Pyrford Neighbourhood Area - Biodiversity Report

Produced by Alistair Kirk Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre Manager

Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre July 2014

for Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum

C/O Surrey Wildlife Trust, School Lane, Pirbright Woking, Surrey, GU24 0JN Contents

Page No. 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 Statutory Designated Wildlife Sites 3 3.0 Non-Statutory Designated Wildlife Sites 8 4.0 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas 15 5.0 Habitats of Principal Importance 16 Annex A – Site Maps 18 Annex B – SSSI Citations 25 Annex C – Biodiversity Opportunity Area Draft Statements 37 References 40

1 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Background Ecological Data Search; Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report

1.0 Introduction

The following report has been compiled by the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) on behalf of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Forum as part of a desktop ecological assessment of known biodiversity interest within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area. Based on our standard data search service it includes information on a) any statutory designated wildlife sites (i.e. sites of international or national importance), b) non- statutory designated wildlife sites (i.e. site of local/regional importance including Local Wildlife Sites and ancient woodland, c) Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs), and d) Habitats of Principal Importance (as defined by Section 41of The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act), falling with or immediately adjacent to (in this this instance within 500 metres) of the boundary of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area. The report is completed by a series maps showing Neighbourhood Plan Area together with the boundaries of any relevant features (Annex A).

Please note, the information contained in this report should be read in association with Surrey Wildlife Trust’s advice note for Local Authorities and Neighbourhood Groups, Biodiversity and Planning in Surrey – May 2014.

2 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 2.0 Statutory Designated Wildlife Sites

The United Kingdom supports a wide variety of species and habitats and a key policy tool for conserving them all is the designation and management of protected sites - areas of land, inland water and the sea that have special legal protection to conserve important habitats and species. Legal protection in turn protects prevents damaging activities.

Within the UK, protected areas fall into a number of categories:

 Protected areas established as a result of European Union Directives and other European initiatives (including Special Protection Areas for Birds and Special Areas of Conservation which together form part of a larger European network called Natura 2000) or protected areas set up under Global Agreements (including Ramsar sites).  Protected areas established under national legislation. This includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National and Local Nature Reserves.

Categories can overlap and it is possible for an area of land to fit into all of the above categories.

2.1 Internationally Designated Wildlife Sites

Internationally Designated Wildlife Sites fall into three main categories;

Ramsar sites Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the Ramsar Convention), agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1973. Originally intended to protect sites of importance especially as waterfowl habitat, the Convention has broadened its scope over the years to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. The Convention adopts a broad definition of wetland, namely "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres". Wetlands "may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands".

3 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) SPAs are classified by the UK Government under Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive). SPAs are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Directive) and migratory birds within the European Union. SPAs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are classified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. SPAs, together with SACs, form the Natura 2000 network.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) SACs are designated under Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive). SACs are areas which have been identified as best representing the range and variety within the European Union of habitats and (non-bird) species listed on Annexes I and II to the Directive. SACs in terrestrial areas and territorial marine waters out to 12 nautical miles are designated under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). SACs, together with SPAs, form the Natura 2000 network

No International Designated Wildlife Sites fall within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area however one site falls within 500 metres of the Neighbourhood Area boundary. Further details are shown below.

2.1.1 Special Protection Areas

Site Name Grid Area Nature Conservation Interest Reference (ha) Thames Basin Heaths Various 8274.72 Classified under Article 4.1 of EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive) as it Special Protection Area is regularly used by 1% or more of the Great Britain populations of the following species listed in Annex 1 in any (SPA) season: Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus); 7.8% Great Britain population, Woodlark (Lullula arborea); 9.9% Great Britain population, Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata); 27.8% Great Britain population.

4 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 2.2 Nationally Designated Sites

Nationally Designated Wildlife Sites fall into three main categories;

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) SSSIs are designated for their biological or geological interest give legal protection to a representative sample of some of the best sites in England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). There are over 4,000 SSSIs in England, covering around 8% of the country. In Surrey there are 63 SSSIs covering a total of 7,295 ha. Surrey’s SPAs & SACs are also designated as SSSIs, although the features for which the different types of site have been designated may differ. Improved provisions for the protection and management of SSSIs were introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) NNRs contain examples of some of the most important natural and semi-natural terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Great Britain. They are managed to conserve their habitats or to provide special opportunities for scientific study of the habitats communities and species represented within them. In addition they may be managed to provide public recreation that is compatible with their natural heritage interests. NNRs are declared by the statutory country conservation agencies under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) LNRS are a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. LNRs may be declared by local authorities after consultation with the relevant statutory nature conservation agency. LNRs are declared and managed for nature conservation, and provide opportunities for research and education, or simply enjoying and having contact with nature.

No Nationally Designated Wildlife Sites fall within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area however a number of sites falls within 500 metres of the Neighbourhood Area boundary. Further details are shown below.

5 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 2.2.1 Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Site Name Grid Area Nature Conservation Interest Reference (ha) Basingstoke Canal SSSI SU719514 99.15 A Site of Special Scientific Interest notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Notified to in 1985, revised 1994. “The Basingstoke Canal, together with associated “flashes” and heathland, is nationally SU967575, important for aquatic plants and invertebrates. The transition from calcareous spring water to slightly acidic conditions produces an extremely diverse flora, containing approximately half (87) of Britain’s native aquatic TQ016597 higher plant species, including 5 nationally scarce species. The Basingstoke Canal is botanically the most species- to rich aquatic system m England. Twenty-four species of dragonfly occur on the Canal and other insects, including TQ046616 two nationally rare (Red Data Book) species, are well represented”. NB. The SSSI extends under, but does not include bridges. The SSSI includes the canal and the vegetation to the top of the bank on either side except where private gardens extend to the water’s edge, where the boundary is taken as the water’s margin i.e. excludes gardens). Ockham and Wisley TQ070585, 269.6 A Site of Special Scientific Interest notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Notified Commons SSSI TQ082585, in 1986. “This site consists of a large tract of heathland lying between near Cobham, containing areas of heath, TQ084592, bog, open water, This variety of habitats supports a rich community of including a large number of rare and local TQ078595 insects.” Papercourt SSSI TQ035563, 69.4 A Site of Special Scientific Interest notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Notified TQ035569, in 1986. “Wetland habitats, which were once widespread in the low-lying river valleys of south-east England are TQ042565 now very restricted in area. Much unimproved grassland and marshland has been drained and converted to arable or reseeded farmland, or developed for housing or industry. That which remains is often threatened by water pollution and further development. This site consists of a complex of wetland habitats including unimproved meadows, marshes, streams and flooded gravel pits. These support a number of local plants and a wide variety of breeding and wintering birds.”

