Sanctuary Magazine Which Exemplary Sustainability Work Carried Westdown Camp Historic Environments, Access, Planning and Defence

THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE Number 43 • 2014 THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE

MOD celebrates thirty years of conserving owls and raptors on Salisbury Plain

Climate change adaptation Number 43 • 2014 and resilience on the MOD estate

Spend 2 Save switch on the success CONTACTS Foreword by Jonathan Slater Director General Head Office and Defence Infrastructure SD Energy, Utilities & Editor Commissioning Services Organisation Sustainability Team Iain Perkins DIO manages the MOD’s property The SD EUS team is responsible for Energy Hannah Mintram It has been another successful year infrastructure and ensures strategic Management, Energy Delivery and Payment, for the Sanctuary Awards with judges management of the Defence estate as a along with Water and Waste Policy whole, optimising investment and Implementation and Data across the MOD Designed by having to choose between some very providing the best support possible to estate both in the UK and Overseas. Aspire Defence Services Ltd impressive entries. I am delighted to the military. Multi Media Centre see that the Silver Otter trophy has Energy Management Team Secretariat maintains the long-term strategy Tel: 0121 311 2017 been awarded to the Owl and Raptor for the estate and develops policy on estate Editorial Board Nest Box Project on Salisbury Plain. management issues. It is the policy lead for Energy Delivery and Payment Team Julia Powell (Chair) This project has been running for sustainable estate. Tel: 0121 311 3854

Richard Brooks more than three decades and is still Water and Waste Policy Implementation thriving thanks to the huge Operational Development and Data Team Editorial Contact dedication of its team of volunteers. and Coherence Tel: 0121 311 2423 Defence Infrastructure The ODC Infrastructure Professional Services Organisation A new Sustainability Business Award (IPS) team provides professional support to FMC Cap Infra Building 21 has also been awarded for the first the MOD. IPS acts as a focal point for all FMC Cap Infra acts as the strategic Westdown Camp time this year, and whilst our industry environmental needs and enquiries across infrastructure planners and policy makers the estate providing a dedicated Tilshead partners have been regular recipients for Defence; taking a defence-wide Knapweed Broomrape © Crown team of professional experts in a variety of perspective on estate assets and Salisbury SP3 4RS of the other Sanctuary Award environmental disciplines. construction, and advice for capability Email: [email protected] It gives me great pleasure to categories, this award has been planning for estate and infrastructure. Tel: 01980 674807 welcome you to the 2014 edition of established to recognise the DIO Infrastructure Professional Services The opinions expressed in the magazine Building 21 Including agriculture, forestry, natural and are not necessarily those of the Ministry of Sanctuary Magazine which exemplary sustainability work carried Westdown Camp historic environments, access, planning and Defence. Notwithstanding Section 48 of Sanctuary is an annual showcases some of the great out by them. I would like to offer my Tilshead strategic engagement, waste management, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act Salisbury SP3 4RS publication about sustainable sustainability work taking place across congratulations to each of the energy, and environmental protection, Tel: 01980 674704 1988, the Ministry of Defence reserves the development in the Ministry of the MOD to benefit the MOD estate. Sanctuary Award winners and Greening Government Commitments and right to publish authors’ literary and Defence (MOD), and the runners up, all of which have shown IPS Natural Environment Team MOD’s sustainability strategy. photographic contributions to Sanctuary sustainable management of the Our estate is an essential enabler for outstanding commitment to Tel: 01980 674820 Contact: in further and similar publications owned natural and built assets across the delivering Defence capability. The improving the sustainability of the IPS Historic Environment Team [email protected] by the Ministry of Defence. This is subject Defence estate. It illustrates how following articles show that a estate. Tel: 01980 674718 to contrary agreement, which must be the MOD is undertaking its sustainable estate that is resilient and IPS Sustainable Development Support communicated to the editor in writing. responsibility for stewardship of adaptable to defence requirements, As you may be aware, these are Tel: 01980 674866 Authors’ contributions will be acknowledged with each and every the estate in the UK and overseas. now and in the future, is an integral exciting times for the Defence IPS Environmental Planning Team It is designed for a wide audience, part of Defence business. Infrastructure Organisation which has Tel: 01980 674665 publication. Maps in this publication are from the general public, to the recently welcomed its new Chief reproduced from the Ordnance Survey IPS Access and Recreation Team map, by Defence Infrastructure people who work for us or There are some fantastic initiatives, Executive Richard McCarthy who I Tel: 01980 674782 Organisation, with the permission of the volunteer as members of the including the Dartmoor Mires Project look forward to working with, along IPS Scottish Environmental Liaison Team controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery MOD Conservation Groups. restoring an area of blanket bog to with the rest of the incoming Tel: 01383 648042 Defence Office, Crown Copyright. improve the ability of the peat habitat Executive Management Team, to IPS Forestry Team Infrastructure Sanctuary is produced for the to provide clean water supply, absorb continue to drive initiatives for a Tel: 01980 674766 Organisation Unauthorised reproduction infringes MOD by the Defence heavy rainfall and carbon; water sustainable estate. Crown Copyright and may lead to Infrastructure Organisation. efficiency with the Aquatrine prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence Partners; and the Environmental and I hope you enjoy reading this year’s Number GD3189G. Sanctuary has been printed by Socio-economic assessment audit at magazine. the kind sponsorship of the the British Army Training Unit Industry Partners below: Kenya (BATUK). Cover image: A 6th Century Anglo-Saxon button brooch. The artefact depicts the snarling face of a possible warrior in a helmet and is made of copper alloy, covered in gold leaf. The brooch was one of a pair found in the grave of a young, high-status, female who also had the remnants of a cosmetic brush, square- headed brooch, rings and bead necklace with her. This brooch was found during the excavation at Barrow Clump, Salisbury Plain.

Sennybridge Training Area © Crown

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 101 FOREWORD Foreword by Richard McCarthy Chief Executive Defence Infrastructure Organisation

I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this year ’s Sanctuary Magazine and to be able to introduce myself as the new Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

As you will be aware, the Department is still undergoing a period of great change and DIO remains at the forefront of the transformation agenda having recently brought on board Capita, working with URS and PA Consulting, as its Strategic Business Partner.

These are still early days, but on behalf of myself and DIO’s Executive Management Team, I would like to say that we are all very enthusiastic about the future and the potential that this exciting new partnership brings to further improve the way the Defence estate is run for our military customers.

The Defence estate is managed to enable military demand and capability with DIO being key to this delivery. DIO’s effective management of the infrastructure Sanctuary Magazine is the MOD’s all and I am personally committed business includes the integration sustainability publication produced to supporting this in the future. of environmental and by DIO. It is a celebration of the sustainability best practice. This excellent environmental and I look forward to getting out and ensures we can not only achieve sustainability delivery across about on the Defence estate in the the military requirements but also Defence including, but wider than, coming months to see first hand embeds environmental DIO’s immediate business. It allows some of these and other new management and future us to showcase some of the many sustainable projects in action. sustainability of the estate in our successes in this area. Indeed, daily thinking and delivery. As a I would like to reiterate Jonathan relative newcomer to DIO, I am Slater’s congratulations to the already impressed with the winners and runners up of this commitment of our staff and year’s Sanctuary Awards and also partners to this agenda - thank all of those who contributed examples of which can be found articles. The hard work and throughout this publication. They dedication demonstrated in the bring real value to our work and Sanctuary Awards and Magazine the estate. articles serve as fine examples to us

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 1 CONTENTS

FOREWARD 1 AROUND THE REGIONS 65

THE SANCTUARY AWARDS 3 Spotlight on… AWE Aldermaston, Berkshire 66 FEATURES RAF Valley, Anglesey 68 Climate change adaptation and resilience on 8 Barry Buddon, Angus 69 the MOD estate RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire 70 Thorney Island - Working together in Chichester Harbour 11 Spend 2 Save - Switch on the success 12 MOD Pendine, Camarthenshire 71 One community, many generations - Community 14 DIO SD Training South West, 72 archaeology at RAF Lakenheath Cornwall and Devon The raptor and owl nest box project - Thirty years of 16 Penhale, Cornwall 73 barn owl conservation RMB Chivenor, Devon 74 Aquatrine - The first ten years 18 Fingringhoe Ranges, Essex 75 Reducing the environmental impact of the treated sewage 19 discharge at Castlemartin Range RAF Leuchars, Fife 76 The prisoners of Rat Island 20 Duke of Gloucester Barracks, Gloucester 77 SPTA Greenlaning - Good practice guide 22 DCPG Southwick Park, Hampshire 78 When is a seed not a seed? Rare Ostracoda and plants 24 of Bulrush Lake, Penhale Sands DIO SD Training South East, Hampshire 79 Operation Nightingale - Excavations at RAF Akrotiri 26 Defence Munitions Gosport, Hampshire 81 Protecting the environment - Beyond the borders 27 Newtown Ranges, Isle of Wight 82 British Army Training Unit Kenya - An environmental 28 DIO SD Training South East, 83 audit Kent and East Sussex The helicopters are not the only thing buzzing 31 ATR Air Weapons Range Holbeach, 84 at RAF Shawbury Lincolnshire Netheravon Airfield, Salisbury Plain 32 100 years of flying history DIO SD Training NI, 85 Northern Ireland A decade of sustainable management on the 34 Defence Training Estate Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire 87 Scraesdon Fort - Entrance bridge replacement 36 RAF Cosford, Shropshire 88 Senne Training Area - Still managed the traditional way 37 Thorney Island, West Sussex 89 Working in harmony with nature on the MOD 38 Bulford, Wiltshire 90 housing estate From Farms to Arms - The History of Catterick Military 40 Imber, Wiltshire 91 Training Area Larkhill and Westdown, Wiltshire 92 Brown hairstreak in South East Wiltshire 42 DST Leconfield Carrs, East Yorkshire 93 Army Basing Programme - Consulting for a Masterplan 44 Catterick Training Area, North Yorkshire 94 Birds of Prey on the Fingringhoe Ranges 46 RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire 95 MOD Pendine - New Catcher Butts initiative saves all round 48 Ripon Parks, North Yorkshire 96 Conservation at Ballykinler - A stakeholders perspective 49 Strensalls flagship ponds 50 Strensall Common, North Yorkshire 97 Sustainability at the heart of the Lend Lease - Redevelopment 52 Senne Training Area, Germany 98 of Beacon Barracks British Forces Gibraltar, Gibraltar 99 The UK National Tree Seed Project - Safeguarding juniper 54 for future generations Mosquito management on the wetlands of Akrotiri 56 Castlemartin - A grassland make-over 58 Exercise Tally Ho! The excavation of a Spitfire 60 on Salisbury Plain Implementation and sustainability supporting 62 Army Energy Month THE CONSERVATION TEAM 100 Making woodland work 64 CONTACTS 101

2 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS

The Sanctuary Awards The Ministry of Defence (MOD) prestigious Sanctuary Awards recognises and encourages group and individual efforts that benefit sustainable The Sanctuary Award Board development, energy saving measures, wildlife, archaeology, The Sanctuary Award Board for environmental improvement or community awareness of conservation 2014 was made up of Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Julia on or within land and property that the MOD owns or uses in the UK or Powell, Deputy Head (Policy), overseas. Jane Hallett, Assistant Head (Estates Policy), Alan Mayes, The 2014 Awards were divided into five categories: Environmental Deputy Head (Secretariat), Julian Project, Heritage Project, Sustainability Project, Energy Project and Chafer, Head SD Energy, Utilities Individual Achievement. The winners of each category were considered and Sustainability Team, Richard for two further awards. Brooks, Principal Conservation Manager and acting as external The coveted Silver Otter is awarded to Conservation Groups or judges: Martin Baxter Executive individuals, MOD personnel or MOD-led projects. New this year, the Director of Policy at the Institute Sustainable Business Award is awarded to more commercial projects of Environmental Management & Assessment and Marcus Yeo, the who have achieved a particular success in ensuring sustainable solutions Joint Nature Conservation that deliver against the commitment to the armed forces by enabling Council Managing Director. them to live, train and work.

EnvIROnMEnTAl PROJEC T AWARD WINNER The Raptor and Owl Nest Box Project

part of conservation work on Salisbury The project has been closely involved Plain. A dedicated team of volunteers with the DIO aspirations for biodiversity now monitor, record, repair and clean and is an excellent example of around 500 nest boxes on the Plain and conservation working alongside a further 600 in the Pewsey vale, military needs. The data collected nadder, Avon and Wylye valleys where increases our knowledge of the health local farms and estates have been keen of biodiversity enabling effective long to be involved. Work continues all year term management decisions to round, in all weathers and the be made. enthusiasm for this project and its aims shows no sign of slowing down. Read more about this project on page 16.

Using recycled timber the team strive to provide the best nest boxes that can be produced, with minimum or no cost. In particular, they have always looked Three young barn owls © nigel lewis for better ways to exclude non-target species so increasing nest box The Raptor and Owl nest Box Project occupancy rates. was conceived by Maj (Retd) nigel lewis back in 1983 to conserve owls The team readily gives advice to other and raptors on Salisbury Plain Training MOD conservation groups looking to Area where the habitat is ideal but had support owl populations on their long lacked suitable nesting sites. training areas and host bird ringing demonstrations at nest box sites Thirty years on, the project has evolved enabling others to learn about from a small acorn to an established the process. Measuring a little owl © Michael Groves

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 3 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS

EnvIROnMEnTAl PROJEC T AWARD RUNNER Up Duke of Gloucester Barracks Conservation Group

will allow a greater variety of herb rich species to flourish as well as associated invertebrates.

The conservation group is only one aspect of the wider environmental work being undertaken at DoG Bks. The station has successfully used the EMSAS Framework and the CO’s SHE&SD Action Plan to improve sustainability and environmental performance. Utility usage is regularly monitored and Members of the Conservation Group © Crown efficiencies have been made by installing roof insulation, attaching At the Duke of Gloucester Barracks stakeholders, building relationships variable speed pumps and inverters to (DoG Bks) in South Cerney there is great with the community and using the district heating system and ambition to make a positive impact on resources efficiently. upgrading lighting. conservation and sustainability. Although in its infancy, the Species and habitat surveys have been The group has clearly shown that a plan conservation group has already completed to assess the potential for and strategy is in place to achieve gains achieved a vast amount in a short improvements; changes to calcareous for the environment. time by engaging with external grassland management within the site EnERGY PROJECT AWARD WINNER RPC Central CarillionAmey Energy Team

solutions to fit all 58 sites. The results from this research coupled with information gathered from past maintenance works, helped to produce a schedule of projects which could be rolled out in large numbers across the estate.

Project work included the installation of innovative lED lighting, building and RAF northolt © Phillips pipe insulation, street and security lighting, boiler optimisers and the The RPC Central CarillionAmey Energy Through the implementation of a upgrade of Building Energy Team are responsible for identifying fast-track carbon strategy programme Management Systems at 23 MOD sites. opportunities and overseeing the the team have lowered energy delivery and reporting of the Energy consumption, carbon emissions and With tight payback criteria, the £17m Management programme. achieved financial savings. This work invested in these technologies will see Ray Antonelli heads up the team with supports the DIO led Spend to Save savings of £7.5m in a full year with a 2.1 responsibility for the Spend to Save programme and the MOD Greening year payback. When added to the programme and the Energy Bureau. He Government targets. savings already achieved from the is supported by Kevin Muttitt, Energy previous two years of the programme Implementation Manager, Alan Stagles, The team undertook research of the (£8.5m), the CarillionAmey Energy Team Bureau Project Manager and Paul latest technologies available and best will have made total savings of £19.2m. Fallon, Energy Bureau Data Manager. practice to provide technological

4 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS

EnERGY PROJEC T AWARD RUNNER Up GM Support Team and PriDE logistic Services Bicester is a principle working environment for warehouse logistics centre and has been classified operatives. Savings were made by as a high energy user spending £6m switching the primary fuel from furnace per year on utilities. As part of the fuel oil to natural gas, installing lED Spend to Save programme, the General lighting, draft exclusions and boiler and Warehouse thermal imagery © Crown Management (GM) Support Team pipe work modifications. Quick drop collaborating with PriDE (Industry fabric doors fixed to the outside of other MOD sites to enable Government Partner) carried out a feasibility study most of the warehouses ensures more targets to be realised. on high usage warehouses to identify heat is retained. invest to save potential. The team’s innovative approach to The energy initiatives and latest improve existing infrastructure has The aim was to save money, reduce the technology delivered at Bicester are achieved substantial energy savings carbon footprint and improve the now being considered and rolled out at over a short space of time. HERITAGE PROJEC T AWARD WINNER Operation Nightingale Exercise Tally Ho!

This remarkable project focused on the this sort of modern archaeology should excavation of a 609 Squadron Spitfire be handled and are now applying which crashed on Salisbury Plain during these techniques. the WWII Battle of Britain. Serving personnel and veterans, including Operation nightingale uses several from Tedworth House Recovery archaeology to aid the recovery of Centre in Tidworth (which is run by wounded service personnel; by military charity Help for Heroes) took providing access to heritage, those part in the exercise. involved gain invaluable skills and renewed confidence. It is also an The Spitfire crash site © Crown The excavation, which uncovered an important example of the care Defence array of artefacts, provides a case study takes with the custodianship of the Operation nightingale continues to go of best practice to English Heritage on heritage of the estate and could not from strength to strength, with another how similar sites should be examined. have been as successful without the exciting project in the form of Exercise Other professional archaeological field dedication of the project team Tally Ho! units attended the site to examine how and volunteers. Read more on page 60.

HERITAGE PROJECT AWARD RUNNER Up Scraesdon Fort Restoration Project

Scraesdon Fort in the South West remove the fort from the English Sensitive materials and original designs region of the national Training Estate is Heritage ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register. were used during the works and the a victorian fortification completed in handrails and deckpans from the bridge 1868 and is one of the most complete landmarc Support Services, with the were also refurbished. The team examples of its kind in the country. assistance of DIO staff and external overcame many challenges to contractors, coordinated an extensive successfully complete the project and The fort has become increasingly project to remove vegetation effecting remove the fort from the ‘Heritage at important as a modern training feature the drainage and integrity of the walls Risk’ Register. Restoring and preserving used by the Royal Marines, however as well as restoring the access bridge to this historical building whilst securing there were many structural problems the fort. its future as a valuable training feature which needed to be addressed to is a great achievement. Read more on page 36.

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 5 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS

SUSTAInABIlIT Y PROJEC T AWARD WINNER Project Ubique

The main objective of Project Ubique Phase One was to replace a series of potentially dangerous Public Rights of Way (PROW ) with new, more sustainable circular routes allowing the public to continue enjoying the site alongside military activities.

To ensure project success SD Training and DIO’s Access and Recreation Team undertook extensive engagement work with Parish Councils and the public through site briefs and presentations conducted by lt Col (Retd) nigel linge, as well as published material. local off-road groups were also consulted, leading to the creation of a volunteer workforce managed by nigel linge. Ensuring the clarity of the new PROW signage © Crown With their support, nigel worked numerous weekends installing approach has strengthened Twelve new PROW have been hundreds of signs, finger posts and relationships between all parties and successfully created supported by the waymarkers across SPTA, promoting has provided a base on which future new signage giving greater clarity for clearer recreational use and easing work can be carried out allowing both military and public use. management. This collaborative further stages of Ubique to develop. Read more on page 22.

SUSTAInABIlIT Y PROJEC T AWARD RUNNER Up HPC Energy Efficiency Investment Programme

Three sites were refurbished including improvements to building insulation, easy to use heating and boiler systems installed (that families can operate themselves) and installation of solar thermal panels to supplement hot water needs.

Through these improvements, Service Family Accommodation (SFA) has become more efficient and comfortable allowing military personnel to directly benefit from lower energy bills. Refurbished Service Family Accommodation at Bulford © Crown The project has greatly contributed This joint project between DIO and The aim of the project was to not only towards the Governments challenge to CarillionAmey (Housing) has achieved make energy savings on the MOD reduce emissions by 25% and has significant reductions in carbon housing estate but also reduce the achieved a 13% reduction on the SFA emissions and financial savings through burden of rising energy costs on estate in the project delivery period sustainable building solutions. Service families. 2013-14.

