Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End, Solihull
Management Plan
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys
August 2020
Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End, Solihull
Management Plan
1. Background information
1.1 Site location
Nearest town, village or feature Chadwick End, Solihull
Grid reference SP 20732 72947
Total area (ha) 0.50
1.2 Description of the grassland in the landscape
The site currently comprises a single paddock which until recently had become almost completely overgrown with Bramble Rubus fruticosus and Hawthorn Crataegus mongyna scrub and stands of tall ruderal vegetation. Small, remnant patches of the original grassland remained in places (Fig. 1), and the whole paddock was bordered by intact, species rich hedgerows. Clearance in spring 2020 has left much of the site as bare ground (Fig. 2). The remaining grassland was dominated by Creeping Fescue Festuca rubra, Smooth Meadow- grass Poa pratensis and False Oatgrass Arrhenatherum elatius, with Creeping Soft-grass Holcus mollis, Yorkshire Fog H. lanatus, Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata, Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, a brome species Bromus sp, and Soft Rush Juncus effusus also present.
Fig. 1 Grass patch Fig. 2 Cleared site in spring 2020
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 1 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
A range of forbs were noted, these including Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Pignut Conopodium majus, Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium, Field Forget-me-not Myosotis arvensis, Yarrow Achillea millefolium, Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustris, Nipplewort Lapsana communis and Dandelion Taraxacum Section Vulgaria. Tall ruderals included Common Nettle Urtica dioica, Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius, Curled Dock R. crispus, Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium and Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. A fern species Dryopteris sp was also present. Much of the site had been covered in Bramble scrub, and a large block of this was still present at the eastern side of the site, along with a heap of cut Bramble (Figs. 3 and 4).
Figs. 3 & 4 Bramble scrub and heap The boundaries were marked by intact, species rich hedgerows, these containing Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, with Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Holly Ilex aquifolium, English Elm Ulmus procera, Elder Sambucus nigra and Dog Rose Rosa canina also recorded. Scattered trees in the hedge included Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur, Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Cherry plum Prunus cerasifera.
1.3 History of management
Ghent’s Meadow has been in the Ghent family for over 300 years. Up until the past 20 years or so it has been used as a paddock for animal grazing. Over the past 20 years it has become disused and overgrown with unauthorised use by the village as a general dumping ground for building waste and rubbish.
In spring 2020, the field was partially stripped of the established ruderal vegetation, Bramble and scrub, and levelled. Some top soil was removed from the area surrounding the pond and spread in the lower section of the site, leaving predominantly bare ground. Some established native trees were left in situ.
The owners want to re-establish a meadow on the site, enriching this with wildflowers to enhance the biodiversity.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 2 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
An overgrown and silted up field pond will also be restored, which it is hoped will benefit wildlife and assist with draining the boggy area at the extreme southwestern corner of the site.
2. Grassland information
2.1 Areas and features
In Adjacent to Mapped 2.1.1 Designated areas grassland grassland
Special Areas for Conservation (SACs) - - - Special Protection Areas (SPAs) - - - Ramsar Sites - - - National Nature Reserves (NNRs) - - - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) - - - Other designations e.g.: Sites of Importance for - - - Nature Conservation (SINCs), Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), County Wildlife Sites (CWS)
Details Approximately 3.0 km to the north-west is Brook Meadow, a traditionally managed herb-rich meadow lying beside the Cuttle Brook in central Warwickshire on the border with Solihull. The meadow is of special interest for a type of herb-rich flood meadow grassland characterised by Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis and Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis, which is now very scarce nationally and in the County. It lies on alluvium, which in turn overlies the Keuper Marl, a major geological formation in this part of the county. Local Wildlife Sites; Priests Park Wood, Hay Wood and Baddesley Clinton Park all lie within 2.0 km of the site and are predominately valuable for their broadleaved woodland. Potential Local Wildlife Sites Chadwick Netherwood Lane Hay Meadows lies within 0.5 km of the site.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 3 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
In Adjacent to 2.1.2 Rare and important species Mapped grassland grassland
Red Data Book or BAP species - - - Rare, threatened, EPS or SAP species - - - Details Ecological data was gathered from:
❑ Multi Agency Geographic Information (MAGIC) website www.magic.gov.uk;
❑ Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council planning website.