A copy of the relevant original SSSI citations are included for your information (Annex B).

6 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 2.2.2 Local Nature Reserves

One site falling within 500 metres of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area has been declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Ockham and Wisley Common LNR (SU080585) was declared an LNR in 2005 and currently covers some 332.36 ha.

7 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 3.0 Non-Statutory Designated Wildlife Sites

3.1 Local Wildlife Sites

A Local Wildlife Site is a defined area, identified and selected locally for its substantive nature conservation value, taking into consideration the most important and the most distinctive species and habitats within a national, regional and local context (DEFRA, 2011) 1.

Although they do not have any statutory status, many Local Sites are equal in quality to the representative sample of sites that make up the series of statutory Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). There are more than 40,000 Local Sites in England overseen by 65 Local Sites systems. These systems encompass both biodiversity and geological conservation and cover contrasting landscapes in coastal, rural and urban situations. Within each Local Sites System, the criteria for the selection of sites will be derived locally with reference to the national site selection framework of criteria published by Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in 2006 2.

Local Wildlife Sites may have multiple interests and benefits in addition to their substantive nature conservation value. As such they may provide social and community functions or they may have interests relating to education, research or quiet enjoyment.

Local Wildlife Sites make a vital contribution to delivering international commitments to halt the loss of biodiversity. Local Sites provide wildlife refuges for most of the UK’s fauna and flora and through their connecting and buffering qualities complement nationally (SSSIs) and internationally designated sites e.g. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). They represent extensive areas of wildlife habitat essential to sustaining populations of rare and declining species within the wider landscape and were identified in the recent Lawton Report - Making Space for Nature: A Review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network (DEFRA, 2010) 3 as being vital components in England’s ecological network.

Within the context of a changing climate, Local Wildlife Sites represent some of the best opportunities to conserve habitats and species as well as important reference sites for monitoring change. Local Wildlife Sites play an important part in the natural processes that maintain air, soil and water quality and that reduce the effects of flooding and pollution. They also represent an important mechanism in providing places for education and research. They represent local character and distinctiveness, and contribute to the quality of life and well-being of local communities.

In Surrey, Local Wildlife Sites are known as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and to date, over 700 have been identified by the Local Sites Partnership (formerly known as the Surrey Nature Conservation Liaison Group or SNCLG).

8 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 The designation of SNCIs in no way diminishes the importance of other areas of semi-natural habitat in Surrey, and it is recognised that all semi-natural habitat is important for wildlife and of potential education value. The assessment and designation of SNCIs is a continual process and new sites will be identified as scientific knowledge of individual sites and of the total resource increases.

All of the SNCIs described in this report fall within the administrative areas covered by either Guildford or Woking Borough Councils. 242 sites were originally surveyed in Guildford between 1993 and 1996 as part of a Borough wide review carried out by the Surrey Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Borough Council and Surrey County Council. Candidate sites were then reviewed by the SNCLG at a series of meetings in 1996. 82 SNCIs were initially identified across Guildford, all of which have now been adopted by the Borough Council and incorporated into the adopted Guildford Borough Local Plan 2003 as Policy NE3. A partial re-survey took place on a number of sites across the Borough between 2004 and 2010 and again in 2013, proposed changes including boundary amendments and the selection of a limited number of additional sites were approved by the SNCLG between 2005 and 2011 and again in 2014.

108 sites in Woking were originally surveyed between 1993 and 1996 while candidate sites were reviewed by the SNCLG at a series of meetings in 1996 and incorporated into the adopted Woking Borough Local Plan 1999 as Policy NE2. A partial re-survey took place between 2003 & 2004 and 2009 & 2010 and proposed changes including boundary amendments and the selection of a limited number of additional sites were approved by the SNCLG in 2005 and 2011.

Six SNCIs fall within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area and the following table lists the name and reference number of each SNCI together with an Ordnance Survey grid reference, the size and the nature conservation interest of each site.

Site Name RECORDER Grid Area (ha) Borough / Nature Conservation Interest No. Reference /Length (km) District Roundbridge Farm SNCI 220/1 TQ036576 80.5 ha Woking Improved & semi-improved wet meadows, ditches, hedges and two lakes. The main interest of the site lies in the drains, hedges and river banks which provide important wildlife corridors around improved fields. This is an important site for breeding Waders and rare migrants, and has been identified as high potential Otter (Lutra lutra) territory. Pyrford Common SNCI 222 TQ030590 15.2 ha Woking Relict heathland, deciduous and coniferous woodland, heathland, grassland, scrub. Selected for surviving heathland which is a declining habitat in Surrey and the fact that the site has good heathland regeneration potential. Warren Farm Wood and 829/1 TQ046 575 5 ha Woking Broadleaved woodland, marshy areas. Selected for marshy areas with Riverside SNCI high species diversity and Alder (Alnus glutinosa) woodland.