6 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS

InDIvIDUAl ACHIEvEMEnT AWARD WINNER Paul Castle

Thanks to over 30 years of continuous Paul has shown immense dedication monitoring, Salisbury Plain is to the project and has given a huge established as one of the most amount of his own time and energy important wintering sites for hen over the last few decades. harriers in the UK, with up to 20 birds roosting each winter the maximum The award board commended Paul’s count at one roost site was 15 harriers ability to manage volunteers and in February 2013. Paul regularly liaises inform land owners and the public on with the DIO team to ensure that roost the importance of work carried out sites are protected and habitat is to protect species of high maintained in favourable condition. conservation value.

Paul Castle out on a survey © linda Cady

Paul has been involved in the Salisbury Plain Raptor Conservation and Monitoring Project for more than 20 years after taking over the reigns in 1986. The survey covers the whole of Salisbury Plain and up to 20 volunteers brave cold and often wet winter afternoons to count the hen harriers into their roost sites. An immature male hen harrier © Dave Kjaer

InDIvIDUAl ACHIEvEMEnT AWARD RUNNER Up Glenn Chatwood HMS Sultan

Glenn Chatwood is the Environmental Glenn has a great passion regarding all Protection Advisor at HMS Sultan in environmental matters and looks to Gosport, Hampshire. Since 2007, Glenn share ideas and initiatives to promote has been leading the charge to cultural changes through his role as implement environmental efficiency, Environmental and Energy Advisor at building on a vast portfolio of HMS Sultan. successful projects that have all achieved impressive energy savings. Glenn’s overall professional etiquette and enthusiasm has encouraged best Thanks to Glenn’s attention to detail practice and pushed forward and determination, HMS Sultan has environmental improvements at other fulfilled the requirements under the sites. The financial and energy ISO14001 accreditation and satisfied consumption savings gained (totalling the needs of the Environment Agency, more than £1m) using a range of ensuring the site is managed to a high applications shows innovation and a Glenn Chatwood © Crown environmental standard. willingness to think outside the box.

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 7 FEATURES

Climate change adaptation and resilience on the MOD Estate

Floodwater is pumped into the River Parrett at the Saltmoor Pumping Station near Burrowbridge in Somerset © Crown

Current evidence and computer The severity of the latest winter including a succession of modelling capability does not always storms in the UK, and other parts of Europe, has allow us to make immediate links highlighted once more our vulnerability to weather between a specific extreme weather event and climate change, and that is extremes and the need to increase resilience to climatic why there are still so many changes. controversies when events happen, as scientists do not want to make a statement until they have sufficient Strong winds, high waves and by the Metrological Office would have evidence and data. Understanding the widespread flooding caused power realised that despite the in-year and climate system is complex. For instance, cuts in some areas, flooding of homes year-to-year variability, the global and it took about ten years for scientists to and serious transport network long term trend is still towards estimate that climate change doubled disruptions. For England and Wales it warming. 2011 was an interesting year, or even trebled the likelihood of the was the wettest winter since records when the UK experienced heatwaves in floods that hit England and Wales in the began in 1766. April and October, as well as a warm year 2000. February and November, but then to Simultaneously, as the UK and Europe the ‘amusement’ of all, a cool summer. However, there is sufficient evidence to experience exceptionally wet weather, Overall, 2011 was the second warmest know that climate change is a risk North America was experiencing year in the UK but the ninth globally. multiplier and that many existing risks remarkably cold weather and Australia Another interesting year is 2009. and natural hazards are likely to was undergoing a major heatwave. In December 2009 whilst a cold snap become more frequent and severe. It is quite often forgotten that global affected Northern Europe, some areas A recent paper published by the averages can mean greater of Canada were up to 10oc warmer than Metrological Office identifies that extremes regionally. average for the time of the year. Overall climate change has at least doubled 2009 was rated as the second warmest the risk of heatwaves and is leading to Everyone who enjoys reading the year globally but was the fifteenth more intense daily and hourly heavy annual weather summaries published warmest in the UK. rain events.

8 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 FEATURES

The provision of support to civil authorities and structures when civil capability or capacity is exceeded is not the only way that Defence contributes to UK resilience. The National Security Strategy 2010 highlights the importance of being prepared by making our institutions and infrastructure as resilient as we possibly can. The roll out of the Climate Impacts Risk Assessment Methodology (CIRAM) across the MOD estate allows MOD to increase its understanding of the MOD estate ability to anticipate, absorb, Soldiers help to fill sandbags and assist the people of Gloucestershire © Crown accommodate and recover from the effects of hazardous events. The UK Government Climate Change outbreak, followed by the provision of Risk Assessment, published in 2012, key military aid to the Cumbria floods in CIRAM complements MOD business identified that the UK is already 2005 and 2009, Yorkshire and continuity processes and has identified vulnerable to extreme weather, and Gloucestershire floods in 2007 and the those sites already assessed, so that that with climate change there would cold snap in December 2009 – January overall, the MOD estate business be added burdens on UK emergency 2010. All interventions are a reason for continuity management plans and services in responding to more admiration but the support provided procedures are in place to manage frequent flooding, heatwaves during Gloucestershire 2007 floods and recover from extreme weather and wildfires. needs special mention as the military events so that operational capability were key in providing logistics support is maintained. These added burdens were clearly for bottled water distribution following exemplified during the latest winter’s the inundation of the Mythe water For instance, the CIRAM assessment at extreme weather events. UK emergency treatment facilities, and engineering Ashchurch (located in Gloucestershire) services were so overstretched that the skills to protect Walham substation identified that the site has a history of armed forces had to assist the from flooding. This prevented half a flooding inside and outside the wire emergency services across the country million people from being without and consequently the risk is tolerated. from filling, moving and laying mains power which would have had Furthermore during the 2007 sandbags to ferrying civilians, providing huge implications. Gloucestershire floods it operated as an flood defence and dam reinforcements, constructing metal barriers to stem and divert rivers and conduct flood risk assessments. Locations where the armed forces provided support included Somerset, Hampshire, Dorset, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Worcestershire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight. It was the biggest civil deployment of this type since the east coast floods of 1953. After the events, the armed forces helped the Environment Agency to assess the condition of all flood defences in the country. An excess of 150,000 sites were assessed over six weeks, quite a challenge!

This is not the first time that the armed forces had to provide civil contingency assistance to climate related events. In Reserve Soldiers of the 7th Battalion The Rifles assist Berkshire Fire Brigade to dam a breach in the Kennet Canal 2001 the military provided support to that threatened an electrical sub-station near Burghfield, south of Reading during flooding in February 2014 manage the Foot and Mouth disease © Crown

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 9 FEATURES

Area which aims to tackle the causes of downstream flooding in the area.

Quote by Debbie Corbett, Head of Sustainable Development Support Infrastructure Professional Services – who leads on the roll-out of CIRAM:

“By undertaking Climate Impacts Risk Assessments (CIRAM) across the MOD estate we are helping sites remember what happened during extreme events and what may happen in the future taking into account the UK Climate Projections 2009. This is so that resilience can be built onto the sites’ management plans and procedures more efficiently and MOD can make sure they prepare for the future”.

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham in Hampshire, contributing food aid flights around Northern Ireland, delivering vital agricultural aid to stricken farming communities © Crown Quote by Dr. Julian Wright, Senior Advisor for Climate Change, Climate emergency distribution centre for done to increase resilience in the short Ready Support Service, Environment water. Following the last winter storms, and long term. Agency: there have been examples of great responses including the works CIRAM outcomes are also used to “Effective adaptation to climate change undertaken at Donna Nook (which inform the Sustainability Appraisal will require all parts of society to get ensured the site was operational soon process, which aims to see that new involved, but it is particularly important after being closed by the storm surge of infrastructure and refurbishment that organisations with the biggest the 5th December) and Cinque Ports projects consider climatic risks so that relationship to climate impacts and Training Area Hythe (which avoided a assets are resilient and fit for purpose capacity to adapt respond first and set an major flood defence breach). throughout their expected life. example for others to follow. That is why I am delighted that the MOD Estate is However, all these events affect the MOD has also been working in leading the way in carrying out climate MOD estate efficiency and incur a cost. partnership with Statutory Bodies, change risk assessments on a site by site CIRAM helps identify existing National Park authorities, NGOs and basis. The work that the MOD has been vulnerabilities and potential threats others such as water companies in doing has helped inspire others to take arising from a change in climate, taking other initiatives that contribute to UK action – for example Natural England and into account the UK Climate Projections resilience. Examples include the the RSPB, together with the Forestry 2009. CIRAM also helps assess any past Dartmoor Mires Project which restored Commission and Environment Agency, events to evaluate existing part of Dartmoor’s blanket bog to will shortly be publishing an Adaptation management of the risks so that improve the ability of the peat habitat Manual to support individual resilience solutions can be identified to provide clean water supply, absorb conservation managers plan adaptation and implemented. The CIRAM process heavy rainfall and carbon; and at their sites . I look forward to seeing helps sites to understand what can be woodland creation at Catterick Training MOD Estates continue with their work to support the country’s resilience to climate variability and change.”

Begonia Pedreira-Regueira Climate Resilience Officer Defence Infrastructure Organisation

As temperatures across the UK plummeted this winter, runway clearance vehicles were out keeping RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire operational © Crown

10 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 FEATURES

Thorney Island - Working together in Chichester Harbour

Chichester Harbour, is a large natural harbour sitting on the south coast of England, straddling the County boundaries of West Sussex and Hampshire.

Fifty years ago it became a nationally protected landscape following designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Since then the harbour has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for wild birds and a Special Area of Conservation. It is an internationally important and naturally beautiful site and the extensive coastal paths mean it can be enjoyed by many Thorney Island path © Phil Greaves thousands of visitors every year. retaining wall and replacing the lost sharing, effective planning and the Nestled within the harbour is Thorney surface material. By working together maintenance of site security. Island, home to Defence Estates’ Baker the two organisations were able to pool Barracks and two regiments of the resources and expertise to get the work The MOD and DIO will continue to work Royal Artillery. Walkers have access completed, where costs would have with Sussex Council, Natural England, around the perimeter of the island via normally been prohibitive. Chichester Harbour Conservancy and a public footpath; an enjoyable walk in the local community to investigate and itself and also forming the important Dr Richard Austin, Chichester Harbour deliver effective solutions such as first link in the long distance Sussex Conservancy’s AONB Manager said: ‘rolling back’ and ‘realigning’ the coastal Border Path. Most of the coastal path path to accommodate natural change. runs along the top of sea walls that “I am delighted that the Conservancy, It is anticipated that ongoing protect the property and agricultural the Ministry of Defence and the local collaborative success will continue to land behind. Inevitably many of these community worked together to deliver a coastline that is available for sea defences have taken a battering successfully restore this footpath. It is everyone to enjoy in the future. during the winter storms, presenting a an excellent example of par tnership challenge for managing coastal access working and it is good news that the Nicky Horter and Dr Richard Austin in the future. public footpath is open once again for Chichester Harbour Conservancy walkers to enjoy.” On Thorney Island, a recently upgraded section of footpath was seriously The coast is a wild and dynamic damaged during the winter’s tidal environment that provides year round surges. In response a partnership challenges. In the long term there are project was undertaken to carry out tough questions to ask about the repairs in May this year. Chichester resource implications of maintaining Harbour Conservancy, working failing defences and the implications together with the command at Baker this has on providing continuous, safe Barracks, led a volunteer project with coastal access for the public. As this serving personnel to restore the project has shown, partnership working Service personnel from the Royal Artillery 12 Regiment damaged path, building a wooden will be essential to allow resource © Chichester Harbour Authority

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 11 FEATURES

Spend 2 Save - Switch on the success

RAF Northolt, one of fifteen sites to have shared a £1.7m investment in external LED street lighting © Phillips

deliver a large amount of projects in quick This year has seen the culmination of the Energy Spend to time and to roll up our collective sleeves, is Save Programme, a three year initiative that has delivered for me one of the positive outcomes of the savings of £51m for the Department and carbon savings programme.” – Rebekah Jones, Energy Spend to Save Programme Manager. of 173,839 tonnes of CO2 towards the Greening Government 25% emission reduction target. It is fitting at programme end to celebrate the successes and look back on some of the key highlights. As reported in Sanctuary Number 41 in however, the sheer determination and 2012, the Energy Spend to Save commitment of all who were involved Spotlight on the savings Programme, a Strategic Defence was fundamental to the success of the Security Review recommendation, has programme and realising the benefits. Over 1,400 quick win energy efficiency seen £105m invested to improve the projects were delivered across 223 sites, energy efficiency of the estate, both Rebekah Jones, the Programme both UK and Overseas, with 71% of the nationally and internationally, in order Manager at the Defence Infrastructure investment made in technologies that to make enduring savings of some Organisation (DIO) Utilities Team have the biggest impact on £70m a year. When it costs a staggering worked closely with DIO Service improvements to building energy £1m every day to heat, light and power Delivery teams and Industry Partners efficiency, and improve the working the Defence estate, the business including this year’s Sanctuary Energy and living environment for users of the imperative to manage these costs, Award winners CarillionAmey and PriDE estate. Projects included Building whilst maintaining operational during the intensive three years. Energy Management Systems (BEMS) capability, is all too apparent. and controls, heating replacement/ “ The delivery of such fantastic financial upgrades, lighting, draughtproofing From the installation of over 1,400 and carbon savings, with more to be and insulation, along with some energy efficiency projects to achieving saved, is very much down to the investment in renewable technology the payback, the programme certainly collaborative working of the wider like solar hot water systems for the has delivered. A programme of this programme team. The willingness to Service Family Accommodation across scale is not without challenges, share best practice, adapt processes to British Forces Cyprus.

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Aligned and also part funded by the this reason that the fort attracts Historic Building on a partnership with the programme were the Strategic Energy Monument status and any changes lighting supplier Phillips, which had Management Services (SEMS) must be sympathetic to the buildings seen the successful delivery of internal implemented across the Regional Prime history and aesthetic. LED solutions earlier in the programme, Contracted areas of the estate. The the team developed solutions for the SEMS provide a centralised and When Turners Estate Solutions, the use of LEDs for external lighting strategic energy management service Industry Partner for RPC Scotland, projects during 2013. Working across and bureau that actively monitors, carried out a site survey they fifteen sites throughout the South-East manages and verifies energy discovered the forts sash windows to including the Royal Military Academy consumption, supporting the be in disrepair, affecting energy Sandhurst and RAF Northolt, some energy projects. consumption and occupant comfort. £1.7m was invested in external LED Initial solutions were rejected by street lighting. Costs were kept to a Investment in technology Historic Scotland but eventually a minimum by utilising as much of the secondary glazing unit was agreed existing infrastructure as possible but At the end of the programme 23 of the upon and the project was overseen by special attention was paid to ‘future estate’s highest consuming sites had Ben Johnston and Stuart Martin, Energy proofing’ installations through careful received investment of over £1m each, Engineers for Turners. selection of technologies, resulting in a including DCAE Cosford and DSDA longer life-span and the ability to adapt Bicester who both benefited from The completed works resulted in to newer technology in the future. The over £5m in improved energy elimination of draughts, reduction in improved lux levels of the LEDs also efficiency technologies. energy usage, improved noise allowed the lights to be dimmed insulation and importantly did not during silent hours, furthering the At 31st March 2014 main gate adversely affect the aesthetic and savings potential. consumption savings of £51m were history of the building. The savings achieved across the 223 sites and this is generated, which also include those The project has seen savings of circa expected to rise to £70m during from the improvements to the heating £900,000 per year and a payback period 2014/15 as the full effect of the management system, have seen a total of just 1.8 years, equating to investment is realised, hitting the financial saving of £145,310 and a approximately 2.3 million kilowatt hours enduring savings target set. This reduction in carbon emissions of 780t per year or 1,200 tCO2. represents an astounding return on CO2 and 2,511,929kWh. investment of over 60%. Saving for the future As with the majority of the spend to The carbon savings are equally save projects the aim is not just to In a ‘nutshell’ the spend to save impressive. So far the investment has reduce energy usage and carbon programme has provided the saved a total of 291,969tCO2, the emissions but to improve the quality of opportunity to switch off the equivalent of filling Wembley Stadium living for personnel, a benefit consumption and turn on the saving. over 125 times, and provides a 70%, highlighted by RQMS(M) Alan While the benefits are expected to some 173,839tCO2 contribution Cunningham of The Black Watch, endure, the challenge now is to ensure towards the Department’s Greening 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment that energy efficiency becomes part of Government target to reduce carbon of Scotland: day-to-day operations and every emissions by 25% by 2015. person who lives, works or trains on “Prior to the secondary glazing project, the estate uses it in the most efficient In addition to the financial and carbon complaints of rooms being cold and noise way possible. savings the investment has also from outside impacted on the soldiers rest provided other benefits for those that at night. Since the project has been Tracie Tittley and Leon Korner live and work on the Defence estate. completed, noise reduction and heat DIO Utilities The following are just two of the retained in all rooms is significant.” Defence Infrastructure Organisation success stories from the Spend to Save Programme. PriDE lighting up the South- East Fort George sympathetic secondary glazing The PriDE Energy Team focused their spend to save effort on technologies Described as the finest example of 18th that would achieve a quick payback, century military engineering in the such as the installation of external LED British Isles, Fort George is an important lighting on sites across the Regional part of British Military history. It is for Prime Contract South-East region.

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 13 FEATURES

One community, many generations Community archaeology at RAF Lakenheath

project undertaken in a landscape of such rich archaeology and history.

RAF Lakenheath lies within a multi- period landscape with the earliest evidence of human activity beginning with hunter gatherers using flint tools in the Mesolithic period after the last Ice Age. Settlements developed throughout the prehistoric period into a rich agricultural landscape of villas and farmsteads in the Roman period, followed by Anglo-Saxon villages and cemeteries, including the burial of the Lakenheath warrior and horse. Subsequently the Breckland landscape was used to house rabbit warrens, beginning in the mid 13th century and spanning the next 800 years. In the late 1930s the area saw a drastic development with the construction of RAF Lakenheath, which preserves the cooperation of British and US air forces to the present day.

