GLASGOW CITY BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

MONITORING REPORT No 8

APRIL 2009 - MARCH 2010

1 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

WOODLAND 4 Broad-leaved and Mixed Woodland Wet Woodland Hedgerows (Boundaries)

GRASSLAND AND HEATH 5 Neutral and Acid Grasslands Dwarf Shrub Heath

WETLAND 6 Rivers and Streams and Standing Open Water Reedbed, Swamp, Fen, Marsh, Raised Bog

MAMMALS 7 Water Vole Otter Badger

BIRDS 7 Reed Bunting Skylark Swift Tree Sparrow Jack Snipe

AMPHIBIANS 8 Common Frog Common Toad Palmate Newt

FISH 8 Atlantic Salmon

INVERTEBRATES 9 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Dragonflies

PLANTS 9 Bluebell Burnet-saxifrage Tufted Loosestrife Purple Ramping-fumitory Bog-rosemary Toothwort Sheep’s-bit Wood Crane’s-bill Bog-mosses

BUILT UP AREAS AND GARDENS / AWARENESS 10

2 INTRODUCTION

This is the eighth annual Monitoring Report of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). It is an important element in the biodiversity process as it provides an update on the work and successes of the previous 12 months.

The original LBAP (Tranche 1), including an introductory background booklet, along with 9 Species Action Plans (SAPs) and 11 Habitat Action Plans (HAPs), was launched in September 2001. Tranche 2, comprising a further 10 plans (2 HAPs and 8 SAPs), was launched in September 2002. A further series of plans (Tranche 3) followed in March 2005 and a review of actions approved by the Partnership in 2008.

The monitoring and review element of the Plan not only enables reporting on what has been achieved but also helps the Glasgow Biodiversity Partnership in the review process. Each Species and Habitat Action Plan has a series of objectives and details specific actions to be carried out in order to conserve and enhance populations of particular animal and plant species or to protect and enhance sites containing valuable habitats. Objectives and Targets are listed, and a Lead Agency identified for each plan. The role of each Lead Agency is to aim to ensure that actions are delivered by a variety of organisations.

The following pages report on the progress made in implementing the HAPs and SAPs, using information supplied by the various partner organisations, These have been grouped by habitat (e.g. wetlands) or species type (e.g. birds) to save repetition on the reporting of some of the more general actions that help meet the objectives of more than one habitat or species.

3 WOODLAND Broad-leaved and Mixed Woodland Lead FCS: Scott Gordon Wet Woodland Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Hedgerows (Boundaries) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson

Introduction There are a diverse range of woodlands within the City from ancient and semi-natural woods through to mature Policy Estate plantations and newly created community woods and areas of scrub and hedgerows. The Council’s Woodland Unit, initially established with the support of the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage, remains the key focus for co- ordinating action for the City’s woodlands. The Unit is now part of the established structure of Land & Environmental Services

Summary of Action Implementation The Woodland Unit continues to implement the Strategic Woodland Management Plan, with works occurring at a number of sites across the City with funding, in the main, from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and the Council:

x Woodland work at Robroyston Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR) to thin blocks of woodland, clearing sections of path to create scalloped edges for clearer sight lines and habitat enhancement. x Thinning canopy and understory trees at LNR to facilitate woodland regeneration. x Thinning of canopy and understory trees at Crookston Woodlands (5Ha) and thinning of over 1Ha of dense young woodland with the aim of opening up the woodland and allowing vegetation development. x Thinning of woodland at Cardowan Moss LNR in preparation for wildflower enrichment planting, carried out by FCS and volunteers. x Removal of Rhododendron ponticum continues, with total eradication from Dawsholm Park LNR achieved in 2010.

In addition to works supported by FCS:

x 2500 new trees planted at King’s Park, in partnership with Woodland Trust Scotland. x Further hedgerow planting and diversification at Windlaw and Pedmyre farmland. x Large scale hedgerow planting at Millichen area farmland. x Thinning and replanting of woodland at Pollok CP by CRS and volunteers from Shawlands Academy. x Beech and Sycamore removal and oak transplantation by BTCV and GCC Ecologist at Garscadden Wood LNR. x Woodland planting by SWT at Cardowan Moss. x Wildflower planting at Robroyston Park LNR as part of celebrations event to enrich woodlands. x Glebe Hedgerow project continues to restore hedges around conservation village area.

Key Outcomes x Partnership working with a range of organisations. x Thinning of woodland at a number of sites to improve ground flora and understory. x 2500 new trees planted at King’s Park in partnership with Woodland Trust Scotland. x Large scale hedgerow planting at Millichen area farmland.