9 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Wheelers Meadow 3360 TQ043579 1.1 ha Woking Unimproved wetland such as this site is an uncommon habitat in (South) SNCI Surrey. Its location beside the River Bourne forms part of a network of meadows along the river course. The site has good invertebrate populations with Bush Crickets (Tettigoniidae), Hunting Spiders (Lycosidae) and Hawker (Aeshna) Dragonflies. River Wey SNCI 3420 (3420/1) TQ008532 – 16.8 km Woking A good quality river of County Importance supporting a high density (including Pyrford Place TQ072614 (0.50 ha) of invertebrates and Water Voles (Arvicola terrestris). Pyrford Place Lake) (TQ051583) Lake; The pond supports a range of species with a high diversity of aquatic species. It is also a good bird and amphibian site. Wheeler’s Fields SNCI 4068 TQ042581 3.7 ha Woking Wet tussocky meadows with interesting drains and marshy areas, which are seasonally flooded. Selected for tall grasslands, providing feeding grounds for birds and valuable habitat for invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles. Hobby (Falco subbuteo) recorded over the site. 19 axiophytes recorded, 4 of which appear in the Draft Surrey Rare Plant Register including Narrow-fruited Water-cress (Rorippa microphylla) currently classed as Surrey Rare. Hoe Stream SNCI 4138 SU967545 – 10.0 km Woking Stream – selected as a link & habitat corridor for SNCI sites in the TQ039581 Hoe Valley. The stream is important in the Borough and provides a valuable link and habitat corridor for the SNCI sites in the Hoe Valley SNCI corridor.

In addition, two further SNCIs have been identified within 500 metres of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area.

Site Name RECORDER Grid Area (ha) Borough / Nature Conservation Interest No. Reference /Length (km) District Ripley Green SNCI 2419 TQ055573 25.0 ha Guildford This public access site is composed of a variety of grassland, scrub and woodland communities, as well as a shallow stream. Over 250 vascular plants are known from the site including locally scarce species. Included within the Ripley Green boundary, but excluded from the SNCI are a cricket pitch, car park and children’s playground. Wisley Bridge SNCI 3616 TQ060695 0.25 ha Guildford Recommended by Surrey Flora Committee as the site of a County rare and Nationally Scarce plant.

10 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 3.2 Ancient Woodland

Ancient woodland is defined by Natural England as a site that has had a continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. It is an irreplaceable, wildlife-rich habitat, and often includes important archaeological features. Surrey is one of the most wooded parts of lowland Britain and supports approximately 37,700 ha of woodland, of which, 11,935 ha (or 7.1% of the of the County) are considered to be Ancient.

Ancient woodland is commonly divided into two broad categories, Ancient Semi-natural Woodland and Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites. Both types of stand are classed as ancient woodland and are given equal protection under the National Planning Policy Framework. Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) are stands that are composed predominantly of trees and shrubs native to the site that do not obviously originate from planting. They include stands that may have been managed by coppicing or pollarding in the past, as well as those where the tree and shrub layer has grown up by natural regeneration. Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) are areas of ancient woodland where the original native tree cover has been felled and replaced by planted stock most commonly of a species not native to the site, for example conifers such as Norway Spruce (Picea abies) or Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra var. maritime), but also broadleaves such as Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) or Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa). These sites often retain some ancient woodland features such as soils, ground flora, fungi, and woodland archaeology – and they can respond well to restoration management.

Ancient woodland status is determined using information from historic Ordnance Survey and other historic sources and information about the name of the wood, its shape, relief, internal boundaries and location relative to other features such as parish boundaries. Ground survey information such as flora and historical features plus aerial photography interpretation is also used when available. The original inventory was produced by Nature Conservancy Council (later English Nature) on a county-by-county basis in the 1980’s and 1990’s and included all sites over two hectares in size. Access to additional resources and advances in digital mapping techniques mean that it is now possible to map woodlands under two hectares with greater ease and accuracy and since 2005 this led to an on-going project to completely revise and update the Ancient Woodland Inventory across the South East. The Surrey Ancient Woodland Survey was carried out by SBIC on behalf of Natural England, Forestry Commission, Surrey Hills AONB, Surrey County Council and ten Borough/District Councils from 2009 until 2011. The results of this work have now been adopted by Natural England and incorporated into the national ancient woodland inventory. The details of any ancient woodland sites contained in this report taken from the final SBIC version of this dataset. Please note, the Ancient Woodland Inventory should always be classed as “provisional” and will be reviewed and updated as new information comes to light.

Eight sites falling within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area appear on the Revised Ancient Woodland Inventory 4 for the County.

11 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 The following table shows the unique identification for each site, site name (where known), an Ordnance Survey grid reference and the area of the site as shown on the Inventory. The site name and grid reference used are taken directly from the Inventory and may therefore not necessarily match those used elsewhere in this report.

Code Wood Name (Where Type Borough/District Parish Grid Area Identified) Reference (ha) SRY_3378 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ036582 0.7 SRY_3380 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ050583 0.6 SRY_3432 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ053593 1.2 SRY_3922 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ048592 0.4 SRY_3923xx Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ047593 4.3 SRY_6299 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ058590 0.7 SRY_6300 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Woking District (B) TQ058590 3.2

In addition, one further site has been identified within 500 metres of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area

Code Wood Name (Where Type Borough/District Parish Grid Area Identified) Reference (ha) SRY_1650 Ancient Semi-natural Woodland Guildford District (B) Ripley CP TQ053577 0.4

12 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 3.3 Conservation Verges

The Surrey Road Verge Habitat Action Plan (RVHAP - part of the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan) aims to raise awareness of the biodiversity potential of vergeside habitat and identifies how this can be managed to maintain and enhance biodiversity in a way which best balances the competing interests of conservation and road safety. The RVHAP has been produced by a working group including representatives from Surrey County Council, Borough and District Councils, the term contractors responsible for carrying out road verge management, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey Botanical Society and Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre and is relevant to all those involved in the management of road verges in Surrey. A copy of the full plan can be viewed online at www.surreybiodiversitypartnership.org.