The excavation covered a footprint of approximately 1200m2, bordered by The archaeological excavation © Nathan Campbell areas in which significant evidence of Roman and Anglo Saxon settlement RAF Lakenheath is an operational airbase leased to the had been identified. The US schools at RAF Lakenheath were invited to take United States Air Forces (USAF) located 25 miles from part and visit the excavation, handle Cambridge. finds and meet the archaeologists. Over 500 pupils between 7 and 12 years old came to the site (with their teachers!), It has nearly 5,700 active-duty military highlight of which this year was an while further home-schooled children members that support two squadrons archaeological excavation with and their parents were made very of F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, a single participants from the airbase welcome. The Boy Scouts of America squadron of F-15C Eagle fighters and community, supervised by the Suffolk also visited the site to take part and HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue County Council Archaeological Unit led gain their archaeology badges. The helicopters. The airbase accommodates by Jo Caruth. The excavation was children were given an introduction to 2,000 British and US civilians, including commissioned in preparation for a archaeology, including the formation four schools that encompass pupils newly built extension for the recycling and excavation of layers, what finds you from 5 to 16 years old. centre, allowing the US to expand their might expect to uncover and how recycling program and process more these could inform us about who had The globally renowned Earth Day materials. It was felt that the airbase lived on the site and what activities celebrated each year on 22nd April was would benefit from the community they may have been involved with. The extended to become Earth Month; the interaction that could be provided by a budding archaeologists were then able

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farm animal enclosure. Metallic finds from this area included a 1st century AD (Roman) ‘Colchester’ brooch, a selection of low denomination copper alloy Roman coins, including a corroded ‘barbarous radiate’ or Roman period imitation of a genuine Imperial coin, in circulation during the reigns of the emperors Victorinus to Tetricus II (c. AD275-285). A single medieval silver half penny of Henry III was also recovered, probably the result of casual loss in the 13th century, coinciding with the commencement of the rabbit warrens (and hunting). In addition to the metal work, numerous sherds of Roman and Anglo-Saxon pottery were collected and carefully washed for future study. These finds tie in well with the historic landscape, including a Roman farmstead complex previously recorded to the east, and Anglo-Saxon settlement to the west, demonstrating that continuity throughout the A 1960s USAF dog tag © Paul Briggs centuries is nothing new on RAF Lakenheath and that the school to take part in the excavation, digging or folded over edge. Larsen’s tag also children who learnt so much represent trial pits and sieving soil. Many small had his service number stamped onto just the latest generation. In the words finds were discovered by their tiny it. Service numbers were discontinued of the children... the archaeology and hands, including struck flint flakes, a by the US Air Force and Army on 1st their experience was ‘AWESOME!’ tooth and Roman pottery sherds. In July 1969, but the changeover began in addition to those of school age, the 1967. The AF stamped into the tag Dr Joanne Mortimore excavation was also opened up to stands for male Air Force personnel, Area East Environmental Manager curious and inquisitive adult volunteers, where as female Air Force personnel Defence Infrastructure Organisation with US military, US civilian and UK was AA. The service number prefix of 14 civilians (such as Defence Infrastructure is a region identifier and tells us he Organisation) encouraged to take part. entered service from the south-eastern Many gave up whole days to be US (either Tennessee, South Carolina, mentored and supervised by North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, or professional archaeologists, who they Alabama). The rest of the service worked alongside in excavating pits, number, 916202, means he enlisted sections through ditches, technical during the 1960s. The T65 indicates that recording, surveying and washing finds. he received a Tetanus vaccination in 1965, and the A NEG shows his blood Contrary to all expectations, the first group. The tag also tells us that Joseph find from the topsoil was not Roman or was Catholic. Anglo-Saxon but a classic example of ‘modern’ archaeology: a 1960s US ‘dog With the topsoil removed, the site tag’ belonging to a Joseph W. Larsen. revealed two parallel sets of ditches The 48th Fighter Wing Historian Mr appearing to enclose a single area, with Peter A. Law, confirmed that by the ‘outer’ ditch over a metre wide and examining the style and manufacture deep, and the ‘inner’ ditch comprising A Roman Colchester brooch © Nathan Campbell of the tag, it had been dropped as far several re-cut shallow gullies. Within back as 1965 to 1967 and lay just this area was a layer of historic buried beneath the surface ever since. The tag soil, probably the result of the historic is an old style type with a flat edge, ploughing of a specific field, divided by whereas the modern tags have a rolled boundary ditches from a domesticated

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 15 FEATURES

The Raptor and Owl Nest Box Project Thirty years of barn owl conservation

Five hungry young barn owls © Gordon Page

It all began not quite by mistake but on the Plain. The take-up was slow in to the ammo compound was nearly so. In the 1970s the DDT organo the beginning, but within a few years necessary. The Schermuly hand fired pesticides had a huge effect on birds of we had thirty nesting pairs. para illuminating flare came to our prey causing thin egg shells too fragile rescue; it was packed in large weather to be incubated. All species were And then in 1987 it happened again, a proof wooden boxes, perfect for the affected from the humble kestrel to the barn owl nested in a kestrel box. The barn owl. exotic peregrine falcon. DDT was first time had been on the Fingringhoe subsequently banned but then Dutch Ranges in Colchester a few years before. The project covers the West and Centre elm disease struck and within a few At the time it was dismissed as an of the Plain; it is about 240km2, mainly years our hedgerow elms were aberrant owl that had made a dreadful chalk grassland with a mix of skeletons tottering on the skyline. The mistake. But this time the penny plantations and some scrub. It is an elm was a great provider of hollows dropped, barn owls too were also excellent habitat for the field vole, the and cavities for our nesting kestrels; desperate for nesting sites. Another visit staple food for barn owls but it lacks the lack of nesting sites would cause problems.

However, it is well known that a kestrel will nest in an open-fronted nest box. The conservation answer was simple; erect some nest boxes. A ready-made solution was available in the ammunition compound of the School of Infantry at Warminster. A wooden ammo box that contained the sub- calibre round for the 66mm LAW was the perfect size for a nest box. In 1984 we erected several of these for kestrels Hobby nest high in the trees replicating a crows nest © Nigel Lewis

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suitable buildings and hollow trees for nest sites. My assistant was Alan Bush who introduced Len Spackman and the three of us erected several hundred nest boxes on SPTA ( West) and (Centre). We had enormous help from Geordie Ward QGM, the unit armourer back at the Land Warfare Centre (LWC), Warminster. He made time to make large numbers of boxes out of ‘gash’ wood to augment the ammo boxes and when Aspire Defence took responsibility for various functions in LWC in 2006, they were very supportive of Geordie’s work. The boxes are a mix of mainly barn owl and kestrel boxes, but we could not ignore tawny and little owls who had started to use boxes not designed for them! We have also Female tawny owl takes flight © Dave Ovenden had erected a few baskets for the hobby to use. This is our thirtieth nest boxing year on perfect hunting weather is producing Salisbury Plain. Every year is different, large first broods of barn owls and there And so the years have passed and the the effect of weather, cattle grazing, is every chance that some pairs will original threesome were getting ever scrub removal, military exercises, all have a second brood. Tawny owls and older, but in recent years we were have an impact. Buzzards have arrived kestrels have finished breeding; broods joined by Peter Green, Dave Ovenden, and are now established in strength but were above average and the excellent Michael Groves, Dick Clayton and many lurking over the horizon and even mild and calm weather will have given others who will help when asked. It is overhead sometimes, is a red kite! the young a good start in life. In the now very much a team effort to meantime we have been awarded the maintain and check all 483 boxes Each year brings its surprises and Silver Otter for 2014; this has got to be (incidentally, we also have 600 boxes off disappointments. Some years are good the icing on the cake. the Plain in the Pewsey Vale and Avon, and others less so; last year was the Wylye and Nadder Valleys in South worst ever for barn owls, and the Nigel Lewis MBE Wiltshire). Monitoring boxes on the previous year which was potentially Project Team Leader Plain requires a 4x4 Land Rover and good but was wrecked by a month’s Member of the Salisbury Plain trailer. Our work would not be possible rain over a few days and nights in June. Conservation Groups without the use of a vehicle from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation This year is excellent so far, an and the trailer generously purchased by abundance of food combined with Landmarc; whilst the ‘head office’ support and financial help from the Imber Conservation Group for ladders and puncture repairs has enabled us to annually publish our report and keep on the road.

It has been a very worthwhile and rewarding conservation exercise as the statistics show. Since 1985 we have ringed 4,449 raptors and owls raised in redundant ammo boxes and Geordie’s nestboxes. We have moved from a very few breeding pairs of barn owls in 1984 to 73 pairs in 2003. Since then numbers have fluctuated and after two very bad years we now have 30 pairs in 2014. Nigel giving one of his memorable talks with barn owl in hand © Crown

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 17 FEATURES

Aquatrine - The first ten years

their performance in health and safety and the initiatives they have used to keep employees and customers safe.

Approaching and learning from challenges

A recent challenge that has been addressed by Severn Trent Services in the area they service under the Aquatrine contract is the impact of flooding. The Aquatrine helpline records each occurrence of flooding reported by customers, which when analysed highlighted that flooding continued to be high on the agenda for Emergency water supply tanks often provide good habitat for amphibians © Crown customers. STS then actioned a Flooding Mitigation Plan. Now in its second decade, Aquatrine operate a dedicated 24 hour helpline in each region, ensuring an A key change has been to further Aquatrine is a 25 year uninterrupted delivery of all services to enhance proactive plans to address the partnering contract all users at all times. Not just ensuring issues that cause flooding of both between the Defence water is delivered but also ensuring it is sewerage and surface water, STS has Infrastructure wholesome. In accordance with one of also created a register for sites at risk of the Key User Requirements (KURs), flooding and weather warnings are Organisation (DIO) and its compliance with drinking water now issued to these sites. three service providers inspectorate standards and security of Severn Trent Services supply to many parts of the Estate has Flood mitigation measures can be (STS), Kelda Water Services been achieved through significant implemented to reduce the impact of investment, which has improved the flooding, longer term solutions have and Veolia Water Nevis. asset condition profiles. After gaining been identified and are being an understanding of the asset base and completed to help prevent flooding condition, a programme of asset incidents, these include enhanced Aquatrine provides water and improvements has been built for the proactive maintenance plans, wastewater services through the lifetime of the contract. education, or engineering solutions. operation and maintenance of water The programme to develop site assets on approximately 4,000 MOD Crown Fire Standards is of importance drainage area plans/hydraulic models sites across Great Britain. The service to Aquatrine with continued testing of has also been accelerated. providers offer improved services and Fire Hydrants and inspections of efficiencies across the Defence Estate emergency water supply tanks STS are sharing their approach to flood and ensure the MOD’s performance in continuing across all Packages. Millions management with Veolia Water Nevis environmental compliance and of pounds have been invested in and Kelda Water Services through the sustainability is maintained to a improving existing networks on key Aquatrine Suppliers Association, where high standard. sites to ensure the flows being the three service providers share best delivered meet expectations, practice and exchange ideas with the A key milestone already achieved by continuing to protect valuable assets aim of improving service delivery. the Aquatrine service providers and vulnerable storage areas on sites. includes a reduction in leakage by These improvements put Aquatrine’s more than 25% across the Estate – the Health and safety best practices have three service providers in a strong most significant joint project been embedded across each service position for the next decade. achievement to date has been assisting provider and established common the MOD in meeting its sustainable standards in work carried out across the Mathew Smith operation government targets, eleven Defence Estate. Each service provider Shared Services Marketing Specialist years early. has achieved a RoSPA Gold Award for Severn Trent Services

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Reducing the environmental impact of the treated sewage discharge at Castlemartin Range

Environmental Permitting Regulations (2010), a requirement to limit the amount of total phosphorous in the discharge from Merrion Camp works was set by the Environment Agency.

High concentrations of phosphorous in slow moving watercourses and other water bodies can lead to eutrophication, which is the build-up of nutrients in the water. This can lead to algal growths which use up the oxygen and therefore results in a decrease in biodiversity and overall environmental water quality.

Previous to any intervention at Merrion Camp sewage treatment works, concentrations of phosphorous in the discharge frequently reached between 3 – 5mg/l. The new permit set a limit of 1mg/l as a mean concentration over a twelve month period. With extensive investment Kelda Water Services installed a new ferric dosing system. Bosherston Lakes (SSSI) © Lynne Houlston Concentrations of total phosphorous in the final effluent discharge have now Castlemartin Range, a Site of Special Midlands, South West England and decreased significantly to an average of Scientific Interest (SSSI), is an Wales. Kelda Water Services is 0.48mg/l, and are frequently below the exceptionally diverse area home to committed to ensuring compliance limit detectable in the analysis. numerous rare plants and specialised with environmental discharge permits This decrease in phosphorous loading habitats. It also homes the largest for many MOD sewage treatment works represents a significant win for the concentration of breeding seabirds on throughout England and Wales. receiving water course and the long the Pembrokeshire mainland. The range Compliance is monitored through a term sustainability of the water runs along the rocky coastline with sea complex sampling and analysis environment in this area. cliffs of Carboniferous limestone, which schedule, by risk assessing the assets are of national geological and biological and through operator diligence. Carmel Jakeman interest. The long term sustainability of Significant investment is made each Environmental Manager the water environment in this area is year to improve the condition of the Kelder Water Services Ltd therefore of upmost importance. assets or to make upgrades to ensure compliance is maintained. Kelda Water Services (Defence) Ltd. are responsible for Package A of Project Kelda Water Services operates the Aquatrine, a 25 year Public Private Merrion Camp sewage treatment works Partnership (PPP) for the operation and at Castlemartin Range; this discharges maintenance of all water and waste to the Merrion Stream which eventually water assets and systems. finds its way into the sea via Bosherston The operational area covers the Lakes (SSSI). Under the new

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 19 FEATURES

The prisoners of Rat Island

The skull of an adult male with evidence of pipe smoking on his teeth © Crown

weeks a team of volunteers was ‘By the light of torches, we saw the black Hulk lying out assembled from Cranfield University a little way from the mud of the shore, like a wicked and participants on Operation Noah’s ark. Cribbed and barred and moored by massive Nightingale arrived to recover these rusty chains, the prison-ship seemed in my young eyes skeletons, and to record as much as possible about the graves whilst also to be ironed like the prisoners. We saw the boat go investigating the context of the island alongside, and we saw him taken up the side and itself. Over two visits, four largely intact disappear. Then the ends of the torches were flung skeletons were recovered from rock-cut hissing into the water, and went out, as if it were all over graves, with evidence for coffin nails and perhaps even clay pipes but why with him’. were they here and were the local Charles Dickens, ‘Great Expectations’. rumours as to them being either prisoners from the prison ships of the 18th and 19th centuries or Prisoners of In the winter of 2013/14, the authors All Ministry of Defence sites seem to War from the same period true? were informed that the police had been have their legends of mysterious buried notified of the presence of human items; this one proved to be true. If they were prisoners of war then the remains on the tidal Rat Island midway most likely conflicts were either the between Portsmouth and Gosport, In January the team waited for the tide American War of Independence or the overlooking the historic dockyard. to recede and trudged along the Napoleonic Wars. In either case the The remains had been exposed by the foreshore, across muds, sands and prisoners could be from a wide area of actions of the storms that had lashed shingle to the suggested locations of the globe, as fighting took place in the south coast. The team set out to the bones and were soon able to see North America, the Caribbean, Europe, discover what they could about the site that there were indeed graves eroding North Africa and the Middle East. and to investigate the results. from the 3m high cliffs. Within a few Abigail Coppins has undertaken

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the Reading Mercury which includes a transcript of a letter from Charles to Jones, his cousin, in Upper-Baker Street. The letters indicate that Charles was pretending to be a travelling buyer of cloth which he would then post via the Alert coach to Jones in London. Charles made no defence and was immediately found guilty with his counsel pleading that his life be spared. His life was spared – on the condition that he be transported for life.

Sometime during the week of May 17th Charles and seven others were taken to Cleaning down the cliff section to reveal eroded graves on Rat Island © Crown the York hulk in Gosport, in the expectation that he would be research on the prisoners of war in described as a ‘genteel looking young transported for life. It was nearly a year Gosport, and there were large prisons man’ and he was born in Aberystwyth. later the Abingdon correspondent at Portchester Castle and Forton Creek, In his early 20s he moved to Abingdon reported on the 3rd February 1831 that as well as prisoner of war hulks in where he was employed in the drapers Charles Morris Jones ‘who was the harbour. shop owned by Mr George Shepherd. sentenced to 14 years transportation, Shepherd strongly suspected him of lately died at the hulks at Portsmouth, Whilst prisoner of war burials are stealing money, so with some friends and was buried on Rat Island’. possible, there is more evidence for the Shepherd set a trap whereby some burials being of convicts who died in cloth was bought with ‘marked money’. Charles would have a very distinctive the prison hulks which lay in the Charles was searched and the marked isotopic signature, having been harbour between the 1830s and 1840s. money was found in his pockets. It also brought up in Aberystwyth and then Prison hulks were a common sight in transpired that Charles had an living a few years in Abingdon, so it is Portsmouth harbour and were large unnamed accomplice in London who just possible that he could be identified, decaying ships which were used to had received goods to the value of £30. but his story also shows how prisoners house prisoners, either as a ‘prison from almost anywhere in the British overspill’ system or for prisoners The trial report ends ominously ‘There Isles could have ended up on the awaiting transportation to the colonies. will be little doubt that he will be prison hulks in Portsmouth harbour. An OS map of 1852 it was described as committed on Tuesday next on a If the burials started earlier in the late ‘the convicts’ burial-ground’ and in 1858 capital charge’. The expectation was 18th or early 19th century during the stated that the south-eastern section of that he would be hanged. On various wars then the possibilities have the island was the ‘convicts burying November 2nd it was reported that the potential to be from America, the ground’. After the burials had ceased in Charles was not ‘examined’ by the Caribbean, Europe, North Africa, the 1891 the prison hulks were mentioned magistrates owing to the fact that one Middle East or further still. There is even in a report about Queen Victoria’s visit of the witnesses from London failed to evidence of Russian prisoners of war to Portsmouth ‘any one will tell you the attend, but after a brief respite the with cholera in the harbour. The power direction of Rat’s Island, where the witnesses arrived on November 7th. of history shows the art of the possible, prisoners were buried.’ They were named Owen and Jones and but it is the scientific analysis of the they had received from Charles money, bones that will reveal where the However, there is one certain, named, different sorts of cloth and, crucially, a people buried on Rat Island actually burial on Rat Island. In 1831 the ticketed piece of lace, which proved it came from. Reading Mercury stated that Charles had come from Shepherd’s shop. Morris Jones, a convict on the York Charles had also written to Owen and Chris Daniell prison hulk died and was buried on Rat boasted that he was doing very well ‘at Senior Historic Buildings Advisor Island. Earlier newspaper reports had the rate of one pound a day!’ Charles Defence Infrastructure Organisation charted the course of Charles’s life and was again committed until the next how he came to be on the prison hulk. Assizes. The actual trial was on the 3rd Richard Osgood The Abingdon court notices of March 1830 and Charles was one of Senior Archaeologist October 24th 1829 give a detailed nine others found guilty of relatively Defence Infrastructure Organisation account of how Charles came to be minor theft – all were sentenced to caught. Charles Morris Jones was death. A long trial report was given in

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 21 FEATURES

SPTA Greenlaning - A good practice guide

and high visitor numbers can quickly Greenlaning – recreational vehicle driving ‘off the beaten turn tracks and old lanes into slippery, track.’ Not to be confused with ‘off-roading’ greenlaning wet mud bowls. Trails normally a few enthusiasts stick to legal public highways; just not the ones metres wide grow in breadth as you take your average family car on. Increasingly becoming vehicles try to find a safer, drier option. This inevitably has an impact on the a more accessible and popular pastime, greenlaning is military’s use of the site for training and supported and promoted by numerous National and local can leave permissive tracks and PROW organisations and clubs. unsuitable for other visitors.

In November 2013 Phase One of Project Ubique successfully completed important changes to Larkhill’s PROW. Ineffective and dangerous routes were closed, moving PROW and the public to numerous existing military tracks, creating a safer, sustainable and more easily identifiable network.

To support these changes information was needed to educate greenlaners to understand that despite being a military training area, Salisbury Plain is not indestructible. It is in fact a world renowned landscape, supporting important ecology and home to extensive archaeology. With the additional factors and risks associated with military training, the site has to be treated respectfully by both the military and the public.

The DIO Access and Recreation Team (ART ) saw the creation of a Greenlaning Good Practice Guide (GPG) as a low cost but highly accessible means of delivering this message about responsible use. A small leaflet could easily be made available to the public electronically, and paper copies could Greenlaners exploring the Plains historic byways © Dale Wyatt, Tread Lightly be handed out by Training Area Marshalls on the ground. The wide expanse of Salisbury Plain this driving diversity, drawing Training Area (SPTA) offers many greenlaners from all over the country. Understanding that a user guide greenlaning opportunities. created independently by the MOD The extensive, varied network of both Of all the recreational activity taking would lack impact, ART approached the historical public rights of way (PROW ) place on the Plain, greenlaning has the main National greenlaning and military tracks can provide potential to have the greatest negative organisations: the Green Laning enthusiasts of all abilities an impact. Whilst military vehicle activity Association, the Trail Riders Fellowship opportunity to explore. Online social may counter-balance the presence of and Tread Lightly, seeking to add networks and National media promote other all terrain vehicles, bad weather validity and support to the final

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product. Having participated in recreational vehicular users of unsurfaced volunteer tasks across SPTA – installing roads. Understanding that our heritage of new signs and waymarkers on PROW green lanes is a precious resource is and permissive tracks – all the essential. Overuse in wet weather can stakeholders were keen to further cause serious problems and users need to support and endorse a venture that be aware that green lanes are not a place would promote ongoing to go mud-plugging – there are ‘pay and responsible use. play ’ sites where you can test your vehicle to its limits.” Greenlaning is a contentious pastime as it is often branded under the afore As well as support from the key mentioned moniker ‘off-roading’. Much greenlaning groups Wiltshire Council of the recreational access on the Plain is and Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside granted by the MOD and, if it is felt Access Forum have also provided input necessary, can be taken away. This and final endorsement to the project. would be a massive loss to the Wiltshire Council in particular greenlaning community. These National appreciated the promotion of Organisations all understand that in Sustainable military tracks link with historic byways considerate use of rural PROW which © Dale Wyatt, Tread Lightly order to maintain a healthy long term they have limited resources to manage. relationship with the MOD, their members, prospective members and collaborative working between DIO, the The Guide has been widely promoted the wider greenlaning community wider MOD and key recreation through all of the organisations’ should be informed about how SPTA stakeholders to create something websites and newsletters, ensuring that can be used appropriately. This all helps relevant and effective in raising the document has received a to encourage the legal, sustainable awareness and encouraging distribution far greater than if the pursuit of an activity that frequently appropriate use of the Plain. Whilst the document had been produced and generates a lot of criticism. final document will clearly raise distributed solely by DIO. It is hoped awareness amongst users, the that with continued partnership Greenlaning guidance is nothing new. strengthening links between the working between the MOD and the All of the organisations involved had greenlaning organisations and MOD are various greenlaning user groups, the some form of guidance available. just as, if not more, important. message of sustainable and appropriate Rather than reinvent the wheel all the use of the Plain will continue to spread. existing materials were reviewed to The completed Guide has been identify common guidelines. welcomed. Dale Wyatt, Wiltshire North James Nevitt Incorporated into the Guide, these Ambassador for Tread Lightly, said: Senior Access and Recreation Advisor highlight that in many respects the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Plain is no different to anywhere else “ The greenlaning good practice guide is and has to be treated respectfully. With an essential tool in helping us educate the help of DIO Service Delivery Training, these fundamental points were then supplemented with guidelines more attuned to the specific demands of SPTA.