❑ Records from Cotswold Wildlife Surveys previous surveys. Amphibians There are Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus records approximately 200 m to the south of the site. Reptiles No reptiles are recorded in the vicinity. Birds No bird species records are held publicly, although species recorded on site include Woodpigeon Columba palumbus, Wren Troglodytes troglodytes, Dunnock Prunella modularis, Robin Erithacus rubecula, Chiffchaff Phylloscopus colybita, Goldcrest Regulus regulus, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, Magpie Pica pica and Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Bats There are records nearby of a Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus roost and two records of unidentified bats, all from properties 350-500 m south of the site. Badgers There are a number of historic and recent Badger Meles meles road casualties in and around Chadwick End suggesting the presence of a sett in the area. Other species No other species were noted.
In Adjacent to 2.1.3 Habitats Mapped grassland grassland
Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) - - - Other semi-natural woodland - - - Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) - - - Semi-natural features in PAWS - - -
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 4 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
Woodland margins and hedges - ✓ - Veteran and other notable trees - - - Breeding sites - ✓ - Habitats of notable species or subject to HAPs - - - Unimproved grassland - - - Rides and open ground - - - Valuable wildlife communities - - - Feeding areas - ✓ - Lowland heath - - - Peatlands - - - Others - - - Details The northwestern, southwestern and southeastern boundary of the site are bounded by intact, mature, species rich hedgerows. The land is predominantly bare earth with a large patch of Bramble scrub.
In Adjacent to Map 2.1.4 Water grassland grassland
Watercourses - - - Lakes - - - Ponds ✓ - ✓ Wetland habitats - - -
Details There was a small pond on the site which had recently been re-excavated. In Adjacent to 2.1.5 Landscape Map grassland grassland
Landscape designated areas - - - Landscape features - - - Rock exposures - - - Historic landscapes - - - Areas of the grassland prominent from roads - - -
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 5 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
Areas of the grassland prominent from - - - settlements
Details Not applicable. In Adjacent to 2.1.6 Cultural features Map grassland grassland
Public rights of way ✓ - ✓ Prominent viewing points - - - Permissive footpaths - - - Areas managed with traditional management - - - systems
Details A public footpath runs the length of the site adjacent to the northern boundary. In Adjacent to 2.1.7 Archaeological features Map grassland grassland
Scheduled monument - - - Historical features - - -
Details Not applicable.
2.2 Significant hazards, constraints and threats
There are no hazards or threats.
3. Long term vision, management objectives & strategy
3.1 Long term vision
To create a semi-improved species rich neutral grassland with robust boundary hedgerows.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 6 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
3.2 Management objectives
No. Objective
3.2.1 Create a seed bed and plant with a permanent wildflower grass mix appropriate to the soil type.
3.2.2 Manage the grassland to reduce weed burden and encourage a mixture of grasses and broadleaved flowering plants.
3.2.3 Maintain the boundaries as wide, diverse broadleaved hedgerows.
3.3 Strategy
Produce a 10-year management plan to be implemented by the developer/landowner.
4. Management prescriptions/operations
4.1 Protection and maintenance
4.1.1 Pest and disease management There is no evidence of deer, or Badger damage, but Rabbits Oryctolagus cunniculus are thought to be present. It is not considered that animal pests will be a problem during establishment. Colonisation by weed species such as Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, Sow Thistle Sonchus spp, Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, etc, could become an issue. Ideally these would be controlled by hand weeding with a grubber, if this is not possible, then they should be spot sprayed with an appropriate herbicide. A small area of Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica was identified and should be prioritised for destruction. The most appropriate eradication method is the twice annual treatment with herbicide as instructed here; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese- knotweed-from-spreading and here; https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=218. Japanese Knotweed is a highly invasive and destructive plant and its eradication should be prioritised, you have a legal obligation to control it under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act; anti-social behaviour, see; https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20200610184227/https://assets.publishing.servi ce.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/364846/Japanese_Kn otweed_information_note.pdf
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 7 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
4.1.2 Fire plan N/A
4.1.3 Waste disposal and pollution
N/A
4.1.4 Protection from unauthorised activities
The site is on private land and is protected from the unauthorised activities by hedgerows and field access gates. Additional fencing will not be required.