One of the key sections of the RVHAP was to identify the County’s most important verges for wildlife. Once selected, these Conservation Verges were mapped by SBIC and information on their location passed to all relevant bodies including public utilities. Each Conservation Verge will also have a management regime applied to it which best supports the interest of that site.

The wildlife importance of many verges in Surrey has already been recognised as part of larger designated wildlife sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) however the guidelines used to identify Conservation Verges apply different criteria which reflect the particular character of these sites. A verge of any length or size can become a Conservation Verge as long as it meets one of the following criteria:

 It supports a population of nationally or locally rare or scarce species or,  It contains semi-natural vegetation containing a good population or assemblage of species of conservation interest in Surrey or,  The verge is culturally important and of intrinsic value to local people for its wildlife or,  It forms part of a larger site, or connects sites that have an existing wildlife designation such as a SSSI or SNCI.

The selection and review of Conservation Verges will be a continual process.

Two sites falling within 500 metres of the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area have been identified as Conservation Verges. The following table shows the unique identification number for each verge, the site name, an Ordnance Survey grid reference for the central point of the verge, its length and the nature conservation interest of each site.

13 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 CV Site Name Length Grid Borough Parish Site Description Biodiversity Interest Number (m) Reference CV057 Wisley Lane 1 610.9 TQ05905915 Guildford Wisley CP Wisley Lane, Wisley. Both side Supports Fallopia dumetorum District (B) of the road from TQ05765964 (Copse-bindweed). Nationally to Wisley Bridge Threatened; Vulnerable and (TQ06015945) Anthriscus caucalis (Bur Chervil), Surrey Scarce CV058 Wisley Lane 2 172.2 TQ06325924 Guildford Wisley CP Wisley Lane, Wisley. Southern Supports Jasione montana (Sheep's District (B) side of the road opposite Deers bit), Surrey Scarce and Osmunda Farm from TQ06235932 to regalis (Royal Fern), Surrey Scarce. TQ06345919

14 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 4.0 Biodiversity Opportunity Areas

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) identify the most important areas for wildlife conservation in Surrey, where targeted conservation action will have the greatest benefit. The main aim within BOAs is to restore biodiversity at a landscape scale through the maintenance, restoration and creation of Priority habitats. BOAs have been identified across Surrey and link with BOAs mapped across the whole of south- east England. There are currently around 47 BOAs covering some 39% of Surrey. These were mapped by SBIC in consultation with local authorities and conservation organisations in Surrey. They were identified by taking into account existing concentrations of Priority habitats and important areas for Priority species. The potential for habitat restoration was also considered and took into account geology, topography and hydrology. A policy statement is in preparation for each BOA identifying the features of biodiversity importance and its specific conservation objectives, as well as targets for maintenance, restoration and creation of Priority habitats, and recovery of Priority species populations.

One BOA, R04 River Wey (plus tributaries) has been identified within the Pyrford Neighbourhood Area and a copy of the current draft policy statement is included in Annex C for your information.

15 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 5.0 Habitats of Principal Importance

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act came into force on 1st Oct 2006. Section 41 (S41) of the Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. The S41 list is used to guide decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities, in implementing their duty under section 40 of the NERC Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal functions. In particular:  Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities will use it to identify the species and habitats that should be afforded priority when applying the requirements of Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) to maintain, restore and enhance species and habitats.  Local Planning Authorities will use it to identify the species and habitats that require specific consideration in dealing with planning and development control, recognising that under PPS the aim of planning decisions should be to avoid harm to all biodiversity.  All Public Bodies will use it to identify species or habitats that should be given priority when implementing the NERC Section 40 duty.

Fifty-six Habitats of Principal Importance are included on the S41 list. These are all the habitats in England that were identified as requiring action in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and continue to be regarded as conservation priorities in the subsequent UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. They include terrestrial habitats such as upland hay meadows to lowland mixed deciduous woodland, and freshwater and marine habitats such as ponds and sub tidal sands and gravels. Priority Habitats in Surrey

 Lowland Heathland: a key habitat, important for breeding birds, reptiles, invertebrates and rare wetland plants. Surrey has 13% of the national resource.  Grasslands o Lowland Dry Acid Grassland: often associated with heathland on sandy and gravelly soils. Important for rare plants and invertebrates. Sensitive to nutrient changes. o Lowland Calcareous Grassland: a key habitat, associated with areas of chalk and limestone geology, such as in the North Downs and over a minor outcrop of calcareous sandstone in the Weald known as Bargate stone. Flower-rich, important for invertebrates (particularly butterflies). Sensitive to nutrient changes. o Lowland Meadows (Neutral Grassland): uncommon in Surrey but important for flowers, invertebrates and birds. Sensitive to changes in hydrology, nutrients and management.  Woodlands

16 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 o Wood-pasture & Parkland: important for veteran trees, invertebrates, fungi and bats. Found mainly on old estates, and often incorporating one or more of the above grassland types. o Lowland Beech & Yew Woodland: a key habitat, mainly in the North Downs but also the Low Weald. o Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: can have rich ground flora. Also important for bats, woodland birds and butterflies, occasionally support Dormice. o Wet Woodland: of restricted distribution, mainly adjacent to waterbodies or part of a wetland habitat mosaic in river corridors. May support rare invertebrates. o Traditional Orchards: restricted distribution, dependent on traditional management methods. Important for bats, invertebrates, mosses, lichens.  Wetlands o Floodplain Grazing Marsh: a key habitat associated with river floodplains. Sometimes flower-rich, important for wading birds. Particularly sensitive to changes in hydrology and nutrients. o Lowland Fens: restricted distribution but important for rare invertebrates and plants, Water vole and perhaps Otter. Sensitive to changes in hydrology and nutrients. o Eutrophic Standing Waters: likely to be found in old gravel pits and reservoirs, often important for waterbirds. o Ponds: may be rich in plants and invertebrates. Likely to be breeding sites for amphibians. Sensitive to changes in hydrology and nutrient status. o Reedbeds: restricted distribution. Important for birds, may support Water voles, Harvest mice or rare plants. Sensitive to changes in hydrology. o Rivers: provide important wildlife corridors. Likely to support Water vole, maybe Otter, and a variety of invertebrates.  Other o Hedgerows: an important linking habitat used by foraging birds and bats, Dormice and a range of invertebrates. (Subject to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997). o Open Mosaic Habitats: on previously developed land; examples include former quarries, gravel pits and ash lagoons - important for birds, invertebrates and specialist plants. o Arable field margins: strips around field edges managed to provide benefits for wildlife - can provide important food sources for birds and invertebrates.