To bring the leaflet to life photographs were taken on the Plain with participation from members of the Trail Riders Fellowship and Tread Lightly, as well as Training Safety Marshall Jeff Elson. Information, guidance and images were then drawn together by the Aspire Multi Media Centre in Warminster to create a highly professional and appealing leaflet.

The creation of the Guide can be regarded as a perfect example of Volunteers assist with important signage improvements © Dale Wyatt, Tread Lightly

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 23 FEATURES

When is a seed not a seed? Rare Ostracoda and plants of Bulrush Lake, Penhale Sands Cypris bispinosa Bulrush Lake June 2013 © Paul Gainey

The flora and fauna of Penhale Sands On a conservation group walk with Paul The dune slack where the Cypris Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a on Penhale Sands on 7th June 2013, the bispinosa has been found on Penhale large part which falls within the MOD group was able to walk into Bulrush Sands is known by members of the training area, has been well-recorded Lake after a period of high water levels conservation group as ‘Bulrush Lake’ over the years, especially by members had receded, and in a remaining small due to the large stand of common of the Penhale MOD Conservation pool in the slack Paul netted many club-rush (or Bulrush) Schoenoplectus Group (which has been in place since Cypris bispinosa – and, like Jean, knew lacustris at one end, in its sole the early 1970s). One of the key they weren’t seeds when they started confirmed Cornish site, though there is recorders from the beginning until early moving! The authority, Henderson also grey club-rush Schoenoplectus 2005 was Jean Paton who on one walk states that Cypris bispinosa “occurs in tabernaemontani. Bulrush Lake is the on the dunes in 1983 found what coastal and probably brackish water; largest of several dune slacks on the appeared to be small rounded seeds, widely distributed around the dunes, and like most of them the about 2mm to 3mm in length, in the Mediterranean basin but very rare in the amount of water in the slack fluctuates water of a dune slack (‘Bulrush Lake’), British Isles where it seems to be at the yearly - it has been dry (but always but these were moving – they were northern limit of its distribution.” In Great damp) in about half of the years since obviously not seeds! Further Britain and Ireland Cypris bispinosa is 1990. Not all the slacks in the dunes are investigation confirmed that these known only from Penhale and the water-filled at the same time. The were small seed-like bivalved fluctuating meres that occur over chalk draw-down zones of Bulrush Lake have crustaceans in the class Ostracoda in the Breckland area of Norfolk and in abundant silverweed Potentilla anserina, (commonly known as ‘ostracods’) and turloughs, found over Carboniferous water mint Mentha aquatica, marsh that the species was Cypris bispinosa. limestone in Ireland. The habitat is pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, marsh These are sometimes referred to as sufficiently rare in the United Kingdom horsetail Equisetum palustre and lesser ‘bean animalcules’. Paul Gainey, another to be recognised as a UK BAP Priority spearwort Ranunculus flammula, and long-term member of the conservation habitat – as ‘Aquifer Fed Naturally both water-plantain Alisma plantago group, has since recorded Cypris Fluctuating Water Bodies’ and Cypris aquatica and lesser water-plantain bispinosa on several occasions between bispinosa is listed as a key species in Baldellia ranunculoides. The western 1993 and 2013. such habitats. part, where the last of the water

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remains in drier years, is often filled with Like Cypris bispinosa, shore dock water on the dunes in 2012 was the stoneworts Tolypella glomerata, appears to tolerate the fluctuating thought to be related to a newly Chara contraria and Chara vulgaris var. water levels in Bulrush Lake. With the blocked adit following heavy rains papillata amongst common spike-rush threat of climate change after a period raising the local water table. As long as Eleocharis palustris. A recent arrival is of dry years in the early 2000s, and the rainfall patterns continue to cyperus sedge Carex pseudocyperus, apparent decline of numbers of shore replenish the surrounding area to keep another rare species in Cornwall. One dock plants (14 plants in 2005 from 123 the water table at least high enough to plant was found in Bulrush Lake in in 2001), concerns were raised about fill parts of Bulrush Lake, then the 2005, and by 2013 it is now frequent in the continuing existence of the species continued survival of Cypris bispinosa one part of the slack, and appears to at this site. However, a long-term and shore dock should continue. have spread in years when the water member of the conservation group, level has been low or the slack is dry. Rose Murphy, who had watched In previous National Vegetation Bulrush Lake water levels rise and fall Classification (NVC) surveys of Penhale One of the most interesting vascular over the years, assured others that Sands, the plant communities sampled plants in Bulrush Lake is the plants would appear again and indeed in Bulrush Lake were found to be a fairly internationally rare shore dock Rumex they did with over 50 plants found in good fit to the sand dune slack or rupestris which appears on the margins 2009. In 2013 at least 19 large plants swamp plant communities as described of the pool after the water level were recorded, producing abundant in Rodwell’s British Plant Communities, recedes. Normally found in cliff flushes fruits ready for future colonisation and but the presence of other species such which emit onto wave-cut platforms, fluctuating water levels. Though as shore dock skewed the analysis. beaches or in damp heads on cliffs on Bulrush Lake lies near a channel Bulrush Lake may therefore be better the western seaboard of the British Isles, draining Gear Sands to the south, the classed as the UK BAP habitat ‘Aquifer Spain and France, its presence in water table appears to be affected Fed Naturally Fluctuating Water Body’, Bulrush Lake and other sites on Penhale more by past mining activity in the area and if accepted as such would confirm Sands is rather puzzling, as it is the only than natural filling of the slacks from the importance of the site within the ‘sand dune-slack’ habitat where it grows rainfall. Penhale Sands is in an area Penhale SAC. in the British Isles. Shore dock seeds are which was exploited in the past by large and inflated and can withstand mining of tin, iron and silver, and several Ian Bennallick and Paul Gainey several days in water, and this facilitates shafts and adits criss-cross the dunes, Penhale MOD Conservation Group the spread around the coast and to through the hard-rock low cliffs now colonise new sites. Shore dock plants in hidden from view by the sand dunes Bulrush Lake are mostly found in the which cover these cliffs. Blocked western margin along the strandline water-filled adits fail and drain, or where the water level reaches the empty adits fill with water: the almost highest level. complete filling of the dune slacks with

Bulrush Lake in dry period June 2013 © Ian Bennallick Rumex rupestris Bulrush Lake © Ian Bennallick

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Operation Nightingale Excavations at RAF Akrotiri

Aerial view of excavation site © Crown

Royal Air Force Akrotiri and the should not be underestimated and will Cyprus (CBF), Head of DIO International peninsular it sits on has a rich historical help us understand and re-write the and most notably Phil Harding, a British past dating back to the earliest human history of 7th century Cyprus. It is archaeologist, who works on Channel habitation of Cyprus from around 9500 estimated that after its construction, it 4’s highly-popular Time Team BC. Within the boundaries of the station had a very short life-span of programme. Speaking to Carla Prater are rock cut tombs, ancient harbours approximately thirty years before it was from BFBS T V, he explained how much and many other archaeological features abandoned and destroyed. he enjoyed sharing his passion for dating back to the Hellenistic and archaeology: Roman periods. In September 2013 A total of 27 Op Nightingale personnel further light was shone on Akrotiri’s including one National Trust “It is through something like Op past through a project to excavate a 7th archaeologist and medical support staff Nightingale that I can actually share that century Basilica to the North of the participated in the excavation, working passion with somebody else. People who Station, licenced by the Sovereign Base with local Cypriot volunteers, have never done it before and actually feel Administration (SBA). Operation archaeology students and DOA. it is beneficial, not just for the archaeology Nightingale personnel worked under As Trooper Danny Simpson explained, it but for actual people’s lives for what they the direction of the Republic of Cyprus is an excellent opportunity to help him are doing and for their future wellbeing (ROC) Department of Antiquities (DOA) start enjoying life again. and when you look at it like that it is during the excavation. actually quite humbling.” “I was injured during training and was The huge site, estimated to have been medically discharged,” he explained. “I In conclusion the excavations represent the size of Westminster Abbey, is now think it is pretty awesome to be honest a successful collaboration project in its 6th year of excavation, which the [the excavation]. I actually can’t wait to between the ROC, MOD and the SBA to DOA dates back to approximately star t university. This is probably the gain a deeper understanding of the 616AD. It is believed to have been a happiest I have been since being islands history. DIO would like to thank holding area for holy relics of St James discharged because it is something that is the following for their support; CBF, HQ and St Stephen brought over from 1,400 years old and I am the first person to BFC Staff, SBAA Environmental Team. Jerusalem during the Byzantine - see that.” Special thanks go to Dr Eleni Procopiou Sasanian wars (602-628AD). (DOA) for allowing Op Nightingale on The buildings high status is clearly The excavations attracted media the dig, and Major (Retd) ‘Smudge’ demonstrated by an incredible wealth attention on the island, being reported Smith and Mrs Stasoula Stylianou for of stunning mosaics, imported marble in local Cypriot newspapers and via setting up the logistics. used in its construction, gold leaf British Forces Broadcasting Services trimmings, bronze and statues, which (BFBS) on both T V and Radio. A number David West are now protected. According to the of high profile visits were made to the Environmental Advisor dig director for the DOA, its discovery site by Commander British Forces Defence Infrastructure Organisation

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Protecting the environment Beyond the borders • A newly installed Penstock Valve can be operated from fully open to fully closed and locked off within 90 seconds. When closed it protects the river Yeo from any significant spillage in the main Technical Site, Sewage Treatment Plant or Bulk Fuel Installations within Yeovilton. The PCT, Salvage Team and the Standing Officer Of the Watch are all trained in its operation, with full instructions contained within the site USRP • In accordance with the site USRP and MACR ERA a ‘Sacrificial Area’ been agreed by the Establishment Main Controller (EMC), the Pollution Pollution Control Team at RNAS Yeovilton © Crown Control Officer and the Environment Agency RNAS Yeovilton can be found in the the wider environs; namely the rivers heart of Somerset, sat amongst Yeo and Cam. • In the event of the sacrificial area extensive agriculture and important being utilised the Local Authority Fire and fragile river habitat. As is In support of Yeovilton’s EMS, a detailed Brigade and Yeovilton’s Fire and characteristic of the area, the site is Unit Spillage Response Plan (USRP) is in Rescue Service have agreed a bordered and crossed by a series of place. The Station has a pro-active pumping relay routine to aid the water courses: Northmead Brook and programme to continually review its relief of back-flooding, which will the rivers Yeo and Cam. contingencies against pollution; it result once the Penstock Valve has encourages innovation and been closed Yeovilton is currently altering its pragmatism to protect and enhance With these measures in place, RNAS operational footprint to become the the environment that is increasingly Yeovilton has ensured that the home of the MOD’s latest governed by legislation, mandated environment beyond its borders has Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Wildcat. within MOD and demanded and been protected from pollution using expected by the public, local the best possible options with the Capable of storing approximately 6m communities and industry partners. resources available. litres of fuel, RNAS Yeovilton is conscious of its potential to pollute the Several initiatives are firmly in place and John Fanning controlled waters that run through and practiced at Yeovilton: Environmental Protection Officer around the site. Yeovilton is a Lower (RNAS) Yeovilton • Yeovilton has a dedicated Pollution Tier, Major Accident Control Regulations Control Team (PCT ), provided by the (MACR) Site with a comprehensive Air Engineering Department, trained, Environmental Management System equipped and on-call to respond to (EMS), supported by a detailed MACR environmental emergencies within Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), the Yeovilton estate to aid its legal and morale obligations to protect the local and global environs. • A dedicated Mobile Spillage Response Kit (MSRK) has been made To achieve this Yeovilton has addressed up, maintained and controlled by the ways in which it can not only SERCO (Yeovilton’s Fuel and Salvage minimise pollution on site, but to Section) as part of a MOD Multi rigorously ensure that it does not allow Activity Contract. The MSRK can be pollution from any significant spillage, deployed to any MAT TE or spillage at Yeovilton within 4 minutes which may result in a Major Accident To Penstock Valve protecting the River Yeo against The Environment (MAT TE) to escape to spillages © Crown

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British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) An environmental audit

Military in Kenya © Crown

In addition to the battlegroup exercises, As the sun rises over Mount Kenya, the lions of Ol Doinyo the Royal Army Medical Corps and Lemboro Ranch, Laikipia remind you that you are not the squadrons from 33 Engineer Regiment top of the food chain here. undertake field exercises and community support activities in the region. The British Army has trained in Kenya across Laikipia District. Six light infantry for over 60 years, the terrain is battlegroups each undertake a six-week Following discussions with the National uncompromising, the scale vast and exercise called ASKARI STORM, Environmental Management Authority with the support of the local designed so that infantry soldiers work (NEMA) and in order to comply with community, the training value alongside the engineers, medics and Kenyan Environmental (Impact is peerless. logisticians that make up their Assessment and Audit) Regulations 1200-person battlegroup. Training 2003, BATUK was required to undertake Under a Memorandum of comprises of a number of live fire and an Initial Environmental Audit of its Understanding with the Kenyan dry fire exercises, with and without current military activities within Kenya. Government, the training takes place helicopter support. The final element of Following a competitive tendering across a total of 278,000ha (2780km2) the exercise includes up to 500 local process, Defence Infrastructure including dedicated Kenyan Kenyans assuming the roles of Organisation, Infrastructure Professional Department of Defence (DOD) training insurgents and aid workers with tribal, Services and Service Delivery Training in areas on Mount Kenya, at Archers Post, ethnic and religious tensions, providing BATUK, commissioned a unique Samburu County and under specific the ultimate challenge for young partnership of SKM Enviros (now Jacobs licence agreements on private ranches soldiers to overcome. Ltd), Howard Humphreys (East Africa)

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Richard Snow talking to Kathendini community © Crown

Ltd and National Museums of Kenya while also finding important historic potential for accelerating the spread of (NMK) to undertake the audit. burial sites, rock art and tool sites. invasive species; and hazards to species including potential risk of killing, Commencing in November 2013, the The Laikipia and Samburu areas are injuring and disturbance. Existing audit, which comprised both desk important for wildlife at an international controls were reviewed and were found based research and field visits, looked at level and this in turn supports a vitally to be generally successful in avoiding activities and operations across all areas important tourism trade. Across the potential effects. Mitigating factors for used by BATUK, and the use of military BATUK training locations, 13 recorded residual effects include positive helicopters across Kenyan airspace. The species are IUCN red listed including contributions to wildlife protection and existing BATUK environmental one species, black rhinoceros Diceros monitoring. Recommendations for the management controls and systems bicornis, listed Critically Endangered, were reviewed, and the adequacy of two species, Grevy’s zebra Equus grevyi these controls in protecting the and African wild dog Lycaon pictus, environment and heritage of Kenya was listed Endangered and 10 further assessed. The audit also looked to red-listed species savannah elephant evaluate the socio-economic Loxodonta africana; lion Panthera leo, contribution to Kenya from the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, common presence of BATUK, from quantifiable hippopotamus Hippopotamus financial measures to the opinion of amphibious, Thomson’s gazelle Eudorcas local stakeholders. thomsonii, lesser kudu Tragelaphus imberbis, leopard Panthera pardus, Beisa At Archers Post, National Museum of oryx Oryx beisa, striped hyaena Hyaena Kenya staff undertook field surveys of hyaena, generuk Litocranius walleri the archaeology and ecology of the listed as Vulnerable. Detailed Ecological areas used by BATUK. These were the Impact Assessments undertaken to first formal surveys of the area, inform the audit identified potential providing important data sets for the hazards to habitats including: Kenyan archive, showing significant temporary camp sites; movement of finds of species such as elephant, people and vehicles both along tracks Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated and footpaths; road network giraffe, African buffalo, leopard and lion, maintenance; use of explosives; and the Sampling water at Mpala Farm © Crown

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temporary staff from the local villages supporting the training, through to full time posts such as mechanics, carpenters and financial clerks, building skills and capacity within the community.

Community projects have been delivered in line with the District Governor’s aims and are contributing significantly to the broader local community. These include projects such as road and bridge restoration, building infrastructure for schools and orphanages, to working with Kenya Wildlife Services on anti-poaching measures, as reported in the international media.

Where the audit has recommended further controls or mitigation measures, these have been drawn together into one Environmental Management Plan for implementation.

The audit was submitted to NEMA in July 2014 and the results provide an important environmental baseline that Elephants at Mpala © Crown furthers BATUK’s ability to deliver compliance with Kenyan Environmental future include working with the various The audit has completed Land Quality legislation, whilst working in stakeholders to enhance monitoring, Assessments for each site identifying partnership with local communities, sensitive placement and management low risks from our current and legacy thereby helping to secure BATUK’s of any new training infrastructure, and activities. Noise emissions were consent to train into the future. ongoing review of standing orders. assessed for compliance against Kenyan This will further enable BATUK to environmental legislation and show Mr Richard Snow integrate its training exercises with the that activities on training areas are fully Defence Infrastructure Organisation environmental sensitivities of each site. compliant with the requirements of Kenyan legislation. Mr Wayne Bates Lead Auditor The Socio Economic assessment Jacobs revealed that BATUK’s presence within Kenya contributes both directly and Lt Col E Edwards indirectly, with an estimated economic Commander benefit of £50m / 6.5 billion Kenyan Defence Infrastructure Organisation Shillings into the community each year SD Training (Kenya) (based upon 2013 data). Local communities, individuals and companies such as hotels, builders’ merchants, wholesale suppliers of food, suppliers of fuel, to local curio shops are all benefiting from the BATUK spend.

BATUK employs over 1300 staff (permanent, fixed-term and casuals) to support its presence within Kenya. Il Pinguan valley © Crown Employment opportunities range from Rock art Archers Post © Crown

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The helicopters are not the only thing buzzing at RAF Shawbury

Each nest provides a concentrated number of suitable tubes in a single place, so nest seeking females do not have to waste time seeking other hollows in which to lay their eggs.