4 GRASSLAND AND HEATH Neutral Grassland Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Acid Grassland Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Dwarf Shrub Heath Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson

Introduction The grassland plans are aimed at conserving unimproved grasslands particularly on active farmland. These types of grasslands can also be found in the City on waste ground, road verges and within some parks.

Heathlands are now very restricted to small isolated sites and the key aims are their protection and restorative management.

Summary of Action Implementation The park meadow project continues with 39 sites under meadow management. Hogganfield Park LNR and Trinley Braes continued to attract attention with large scale meadow work and further wildflower planting. Due to operational staff shortages not all park meadow received annual cuts in late summer 2009. However, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) team carried out meadow management at 11 sites covering nearly 4 hectares.

Excellent progress has been made on grassland diversification at the farmland between Castlemilk and Carmunnock with some 30 hectares now being managed by a local farmer as species rich grassland, funded by the agri environment (SRDP) award and the Landfill Tax funded Farmland Birds Project.

Other actions included: x Meadow cuts carried out at Robroyston Park LNR by SWT to improve floral diversity and enhance Skylark habitat. x Wildflower planting at Hill 60, Queen’s Park as part of meadow management. x Meadow management carried out at Tollcross and Kelvingrove Parks by GCC Biodiversity Officer and BTCV. x New meadow created at Petershill Business Centre. x Wildflower planting by CRS at Darnley Mill. x Wetland meadow seeded at Windlaw Marsh as part of the Glasgow Living Water Project. x BTCV planted wildflowers at Trinley Braes (500). x Temple Walkway wildflower planting – 5000 plants planted. x Wildflower planting carried out by BTCV at a number of sites including Hogganfield Park LNR, Queen’s Park, Tollcross Park and Provanhall. x Woodland wildflower planting at Springburn Park with LES and SAMH (Mental Health Group). x Wildflower plots (42) marked out at Tollcross Park with meadow areas raked and seeded. x Butterfly garden at weeded out and tidied up. x BTCV cleared Rosebay Willowherb, Broom and Bracken as part of meadow management at . x BTCV removed large areas of Himalayan Balsam from Garscadden Woods grassland. x Yellow Rattle seed collected for Daldowie from local sites. x Removal of invasive plant species at Cleddans Burn. x GCC Highland cattle utilized at Dawsholm Park LNR for meadow management.

Key Outcomes x Over 9 hectares of species rich grassland created at Windlaw Farm as part of SRDP application. x Agreements reached to create 4 hectares of species rich grassland and sympathetically manage 10 hectares x Meadow cut of 10 hectares of grassland at Hogganfield carried out by local farmer.

5 WETLAND Standing Open Water Lead SEPA: Jan Krokowski Rivers and Streams Lead SEPA: Jan Krokowski Reedbed Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Swamp Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Fen Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Marsh Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Raised bog Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson

Introduction The wetland plans comprise several different habitat types ranging from the open water of lochs and ponds, or rivers and streams, through fringing swamps to marginal marshy grasslands. They also include fens and raised bogs, both wetlands associated with organic peaty soils. All are dependent on the amount and quality of the water they receive.

Summary of Action Implementation x Glasgow Living Water Project (Froglife) started in July 2009, with funding for 2 years, to work at Glasgow wetland areas creating and enhancing ponds and involving local communities. x Major edge of loch naturalisation project (phase 1) completed at Hogganfield Park LNR. x Removal of willow scrub and trees around the wetland at Robroyston Park LNR by BTCV to improve the wetlands for waterfowl. x Ten dams installed in Commonhead Moss LNR, by GCC Ecologist and SWT to increase water table. x Hydrological monitoring at Commonhead Moss LNR carried out by SWT, in liaison with GCC Ecologist. x Clearance of birch scrub from line of proposed new path at Commonhead Moss LNR by BTCV. x Four new ponds created at Pedmyre and Windlaw Farm. x New pond, with pond dipping platform, completed at Hogganfield Park LNR. x New pond created at Darnley Mill by Dams to Darnley CRS, LWPO and 23 volunteers. x Three seasonal ponds at Cardowan Moss LNR deepened using volunteers from The Prince’s Trust and BTCV. x Two ponds created at . x Two ponds enlarged and planted up at Cardowan Moss LNR in association with Froglife and BTCV. x Natural edge creation at Dawsholm Park LNR pond with CRS and volunteers. x Ponds at Garscadden Wood LNR, Windlaw farm, Provan Hall and Victoria Park planted up with native aquatic vegetation by BTCV. x Wetland planting enhancement at Maxwell Park. x Bingham’s Pond – BTCV have carried out general tidy ups and transplanted wetland plants to other project areas around Glasgow. x Bishop Loch LNR pond clean up by FCS and local school children. x Further Himalayan Balsam removal from wetlands at Garscadden Burn. x Bat survey carried out alongside River Kelvin.