Information on the location of Habitats of Principal Importance contain in this report is taken from Priority Habitats’ Inventory (Single Habitats’ Layer) for England recently developed by Natural England. This inventory replaces Natural England's separate BAP habitat inventories (produced from 1999 onwards and derived from habitat datasets collated from across the country) and combines the individual inventories into one national polygon layer. Habitats contained in the Single Habitat Layer are a simplified form of the full S41 list

17 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Annex A – Site Maps

18 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Basingstoke Canal SSSI

Ockham & Wisley Commons SSSI

Key

Neighbourhood Area Boundary

Special Protection Area (SPA) Thames Basin Heaths SPA Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) Ockham and Wisley LNR Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

National Nature Reserve PapercourtPapercourt (NNR) SSSISSSI Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Scale 1:20 000

Please note, the Key shown above is standardised and not all the designations shown will appear on each map. Produced by the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre. July 2014

Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by Natural England. © Natural Pyrford Neighbourhood Area England copyright 2014. Contains, or is derived from, information supplied by Ordnance Survey. © Crown Statutory Designated copyright and database right 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Wildlife Sites Licence number 100022021. Key

Neighborhood Area Boundary

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)

Potential Site of Nature Conservation Importance (pSNCI)

Pyrford Common SNCI Wisley Bridge SNCI

Wheeler's Fields SNCI River Wey - Woking SNCI Roundbridge Farm SNCI

Wheelers Meadow Hoe Stream SNCI (South) SNCI Pyrford Place Lake (part of River Wey SNCI)

Warren Farm Wood and Riverside SNCI

Ripley Green SNCI

Scale 1:20 000

Please note, the Key shown above is standardised and not all the designations shown will appear on each map. Produced by the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre. July 2014

Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by Natural England. © Natural Pyrford Neighbourhood Area England copyright 2014. Contains, or is derived from, information supplied by Ordnance Survey. © Crown Sites of Nature Conservation copyright and database right 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Importance Licence number 100022021, AL100031669 Key

Neighbourhood Area Boundary

Semi-natural Ancient Woodland (SNAW)

Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS)

SRY_3923xx

SRY_3432 SRY_6300 SRY_3922 SRY_6299

SRY_3378 SRY_3380

SRY_1650

Scale 1:20 000

Please note, the Key shown above is standardised and not all the designations shown will appear on each map. Produced by the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre. July 2014

Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by Natural England. © Natural Pyrford Neighbourhood Area England copyright 2014. Contains, or is derived from, information supplied by Ordnance Survey. © Crown Revised Ancient Woodland copyright and database right 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Inventory Licence number 100022021, AL100031669 Key

Neighborhood Area Boundary

Conservation Verge (CV)

Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by Natural England. © Natural England copyright 2014. Pyrford Neighbourhood Area Contains, or is derived from, information supplied by Ordnance Survey. © Crown Conservation Verges copyright and database right 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021, AL100031669

Annex B – SSSI Citations

25 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 COUNTY: HAMPSHIRE SITE NAME: BASINGSTOKE CANAL SSSI

Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Local Planning Authorities: Hampshire County Council/Surrey County Council Hart District Council/Rushmoor Borough Council/Guildford Borough Council/Surrey Heath Borough Council/Woking Borough Council/Runnymede Borough Council

National Grid Reference: SU 719514 to SU 967575 TQ 016597 to TQ 046616

Ordnance Survey Sheets: 1:50,000 186 1:10,000 SU 75 SE, SU 75 SW, SU 85 NE, SU 85 SE, SU 85 SW SU 95 NE, SU 95 NW TQ 05 NW TQ 06 SW

Hectares/Acres: 99.15 (ha.) 244.99 (ac.)

Date Notified (1949 Act): 1955 Date of Last Revision: 1975

Date Notified (1981 Act): 1985 Date of Last Revision: 30 September 1994

Date Confirmed: 22 June 1995

Other Information: Basingstoke Canal SSSI incorporates and extends the Basingstoke Canal (Greywell -- Odiham Castle) and Basingstoke Canal (Eelmoor) SSSIs in Hampshire, notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and the Basingstoke Canal East and West SSSI in Surrey, notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949. It is largely owned by Hampshire and Surrey County Councils. Eelmoor, Claycart and Rushmoor Flashes (Hampshire) are managed by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust under an informal reserve agreement The Basingstoke Canal was declared a Nature Conservation Review (NCR) Site in 1989.

Description and Reasons for Notification:

The Basingstoke Canal, together with associated ÔflashesÕ and heathland, is nationally important for aquatic plants and invertebrates. The transition from calcareous spring water to slightly acidic conditions produces an extremely diverse flora, containing approximately half (87) of BritainÕs native aquatic higher plant species, including 5 nationally scarce* species. The Basingstoke Canal is botanically the most species-rich aquatic system m England. Twenty-four species of dragonfly occur on the Canal and other insects, including two nationally rare** (Red Data Book) species, are well represented.