Ellie Harrison, presenter of Countryfile was delighted to be invited to drive across the airfield and set up a new nest site. With the help of Andy Parfitt, a stake was hammered into place and the nest box firmly secured on top. Overwintering pupae, were then carefully placed into the nest to await a Red mason bee Osmia bicornis © Iain Perkins gentle warming from the sunshine to awaken them. As many species of bee have declined RAF Shawbury, and at the nearby over recent years, interest in their Relief Landing Grounds at Ternhill Group Captain Alastair Smith, Station conservation has increased especially and Chetwynd. Commander RAF Shawbury said: as their essential role in pollinating wildflowers and crops is becoming The bee emerges in the spring as an “ We are delighted to be part of this better understood. adult from the previous years nest important environmental project. The where it pupated, then mates and starts MOD takes conservation and As part of this conservation effort, RAF to lay eggs which it supplies with food environmental issues very seriously and Shawbury has become involved in an in individual cells. These eggs hatch and uses its considerable ownership of land to independent project, established by develop until they themselves pupate. protect and encourage wildlife wherever local specialist Horticulturalist, Mr Viv In collecting food for its offspring, the possible. We are always receptive to new Marsh. Viv has set up a partnership with bees pollinate a wide range of plants ideas and this project is ideal as it local churches and Harper Adams and has been shown to significantly combines both supporting the University to promote the conservation raise the seed set of many field crops. environment and working with the local of the solitary red mason bee Osmia community”. bicornis. Whilst visiting close to RAF The 105ha airfield environment at RAF Shawbury, Viv noticed some individual Shawbury provides an ideal habitat for Andy Parfitt red mason bees. He contacted the the bees as there is no intensive Station Environmental Officer stations Environmental Officer, Mr Andy agriculture with associated pesticides. RAF Shawbury Parfitt who then joined the bee Additionally, there are large expanses of conservation project ‘Praise Bee’ which grassland and hedgerows with a aims to bolster colonies of the species diversity of wild flowers which are ideal by creating new breeding sites; it was for these insects. therefore agreed that artificial nests could be trialled on site. On Friday 9th May 2014, RAF Shawbury welcomed the Countryfile production In April 2013, the nests were checked team to film this innovative and activity was found at four, one of environmental project. which contained pupae. The nests were examined in November 2013 and 97 The team visited the stations workshop, pupae had been produced. This was where the carpenters had been busy proof that the project was viable and constructing the nest boxes. The design new colonies could therefore be of the bee box mimics the natural nest established elsewhere. In April 2014, of the bee, which is usually hollow plant further nest sites were established at stems and beetle borings in deadwood. Ellie and Andy erect new bee box on airfield © Crown

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Netheravon Airfield, Salisbury Plain 100 years of flying history

Whilst Netheravon became the focus for Squadron Disbandment shortly before the Armistice, its role in pioneering flight did not end there. In 1924 the Fleet Air Arm was created and the first pilots trained at Netheravon, which remained the focus for training naval aircrew until 1941. The first military rotary-wing flying trials took place at Netheravon in 1933 and the airfield had an association with parachute and glider forces throughout the World War II with the advance party of the Glider Exercise Squadron arriving in 1942 and deploying to France within a month.

Netheravon closed as a mainstream Typical defects © Aspire Defence Services Limited base in 2012 by which time the Grade II Listed ‘black and white’ accommodation throughout 1914 with the military wing buildings were in need of A restoration project by of the RFC gathering in what was refurbishment. The first purpose-built Aspire Defence Services known as the ‘Concentration Camp’ to accommodation structures for RFC Limited discuss operational techniques for an squadrons, these buildings contained effective air force. In the same year significant quantities of asbestos, the Squadrons 3 and 4 with 12 aircraft each ‘miracle product’ of its day, and the Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) were deployed to France as part of a challenge was to retain as much of the supplies the Total Facilities total British strength of 63 aircraft original structure as possible whilst Management element of Project supported by 900 men. ensuring safety. Working closely from Allenby/Connaught (PAC), a 35 year the start of the project with English contract and the largest infrastructure At this stage of the war, reconnaissance Heritage, the Local Authority Private Finance Initiative (PFI) ever let and air attacks on land forces were the Conservation Officer and ADSL’s by the MOD, covering the four Army primary role and it was not until 1915 licensed asbestos removal contractor, garrisons on Salisbury Plain and that a fighter squadron flying Vickers Merryhill Envirotec Limited, ADSL in Aldershot. FB5 planes was formed at Netheravon. focused on restoring these historic This was Squadron 11, the first unit buildings to a sound condition. This ADSL works in historically important established with the sole intention of phase of the project has completed the locations across the PAC footprint and destroying other aircraft. regeneration of seven buildings in West in this Centenary Year of The Great War, Camp which comprises a complex work at Netheravon Airfield, Salisbury In these early days accidents were containing a further twenty buildings Plain has brought modern conservation common and for most of the war including the old Officers Mess, the techniques to buildings which played a casualties at training units were greater SNCO Mess and the old central critical part in the airborne war effort than losses in action. Training standards bath house. 100 years ago. were regulated in 1916 but increased demand for pilots meant that some still The original intention of the project In 1914 Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in France unprepared for had been to replace the external timber Squadrons 3 and 4 were sent to the combat. This was one factor leading to battens and repaint the structures but it new accommodation and technical a sharp rise in casualties. By the spring soon became clear that considerably facilities at Netheravon Airfield. of 1917 the life expectancy of a new more work was needed. Over time, The airfield was home to an intense pilot on the Western Front could be water had seeped in behind the testing and training exercise measured in weeks. asbestos cement sheets and caused the

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Work is complete © Aspire Defence Services Limited diagonal close boards fixed to the Cedar was used in the original tightly with the cement sheets. This will timber frame to rot away. construction for the external battens prevent water seeping in behind them. and this was replicated for the project. A temporary structure was assembled A supplier was found who could cut Once the cement sheets were replaced, enclosing the listed building using timbers to imperial sizes exactly and before the battens were fixed, the plywood sheets and insulation for the matching the originals. Architectural whole structure was washed down with walls and floor and tri-wall woodwork also needed to be replicated sugar soap and a waterproof coating polycarbonate sheets for the roof. in the original imperial sizes, particularly applied. After the battens were fixed This provided a weather proof cover around the main entrance doors. The they were treated with sealant and the during a particularly wet winter and sash windows all needed repairs to the buildings were re-painted in their an enclosed area which could be weight boxes and sills and the work simple original black and white livery. heated and dried. Trailer mounted was carried out by a specialist sash heater/dehumidifiers normally used window renovation company who also After restoration, the buildings provided for flood recovery works proved to be had the tools to replicate the imperial a backdrop in August 2014 for a very effective in drying out the sizes used in the mouldings. Western Front Association sodden timbers. commemorative event dedicated to As asbestos cement sheeting was the first RFC casualties of war who died In order to facilitate a clear removed, it was replaced with a fibre in an air crash at Netheravon. The understanding of the original cement sheet which has the same buildings look as they did when the construction, work began on one appearance as the original asbestos. young flying officers first took up building. Once this was under way a residence in 1914 and stand as a fitting sequence was developed for the Replication of original materials and memorial to their courage and sacrifice. remaining six buildings to locate the techniques was important but the rotten timber, remove the asbestos repairs also needed to be durable. Julie Tite cement sheets and rebuild leaving as It would not have been practical to Information Manager much as possible of the original replicate the way in which the original Aspire Defence Services Limited structure undisturbed. construction was nailed together as this would not have allowed sufficient As repairs had been carried out to the weather resistance so, stainless steel buildings using various materials over screws were used throughout, with the many years, research was needed to external battens held in place by special find out exactly what timber sizes and bare shanked screws which allow the sections had been used originally. timber to be drawn together very

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A decade of sustainable management on the Defence Training Estate

Bracken spraying 8th August 2014 © Landmarc

As Project Vanguard comes to an end pingoes ensuring that the newts and endangered species and their habitat we review some of the interesting and other wildlife can continue to thrive in are protected and historic relics innovative projects Landmarc Support these Ice Age relic features. from the early 1940s have also Services have delivered in partnership escaped demolition. with Defence Infrastructure South East – Pill boxes to bat Organisation (DIO), statutory bodies boxes South West – Scraesdon Fort and other stakeholders. When health and safety concerns were Working closely with military users and East – Stanford Training Area highlighted about a number of World English Heritage, Landmarc have War ll pill boxes on Bourley Training developed and implemented a scheme As the glaciers retreated at the end of Area (Home Counties), Landmarc to restore Scraesdon Fort, which was the last Ice Age they left huge chunks developed an innovative scheme to originally built in the mid-1800s as part of ice embedded into the landscape of convert the structures into roosts for of the defensive measures around what is now mid-Norfolk. As these increasingly rare and threatened Plymouth Harbour. melted they formed an array of small to bat species. medium sized lakes known as pingoes. You can find out more about this Human access was prevented by project in the next feature titled Many have been lost and those that blocking up doorways and gun slits ‘Scraesdon Fort entrance bridge remain are incredibly valuable to both whilst access slots for bats were replacement’ by Nigel Sharpe. flora and fauna including European retained. Wooden boards and purpose Protected Species such as the great built bat boxes were also erected inside North – Beating back the crested newt which uses them as to provide optimal conditions for a bracken breeding sites. bat roost. Bracken can be an invasive plant if not Following close consultation with DIO Local volunteers from the Bat managed appropriately and can turn a ecologists and with consent from Conservation Trust are monitoring the hillside of upland grazing land into a Natural England, Landmarc have sites and early indications are dense jungle of limited ecological value sensitively re-excavated a number of encouraging, ensuring that both these in a few short years.

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Scraesdon Fort Entrance bridge replacement

restore the bridge. The project involved using as much of the old cast iron as possible but replaced the massive bridge girders with steel beams, suitably decorated to give the original riveted appearance.

The contract to restore the bridge was let to Dyer and Butler Ltd, who started works in the summer 2013. During the works, Landmarc arranged an alternative entrance for the Royal Marines which allowed training to continue whilst the entrance The new replacement bridge 2013 © Crown was restored.

One of the most difficult things to their Fort Blockhouse in Gosport, and a Although the fort is a vital feature for achieve in managing the defence site visit was arranged to share best the training of Royal Marines and the training estate is to ensure that effective practice, and learn from any mistakes. natural cover of trees and shrubs across military training is facilitated whilst both the fort provides concealment for natural and historic environment sites Hydrock (engineering consultants) were soldiers and creates realistic training with legal protection are managed in employed to develop plans for the scenarios, the vegetation on the parade harmony with one another. restoration and scheduled monument grounds and ramparts are damaging consent was granted in 2004, following the stonework and drainage. Scraesdon Fort, located in Cornwall, an extensive photographic record of was built in the mid-1800s as part of condition. However, as the existing Alongside the restoration of the bridge, defensive measures around Plymouth entrance bridge satisfied the demands Landmarc have developed and Harbour and is an important heritage of the military users a lack of funding implemented a scheme to remove asset being designated as a Listed delayed the project. vegetation that suits all parties. Building and a Scheduled Ancient Vegetation has been removed from the Monument. It currently forms part of Eventually, by 2010, the bridge had most historically sensitive areas and Defence Infrastructure Organisation rusted to the point where it became retained where it is most important for (DIO) Antony Training Area. unsafe for use on foot, which had a training. The once dry moat has been profound impact on military use. At this completely re-excavated allowing the Over the years, the original entrance point, the project was restarted and 1850s drainage system to function bridge (which includes a drawbridge) Landmarc Support Services, MOD’s again and removing damaging water has been weakened by rust and in 1980 service providers for the training estate, from the lower level of the fort. vehicular use was banned as a result. dusted off the 2004 Scheduled As the primary users of the fort were Monument Consent, consulted with EH The best things are worth waiting for, Royal Marines, who did not need to update it, and got the green light to and in spring 2014, the restored vehicular access, this was not a serious entrance bridge, together with problem. However, as the fort is a refurbished original entrance gates, scheduled monument, the gradual were reopened for military use and the deterioration of the structure was far grandeur of the fort entrance was once from ideal. again apparent.

In 2003, DIO Estate Surveyors in Nigel Sharpe consultation with English Heritage (EH) Senior Estate Surveyor hatched a plan to restore the bridge to Defence Infrastructure Organisation its former glory. At the time, EH were restoring a similar entrance bridge at Scraesdon 1911

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Senne Training Area Still managed the traditional way

a handful of rams for breeding. The flock also contains a few goats, which graze some of the taller and tougher scrub. Professional shepherds with old German herder sheepdogs tend the livestock as they roam around the heath and rough grass. Their movements are de-conflicted with the live-fire templates by Range Control in order to maintain the safety of shepherds, who work for about nine hours, covering several kilometers each day and then coral the sheep in temporary enclosures at night.

Senne flock on the training area © Dr Gerd Lakemann The German Heath Sheep project is managed by the Senne Biological The Senne Training Area, near The current flock was introduced in Station and is located on the boundary Paderborn in northern Germany, is 1987 to help prevent the ageing and of the training area, where it provides renowned for its beautiful landscape, overgrowth of newly-restored a popular and educational visitor with a wide diversity and rich heathland on the Senne. Many other attraction, especially during abundance of fauna and flora. breeds might struggle in this rough lambing time. The training area covers 11,600ha, terrain, but these hardy sheep can approximately half of which is graze out on the heath throughout the It is an important aim of the British woodland, interspersed with a year. This persistent, controlled grazing Forces in Germany to manage the rural patchwork of open, sandy heath and leads to the sustainable management estate in a sustainable manner, thereby grassland that makes this a rare and of the heather, encouraging new leaving it in a good environmental attractive habitat. The area is also seedlings and fresh growth to keep it condition when it is finally returned to designated a Fauna, Flora and Habitat young and vital. In addition, the sheep the German Federal Authorities under site, which is the equivalent in Germany eat young pines, beech saplings and the Army basing programme. to Special Protection Areas and Special the invasive bird-cherry, which would Areas of Conservation. otherwise transform the open heath to Mark F Johnson MSc unwanted scrub woodland. Land Management Services Germany The heathland, dry grasslands, wet Defence Infrastructure Organisation meadows and mires are all elements of Today the flock numbers about 450 an historic, cultural landscape, which ewes, with lambs in the springtime and has been formed as a result of human interaction over thousands of years and careful management over the last several decades. At present, the open areas of the Senne are maintained largely by mechanical equipment, and wild red, fallow and roe deer and boar, but there is also a flock of special sheep making a valuable contribution to the management of the heather. These are a rare and ancient breed of German heath sheep, also unusual in that they are accompanied by a shepherd with sheepdogs in the traditional style. Shepherd Herr Labs in his traditional garb © Jutta Bergener

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Working in harmony with nature on the MOD housing estate

“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.” Iris Murdoch.

The MOD housing estate in England and Wales sits comfortably amongst some of our most beautiful countryside. From the Northumbrian hills to the coastline of Cornwall our Armed Forces live in Service housing, nestled alongside rare plant and wildlife species. The CarillionAmey (Housing) team, who provide housing maintenance services on behalf of the Local service and civilian families enjoying the natural space © Rosie Brown CarillionAmey Defence Infrastructure Organisation in England and Wales, works extremely the Station Community Development groups to determine a way forward. hard to balance the impact of human Worker (CDW ) wanted to counteract Through effective collaboration and life on nature in these areas. this anti social behaviour and create a consultation with local Service and copse in which families could take civilian families it was decided that the Hazel Copse at Brize Norton, located in pride. Through CarillionAmeys’ copse should become a natural play the heart of the Service Family countrywide programme of area for their children. Children could Accommodation (SFA), had become a community projects, CarillionAmey and use the natural space to build dens and dumping ground for litter and the CDW brought together the local enjoy wildlife, and in time it could be household waste. CarillionAmey and police and various local stakeholder used as a learning space for the local community college and play unit.

The project was divided into two phases; phase one was all about removing unwanted rubbish and undergrowth, phase two about creating a natural area for play. Once the plans were in place, new rubbish bins were installed at the entrances to the copse. CarillionAmeys’ supply chain helped with the heavy duty work, allowing Station staff, families and CarillionAmey and community volunteers to litter pick, make woodchip paths, create teepees, log seats, and a mud kitchen. A new wooden sign was erected at the entrance to the copse, announcing its rejuvenation to the world. To celebrate the completion of the project all parties Beautiful bluebells of Pintail Wood © Josh Brown attended an opening ceremony

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plant life. The wood itself is a natural gallery to rival any art museum, and the selection of fly agarics, birch bolete, shaggy parasol and sulphur tuft honey fungus create a colourful and interesting exhibition amongst the trees.

Future CarillionAmey Community Project plans may well see Paul taking groups of local school children for educational tours of the wood. His keenness for nature and his desire to share his knowledge with others should ensure that local Lyneham children will be less inclined to drop litter in the play park and the surrounding woodland. The hope Sulphur tuft honey fungus © Josh Brown being, that they may just take time to stop and listen to the woodpeckers, officiated by Group Captain Support, heart of the Lyneham SFA, is cherished notice the creepy crawlies and enjoy Eddie Cole, RAF Brize Norton. Children and looked after. The wood sits the wood in all its glory. from the local play unit got stuck in, adjacent to a highly popular play park building a mud kitchen and enjoying and bike track. Effective management CarillionAmey’s role is to maintain SFA their first chance to explore the ‘new of the wood has ensured that children and much of the green space look’ copse. using the BMX bike jumps and play surrounding it, a job in which the equipment can live in harmony with CarillionAmey team take enormous In the space of just a few months, with the wildlife and plant species without pride. Many of them are from Service excellent partnerships and project upsetting the balance of nature. Paul, backgrounds, are reservists, or are management, Hazel Copse had been and his landscape staff, work hard to married to current Service personnel. transformed from a rubbish dump to a ensure that litter is cleared regularly and Some have lived in the houses they thriving natural space that could be that the trees are maintained effectively currently maintain and are familiar enjoyed by all. Group Captain Cole (there is a blanket tree preservation with the beautiful surroundings in summed it up as follows: order on the wood). which they sit. Paul is a shining example, one of the many, who take “ The rejuvenation of Hazel Copse has Pintail Wood is home to an orchestra of particular pride in doing their best to drawn together a whole host of agencies birds, chief among them the green, work in harmony with nature on the and harnessed the efforts of a small team greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers MOD housing estate. of enthusiastic volunteers to create a who provide a soundtrack to the visual really special natural play facility for beauty of the area. A large pond on the Rosie Brown Service and local children alike. Having edge of the wood contains great Communications Manager seen the enthusiasm of the children from crested newts and the excellent CarillionAmey the Carterton Community College Play selection of deciduous trees host a Unit on the opening day, getting ‘down variety of insects and an understory of and dirty ’, making mud pies, running in and out of wigwams and generally making the most of the fresh air, it was very clear that this is going to be a well-used and much-loved part of our local community.”

At RAF Lyneham, Paul Waite, the CarillionAmey technical officer, is responsible for looking after the SFA and surrounding area. He is a nature enthusiast and has a passionate interest in ensuring that Pintail Wood, in the Female mallard, part of the wonderful wildlife for families to share © Josh Brown

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From Farms to Arms - The History of Catterick Military Training Area

Local resident Michael Webster in his Home Guard uniform at Downholme village, c.1940

In 1908, Lord Baden-Powell, General Officer Commanding (GOC) The Northumbrian Division, was tasked by Lord Kitchener of the War Office to survey a suitable place for a new military camp in the North of England.

At this time the Divisional Headquarters Work began in spring 1915 and specially-built light railway running was based in Richmond Castle. After Sheffield-based construction firm Henry from Catterick Bridge, with spurs some deliberation, in 1914, a large area Boot was contracted for the princely leading to the various sites and depots. of open countryside around the villages sum of £250,000 to build a hutted The Camp had to be self-sufficient, with of Hipswell, Scotton and Colburn in camp suitable for the accommodation roads, railways, electricity, water supply North Yorkshire was selected. of some 40,000 men. Gangs of and sewage works all being built from labourers, among them fishermen from scratch. The railway line crossed the Local opposition to the Camp’s Lowestoft and Yarmouth made River Swale using the medieval road construction, in what was good unemployed by Naval operations in the bridge (constructed in the reign of sporting and agricultural land, was North Sea, came to work on the site. Henry V in 1421) and it was not until assuaged by the thought that it would The arrival, in 1916, of more than 5,000 1922 that this ancient bridge was only be a temporary wartime measure. German soldiers when Catterick superseded by a metal girder bridge to But in all likelihood Kitchener was became a Prisoner of War Camp, carry trains across the river. looking to the long term when he bolstered the infrastructure referred to it as ‘An Aldershot of the construction efforts, including the road Originally known as Richmond Camp, in North.’ The existence and success of the linking Richmond Station with the 1915, it was renamed Catterick Camp garrison today shows just how Camp. Materials for the construction of (to avoid confusion with Richmond in prophetic that judgment was. the Camp were brought in by a Surrey) with further designations of

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A train travelling on the medieval road bridge over the River Swale at Catterick. The road bridge was constructed in 1421 during the reign of Henry V. Five hundred and one years later, in 1922, a purpose-built railway bridge was constructed (Courtesy of Henry Boot Plc) The Camp had to be self-sufficient, with roads, railways, electricity, water supply and sewage works all being built from scratch

Catterick (Hipswell) Camp and Catterick achievements of the Catterick sense of history with an eye for detail (Scotton) Camp. The name Catterick Conservation Group. about military matters. Her fellow was adopted because it was close to editor, Phil Abramson is an Archaeology Catterick village and Catterick Bridge Established in 1978, the Catterick Advisor in Defence Infrastructure railway station, which served as the Conservation Group has been at the Organisation (DIO) and has co-authored main station to the camp. The military forefront in championing the interests one of the chapters and assisted Nancy association with the former Roman fort of the historic and natural environment in the editing of the book. Jo East, an at Catterick may have played a part. on the Training Area. It still thrives and Assistant Rural Estate Manager for its members represent a range of Landmarc Support Services Limited, has These facts and many, many more have conservation interests that could fill the steered the book through the design been brought together in a new 136 pages of a university prospectus. and publication stages, as well as page book entitled, From Farms to Arms: sourcing some of the images. Major The History of Catterick Military Training In the book’s Foreword, Lt Col Mark (Retd) Tony Crease and Dr Moira Owen Area. It is richly illustrated throughout Holden, Commander of Service have contributed on ecology and with archive photographs, military Delivery (SD) Training North, biodiversity and Richard Almond and maps and images of the garrison and emphasises the primary importance of Tim Laurie have written about the the Dales landscape in which the military training at Catterick, whilst at geology and archaeology respectively. Training Area is situated. the same time recognising that farming, the natural environment and If you have trained at Catterick, if you The idea for the book was conceived cultural heritage interests must also be want to know about one of the several years ago, but it was not until taken into consideration. This sets the country’s principal military training the advent of Rural Elements of the scene for the rest of the book, with areas, if you take a holiday in the Dales Estate Strategy (REES) funding, chapters on local history, ecology, or if you simply live in the area and Conservation Group backing and the geology, archaeology, historic buildings want to know more about history on establishment of an Editorial Team that and conservation. your doorstep then this book is a must the idea turned into reality. The for you. production of the book set out to meet The principal editor, Nancy Tanner, has a three objectives: to commemorate the career background in the heritage Phil Abramson centenary of WWI, to mark one sector and is the wife of a serving Archaeology Advisor hundred years of military training at officer in the Royal Dragoon Guards. As Defence Infrastructure Organisation Catterick and to celebrate the such, she has been able to combine a

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Brown hairstreak in South East Wiltshire features in the landscape to attract a mate. The males usually remain at these prominent features while females disperse to lay eggs on young shoots of blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Being rather elusive, the best way to locate this insect is to search for eggs during the winter months. Colonies are often small and widely separated and because egg- laying extends over a wide area the butterfly requires conservation on a landscape scale.

