies September 2018. Remember, also, that reptile • Pond survey recording forms (x1 per pond) surveys require reasonably good weather! River bank survey methodology 10. The best time to spot these species is early in • OS maps – location map and aerial photo of the morning, before 9am, early April to late June, 7. When walking the survey route look ahead at area 1. You will have been allocated a specific transect, but they can be seen at any time. the ground, not at your feet, staying alert for along the bank of a waterway. Follow the any signs of reptiles. Wear strong gloves and lift • White extension pole (to enable you to reach allocated transect as closely as possible, they 11. If you are walking a transect outside of these the roofing felt you have laid out at the ten spot water if the pond edge is difficult to access) will usually follow rights of way, recording signs times please do still record any of the bird locations. and sightings of the species listed above. species you do see. Key reminders: 8. Record the location of any reptiles you see on • As you will be visiting more than one pond, 2. Record sightings on the survey recording form Invasive species the map. The sex of the reptile is not required. using the appropriate codes (see below). Use a please ensure you clean your boots thoroughly 9. Avoid rainy and windy days and aim for a separate recording sheet for each visit. 12. Walk the 1km transect route, searching for each between visits. We have provided you with flowering plant species within an area 3–4m temperature of 9 –18 °C a biosecurity kit to use between each pond. 3. If you find there are many species to look for at each side of the path. Recording sightings as 10. The best times for survey are 8:30–11:00 Please ensure you disinfect your boots once, try looking for river birds and dragonflies above, noting if it is a small patch/single plant, and 16:00–18:30. This is when temperatures between every pond and at the end of the day. on the outward transect and then focus on line or large area of the plant. are cooler and reptiles are less mobile. In the Once back home please refer to the ‘Better aquatic mammals and invasive plant species on early part of the year, mid-day may be more Biosecurity’ leaflet with your survey pack to your return. This will help reduce the numbers Invertebrates appropriate. clean footwear. of species you are looking for at any one time. 13. Record sightings of the dragonfly species on 11. If possible, try to walk with the sun and wind • Please make sure the white extension pole does 4. Each transect should take around 1 hour to your recording form. facing you – reptiles can pick up your scent not touch the ground or pond water when walk in one direction, but if it takes longer than from quite a distance and may be disturbed by in use. This is to prevent cross contamination this as you need to stop to identify species that your shadow. between survey sites. is absolutely fine. Reptile survey methodology 12. Look out for shed reptile skins (called ‘sloughs’). • Between visits, kits must be kept in a cool bag in 5. It should be walked twice, between April and 1. The target reptile species are adder, common a car if the weather is hot. September, at least 4–5 weeks apart, but ideally lizard, grass snake and slow worm. We 13. The roofing felt will need to be collected back not during or within two days of heavy rainfall. • Please ensure each kit is labelled with the would also like records for common toad if in the late autumn/winter when reptiles are in hibernation. This will require another visit surveyor names, pond code and sampling 6. To help with species identification please you spot this during your reptile surveys. between late October and February. date. refer to the ‘River transect spotter sheet’ and 2. Survey transects should be at least 1km long, materials supplied during the training. • If you are not able to sample the pond and surveys involve walking slowly along the due to it being dried up/not accessible. same route on 4 surveys visits: Aquatic mammals Pond survey methodology Please let us know and do not use the kit, 3. The first visit should take place in March and we will try and organise a replacement 7. Please look for signs/sightings (e.g. droppings/ Please pick up your eDNA survey kit from the will involve laying 10 sections of roofing felt at pond. spraints, latrines, food remains and burrows) of AONB offices in Pateley Bridge. Kits will be available locations along the survey route. These artificial th water vole and otter and record these on your at the AONB office from 1pm on Monday 13 refuges heat up quickly and will attract reptiles Returning survey kit survey recording form. May. Please contact Alice to do this. There are full nearby. Place one piece of roofing felt roughly instructions on how to carry out the eDNA test • Please organise with Alice Crosby a time to 8. If you see signs/sightings of American mink every 100m, in sunny locations and in a range with each kit. You can also refresh your memory return the kits to office. If you have time you (Mustela vison), record these too, as this invasive of habitats. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igF2N3sJbvU can return them on the same day as your species has been responsible for declines in 4. Mark the location of the roofing felt on the map survey. If this is not possible please keep water vole populations. so you can find them again! Each kit will contain the kits cool and dark.