Two sections of the Basingstoke Canal are of SSSI status. The western section lies between Greywell in Hampshire and Hermitage Bridge in Surrey; the eastern section lies between Monument Bridge and Scotland Bridge in Surrey. The relative lack of pollution in the Canal and the variation in water chemistry throughout its length have given rise to a diversity of plant species and communities that has no parallel elsewhere in Britain. This, together with a rich and varied invertebrate fauna, makes the Basingstoke Canal a waterway of exceptional value to nature conservation:

The Canal is largely supplied by calcareous water from springs situated at the junction of the chalk and Reading Beds (clays) at Greywell. Moving downstream, it is supplemented by progressively more acidic spring and stream water from the Aldershot heathland district. Due to a slight west-east gradient, which gives rise to a definite water movement, the overall system is analogous to a slow-flowing river with initially alkaline water which gradually becomes more acidic and less charged with calcium. Such a combination is a rare feature in Britain.

The vegetation types reflect this gradual change in water chemistry. At Greywell the flora is typical of that of a nutrient-rich southern chalk stream. Here it is dominated by the moss Fontinalis antipyretica, the starworts Callitriche obtusangula and C. stagnalis, foolÕs watercress Apium nodiflorum, lesser water-parsnip Berula erecta and the water crowfoot Ranunculus pencillatus subspecies pseudofluitans var. vertumnus, the latter here in its locus classicus, from which it was formally studied and described. As the calcareous water moves across the London Clays the flora changes, with locally abundant mareÕs tail Hippuris vulgaris, river water dropwort Oenanthe fluviatilis, arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia, the pondweeds Potamogeton alpinus and P. berchtoldii and stoneworts including Nitella flexilis and several varieties of Chara vulgaris.

The Canal then passes onto the Bracklesham Beds and Bagshot Sands of the Aldershot heathland district. In the downstream stretch some of the species abundant upstream disappear, to be replaced by a very species-rich flora which comprises a remarkable assemblage combining both nutrient-rich and acidic elements. Amongst the characteristic plants of this long stretch are the pondweeds Potamogeton natans and P. perfoliatus, water soldier Stratiotes aloides, Canadian and NuttallÕs pondweeds Elodea canadensis and E. nuttallii and greater bladderwort Utricularia australis. Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus- ranae and greater duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza occur amongst the emergent vegetation.

Plants typical of acidic waters, which occur in this stretch, are bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus, floating club-rush Eleogiton fluitans and alternate-flowered water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum.

The Monument BridgeÐScotland Bridge stretch at Sheerwater to the east of Woking, is rich in open water and emergent species characteristic of the main part of the Canal such as the pondweed Potamogeton natans, frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, greater duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza, water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, and narrow leaved water plantain Alisma lanceolatum. Of particular note within the Monument BridgeÐScotland Bridge stretch are the nationally scarce pondweed Potamogeton trichoides and the nationally scarce tasteless water pepper Persicaria laxiflora

Certain stretches of the Canal are less species-rich, due to shading by overhanging trees, or very localised pollution problems, but these stretches have been included in the SSSI because they enable the continuum from calcareous to acidic water to be expressed within the SSSI:

Ninety species of aquatic plants, including a number of native stoneworts (charophytes) and the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica, have been recorded in 1992 and 1993 from the main line of the canal and its extensions (or ÔflashesÕ); an additional 16 native wetland species have been recorded on the Canal system since 1986: Of the 90 plants recorded in 1992 and 1993, 5 are nationally scarce* being river water dropwort Oenanthe fluviatilis, the pondweed Potamogeton trichoides, tasteless water pepper Persicaria laxiflora, the horsetail Equisetum ϫ litorale and the water crowfoot Ranunculus pencillatus subspecies pseudofluitans var. vertumnus. The nationally scarce water soldier Stratiotes aloides and fringed water lily Nymphoides peltata have been introduced.

Other noteworthy plants include needle spike rush Eleocharis acicularis and various- leaved pondweed Potamogeton gramineus.

The invertebrate fauna is correspondingly rich. Twenty-four species of Odonata (dragonfly and damselfly) have been recorded on the Canal in 1992 and 1993, making the Canal one of the most important sites for Odonata in terms of species diversity in Britain. Surveys undertaken during 1992 and 1993 revealed evidence of breeding of 19 species. Of particular note are populations of the nationally scarce brilliant emerald Somatochlora metallica, the hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense and the downy emerald Cordulia aenea. In addition to the Odonata fauna, the Canal supports a wide range of other insects, associated particularly with the rich emergent and bank vegetation. Hoverflies are well represented. About eighty-five species have been recorded along the Canal, including the nationally scarce Anasimyia contracta, Didea intermedia, Epistrophe diaphana, Volucella inanis and Xylota tarda. The scarce snail-killing fly Psacadina verbeckei, the nationally rare (Red Data Book)** solitary bee Macropis europaea and the scarce dentated pug moth Anticollix sparsata are also present. The Canal also supports populations of water birds such as little grebe, kingfisher and grey wagtail which are of considerable local importance.

Several off-line ÔflashesÕ have been included in the site, as they are an integral part of the hydrological system and provide shallow-water conditions which are rare in the restored main line of the Canal. Of particular significance are Eelmoor Flash, the extensive Mytchett Lake and Great Bottom Flash and the small, shallow PotterÕs Pool.

Great Bottom Flash is fringed on the eastern side with reed Phragmites australis and supports a rich marginal flora including water violet Hottonia palustris and royal fern Osmunda regalis. Mytchett Lake is an extensive area of open water with abundant white water lily Nymphaea alba and common bulrush Schoenoplectus lacustris and is notable for its fringing colony of purple willow Salix purpurea which is rare in Surrey. The lake supports a large colony of red-eyed damselfly Erythromma najas. PotterÕs Pool, adjacent to open heathland, is an excellent site for dragonflies and supports a rich flora dominated by greater bladderwort Utricularia australis, with bottle sedge Carex rostrata in the emergent fringe of vegetation.