Typical habitats are scattered woodland and hedgerows which are most common in the Avon and Bourne valleys on old drove roads and stock penning areas. There has been limited management for nature conservation here compared with the more important grassland on Salisbury Plain. Blackthorn thickets and scrub are Brown hairstreak © Mike Lockwood characteristic of parts of the Plain providing a valuable wildlife habitat A focus on the land Braydon Forest west of Swindon and on since they are not intensively cut. management of Salisbury Plain the Hampshire border around Shipton The brown hairstreak Thecla betulae Bellinger on land managed by the A vast expanse of unimproved natural was once widely distributed in MOD. There is also a small isolated chalk grassland, Salisbury Plain is the England though never considered to population near Warminster. Other largest area of this type in north-west be common. In recent years it has colonies have existed elsewhere but all Europe. Here the brown hairstreak disappeared from many areas and is seem to have disappeared, so it is increased as a result of scrub now largely confined to South-West important to monitor the status of the encroachment in the late 1960s England, parts of Wales and remaining sites. following a reduction in the rabbit Mid-West Ireland. population due to myxomatosis. Prior The butterfly appears from the end of to this the Plain was open grassland The serious decline is attributed to July to early September and with little or no successional growth. substantial losses in habitat due to congregates around prominent hedgerow removal and annual flailing Much of the land was acquired by the which destroys vast numbers of eggs. army from 1897 for military training An estimate of over 40% reduction in purposes and scrub management population since the 1970s has lead to began in earnest from 1993 after a large the butterfly becoming a UK part of the area was notified as a Site of Biodiversity Action Plan species which Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The means it is now of national priority for entire area was subsequently conservation. However, reports from designated under European law as a some southern counties suggest the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in butterfly has enjoyed a revival in the recognition of the chalk grassland and last few years. species such as juniper Juniperis communis, stone curlew Burhinus Today the brown hairstreak has two oedicnemus and marsh fritillary principal populations in Wiltshire: Blackthorn thicket at Larkhill Garrison © Mike Lockwood Euphydryas aurinia.

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Following the notification of the Sites a statutory obligation of the of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), European designations. numerous ecological studies were carried out and recommendations Recently the brown hairstreak has for future conservation lead to the extended its range south of Amesbury production of an Integrated Land towards Salisbury and east around Management Plan in 2005. This was Collingbourne Wood where wide field aimed at balancing the requirements margins are left under the DEFRA of wildlife and the livelihood of Countryside Stewardship Scheme. tenant farmers with the needs of To the north eggs have been found in 3 eggs from Milston Firs © Bulford Conservation Group military training. Everleigh Ashes, an important broadleaf wood with clearings maintained as a particularly on thickets around the The plan was developed initially by a training area for helicopter manoeuvres. Racecourse at Larkhill and woodland secondee from English Nature but laid north of the Bustard Inn. the foundation for the conservation Previously, the butterfly was thought to team on the Plain and crucially, it be restricted to the Eastern side of On the Western area a co-ordinated recognised that certain areas of scrub Salisbury Plain where specific Defence search in March 2014 by Aspire and should be managed rotationally for Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Imber Conservation Group on Imber specialists such as brown hairstreak and studies have been carried out in 1997 Ranges showed the butterfly to be nightingale. The plan was a and 2007. However, it has now been present around Ranscombe Bottom requirement to meet nature found at numerous sites on the Central and Dirtley Wood. These are steep sided conservation objectives but was also section west of the River Avon, valleys mainly covered in hazel woodland which was planted for use in making hurdles for the former Westbury Sheep Fair.

Brown hairstreak has also been located within the main garrisons on Salisbury Plain where grounds maintenance teams have retained blackthorn in thickets on grassland and woodland edges. It is common at Tidworth, Bulford and Perham Down with smaller numbers at Larkhill. This year it was discovered at the Land Warfare Centre at Warminster.

Areas within the garrison boundaries are managed by Aspire who work together with DIO to support the integration of management plan objectives and take into account local constraints such as planning control conditions.

Happily, on Salisbury Plain the brown hairstreak appears to be under no immediate threat and the population seems to have benefitted from appropriate management of the wider environment: providing safe havens that have allowed it to thrive and expand.

Mike Lockwood Bulford Conservation Group Distribution changes of the brown hairstreak in SE Wiltshire © Mike Lockwood

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Army Basing Programme – Consulting for a Masterplan

of some 1,200 new Service Family homes, additional mess facilities and technical accommodation including workshops, garages, stores and offices.

To deliver this ambitious programme, it is essential that the environmental and socio-economic effects of all the development proposals are considered from the outset at local and regional level, and are properly integrated into decision-making.

In Wiltshire, the MOD has worked closely with Wiltshire Council to assess the additional demands of rebasing on Meeting the needs of the service families is paramount to DIO © Crown current housing, community and military training infrastructure, drawing The Army Basing Programme (ABP) will community integration and provide up the strategic Salisbury Plain deliver the Government’s 2010 better potential for spousal Masterplan to communicate the Strategic Defence and Security Review employment. The Government has development proposals across the area commitment to bring all UK military committed £1.64 billion to the and to set the context for future units back from Germany by 2020 (with programme to be invested in planning applications. 50% back by 2015), and to move and infrastructure across the UK, with re-role military units to implement the additional funding for accommodation Selection of sites for military Army 2020 Plan. The last Brigade is improvements. It will provide in the housing planned to return from Germany in region of 1,900 new Service Family 2018/19 and relocate to Salisbury Plain. homes and more than 4,800 new To determine which areas should be Following withdrawal from Germany, bed spaces for single soldiers along put forward for Service families housing the Army will be almost completely with working, technical and in the Masterplan, an approach of re-based in the UK for the first time in training infrastructure. progressive site sifting and down- many generations. These changes will selection was used. The first stage provide savings and efficiencies for the The area that will see the largest involved a high-level sift of potentially Army and the Defence Infrastructure increase in troop numbers is Salisbury suitable areas within a 10-mile radius of Organisation (DIO) as well as a Plain, as Salisbury Plain Training Area is the garrisons at Tidworth, Larkhill, sustainable military footprint, ensuring the only place in the country that can Bulford and Perham Down, excluding that it remains adaptable and ready accommodate the complex and land covered by international and to meet the security challenges of demanding training needed to national level designations and areas at the future. maintain operational effectiveness of risk of flooding. The second stage used the three high readiness Reaction a Multi Criteria Analysis to assess each Under the Army Basing Programme, the Force Brigades. candidate site for suitability against a army will maintain its UK footprint but range of environmental, accessibility with troops increasingly concentrated Approximately 4,300 additional service and military factors and to generate a in key areas around Salisbury Plain, personnel will move to the Salisbury ‘heat map’ which highlighted the Edinburgh and Leuchars in Scotland, Plain area by 2018/19, along with their candidate parcels in different colours Catterick, Aldershot, Colchester, Stafford families and dependents, which according to their suitability. The and Cottesmore and North Luffenham represents a net increase of environmental factors included in the East Midlands. Focussing army approximately 7,600 to the current landscape, biodiversity, historic facilities in areas of population will population. This requires extensive new environment, groundwater vulnerability optimise the use of existing facilities build accommodation for single and amenity value, whilst accessibility and amenities, enable better soldiers, construction or procurement included socio-economic factors such

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supported by a programme of public engagement and consultation; detailed public engagement took place between February and April 2014 through a series of events and exhibitions, where the public were invited to comment on the proposals and express any concerns that they might have. Wiltshire Council also provided detailed information on their Military Civilian Integration Partnership website and in newsletters to Parish Councils within the Amesbury, Pewsey, Tidworth and Warminster area Boards. A further period of public comment on the Masterplan and OEA took place between May and June.

Salisbury Plain SFA heat map. The most suitable sites are shaded red, with less suitable sites shaded in progressively cooler colours © Crown On 30th July 2014, Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee as proximity to existing community Plain’s protected habitats and species. unanimously recognised the facilities, transport routes, green space A wide range of detailed assessments Masterplan as a key background and employment opportunities. and surveys were carried out to document to be taken into account in inform the OEA’s findings and the next phase of planning These candidate sites were consulted its recommendations. applications, and positive comments upon and then further refined to create were made by local councillors on the the schedule of preferred sites put A number of other detailed MOD’s approach and the way that the forward in the Masterplan. assessments were carried out as part public consultation was conducted. of the master-planning process. DIO and the Army are now working Alongside the Masterplan, an Assessment studies, supported by closely with Wiltshire Council to take Overarching Environmental Appraisal sustainability appraisals, were used to the Masterplan forward and to deliver (OEA) was also produced. This was evaluate the needs of incoming the required infrastructure for the written to the same structure – and personnel and service families against incoming troops. covered the same topics – as an the capacity of existing barracks, Environmental Impact Assessment, but housing and supporting services. ABP illustrates the value of close liaison considered the potential environmental The implications on employment in with statutory bodies, industry partners and community effects of all the ABP the region and opportunities for and local planning authorities, and proposals across Salisbury Plain. dependents and Army leavers were engagement with local communities, The OEA recommended measures to also considered. to shape proposals that can work for avoid or mitigate the adverse effects everyone and deliver places of identified and to enhance the positive In conjunction with these internal distinction and enduring quality. ones. Key issues included the potential decision-making processes, community impact of additional traffic and the and stakeholder engagement has been Terry Williams need to manage congestion, fundamental in shaping the proposals. Senior Environmental Planner implement agreed access points and The master-planning process was Defence Infrastructure Organisation maximise sustainable transport by considering cycle and walking routes. Salisbury Plain is a largely open landscape of chalk grassland, studded with nationally-important heritage features, so the OEA assessed landscape and heritage effects and suggested ways in which the visual impacts of the proposed developments (particularly for the Stonehenge World Heritage Site) could be minimised or eliminated. It also considered effects on Salisbury Stonehenge World Heritage Site © Dave Kjaer

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Birds of Prey on the Fingringhoe Ranges

Marsh harriers in the mist at Langenhoe Point © Richard Hull

The Colchester Garrisons ‘back door’ of salt marsh known as the ‘Geedons’ The primary interest of the estuary is training area consists of two sets of is part of the Colne National Nature the large numbers of wintering small arms ranges and a dry training Reserve. This unique marsh with the waterfowl it supports but the grazing area consisting of ancient semi-natural largest reed bed in Essex has Sites of marshes were also important for woodland and heathland which runs Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), breeding waders and there are records south down to the ‘Roman River’ a Ramsar, Special Protection Areas (SPA) of black-tailed godwits attempting to water course that feeds the nearby and Special Areas of Conservation breed. However natural processes and Abberton Reservoir. The majority of the (SAC) status. limited grazing had seen the site site is open to public access and is an important recreational asset for the local community as the training area runs into the suburbs of Colchester. Fingringhoe Ranges on the other hand are slightly separated from the rest of the training area and occupy raised ground which dips down to the Colne Estuary. Here the safety templates of the ranges make use of the estuary and its associated habitats to create an extensive area of land that is not disturbed by recreational activity, and as such attracts wildlife that would otherwise not be present, especially the numbers of breeding marsh harriers.

These ranges, which consists of some 650ha of coastal grazing marsh, reed and sedge lined fleets and a large area Short-eared owls over Langenhoe Marsh © Richard Hull

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deteriorate with significant scrub invasion into the coastal grasslands. This has probably also impacted on species like skylark which like open habitats without trees and shrubs. Skylark is also one of the key species in the diet of hen harrier.

Over the last ten years or so the impetus has been made to restore the habitat with extensive scrub clearance and a agricultural tenant has been willing to graze the marshes with support from an agri-environment scheme. This action has started to re-establish the open conditions that are attractive to harriers and falcons.

The undisturbed reed beds attract large numbers of marsh harriers of which up to seven pairs nest annually, and in the winter months up to thirty roost in the Male merlin with meadow pipit © Richard Hull Langenhoe Point reed bed. These majestic masters of the air feed almost In recent summers, hobbies have bred and exclusively on black-headed gull chicks, during the breeding season, from the to watch them hunting for dragonflies over nearby Rat Island, on which there is a colony of some 1500 pairs. Adult the marsh is a welcome sight black-headed gulls, young coot, little grebes, marsh frogs, adders and grass as they are from the more intensive winter months. There is also a resident snakes are also taken. farming by the ranges themselves. pair of tawny owls and two pairs of little Up to six of these beautiful falcons owls. Long-eared owls last bred in 2004. Winter sees the arrival of the much rarer have been observed in the air together hen harrier from Northern Britain and on several occasions. Merlins on the Other birds of prey recorded in the area Scandinavia. In the 1970s and 80s up to other hand have declined over the past over the years have included honey eighteen roosted on the marsh, but decade. Langenhoe Marsh could, in the buzzard, red kite, black kite, Montagu’s recently three to four is more normal. 1980s boast a roost consisting of eight harrier, goshawk, sparrowhawk, Improvements to the open character of individuals, but now it is more like one common buzzard, rough-legged the area may help to increase hen or two. buzzard, osprey, kestrel and red-footed harrier numbers though with climate falcon (four records). change and less severe winters fewer Peregrines are often seen during the birds appear to be pushed out of the winter and there is usually one or two Although significant effects of climate Low-Countries and over to Britain. This perched on posts on Rat Island for most change cannot be managed, a is the only regular roost site in the of the day, waiting for the shorebirds to combination of active conservation county for these vulnerable species. arrive at high tide. management and recording The Fingringhoe Ranges are out of demonstrates how successful this bounds to the general public, but fine Barn owls nest on the ranges and the management has been, especially with views of these magnificent birds can sight of them hunting over the marsh, such good indicators of the health of be had from the nearby sea wall at sometimes in broad daylight, is the environment as our top bird East Mersea. common-place. Their presence is more predators at this amazing site. closely associated with conservation In recent summers, hobbies have bred efforts here as nest boxes have been Richard Hull and to watch them hunting for provided and the now lightly grazed Conservation Group member and artist dragonflies over the marsh is a grasslands support good numbers of welcome sight. The wet ditches and their favoured prey species of small meres are ideal habitat for dragonflies mammals. Short-eared owls sometimes to breed and are unpolluted, protected breed and can be seen during the

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MOD Pendine – New Catcher Butts initiative saves all round

Catcher butts at MOD Pendine © Crown

MOD Pendine is a unique Test and no known biologically beneficial role driven by marine grade winches and Evaluation ( T&E) Range which is and increases in the concentration are guided by sunken channels which run managed by QinetiQ under the Long potentially harmful. across the mouth of both tunnels on a Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA). hard surface area. The sunken channel The capability delivers world class QinetiQ strives continuously to deliver system allows the butts to be moved operational and training support improvements to its environmental laterally out of the way of the tunnels facilities to the UK Ministry of performance and sustainability. In 2012 when not required. The low angle Defence (MOD). QinetiQ presented a project to the LTPA entrance of the butts allows the spent to implement ‘catcher butts’ at the ammunition to be deflected into a Pendine Range is situated on the mouth of the West 2 tunnel range. The circular chamber where it loses velocity Western side of Carmarthen Bay in aim of the catcher butts is to prevent and eventually drops into a collection South Wales and has a land area of 95% of the spent ammunition entering area for recycling. 20.5km2 with a 9km shore line which Carmarthen Bay, therefore reducing the extends out to 18km at low tide. potential impact on the environment The project is on-going with the The site is a designated Site of Special from range activity. A secondary major catcher butts ‘going live’ in November Scientific Interest and a Special Area environmental benefit of the catcher 2014. The project is a great success in of Conservation for its coastal butts means the spent ammunition collaboration between QinetiQ and the habitats and shoreline. collected can be disposed of through MOD for sustainability and recycling. They also provide improved environmental protection, with the The range is the NATO European safety for QinetiQ’s’ s employees on the potential for much wider application Regional Test Centre (ERTC) and range as there is a decreased chance of across the MOD. National Test Centre for small arms ricochet - and the decrease in ricochet calibre weapons. The western range leads, in turn, to a reduced possibility of Katie Martin facilities include a complex of four undergrowth and dune fires. Community and Environmental ranges; two 50m tunnel ranges and Liaison Officer two open air ranges, all of which direct There is also an increase to the MOD Pendine fire out into the MOD Sea Danger Area capability and resource time of the (SDA). In 2012-2013 approximately West 2 tunnels. Previously adverse 120,000 rounds of mainly lead-based weather conditions such as mist have ammunition were fired out of the West prevented firing due to poor visibility 2 tunnel ranges. The spent lead into Carmarthen Bay SDA. With the ammunition can stay relatively stable catcher butts in place this is no longer and intact in water for long periods of an issue and firing can take place in the time but changes in sea conditions and majority of conditions. tidal movement around Carmarthen Bay can lead to the dissolution and The two 14.5 ton catcher butts are mobilisation of lead particles. Lead has mounted on mobile low loader trailers, Aerial view looking out to sea © QinetiQ

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Conservation at Ballykinler – A stakeholders perspective

Camp at Ballykinler has safe-guarded hundreds of acres of important dune habitat for future generations.

A grazing regime is in place, using traditional breeds of cattle, which maintains good quality dune grassland and extensive areas of rare dune heath habitat. Scrub and bracken control is being carried out as part of a long term plan to maintain these open habitats and create conditions for a range of invertebrates, including the scarce marsh fritillary butterfly. Surveys of birds, bats and moths continue, as well as the future establishment of additional species-rich grassland habitat under the Jubilee Meadows project.