River birds 5. The second survey must be undertaken at least • eDNA kit (x1 per pond) • Please keep used kits cool and dark e.g. cool 4 weeks after you have laid out your roofing bag in car or in fridge. Return to the AONB 9. Record sightings of the three river bird species • eDNA survey methodology (x1) felt, to give the reptiles time to find and use the office by 24th May 2019. on your survey recording form. refugia • eDNA risk assessment (x1)

156 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 157 ANNEX 5 ANNEX 5

Invertebrate Survey Methodology seen whilst walking the route as accurately 6. A second survey should be carried out in 2019, Timetable as possible on the survey recording form. along a different transect route. • Each transect route will be repeated twice 2 1. Volunteers will walk each 1km survey transect Slight deviations off the route, depending on during the breeding season each year for two noting sightings of the target species listed in site conditions, are not a problem as long as This survey methodology has been adapted from years (2017–2018). the table above. Please use a separate survey the location of any target species found is Plantlife’s Wildflower Count (Plantlife 2013). • Visits should be undertaken once in early April recording sheet, for each visit, to note your accurately marked on the map. Use a separate to mid-May, and again in mid-May to late June, sightings and use the relevant species codes survey recording form for each survey visit. You with surveys at least four weeks apart. shown in the invertebrate spotter guide and are unlikely to find all species on one survey Bird Survey Methodology • Each transect should commence ideally above. route as the list of species covers a range of between 6am and 7am and no later than 9am. habitats. • Weather conditions with heavy rain, poor 2. Transects should be walked between 11am and The Wild Watch Bird Survey methodology – visibility and/or strong winds should be avoided. 4pm in dry, warm (over 13°C when sunny or 3. When marking the location of target species Non Waders 17°C when overcast) and when wind speeds are • Each transect will take approximately one hour please use the following shapes to identify the The main target species for survey are tree pipit to complete. below 18mph. Avoid surveying on rainy days as spread of each species (example table below for (Anthus trivialis), wood warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix), you might not see very much! invasive species): spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) and lesser spotted woodpecker The Wild Watch Bird Surveys – Waders in 3. Each transect should be walked three times: a. Point – If it is just a few occurrences of the (Dendrocopos minor). Sightings of other key red and Upland Landscapes once in May, once in late June/early July and target species, mark as individual plants on amber list bird species encountered should also be once in August. This will ensure the main flight the survey recording form. The target species for this group are Lapwing periods for the butterflies and day flying moths recorded. (Vanellus vanellus), Curlew (Numenius arquata), are covered. You can walk the survey route b. Line – If the species covers a linear area, Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Redshank (Tringa more times than this but please ensure that draw the extend of the coverage as a line on Overall there will be up to 25 transects, located totanus), Golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria), Dunlin you record sightings on a new recording sheet the recording form. across Nidderdale AONB. Survey methods and (Calidris alpina). Some of the survey transects (contact Alice for extra copies of these) so we recording sheets will be based on the Breeding Bird cover moorland habitats. Surveys in these areas c. Shape – If the plants are numerous and can account for this when analysing the data. Survey (BTO 2015), with several adaptations to the are to be carried out as the standard method cover a large area draw the approximate standard methodology: outlined for non-waders with a time amendment outline of its area on the recording form. 4. Green tiger beetles and Carabus nitens are 0600–1800. This extended time element follows the usually found on the ground and they prefer Only one transect, largely restricted to habitat generic survey methodology adapted from Brown bare areas. We suggest that on the outward suitable for woodland birds, will be surveyed in each and Shepherd (1993)1 as described within Bird transect walk you look for bumblebees, 1km2, rather than two transects as specified in the Monitoring Methods, a manual of techniques for key butterflies and dragonflies, and then on the standard BBS survey; UK species (Gilbert etal. RSPB 1998). The method return journey focus on looking for the beetles • Juvenile birds will be recorded; was principally aimed at developing a census of all at ground level. Scan the footpath ahead of you • Birds should be recorded approximately 250m upland breeding waders including Golden Plover, as you walk – Carabus nitens tends to prefer either side of the transect; Snipe, Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank. These waders the border between dry and wet areas and • It will not be necessary to record standard BBS are characteristically active throughout the day and the Tiger beetle on bare ground with little habitat data or mammal sightings. easier to detect in open environments. vegetation. 4. In addition to walking the route, place five 1m2 quadrats along the survey route (roughly The transect route will follow public footpaths Survey methods are adapted from the Volunteer every 200m, 2–3m from the edge of the path wherever possible through woodland, along BeeWalk (Bumblebee Conservation Trust) and if feasible) and search for the target species woodland edge and through open habitats between Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (Butterfly within each quadrat. Mark the location of each patches of woodland. Sightings of the woodland bird Conservation/CEH/BTO). quadrat on the survey recording form so that species and any calls heard should be recorded on this quadrat can be re-visited. Use the quadrat the map. recording form to record what you see. Botany Survey Methodology 5. Each survey route should be walked twice, once 2 1. You will be allocated a 1km survey route to during May/June and once in July/August. The walk. During the survey each target flowering quadrats should be located in the same place plant should be scanned for approximately 2m each time. Please try and ensure that surveys each side of the survey route. are 6–8 weeks apart. It should take 1–2 hours to do each survey. 2. Please mark the location of target species 1 A. F. Brown & K. B. Shepherd (1993) A method for censusing upland breeding waders, Bird Study, 40:3, 189-195, DOI: 10.1080/00063659309477182

158 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 159 ANNEX 6 ANNEX 7

Annex 6 Annex 7 NVC level 3 categories found in Nidderdale AONB Proposed State of Nature indicators

NVC Community/sub-community name Common name equivalent Area/ Current Indicator value Data issue Proposed indicator (end March 2020) source H9 Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa heath Ling-wavy-hair grass heath 1. Number of AONB volunteers, hour given H10 Calluna vulgaris-Erica cinerea heath Ling-bell heather heath and value per year