Key Outcomes x The importance of wetlands to the City continues to be recognised by a host of agencies and volunteers. x Glasgow Living Water Project initiated to create and enhance ponds. x Major naturalisation work to north margin of Hogganfield Loch LNR. x New ponds created at Pedmyre and Garscadden Wood.

6 MAMMALS Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) Lead SEPA: Badger (Meles meles) Lead GCC-CRS Otter (Lutra lutra) Lead GCC-LES: Cath Scott

Introduction The mammal plans cover three species which receive protection under various legislative measures. As such they require to be taken into account by the Council and developers when formulating future plans or proposals for an area.

Summary of Action Implementation

Water Vole The Water Vole is of high conservation concern due to dramatic declines in the UK over the last 30 years. However, there are several sites in the City where they can be found, nearly all in the north of the city.

x Water Vole surveys were carried out at Cleddans Burn. x Advice given to the public and Council staff on Water Vole identification and protection. x Some of the actions undertaken in relation to ‘wetlands’ have also benefitted the water vole.

Otter The Otter until recent years was a scarce visitor to urban areas in the UK. However, in recent years it has been recorded on all the city’s main rivers.

x Records of Otter sightings continue to be collated.

Badger Badger monitoring was carried out at one ‘at risk’ site and wildlife police informed of possible activities.

x Badger survey carried out by CRS in area around Pollok. x Badger survey carried out at Dalmarnock, Clyde Walkway by GCC Ecologists.

Key Outcomes x Water Vole populations continue to be monitored and benefit from wetland habitat enhancement.

BIRDS Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) Lead RSPB: Toby Wilson Skylark (Alauda arvensis) Lead RSPB: Toby Wilson Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) Lead RSPB: Toby Wilson Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) Lead RSPB: Toby Wilson Swift (Apus apus) Lead Concern for Swifts: Clare Darlaston

Introduction Three of the bird species are associated with farmland, one of which, the Reed Bunting, along with Jack Snipe, also frequents wetland habitats, creating strong links to the wetland HAPs.

Summary of Action Implementation

x Breeding birds surveys for Reed Bunting, Skylark and other species carried out at Todd’s Well, Craigend Moss and Bishop Loch. x Continuing monitoring and winter feeding of farmland birds through the Farmland Bird Project and the environmental organisation, Starling Learning.

7 x Winter feeding of farmland birds in the Millichen area is still being undertaken by volunteers from the RSPB Glasgow Local Group x Habitat creation including grasslands, crop fields, hedgerows and ponds at Glasgow farmland. x Monitoring Skylark on newly created grassland at Hogganfield Park LNR. x 9 Swift boxes were installed at The Hub, Wellhouse with the support of the RSPB. x Bird boxes installed at Springburn Park by GCC Ecologist and NHS Scotland. x GCC staff and volunteers continue to survey or monitor bird populations at various sites, notably in the north-east of the City with its regionally important complex of wetland sites.

Key Outcomes x Habitat creation including grasslands, crop fields, hedgerows and ponds at Glasgow farmland. x Continuing monitoring and winter feeding of farmland birds through the Farmland Bird Project.

AMPHIBIANS Palmate Newt (Triturus helveticus) Lead CARG: Jackie Gillespie Common Frog (Rana temporaria) Lead CARG: Jackie Gillespie Common Toad (Bufo bufo) Lead CARG: Jackie Gillespie

Introduction The three amphibian Action Plans are considered together as the objectives and actions are similar for all three species.

Summary of Action Implementation x Population monitoring for Common Frog was carried out at 30 key sites. x BTCV volunteers were given amphibian identification and survey/monitoring techniques training by the Living Water Project Officer (LWPO). x Two hibernacula were built by BTCV volunteers, co-ordinated by the LWPO, at Robroyston Park LNR and Cardowan Moss LNR. x Palmate/Smooth Newt egg survey was carried out using Newt Strips at Darnley Mill.

Key Outcomes x Amphibians benefit from new pond creation and biodiversity enhancement of existing ponds. x Population monitoring for Common Frog was carried out at 30 key sites.

FISH Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Lead RCFMT.

Introduction Over the past year the River Clyde Fisheries Management Trust has continued to work with Clyde River Foundation (CRF), SEPA, Scottish Water and Angling Clubs to protect the watercourses throughout the Clyde catchment.