Seals can be spotted on the beach at Ballykinler where there is far less disturbance from bathers, boaters, canoeists and other recreational A view from across the bay to Ballykinler © Maj Tony Canniford activities. The seals have become habituated to the bangs and explosions As well as being home to a military it, there has to be a reason for associated with military training. They base for over a century the protection designating a site and Ballykinler sits have much more fear of humans up afforded to wildlife at Ballykinler means side by side with many of our most close. The same goes for the thousands that it is regarded among the most important and notable wildlife sites in of wading birds, gulls and terns that important conservation sites in Northern Ireland. decide to spend their time at Ballykinler Northern Ireland. I can hear you saying at high tide. The site provides a haven “there can’t be much wildlife there, surely? A substantial amount of time and effort and refuge for some of the most All those bangs, explosions and people has been spent at Ballykinler working in threatened species in the British Isles. running all over the place – they’ve partnership with local organisations probably wiped it all out!” Think again, such as Northern Ireland Environment The site is hugely significant for there is more conservation Agency, Ulster Wildlife, National Trust biodiversity at the local, regional and management going on at Ballykinler, and Butterfly Conservation. This work national level. Ulster wildlife would be than you can shake a stick at. has made Ballykinler an example of in a much poorer state if this site was best practice in terms of conservation covered wall-to-wall in pines, housing Ballykinler is the sister site to Murlough on an active working site. The habitat or even a golf course. National Nature Reserve as they’re supports a broad range of species that actually part of the same extended depend on sensitive conservation Andrew Crory sand dune system. Just like Murlough management. Important examples Ulster Wildlife the dunes at Ballykinler are in an of birds, bats, seals, moths, butterflies, Special Area of Conservation and plants, mosses and beetles can are designated as an Area of Special be found. Scientific Interest and lies within the boundary of the Area of Outstanding It is worth noting that Murlough was Natural Beauty. These designations ear-marked for forestry plantation in the don’t come along just for the sake of 1950s and the existence of the Army

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 49 FEATURES

Strensalls flagship ponds

Strensall Training Area is one of the best sites for ponds in the UK © Crown

Strensall Training Area incorporates of the site is considerable and includes been recorded. All these species require several small arms firing ranges on rare bugs, moths (it is one of the few clean water and unimproved habitats, the edge of the village of Strensall, sites in the UK for the rare dark and all continue to decline as land is which is approximately six miles bordered beauty moth Epione drained, temporary ponds deepened or North-east of York. To the north of vespertaria) and flies. Vertebrate fauna is filled in, and water pollution affects the range complex, lies the danger also well represented with reptiles and most of the country. area and dry training areas on an amphibians including large populations area of lowland heathland, known of great crested newt Triturus cristatus, The United Kingdom holds a substantial as Strensall Common. common lizard Lacerta vivipara and proportion of the global population of adder Vipera berus and a healthy pillwort; it was found in 250 10km Changes in agriculture and forestry population of water voles squares but now only in a handful of practices during the 19th and 20th Arvicola terrestris. scattered locations, it is declining centuries led to the loss of much of the rapidly across its European range. heathland and wildlife-rich ponds that It is also one of the best sites in the UK Pillwort grows in shallow waterbodies once extended across the Vale of York. for ponds. The ponds at Strensall vary in with fluctuating water levels and The acquisition of the land at Strensall size, depth and permanence, and grazing. Changing water levels and the by the War Office in 1884 has protected support a wide range of plants and action of the hooves of grazing animals it so that Strensall Training Area is now animals. Of particular note are the mud keep other plants at bay, allowing often an important nature conservation site snail Omphiscola glabra, pillwort thick carpets of pillwort to form. designated as Strensall Common Pilularia globulifera, marsh stitchwort A complex of ponds allows pillwort Special Area of Conservation and Site Stellaria palustris, and a collection of to persist in an area when pond of Special Scientific Interest. rare invertebrates. Strensall’s wetlands conditions change; pillwort easily It has diverse vegetation including wet also support several other plants that colonises new ponds within the same and dry heath, woodlands and are very uncommon in the region, grazing unit. wetlands. There are a variety of occurring in only one or two sites: lesser uncommon plant species present water-plantain Baldellia ranunculoides is There are a variety of pond types including petty whin Genista anglica, found in track ruts, slender sedge Carex present including the larger, deeper marsh gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe lasiocarpa and lesser skullcap Scutellaria ponds which hold water all year and and narrow buckler-fern Dryopteris minor in Kidney Pond, and greater include Kidney Pond and the ponds carthusiana. The entomological interest bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris has also behind the stop butts, with shallow

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Strensall Common’s ponds are The Trust is aiming to run a three year important as they are fed by high project to support the long-term quality clean water. They are essentially sustainability of over seventy Flagship rain fed with no connection to ditches Ponds, and has sought funding from or other running water which could the Heritage Lottery Fund to do this. bring in pollution. They are also The objective is to ensure that at least surrounded by high quality semi- seventy ponds in England and Wales natural habitats which buffer are supported to have the following: them from agricultural or other diffuse pollution. Information and knowledge available to manage the ponds successfully and A list of the best ponds, known as maintain their quality and key species: Flagship Ponds, was originally drawn up • An effective management plan as part of the UK Pond Habitat Action Plan. The Freshwater Habitats Trust, • Regular monitoring for key species formerly known as Pond Conservation, and pond quality is developing the Flagship Ponds • Funding to support management or Project to ensure sites across England habitat creation if needed and Wales are protected, and Strensall is one of them, starting in 2015. • Ideally, an early warning system (e.g. The project was introduced in last regular checks of the site), to prevent year’s Sanctuary magazine, Issue 42, inadvertent damage pages 48-49. Mud snail © Paul Baker The Defence Infrastructure Organisation Freshwater Habitats Trust’s vision is and Freshwater Habitats Trust are features such as New Pond and the “that all threatened freshwater plants and putting together a plan to maintain and scrape near Kidney Pond (Strensall animals have recovered and developed enhance the value of this amazing site Pillwort Pond) which hold water sustainable populations, the UK has for wetland species. The ecological aim seasonally. There are also low-lying a functioning network of freshwater of the project is to secure and increase areas which sometimes flood habitats; and people value freshwater the populations of the Priority Species seasonally. New ponds quickly become habitats and their wildlife. We deliver our such as pillwort and mud snail and valuable habitats, for example the conservation aims through our expert ideally the regionally uncommon plants Strensall Pillwort Pond was colonised by staff and our conservation, community, too. To achieve this, additional mud snail, pillwort and stoneworts research and policy work”. populations will be encouraged in within 2-3 years. adjacent ponds. Habitat management requirements will be identified and consideration may be given to additional pond creation and if considered appropriate, plants might be translocated. Training in identification and survey techniques will also allow interested people to contribute to a monitoring programme and an early warning system that can spot threats to the site as early as possible.

Becca Williamson Freshwater Habitats Trust

Moira Owen Ecologist Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Pillwort Pilularia globulifera © Naomi Ewald

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Sustainability at the heart of the Lend Lease - Redevelopment of Beacon Barracks

New signage showing the scale of the redevelopment sites © Lend Lease

This Defence Infrastructure The key fundamental principal was Devising a concrete wash water Organisation and Lend Lease agreed to embed sustainability strategy proved complex for such a redevelopment project is being considerations into all decision making large and sensitive site. Wash waters are delivered as part of the BORONA from the outset. Both preventative and highly polluting, with a high pH (11-12), Programme. This aims to close Rhine precautionary approaches to decision high suspended solids and other trace Garrison, Münster Station and Celle making have been adopted in order materials. However, by engaging with Station in Germany and move 1100 to manage any associated risks to local concrete suppliers, the innovative soldiers and their specialist equipment the environment. ‘Concretesock’ is to be used as standard from two signal regiments to Beacon in conjunction with a ‘no wash-out on Barracks MOD Stafford in the summer One prominent environmental risk from site’ policy. The Concretesock fits over of 2015. the development is to the local water the discharge chute of a delivery resources. Beacon Barracks overlays a vehicle, encapsulating the end. This The redevelopment comprises twenty secondary aquifer and borders a prevents the loss of concrete in transit eight new buildings and the principal aquifer. In addition, a between the batching plant and the refurbishment of seven existing watercourse (Kingston Brook) flows site, eliminating water pollution risks. In buildings. The site has been broken north to south through the centre of addition, washing out at the batching down into five self-contained the site and is a major tributary of the plant permits the washout water and construction sites: River Sow. In order to avoid pollution, aggregates to be recovered for re-use, • Residential accommodation: single the entire site has been considered maximising resource efficiency and living accommodation (SAQ Site) through the development of a Water minimising process waste. Management Plan. This includes Mess and four individual • best-practice oil, fuel and chemical A second prominent environmental risk accommodation blocks (A Site) storage and handling such as the use of is to the local ecology. Beacon Barracks • Offices, warehouses, stores and integrally bunded fuel tanks, drip trays supports a number of protected and garages (HQ Site) and well-stocked oil and chemical spill notable species which are unavoidably • Physical recreational facilities (7 sites) kits. Sediment control has been affected by the project proposals. These • Offices and hangars (5 sites) addressed through the use of silt include: fencing during works located within • Badgers Meles meles close proximity to the brook.

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• Great crested newt Triturus cristatus • Common pipistrelle bats Pipistrellus pipistrellus

Other potential ecological constraints include anecdotal evidence of the presence of water vole Arvicola amphibius on Kingston Brook and the presence of mature trees throughout the site with the potential for nesting birds.

As such, the project incorporates integral habitat mitigation and enhancement measures in order to preserve, protect and restore the ecologically rich land. These include: The Lend Lease Project Team opting for pedal power © Lend Lease • Ecological surveys before site work content of >20% and where possible, A Community Investment Plan has started procure materials from local sources. been developed in partnership with the • Identification of periods of the year For example, blockwork will contain at MOD which involves implementing to avoid disturbing protected species least 60% by volume of recycled initiatives that will leave a lasting legacy and habitats material in the aggregate. Where the after the redevelopment has been project is unable to prevent waste, the completed. Projects include the • Translocating protected species project is currently achieving >98% provision of a memorial stone, talks to • Creation of new or enhanced diversion from landfill. the local schools and facilitating a habitats such as rough grassland Community Day on site. habitat in undisturbed areas of the As part of meeting DREAM Excellent site rating for all new buildings, the Green The project team is taking part in the • Creation of log piles and refugia for Guide to Specification will be used as Staffordshire County Council ‘Inspiring amphibians and invertebrates guidance on how to make the best New Travel Options’ project, funded by environmental choices when selecting the Department for Transport. The Lend • Installation of bird boxes, bat boxes construction materials and Lease team are to be supplied with six and a barn owl box components. The project is specifying a pool bicycles (and safety equipment) in proportion of building construction order to encourage a modal shift away The site has an excavation (cut) and elements as ‘A’ or ‘A+’ Rated. from the car for local journeys both on reuse (fill) earthworks strategy which In combination, these strategies have and off site. The project will also provide involves the reuse of approximately substantially reduced the volumes of regular bicycle training, maintenance 83,240m3 of site derived material. virgin material used in the works along and travel advice. This initiative will A Materials Management Plan (MMP) with the carbon and embodied energy promote employee physical and mental has been produced in line with the associated with transportation, health and wellbeing as well as requirements of the Contaminated quarrying and disposal. The project is reducing carbon emissions, noise and Land: Applications In Real Environments also harvesting rainwater during vehicular congestion on the site. (CL:AIRE) Definition of Waste Code of construction for use in water intensive Practice. This demonstrates that site processes such as boot washing and The Lend Lease redevelopment of derived material is a non-contaminated, dampening down. Beacon Barracks will leave the MOD non-waste and therefore is safe and with a long term legacy and a suitable for use. The project is also using The project is undergoing full FSC showcase facility in which sustainability the industry best practice WRAP Project certification, administered by has been embedded into every design Aggregate Quality Protocol for the Lend Lease’s strategic partner; BM Trada. and construction decision. production of aggregates from inert This means that 100% of temporary and demolition arisings to produce high permanent timber will be supplied to Louise Webster quality and value construction materials the site with a full FSC Chain of Custody Environment and Sustainability Manager to reuse on site. in order to demonstrate Lend Lease’s Lend Lease commitment to the use of wood and The project is committed to achieving a wood-based products from minimum level of recycled material responsibly-managed forests.

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The UK National Tree Seed Project Safeguarding juniper for future generations

The team at Bulford, Wiltshire © Forest Research

Last autumn, Shelagh McCartan, a seed from tree species within each seed shield bug Cyphostethus tristriatus, and scientist at Forest Research, met up zone including lowland populations, so juniper berry mite Trisetacus quadrisetus, with volunteers from Defence as to conserve the genetic diversity of for part or all of their life-cycles. Infrastructure Organisation ecologists the species. These seeds are then The berries also provide a source of Julie Swain and Dominic Ash, banked at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank food for birds especially thrushes like Landmarc’s Sarah Hicks and Mervyn and made available for conservation redwing, which in turn are important Grist (Bulford Conservation Group) to and research. dispersers of juniper seeds. However, collect juniper berries at Bulford, many juniper populations are Wiltshire. This population of juniper has The target list includes fifty species struggling to regenerate naturally. This been the focus of a major conservation such as common juniper Juniperus is largely due to fragmentation of the project by MOD over the last twenty communis. These species have been countryside by intensification of years and as a result is one of the few selected and ranked on criteria such agricultural use and the loss of the less sites in the UK. as native status, conservation rank, intensive pastoral use of the prevalence in the landscape, and countryside in the past hundred years, The collecting effort formed part of the vulnerability to pests and diseases. as well as poor seed quality and UK National Tree Seed Project, which is The Forestry Commission is a key seed predation. being overseen by the Royal Botanic partner, providing advice on target Gardens, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, species and help with collecting seeds. More recently, juniper populations have and has been made possible by been under threat from a fungus-like financial support from players of Juniper supports a host of unique fungi pathogen, Phytophthora austrocedrae, People’s Postcode Lottery. The broad and insects, which include the juniper which causes severe dieback. Although aim of this project is to collect seeds pug moth Eupithecia pusillata, juniper juniper is listed as ‘least concern’ in the

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berries to show for a great deal of effort. Lastly, good biosecurity protocols were critical to prevent cross-contamination of infected and non-infected populations. This involved working from low-to high-risk populations, removing debris from boots, and using an appropriate disinfectant on footwear. Overall, several kilograms of juniper berries were collected from twenty four populations (7 in Scotland, 4 in north England and 13 in south England) last autumn. These juniper berries were sent to Kew’s Millennium Juniper bushes at Bulford, one of the largest lowland populations in England, which is managed by the MOD © Seed Bank for processing to extract the Forest Research seeds, which were then banked for future conservation and research efforts. This autumn, we will be collecting more juniper berries from remote populations in England, Wales and north Scotland!

Last but not least, this collection was a team effort, which would not have been possible without the advice and help of individuals from Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Lake District National Park Authority, Landmarc Support Services, Ministry of Defence, Natural England, National Trust, Scottish National A good collection of juniper berries © Forest Research Gnarly old juniper bush © Forest Research Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. IUCN Red Data Book, it is subject to UK statutory conservation agencies on Biodiversity and Species Action Plans. protected sites without which the Dr Shelagh McCartan This is due to the severe decline in project would not have been possible. Seed Scientist juniper populations during the past fifty Secondly, volunteers were recruited to Forest Research years and more. In Great Britain, juniper collect juniper berries from populations is widely but unevenly distributed, and across Scotland and England. Usually, is usually associated with the chalk the volunteers were met on site and downs in England or the highlands in provided with a good overview of the Scotland. Populations are now small logistics involved in collection. This was and fragmented particularly in southern particularly important as the England but also now in upland areas. populations differed not only in size but also density and ratio of male and The collection required not only female bushes, which in turn affected determination and resourcefulness but the amount of juniper berries available also thorough planning to ensure that for collection. In most cases, access to the juniper berries were of good quality the population was relatively easy. and representative of a population. This At Bulford, for instance, there are was particularly important as there was thousands of bushes, which makes it a narrow window (mid-October to one of the largest lowland populations mid-November) to collect juniper in England. In addition, the scrub is well berries from as many seed zones as managed, providing good access to possible. Permission’s were obtained bushes. But in some cases, it was more Map showing juniper berry collections for 2013 © from the landowners and the relevant difficult with only a handful of juniper Forest Research

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Mosquito management on the wetlands of Akrotiri

Mosquito breeding habitat © Pantelis Charilaou

Since the connection of is banned and a more integrated methoprene. Bti is a bacterium highly approach is applied to control toxic to mosquito larvae via ingestion the former small island to mosquitoes and reduce the health and methoprene prevents Cyprus mainland, Akrotiri risks associated with vector-borne metamorphosis into adult mosquitoes has been associated with diseases. At the same time, this process through hormone mimicking. extensive wetlands. takes into account conservation requirements. This holistic approach A desktop risk analysis showed that Bti was reviewed and formalised three has lower risks on non-target species During the last century a big part of the years ago, considering the use of than methoprene. It is generally a wetlands was drained and reclaimed larvicides and adulticides, biological preferred control agent as it has a into agricultural land and the Kourris control, reduction of mosquito shorter residual activity targets a wider River, the main water source to the area, breeding resource, public range of larval stages and is potentially was dammed in 1987. However, there education, administrative measures toxic to fewer non-target species than are still extensive areas of standing and monitoring. methoprene. Safe use of methoprene water around the salt lake. depends on careful management of its The wetlands of Akrotiri have a high The starting point was the principle application to keep doses to the conservation value, but at the same prescribed in international literature minimum levels, which also reduces the time provide suitable habitat for and management practices which state risk to non-target invertebrate species. mosquito breeding, as water is essential that the most appropriate reduction of Rotational use can also be an for their larval and pupal stages. mosquito related risks can be carried advantage, as it could reduce larval out at the larval stages when the larvae resistance as well as the risks to non- The conflict between the control of are spatially concentrated. At this stage, target species from either agent. A vital mosquitoes and nature conservation mosquito control is more effective and element of any larvicide programme is became evident in the 1950s, when at the same time less risky to the continuous monitoring and evaluation. malaria was eradicated from Cyprus by environment. The consideration of The current larvicide programme, applying a very effective pesticide, at a suitable larvicides narrowed down two applied by the Joint Services Health considerable cost to the environment. feasible options, the synthetic bacterial Unit (JSHU), is based on methoprene, Now, the particular pesticide, agent Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis with a continuous effort to improve dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT ), (Bti) and the insect growth regulator resources and effectiveness. Occasional

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using Aqua-K-Othrine as an adulticide, Department is promoting a water level whose active chemical is the non management plan, which includes specific synthetic pyrethroid maintenance of drainage canals and deltamethrin. This, like all adulticides, habitat management. can have local and short effectiveness in problem areas. It is not persistent and Public education includes measures bioaccumulation risks on non-target that residents can take to minimise species at higher trophic levels are low. exposure to mosquitoes and the risk of However, it appears to be toxic to fish disease. JSHU and Area Office Akrotiri, and aquatic life and cannot be used in co-operation with ROC and local directly over or adjacent to water authorities, have been actively involved bodies or water courses. to inform both the military and civilian Water is essential for mosquito larval and pupal stages communities in the area. © Pantelis Charilaou Another opportunity for mosquito management we are exploring at An important, often underestimated or aerial spraying is carried out by services Akrotiri is the use of biological control even ignored dimension is of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) who focusing on the indigenous, euryhaline administrative decision-making for use Bti to cover large areas which (able to survive in a wide range of development and activities. There is an are inaccessible for application on salinities) fish Aphanius fasciatus. This increasing pressure to build closer or the ground. species, which is in itself an important even within wetlands without due conservation feature, protected under consideration to nuisance and health The consideration of adulticides was Annex II of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat EU risks from mosquitoes. As a result, based on the fact that they are Directive, is expected to contribute complaints and pressure from residents generally less effective and less significantly to the mosquito control at and land users are increasing, to take environmentally friendly than larvicides; the larval stages. Traditionally, another more drastic and environmentally they have a local and temporary effect fish species, Gambusia affinis, has been adverse measures. subject to the dispersal of adults at the introduced in several wetlands in flying stage and have an impact on the Cyprus, including Akrotiri, as a mosquito This situation is exacerbated by climate environment. Adulticiding is now control agent. It is now understood, change which has been very evident in applied via fogging in residential areas however, that this alien species can Cyprus during the last few years, part of away from wetlands if public health is have significant adverse effects on which is rainfall later in the year when at significant risk, although in Aphanius fasciatus. temperatures are higher and conditions exceptional cases where a very high risk more favourable to mosquito breeding. to public health is proven, adulticiding In terms of reduction of the resource can be used in other areas as a for mosquito breeding, the Sovereign The cornerstone of correct mosquito temporary last resort measure. JSHU are Base Area (SBA) Environment management in the future is the continued sharing of knowledge and effective co-operation between stakeholders. It is vital to know the mosquito species in the area and understand their biology and ecology. It is also important to share knowledge and resources with the ROC and to involve local authorities. A very positive step forward has been the formation of a joint mosquito control committee between services of the SBAs and the ROC.

Pantelis Charilaou SBAA Environment and Conservation Officer HQ SBAA Episkopi

Occasional aerial spraying on areas inaccessible for ground application © Pantelis Charilaou

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Castlemartin - A grassland make-over In 2013 an unused, unloved triangular piece of grassland received a much deserved makeover.