4.1.5 Protection of other identified services and values
N/A
4.2 Protecting & enhancing biodiversity and special features
4.2.1 Management of designated areas
N/A
4.2.2 Measures to enhance biodiversity and other special features
In order to more successfully establish a semi-improved neutral grassland on the site, it may first be necessary to treat any emergent Bramble and scrub with an appropriate herbicide. A stale seedbed would also help establish the chosen seed mixture without the burden of weed species. This is created by allowing the existing weed species to germinate, then spray them off prior to re-seeding. Cultivations to produce a seed bed ready for sowing an appropriate seed mixture in September for an ungrazed establishment over the winter. A suitable seed mixture would be one of the general purpose meadow mixtures from Emorsgate Seeds see https://wildseed.co.uk/mixtures/category/meadow-and-grassland or from https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seeds/13/meadows Advice will be provided at the time on the establishment phase of the grass mix and can be obtained from the seed company. Maintenance of the sward will then be undertaken through annual summer and autumn grazing or an annual hay cut if a suitable grazier cannot be found.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 8 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
4.2.3 Measures to mitigate impacts on landscape and neighbouring land N/A
4.3 Management of social and cultural values
4.3.1 Archaeology and sites of cultural interest N/A
4.3.2 Public access and impacts on local people
The public footpath along the side of the site will allow the local community and other visitors to enjoy the new grassland. However, they should be encouraged to keep to the path while the grassland establishes. No new paths or tracks will be created, and the field will be retained in a natural state.
5. Consultation
Organisation Date Comment Response/action or individual received
- - - -
6. Work programmes
6.1 Short-term work programme 2012/13-2016/17
Year Compartment Activity 1 2 3 4 5
Whole field Carry out walkover survey in July 2020 to ✓ establish baseline ecological data for the site.
Whole field Retain all boundary hedgerows and instigate ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ a regime of cutting and side trimming only, once every 3 years, except where this is necessary to maintain access.
Whole field Cultivate field and create seed bed. Sow with ✓ appropriate Meadow Mixture in September as directed.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 9 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
Whole field During the establishment phase top cut the ✓ excluding grass field every 6-8 weeks to encourage sward margins development and prevent seeding by tall ruderals.
Whole field Establish light grazing regime of sheep or ✓ ✓ ✓ excluding grass cattle in summer/autumn. If no suitable margins grazier is found, take annual hay cut after mid-July.
Whole field Carry out updated botanical survey to assess ✓ ✓ progress with grassland creation and sward development.
6.2 Long-term work programme 2017/18-2025/26
Year Field Activity 6 7 8 9 10
Whole field Continue with light grazing regime or annual ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ hay cuts.
Whole field Carry out updated botanical survey in late ✓ May to assess success of grassland creation.
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 10 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
7. Maps
Map No./Title Description 1 Site location – showing boundary (red dotted line), public footpath (yellow dashed line), and pond (blue).
Map 1: Site location
N
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 11 Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan 3646-CWS-01
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys Limited Company Reg. No. 6864285 (England & Wales)
Andy Warren BSc (Hons), MA (LM), Tech Cert (Arbor A), MIEEM, TechArborA Withy Way, Charingworth, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6NU
Tel: 01386 593056/07879 848449
Ghent’s Meadow, Warwick Road, Chadwick End – Management Plan
To: Steve Ghent
Report Number: 3646-CWS-01
Version: 02
Date: 2nd September 2020
Cotswold Wildlife Surveys 12