Summary of Action Implementation x High proportion of anglers practice ‘catch and release’ to return fish unharmed to river. x Trust currently involved in ensuring Salmon have unhindered passage upstream to spawning grounds. x Clyde in the Classroom welcomed its 10,000th pupil to the project in February. 245 schools are registered with the project and pupils from 50 schools were given trout eggs to incubate in classroom hatcheries in January.

8 INVERTEBRATES Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) Lead BC: Richard Sutcliffe Dragonflies and Damselflies Lead LES-CRS: Sandy McNeil

Introduction The scope of the invertebrates has increased with development of the Dragonfly plan, and other invertebrates groups are gaining more attention. The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is only known from a few sites in Glasgow and population numbers at most sites are low.

Summary of Action Implementation x Counts of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary made during monitoring site visits to Commonhead Moss and a volunteer carried out a transect count. x Population survey of Green Hairstreak butterfly carried out at Commonhead Moss LNR – the only site for this butterfly in the City. x Butterfly transect carried out at Darnley Mill pLNR by CRS. x Moth trapping carried out at Pollok CP by CRS to ascertain range of species to be found. x Key Outcomes x Monitoring of key butterfly species at Commonhead Moss LNR indicates populations of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Green Hairstreak in Glasgow are still viable.

PLANTS Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Lead FCS: Tommy McGrory Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga) Lead GCC-LES(CG): Keith Watson Purple Ramping Fumitory (Fumaria purpurea) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Tufted Loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Sheep’s-bit (Jasione montana) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Wood Crane’s-bill (Geranium sylvaticum) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson Bog-mosses (Sphagnum spp.) Lead GCC-LES (CG): Keith Watson

Introduction There are many plants occurring in Glasgow which have been identified from survey work as being rare within the City. Conservation work has been focused on protecting their semi- natural habitats but some specific actions have also been taken to monitor or enhance populations.

Summary of Action Implementation x Bog Rosemary monitoring carried out in May 2009. x Toothwort populations monitored at Pollok Park. x Burnet-saxifrage populations targeted for meadow management at Cathkin Braes. x Locally grown bluebells planted out at LNR sites. x LBAP species and other local native plants continue to be grown at Daldowie nursery. x Fungal foray at Dawsholm Park LNR with Biodiversity Officer and GNHS.

Key Outcomes x Daldowie Nursery continues to provide a vital source of local provenance wildflowers for projects at LNRs and other key greenspaces.

9 BUILT UP AREAS AND GARDENS / AWARENESS Built Up Areas and Gardens: Lead SNH: Jimmy Hyslop Awareness: Lead GCC-LES (CG): Carol MacLean

Introduction This plan includes all residential areas, including gardens, and other man made built structures such as industrial estates and retail parks, as well as waste and derelict ground, urban parkland and transport infrastructure. It also includes allotments. These built up areas and gardens account for 75% of the total land area of Glasgow.

Raising awareness and public involvement are key elements of the LBAP process.

Summary of Action Implementation Objective - Ensure Developments and land use policies help to maintain and encourage biodiversity.

x Biodiversity Officer attended Climate Change Workshop held by GCC-DRS. x GCC Ecologists/Biodiversity Officers provided ecological advice for a number of sites including: Duchray Park, Millerston/Robroyston Community Growth Area, and Hamiltonhill Allotments, amongst others. x GCC Ecologist contributed to the Council’s Green Audit.

Objective - Promote the implementation of sympathetic and sustainable management practices.

x A bat seminar was held by the Scottish Bat Group for Council staff including planners and landscape architects (38 attendees) which included information on identifying bat roosts and prime bat habitat and the legal requirements for bat protection. x Prince’s Trust volunteers (12) were given training in management and survey techniques at Robroyston Park and Hogganfield Park LNRs in conjunction with GCC Ecologist and BTCV. x Bingham’s Pond naturalisation project used as a demonstration to other Local Authorities hoping to enhance greenspaces for biodiversity. x Management Plans monitored and implemented at Local Nature Reserves. x BTCV worked with the GCC Biodiversity Officers and Ecologists to implement habitat management across the City – 118 days amounting to 788 volunteer days. x SWT worked with GCC Biodiversity Officers and Ecologists to implement habitat management across the City – 19 days amounting to 223 volunteer days.