Adjacent to the Canal, but not linked to it, is New Pond at Pirbright, which supports an acid bog marginal flora including a number of plants not recorded from the Canal, for example marsh St JohnÕs wort Hypericum elodes, bog myrtle Myrica gale, many-stalked spike-rush Eleocharis multicaulis, cotton grass Eriophorum angustifolium and lesser bladderwort Utricularia minor. Of additional note are the sedges Carex rostrata, C. vesicaria and C. curta and floating club-rush Eleogiton fluitans.

Dogmersfield Lake is included within the SSSI as it forms part of the CanalÕs water catchment, and supports a rich flora including some species which are very rare in or extinct from the remainder of the Basingstoke Canal system, for example lesser water plantain Baldellia ranunculoides, bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata and water purslane Lythrum portula. The lake also has strong populations of needle spike rush Eleocharis acicularis and fan-leaved water crowfoot Ranunculus circinatus.

The hinterland of woodland, heath, unimproved meadows and fens through which the Canal flows increases the value of the aquatic habitats. Pondtail Heath (Fleet) has been included within the SSSI since it is of direct importance to invertebrates such as the dragonflies which hawk over this area. Pondtail Heath comprises an area of largely wet heath dominated by ling Calluna vulgaris, cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix and purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea. The flora is rich, with species such as oblong-leaved sundew Drosera intermedia, meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum, petty whin Genista anglica and blunt-flowered rush Juncus subnodulosus, the latter in an atypical acidic locality. The invertebrate fauna includes the nationally rare** (Red Data Book) hoverfly Pelecocera tricincta and a population of the keeled skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens, which breeds in small bog pools on the heath.

*Nationally scarce species occur in 16Ð100 of 10 ϫ 10km squares in Britain. **Nationally rare species are listed in the relevant Red Data Book, i.e. ÔBritish Red Data Book 2: InsectsÕ.

COUNTY: SURREY SITE NAME: OCKHAM AND WISLEY COMMONS

BOROUGHS: ELMBRIDGE, GUILDFORD

Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Local Planning Authorities: ELMBRIDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL, Guildford Borough Council

National Grid References: TQ 070585, TQ 082585 Area: 269.6 (ha.) 666.2 (ac.) TQ 084592, TQ 078595

Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 187 1:10,000: TQ 05 NE

Date Notified (Under 1949 Act.): 1975 Date of Last Revision: Ð

Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1986 Date of Last Revision: Ð

Other Information: The majority of Ockham & Wisley Commons SSSI is owned and managed by Surrey County Council as an Open Space. The site includes several areas of Common Land. The boundary of the site has been modified at renotification by several deletions and extensions. The lakes at Pains Hill and Silvermere are no longer part of this site.

Reasons for Notification: This site consists of a large tract of heathland lying between the Mole and Wey Rivers near Cobham, containing areas of heath, bog, open water, secondary woodland and scrub. This variety of habitats supports a rich community of heathland plants and animals, including a large number of rare and local insects.

Lowland heaths have been a feature of the British landscape for several thousand years, but the area of heathland has been reduced steadily by land-use changes such as conversion to intensive agriculture, forestry or urban development. This loss has been particularly rapid this century, and 40% of heathland remaining in 1950 has now been destroyed. As their habitat is destroyed, the many specialised plants and animals which live on heathland have become increasingly rare. Since little heathland is still maintained by grazing, much of it is becoming overgrown with scrub and trees, a process which may be seen clearly at this site.

The site lies on Bagshot beds, which give rise to an acidic sandy soil supporting heath dominated by ling Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea, and in grassy areas by common bent grass Agrostis capillaris and wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa. Amongst these plants grow dwarf furze Ulex minor, petty whin Genista anglica and shepherdÕs cress Teesdalia nudicaulis. Animals found here include such local insects as the silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus and the wood tiger beetle Cicindela sylvatica. In wet areas, where the sand is overlain by peat, the heath is dominated by ling, cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa and bog-moss Sphagnum spp. Also found here are royal fern Osmunda regalis, lesser skullcap Scutellaria minor, meadow thistle Cirsium dissectum and creeping willow Salix repens, and the largest Surrey colonies of bog hairgrass Deschampsia setacea which is local in Britain and rare in Europe as a whole. Among the many local insects found here are bog bush-cricket Metrioptera brachyptera and a large robber fly Asilus crabroniformis.

Most of the heathland is very overgrown with bracken Pteridium aquilinum and invasive trees and shrubs; mainly silver birch Betula pendula, ScotÕs pine Pinus sylvestris and oak Quercus robur. In several parts of the site there are dense pine plantations which have replaced the heathland completely.

There are several areas of open water within the site, including Bolder Mere and a number of ponds and pools in the wet heathland. Plants growing around the water include several Surrey rarities including shoreweed Littorella uniflora, marsh St JohnÕs wort Hypericum elodes and lesser water-plantain Baldellia ranunculoides. Locally-distributed plants include needle spike-rush Eleocharis acicularis and pillwort Pilularia globulifera. Open water surrounded by heathland presents an ideal habitat for many dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), and over 20 species have been recorded from the site which is thus of national importance for this group. They include the rare white-faced dragonfly Leucorrhinia dubia, the local hairy dragonfly Brachytron pratense and the ruddy darter Sympetrum sanguineum. The site also supports many other local and rare invertebrates. It is of national importance for true flies (Diptera); rare species include a bee fly Thyridanthrax fenestratus and a crane-fly Tipula livida, while the crane-fly Limonia inusta is among the many local species. A large number of local beetles (Coleoptera) are also found, including the ground beetle Amara infima and the weevil Byctiscus populi.