H12 Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus heath Ling-bilberry heath 95 volunteers 404 days H18 Vaccinium myrtillus-Deschampsia flexuosa heath Bilberry-wavy-hair grass heath Nature Conservation Volunteers (NVC)s Value £20,200 M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum /recurvum bog pool community Feathery/recurved bog-moss pool (Unskilled volunteers at £50/day) M6 Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum mire Star sedge-Sphagnum recurvum mire 1 volunteer 48 days INNS volunteers Value £2,400 M19 Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire Ling-hare's tail cotton grass mire People AONB / (Unskilled volunteers at £50/day) NAAONB M20 Eriophorum vaginatum blanket and raised mire Hare's tail cotton grass mire KPIs 39 volunteers M23 Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre rush-pasture Soft rush-marsh bedstraw rush-pasture 333 days Value - £36,057 M25 Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta mire Purple moor grass-tormentil mire TWW volunteers (Volunteers with professional skills at £150/ day MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland False oat grass grassland Volunteers with semi-professional skills at £100/day MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra grassland Crested dog'stail-knapweed grassland Unskilled volunteers at £50/day) MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland Ryegrass-crested dog's-tail grassland 2. Number of people attending AONB nature events per year People attending TWW Events 3262 MG7 Lolium perenne leys and related grasslands Ryegrass ley

MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland Yorkshire fog-tufted hair grass grassland Natural England MG10 Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus rush-pasture Yorkshire fog-soft rush rush-pasture 1. Overall area of priority habitat 24, 028.58ha Priority Priority Habitat Data 2019 U1 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Rumex acetosella grassland Sheep's fescue-Common bent-sheep's sorrel habitats

2. Area of priority habitat outside designated U2 Deschampsia flexuosa grassland Wavy hair grass grassland sites in favourable or unfavourable condition Baseline condition assessment to be AONB (broken down by habitat type) undertaken in 2020 U4 Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile grassland Sheep's fescue-heath bedstraw grassland Natural U5 Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile grassland Mat grass-heath bedstraw grassland England/ 1. Total extent of all protected areas in AONB 35% AONB area (c21,000ha) Harrogate U6 Juncus squarrosus-Festuca ovina grassland Heath rush-sheep's fescue grassland Borough Council U20 Pteridium aquilinum-Galium saxatile community Bracken-heath bedstraw community Designated 2. SSSIs - % in i) Favourable and ii. .i. 2,048ha (=11.79% of our SSSI); ii 15,297ha Natural W4 Betula pubescens-Molinia caerulea woodland Downy birch-Purple moor grass woodland sites unfavourable recovering condition (=88.1%) England

W7 Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum woodland Alder-ash-yellow pimpernel woodland

4. No/% of SINCs with Man Plans Baseline assessment to be undertaken in 2020 AONB W9 Fraxinus excelsior-Sorbus aucuparia-Mercurialis perennis woodland Ash-rowan-dog's mercury woodland

W10 Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinium-Rubus fruticosus woodland English oak-bracken-bramble woodland 5. No/% percentage SINCs surveyed within 20 sites (23%) NEYEDC/ W11 Quercus petraea-Betula pubescens-Oxalis acetosa Sessile oak-downy birch-wood sorrel woodland last 10 years. AONB

W16 Quercus spp.-Betula spp.-Deschampsia flexuosa woodland Oak-birch-wavy hair grass woodland

160 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 161 ANNEX 7

Area/ Current Indicator value Data issue Proposed indicator (end March 2020) source Natural England 1. Area of AES coverage (% cover of AONB) 22,170ha (37%) [MEOPL data 2019] Agricultural Natural management England 2. No of AES schemes 75 schemes [MEOPL data 2019]

3. No of Beyond Nature Farms/area of land Yorkshire on BN farms in AONB 6 farms, 3127ha (= 5% AONB area) Water

AONB/YPP/ Moorland Area of key habitat – blanket bog/upland Data to be included from next year NAAONB heath conserved or enhanced KPIs

AONB/ Grassland Area of hay meadow restored or enhanced in 3.58ha/230.19ha NAAONB year/in total KPIs

Forestry 1. % woodland coverage in AONB 8% [NFI data 2018] Commission

Woodland AONB/ 2. Area of new tree planting in year Data to be included from next year NAAONB KPIs

Forestry 3. No/area covered by woodland grants 1,762 ha Commission

1. No of farms/area engaged in CSF Data to be included from next year AONB Water

2. INNS reduction measures – area covered 16 ha AONB

1. No of new surveys 1 - 510 surveys in 2019 AONB Species

270 records (Two campaigns running Owl 2. No of citizen science records Watch and Hedgehog Watch) AONB

Natural 1. Baseline assessment to be undertaken in capital, 1. AONB Natural capital/Ecosystem Services 2020 AONB Ecosystem Services and economic 2. Amount of external grant funding AONB AONB/ benefits helped channel into conservation in AONB 2. c£680,000 NAAONB over year KPIs

162 Nidderdale AONB State of Nature 2020 nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/stateofnature 163 Nidderdale view © David Tolcher