Objective - Raise awareness and understanding of biodiversity in the wider community.

x BBC Breathing Spaces ‘Tree O’clock’ world record attempt took place in King’s Park with over 60 volunteers planting 2000 trees in an hour. x Wildlife Counts Project, organised by BTCV, was established. The first workshop, on bryophytes, was held in November 2009 at Linn Park (10 people attended). The aim is to encourage species ID and biological recording with volunteers and biodiversity mentors. x A Wildlife Quest and LNR Celebration event was held at Provan Hall and nearby Local Nature Reserves to encourage wildlife recording – 200 people attended with new records generated. x Robroyston Park LNR celebration ‘C in the Park’ was held in June with 450 people attending. x Cardowan Moss LNR celebration event was held in September with guided walks and stalls of information – CRS, FCS, Froglife and GCC took part. x ‘Spring into Life’ event at Kelvingrove Park saw 250 people planting over 1000 plants. x Clyde in the Classroom welcomed its 10,000th pupil to the project in February. 245 schools are registered with the project and pupils from 50 schools were given trout eggs to incubate in classroom hatcheries in January.

10 x International Biodiversity Day event for schools held at Tollcross Park with 250 children taking part. x A Wetlands and Ponds event was held at Old Station Park by the ‘Friends Of’ group with over 300 people attending. x An awareness raising event was held at Darnley Mill for the general public about amphibians and wildlife recording by Dams to Darnley CRS and LWPO. x The Glasgow Biodiversity Partnership signed up to become a partner in International Year of Biodiversity through the Natural History Museum, London. x Biodiversity Newsletters Issue 14 and 15 produced and distributed widely to Council staff, elected members and community groups. x Glasgow biodiversity articles (4) contributed to the BTO ‘BIG’ Newsletter. x Glasgow biodiversity articles submitted to the national Scottish Biodiversity Forum Newsletter, City Insider and other relevant journals. x GCC website biodiversity pages continue to be updated with local news, information and events. x Talks given to schools (3), community council (1) and CARG (1) about ponds by LWPO. x Grounds for Excellence training day held by GCC Education and Grounds for Learning, with workshop on wildlife gardens for nursery schools involving a demonstration by GCC staff and Forest Kindergartens (FCS). x RSPB workshop held for Council staff on how to improve parks for biodiversity. GCC Biodiversity Officer gave a talk and tour of Kelvingrove as part of this. x GCC Parks Environmental Education Packs (5) distributed to interested schools. x Wildlife garden and biodiversity advice given to a number of schools throughout the year. x Interpretation cairn installed at Hogganfield Park LNR. x Three interpretation panels developed for wetlands, woodlands and grasslands in Dawsholm Park LNR. x GCC Ecologist and Biodiversity Officer guided Glasgow Natural History Society members on an invertebrate excursion to Trinley Braes and Bingham’s Pond. x Biodiversity was promoted by GCC staff at the Glasgow Show through displays, leaflets and seed packet distribution. x 306 schools are registered as Eco Schools – a key element of this is biodiversity. x Outdoor classrooms were developed at eight schools including nurseries, primaries and one secondary school. x 37 schools received SNH grants to develop school grounds for biodiversity. x A number of schools took part in Forest School sessions with CRS and FCS. x GCC Education and RSPB promoted ‘Bird Friendly Schools Programme’ with over 60 schools taking part. This included a bird feeder competition in conjunction with Kelvingrove Museum. x Glasgow Youth Film Festival screened ‘Turtle – the incredible journey’ to over 250 school pupils at Cineworld Parkhead with a Q&A session on biodiversity. x Women’s Aid Group worked at Garscadden Wood LNR – litter pick, tree planting and wildflower planting. x Wildflower planting at Hill 60, Queen’s Park with the Council’s Ecologist, Culture & Sport Glasgow’s play scheme and school children. x Wildflower planting at Dawsholm Park LNR by CRS and Children’s Outdoor Adventure Club. x A community bench was installed at Garscadden Wood LNR by Glasgow Greenspace working with primary schools. There was an official launch by local Councillors. x Trinley Braes – school pupils planted wildflowers with help with BTCV. x Cardonald College students helped weed Kelvingrove Butterfly Garden. x Hindu temple members undertook tree planting at Kelvingrove Park.

11 Key Outcomes x A wide range of projects were hosted by the biodiversity partners all of whom recognise the importance of raising awareness and involving local people in the biodiversity process, whether it be at the local, national or international level. x People all ages and from all backgrounds volunteered to help with 1000s of people taking part in these events. x Clyde in the Classroom welcomed its 10,000th pupil to the project in February. 245 schools are registered with the project and pupils from 50 schools were given trout eggs to incubate in classroom hatcheries in January. x BBC Breathing Spaces ‘Tree O’clock’ world record attempt took place in King’s Park with over 60 volunteers planting 2000 trees in an hour. x International Biodiversity Day event for schools held at Tollcross Park with 250 children taking part.

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