COUNTY: SURREY SITE NAME: PAPERCOURT

BOROUGH: GUILDFORD

Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Local Planning Authority: GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

National Grid References: TQ 035563, TQ 035569, Area: 69.4 (ha.) 171.4 (ac.) TQ 042565

Ordnance Survey Sheet 1:50,000: 186 1:10,000: TQ 05 NW

Date Notified (Under 1949 Act): 1954 Date of Last Revision: 1975

Date Notified (Under 1981 Act): 1986 Date of Last Revision: Ð

Other Information: 1. Papercourt SSSI was formerly known as Newark Priory Marshes and Paper Court SSSI 2. The boundary has been modified at renotification by an extension and several deletions. 3. The site includes Common Land.

Reasons for Notification: Wetland habitats, which were once widespread in the low-lying river valleys of south-east England are now very restricted in area. Much unimproved grassland and marshland has been drained and converted to arable or reseeded farmland, or developed for housing or industry. That which remains is often threatened by water pollution and further development. This site consists of a complex of wetland habitats including unimproved meadows, marshes, streams and flooded gravel pits. These support a number of local plants and a wide variety of breeding and wintering birds.

Thames gravels, exposed where the gravel has been excavated, are overlain by other alluvial deposits in the grassland areas of the site. The large meadow to the west of Papercourt Lock is the only one of its type in Surrey. The central part is dominated by slender tufted sedge Carex acuta which forms a dense canopy about 150 cm (4 ft) high. Under this canopy plants such as marsh bedstraw Galium palustre, marsh birdÕs-foot- trefoil Lotus uliginosus, water dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa, lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula and water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides can be found. Surrounding this area is grassland dominated by meadow foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, tufted hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa with meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris and sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum. On the eastern side of Papercourt Lock is a meadow with a short sward dominated by rough meadow-grass Poa trivialis, creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens and hairy sedge Carex hirta. Strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum is rare in Surrey and also grows here. A stream flows through this meadow, supporting a rich emergent and aquatic flora including greater sweet-grass Glyceria maxima, reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea, and the locally-distributed plants red pondweed Potamogeton alpinus and extended sedge Carex extensa. Small woodlands composed of grey sallow Salix cinerea, crack willow Salix fragilis and alder Alnus glutinosa are distributed throughout the site.

There are three areas of open water within the site where former gravel workings have become artificial lakes. The north-eastern and western ones are used for sailing and settling silt respectively, and they support a limited water flora dominated by the naturalised pondweed Elodea nuttallii. The southern lake, which is used for fishing has a more continuous vegetation cover made up of E. nuttallii, the local pondweeds Potamogeton trichoides and P. acutifolius and yellow waterlily Nuphar lutea.

The variety of habitats represented support large numbers of a great variety of birds. Over 70 species breed within the site. Woodland birds include great-spotted woodpecker, woodcock and nuthatch, while redshank and lapwing breed on the open grasslands which are one of only three breeding sites left for snipe in Surrey. The lakes and streams support breeding kingfisher, great-crested and little grebes and sand martin. The site is also important for wintering birds with over 90 species being observed here regularly. These include cormorant, black-necked grebe, slavonian grebe, marsh harrier, and many wildfowl such as tufted duck, mallard, shoveller, goosander and large numbers of pochard.

Annex C – Biodiversity Opportunity Area Draft Statements

37 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014 Surrey Biodiversity Opportunity Area Statement Revised - May 2009

R04 River Wey (plus tributaries)

River Wey and floodplain stretching from Thames Valley in the north to the county boundary with Hampshire and West Sussex in the south-west.

Joint Character Area: Thames Valley, Thames Basin Heaths, Thames Basin Lowlands, North Downs, Wealden Greensand, Low Weald, Hampshire Downs

Geology: Bagshot Beds, Alluvium, River Terrace Deposits, London Clay, Blackheath, Chalk, Weald Clay, Lower Greensand, Upper Greensand

Topography: To follow

Soils:  Naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils  Loamy and clayey floodplain soils with naturally high groundwater  Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils  Loamy soils with naturally high groundwater  Shallow lime-rich soils over chalk or limestone  Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils  Freely draining slightly acid sandy soils  Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils  Freely draining very acid sandy and loamy soils  Fen peat soils

Biodiversity:  Floodplain Grazing Marsh  Lowland Meadows  Wet Woodland  Urban  The Opportunity Area includes the SSSIs Papercourt, Wey Valley Meadows, Charterhouse to Eashing, Moor Park and 70 SNCIs

Access: Thundry Meadows; SWT, Moor Park; SWT, Papercourt Meadows; SWT, Wey and Godalming Navigations; National Trust, Stoke Park; Guildford Borough Council, Riverside Park; Guildford Borough Council, Lammas Lands; Waverley Borough Council

Archaeology:  Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Remains of the pre-World War II Aerodrome, World War II Bofors Tower and Shelters, and the Brooklands Memorial  Newark Priory: An Augustinian Priory North of the River Wey

Further details available from Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, C/O Surrey Wildlife Trust, School Lane, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0JN Surrey Biodiversity Opportunity Area Statement Revised - May 2009

 Woking Palace Moated Site, Fishponds and Ruins at Oldhall Copse  The Treadwheel Crane  Chilworth Gunpowder Works  Medieval Moated Site West of Vachery Farm  Somerset Bridge  Elstead Bridge  Waverley Abbey: A Cistercian Monastery South of Waverley Abbey House  Bridge, East End of Tilford Common  Bridge, North End of Tilford Green

Targets: To follow

Further details available from Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, C/O Surrey Wildlife Trust, School Lane, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0JN References

1 DEFRA, (2011); DEFRA Guidance on the Improved Local Biodiversity. Proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management has been or is being implemented. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. 2 DEFRA, (2006); Local Sites - Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. 3 DEFRA, (2010); Making Space for Nature: A Review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. 4 Davies, R., (2011); A Revision of the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Surrey, Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, Pirbright.

40 SBIC 14138:- Pyrford Neighborhood Area – Biodiversity Report Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre, July 2014