The grassland, bordered on two sides by roads and on the other by the Castlemartin Camp wire security fence, was mown at regular intervals throughout the year but received no other attention.

In 2010 however, its popularity started to increase due to the creation of the new Castlemartin Range Trail (CRT ) (see Sanctuary Number 40). This 10km bridleway, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, cut across the triangle of grassland and the presence of an adjoining large stone bus stop provided a prime location for an interpretation panel and Range Trail leaflet distribution box. The Trail provides an off-road alternative route to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail Finished meadow in bloom September 2013 © Lynne Houlston when live firing is taking place on Castlemartin Range. The CRT was The flower plug area was also fenced to recently designated as part of the All Wales Coast Path. prevent nibbling by rabbits

Also in 2010, an on-line competition for An area covering 10.5ha of species rich projects linked with access and grassland is now under favourable conservation saw a partnership created management along the CRT, including between the Bumblebee Conservation some larger field areas which the Trust (BCT ), Pembrokeshire Coast tenant farmers manage. This habitat National Park Authority (PCNPA), Natural not only provides a rich source of Resources Wales (NRW ) and Defence nectar and pollen in a continuous strip, Infrastructure Organisation. Our project but is also managed so that different was to change the intensive areas are cut at different times management of grassland alongside ensuring there is a continuous source and neighboring the CRT to provide of forage available throughout the year. habitat to support one of the few Some areas have also been enhanced remaining populations of the shrill through the addition of locally carder bee in the UK. The CRT provided collected wildflower seed. an ideal opportunity to link these newly created favourable habitats of the bee The bus stop grassland area is mown together. The public voted for the twice a year; early in the season and in project unanimously and we were late summer when any resident flowers awarded €30,000 (see Sanctuary have died back. The residual vegetation Number 41). was left for a few days, to allow any flower seeds to drop to the ground, and The money paid for a machine to mow then baled and removed, which would and bale the vegetation, interpretation help to reduce the nutrients in the

Willing National Park Ranger rotovates soil panels, leaflets, promotional events and grassland and encourage the flowers © Lynne Houlston seed harvesters. to spread.

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In 2013 it was decided that more could be done and a plan to transform part of the grassland into a wildflower area to further improve the habitat for pollinator species was written.

Two areas were marked out separated by a grass path that visitors could walk along. With the help of a colleague from the PCNPA and some willing National Park voluntary wardens we removed the turf and rotovated the soil. The turf was transported one mile away to be turned into compost by a group of adults from ESTeam, a community based organisation who provide work experience, training and education to people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Two areas were chosen and, following advice from the Ministry of Defence Conservation Group, one was filled with turf transplanted from a floristic location within Castlemartin Range; as chosen by a group member from NRW. Volunteers from ESTeam transplanting turf to be turned into compost © Lynne Houlston The second area was planted with 1200 native, pollinator friendly, flower plugs the flowers evenly apart. Seventeen bumblebees and other pollinators, 520 by children from the local primary flower species were planted including locally native whips were purchased to school, Stackpole VC Primary. Two field scabious Knautia arvensis, extend a hedgerow along the edge of classes from the school spent a total of common knapweed Centaurea nigra the wildflower area by 120m. National three hours planting the plugs and and lady’s bedstraw Gallium verum. Park voluntary wardens planted the using bamboo cane markers to space The two areas will be monitored to whips along the original Pembrokeshire assess how successfully the hedge bank and species included transplanted turf and planted plugs hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, hazel survive and spread the best and which Corylus avellana, crab apple Malus provides the longest supply of nectar sylvestris and dog rose Rosa canina. for the pollinators. The flower plug area was also fenced to prevent nibbling The funding for the BCT project ended by rabbits. in 2012 but surveys will be carried out to assess the changes in grassland ESTeam were then tasked with management and to record any designing, producing and installing bumblebees seen. A pyro-sensor on the two wooden benches alongside the CRT records user numbers and proves flower meadow to allow visitors to that the trail is popular and walkers and relax and enjoy the area. The wood horseriders are regularly seen. was purchased from a local producer in Pembrokeshire. Lynne Houlston Castlemartin Ranger for the Military Later in 2013 the fencing was removed Training Estate and the wildflower areas will be Pembrokeshire Coast National Park managed in the same way as the surrounding grassland, with the hope that the flowers will spread.

In early 2014, in order to provide Six spot burnett on field scabious © Crown additional nesting habitats for

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Exercise Tally Ho! The excavation of a Spitfire on Salisbury Plain

“I decided to jump for it which I did with great success. It was all very exciting for a first engagement, especially coming down by parachute which really was not at all unpleasant.” Paul Baillon, Pilot of Spitfire P9503, 609 Squadron, 1940

On October 27th 1940, towards the end practices in aviation excavations - and of the Battle of Britain, Spitfire P9503 help inform English Heritage guidance was hit by machine gun fire from a on Military Aviation Crash Sites. marauding German bomber. As its pilot, Paul Baillon, realised that his stricken During World War II on October 27th aircraft would not be able to return to 1940, after only one year in the Royal Middle Wallop he decided to bail out. Air Force, Pilot Officer Paul Baillon, a He landed near Upavon and his Spitfire Spitfire pilot, was forced to bail out from crashed, being lost for many years. In his aircraft, near Upavon Airfield, after the summer of 2013 however it was damage to his oil tank by enemy fire. found once more. Although the crash site was initially investigated in 1940 and again in 1985, Some 10,000 military aircraft have been the Spitfire was not fully recovered until lost over the UK during the 20th Defence Infrastructure Organisation century – all of these are covered by (DIO), participants from Operation Pilot Paul Baillon © Crown the Protection of Military Remains Act Nightingale, and volunteers including of 1986. Of these only about a fifth have Andy Saunders, an expert on Spitfires, archaeology as a means to boost the been recorded on heritage databases, and members of Bulford, and Larkhill recovery of battle-injured service which means we are missing a unique and Westdown Conservation Groups personnel returning from Afghanistan. archive of early military aircraft, as well went to investigate as part of Exercise as the stories behind their loss. One Tally Ho! – named after the Drawing on information from the 1985 such story was uncovered as part of an distinguished Spitfire squadron’s motto. work, and a close study of vegetation, award-winning project which used DIO and The Rifles established the team laid out a 16m squared area archaeological techniques to improve Operation Nightingale in 2011 to use for excavation. The dig began by stripping the turves by hand and setting them aside to replace later. The excavation continued manually, with an RAF Air Mobility Wing low- loader present, which should be part of crash-site project design.

As the dig continued the impact crater became strikingly visible. All elements of the airframe and engines were removed and provisionally matched to that of a Mk1a Spitfire. The items were all plotted, recorded and photographed in situ before lifting. As the team dug down they revealed a previously undisturbed aluminium oxide layer and had to wear protective face masks. And at a depth of around one metre, parts of the pilot’s seat and the fuel gauge Unearthing the crash site, insert showing silhouette of spitfire © Crown were found.

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The engine and part of the airframe were cleaned to remove the worst of the soil, and then coated with WD-40 to aid preservation. Further cleaning was carried out by Wessex Archaeology prior to conservation and display. Finally, individual small items were bagged according to standard archaeological practice.

Perhaps the most remarkable outcome of the dig was to find the Spitfire’s silhouette, clearly outlined by hollows in the chalk. Further debris had been scattered over a large area, but the spread was evenly spaced around the crater made by the engine’s impact. Operation Nightingale volunteers cleaning the findings © Crown

Careful archaeological work revealed new information about Spitfire P9503, now publicly documented in the County Historic Environment Record. The team recovered elements to confirm that at least part of the plane had been built at the Folland aircraft factory at Hamble, Hampshire.

Applying archaeological standards for aviation excavation meant that an innovative programme of conservation and display has been established. If these techniques are now applied to other less-disturbed sites, it could result in much more exciting finds. Identifying the finds © Crown No further clues about the cause of this crash or the encounter with the the earlier work on the site may have The components of the aircraft will be Luftwaffe which took Spitfire P9503 removed some crucial information. The incorporated in a 1:1 scale rebuild of down were discovered. The accounts of team has used all the resulting finds to the aircraft, undertaken by the pilot’s the pilot and his colleagues remain the show primary school children and old school, Ratcliffe College in only evidence of the air battle, though those attending the Chalke Valley Northamptonshire. These endeavours, festival in Salisbury the remnants of an and those of Operation Nightingale, will actual Battle of Britain airframe, and to ensure that we now have a well- discuss the importance of the summer preserved record of this crashed historic 1940. For the project team, one of the aircraft and its final resting place. most powerful elements of the excavation was the on-site presence of Richard Osgood the pilot’s daughter, Rosemary. She was Senior Archaeologist born after the death of her father who Defence Infrastructure Organisation was shot down and killed in November 1940. Rosemary said:

“I am just so pleased if experiences like this excavation helps veterans to reintegrate either into military or The human story behind modern archaeology, Rosemary and Richard discussing her father and the civilian life”. important role he played during WWII © Crown

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Implementation and Sustainability Supporting Army Energy Month

AUM Angela Ellison working with site personnel at Glencourse Barracks © Crown

A dedicated partnership between the One such opportunity through which At Glencourse Barracks, Scotland, AUM newly introduced network of Area the AUMs were able to support and Angela Ellison worked with site Utility Managers (AUMs) and Industry champion energy savings was the Army personnel to identify and deliver Partners to support the implementation Energy Month (AEM) campaign, driven training to promote energy awareness. of behavioural change campaigns is by the Army’s Chief Environment and At Chetwynd Barracks, England, AUM fundamental to achieving the Ministry Safety Officer (CESO). There was a Karen Harrison supported a campaign of Defence’s (MOD) Greening strong desire to translate the short-term to reduce energy consumption in a Government Commitment to reduce influence of the campaign into an large training centre. The building has estate-related carbon emissions 25% enduring success, recognising the 900 lights and it was frequently (from a 2009/10 baseline) by 2015. This necessity for a successful campaign to observed that lights were being left on has presented a challenging but ensure a sustained impact on whilst the building was unoccupied. rewarding task to the MOD, which, energy usage. Action was taken to ensure lighting was through demand reduction and switched off when not required and the partnerships has strengthening the AEM itself encouraged simple steps to resulting savings from this and other resilience of the Defence Estate. save energy – which we can all adopt efforts at Chetwynd Barracks during – such as ensuring all computers and AEM amounted to £2,438 (10% of the An integral part of the Defence monitors were turned off when not average monthly electricity bill). These Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) needed, and lighting discouraged positive behaviours have endured Utilities team, AUMs influence energy during daylight hours. To further beyond the month-long campaign. consumption across the MOD estate amplify these messages, posters and with the dual purpose of saving money activities were organised to help The AUMs have also helped facilitate and driving down energy consumption communicate the message of AEM and influence behavioural change, in support of the Greening across the estate. through the development of their own Government targets. Seasonal Energy campaigns. These

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GM Support and PriDE presenting potential savings © Crown campaigns target specific actions that out issues and reach a mutually the gas consumption from the previous can be adapted in response to sensible agreement. year and normalising the data by the changing weather conditions such as weather, actual savings over the opting for additional layers of clothing “ The tipping point seemed to be when the six-week period equated to £10,758. during the winter months instead of London (Area Utility Manager) AUM was simply turning the heating up. in post” stated Eunice Mabey, Energy Working closely together has enabled and Environment Manager for PriDE. success and given encouragement to Case Study - Joint working “Having a DIO member of staff on site to others that small changes can enabling night set backs help liaise and answer questions aggregate into something much regarding the night set back proposal bigger, and achieve significant savings Reducing consumption by matching really helped in achieving our goal”. for our customers whilst also reducing building heating settings to match energy consumption. occupancy is a constant challenge. With With site personnel, DIO AUMs, PriDE sites predominantly being stated as and the BEMS contractor working Finally, the lessons learned during the occupied as 24/7, are there any together, the night set back at development and delivery of the opportunities for savings? Can change Wellington and Hyde Park Barracks was campaigns will inform and help future occur with transient and on-site successfully completed. Heating was energy saving initiatives. Ultimately this personnel, who need to be convinced reduced between the hours of 00:00 to challenge to create a lasting impact of the benefits but are far removed 05:00 at Wellington and 00:00 to 03:00 from behaviour change campaigns can from the cost of utility bills? The answer at Hyde Park. The change was only be sustained for so long on is yes, they can. It may take some implemented in December 2013, and individual enthusiasm alone, which is persistence, but whatever the situation, over the six weeks that followed, the why the support network between in most cases savings can be teased out utility data was analysed. Comparing AUMs, Industry Partners, and users to and achieved. share experience, materials and skills is key to the successful delivery of the This was demonstrated at Wellington MOD’s energy reduction commitments. and Hyde Park Barracks in London. Although both sites are busy, 24/7 Aaron Brown establishments, the Industry Partner DIO Utilities PriDE and their BEMS contractor knew Defence Infrastructure Organisation that savings could be made by reducing the temperature at night. Eunice Mabey Energy and Environment Manager What appeared to be a simple solution for PriDE turned into something quite challenging as any change is not always warmly received. With concerns around personnel working early or late shifts and the heating system itself, discussions had to take place to iron AUM presentation to army © Crown

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Making Woodland Work

Thinned oak woodland at DM Kineton © Crown

CarillionAmey (CA) are responsible for In March 2011 they implemented a Areas of over mature coppice were providing grounds maintenance on the woodland harvesting programme at returned to traditional coppice Regional Prime Central contract on two establishments, Pontrilas Army standard woodland, through coppicing behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Training area, (Hereford) an area of 87ha and felling in selected compartments Organisation (DIO). Working in of planted or semi ancient woodland of to leave one single stemmed tree as a partnership with DIO Forester Jez various quality and species mix and ‘standard’ every 10-20m. This is being Kalkowski CA have developed a Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton carried out as a staged operation on a number of projects, where they are not ( Warwickshire) a 1,060ha site with sixty third of the woodland at a time. The only able to generate funds from compartments of which 30% of the thinning will also encourage higher sustainable timber harvesting for the area is woodland. timber value in future years by MOD, but also continuously improve encouraging natural regeneration and the DIO woodland estate and ensure CA, working with a number of forestry eventually, more oak trees. CA secured natural regeneration and diversification contractors, removed and thinned 30% a felling licence for five years at DM of the woodland habitat. This also of the trees through selective felling of Kineton to allow for the continuation of complies with DIO policy and in turn unfavourable trees (too small, too large, the woodland thinning operations. with the United Kingdom Forestry too close together, poor form etc). Standard (UKFS). CA’s innovative approach to adding The whole process was designed to value to the MOD woodland estate at Many of the MOD establishments create a more natural species mix and Hereford and Kineton has seen these contain substantial woodland areas, the habitat through subsequent natural sites benefit both financially from the strategic management of this regeneration in line with MOD Forestry generation of circa £100,000 in revenue woodland resource is through the DIO Policy and the long term forest plan. from the felled timber and sustainability Forestry Department, however, in order from the woodland regeneration. to add value to their contract, which In 2014 a further coppice area will be only stipulates a health and safety cleared and a rotation system Phil Camp responsibility for woodlands, CA established using a lime and hazel mix; CA Regional Landscape Manager agreed a timber harvesting plan with to help enrich the habitat for fauna DIO to help deliver the long term such as dormice, bees, bats, moths, woodland management requirements. butterflies and bird species.

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Around the Regions with the Conservation Groups

There are over 124 Conservation Groups operating across the MOD. The following Key: UK map section provides an update on the dedicated work of some of these groups. Featured Regional 1. RAF Valley, Anglesey Conservation Group 2. Barry Buddon, Angus Other Regional Conservation Group 3. AWE Aldermaston, Berkshire 4. RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire 5. MOD Pendine, Camarthenshire 6. DIO SD Training South West, Cornwall and Devon 7. Penhale, Cornwall 2 8. RMB Chivenor, Devon 10 9. Fingringhoe Ranges, Essex 10. RAF Leuchars, Fife 11. Duke of Gloucester Barracks, Gloucestershire 12. DCPG Southwick Park, Hampshire 13. DIO SD Training South East, Hampshire 18 26 27 28 14. Defence Munitions Gosport, Hampshire 29 25 15. Newtown Ranges, Isle of Wight

16. DIO SD Training SE, Kent and East Sussex 1

17. ATR Air Weapons Range Holbeach, Lincolnshire 17 18. DIO SD Training NI, Northern Ireland 20 19. Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire

20. RAF Cosford, Shropshire 9 5 11 4 19 21. Thorney Island, West Sussex 3 13 22. Bulford, Wiltshire 8 22 16 24 23 12 14 21 23. Imber, Wiltshire 6 15 24. Larkhill and Westdown, Wiltshire 7 25. DST Leconsfield Carrs, East Yorkshire 26. Catterick Training Area, North Yorkshire 27. RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire 28. Ripon Parks, North Yorkshire 30 31 29. Strensall Common, North Yorkshire 30. Senne Training Area, Germany 31. British Forces Gibraltar, Gibraltar

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Spotlight on... Atomic Weapons Establishment,

3 Aldermaston, Berkshire

Grim’s Bank (Scheduled Monument) © Crown

The Atomic Weapons Establishment approximately 300ha. Formerly a re-establish the conservation group. (AWE) is located at three sites in West wartime airfield, this site now provides My aim in doing so is to provide a body Berkshire; Aldermaston, Burghfield and advanced research, design and of interested and competent staff that Blacknest. The AWE sites are owned by manufacturing facilities. AWE can spread the message of the the MOD and operated and maintained Burghfield, a former munitions factory, importance of conserving our ecology through a ‘government owned/ occupies around 90ha and is whilst reducing the company’s reliance contractor operated’ (GOCO) responsible for the final assembly and on external contract support, thereby arrangement with AWE Management maintenance of the warheads and their reducing costs. Ltd under a 25 year contract that decommissioning. The seismological started in 2000. research is undertaken at AWE In addition to me, some of the Blacknest situated at Brimpton members of the conservation group AWE has played a central role in Common west of Aldermaston. hold appropriate licences from Natural national defence for more than 60 years England enabling us to annually survey and is responsible for the design, build, Since taking up my post a few years the population of great crested newts maintenance and decommissioning of ago I have been working with a group that breed in an old pond system on the UK’s Trident warheads as well as of enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff site. We also host three species of bat undertaking seismological research in to assist me in delivering AWE’s which roost in various structures and support of the Comprehensive Test Ban conservation objectives. It is only the varied habitats are favoured by Treaty. The largest site is AWE recently that I have decided it is time to nesting birds, most notably black Aldermaston which covers semi-formalise this arrangement and redstarts and woodlark. There is an

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associated with the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester). However more recent work, based partly on the results of pollen analysis, has suggested an earlier date in the late Iron Age. Although the lack of dating evidence makes it hard to be certain, the full story is likely to be a combination of these theories. It is probable that from the later Iron Age through to at least the end of the Romano-British period, Grim’s Bank formed part of a complex of large landscape boundaries, perhaps originally for tribal demarcation, later reused to define land holdings associated with the Roman town of Silchester. Conservation group members working on wildlife area of local school © Crown Being within the AWE fence line means extensive badger sett in a quiet corner important of which is Grim’s Bank, an the monument continues to be well of site and the lowland heath, itself a archaeological monument consisting of protected and it is managed in vanishing habitat nationally, is a good several separate lengths of earthworks accordance with guidelines established place to see adders and slow worms. which run for over 3km in Berkshire. in consultation with archaeologists The southern end of the monument from West Berkshire Council and A lot of the work I am required to do is lies within the AWE Aldermaston site English Heritage. In addition to its in support of construction and and is thought to be the best preserved heritage value, the area around Grim’s refurbishment activities. A recent section, with the bank surviving to a Bank is ecologically rich. The mix of example is the translocation of a height of 3.3m and a ditch to a depth open heathland and pine woodland population of grass snakes from an area of 0.9m. provides a home for reptiles such as which is due to be developed as part of adders and slow worms, and glow a flood alleviation scheme. This activity Despite being a Scheduled Monument worms can be seen around the bank on will be repeated this year in addition to and therefore legally protected, very summer evenings. riparian mammal surveys for the same little is known for certain about Grim’s project. In addition to this I am trying to Bank. Based on earlier archaeological Mr Piran Borlase-Hendry increase the number of surveys which investigations it was thought that the Senior Environmental Specialist aim to improve our knowledge of the monument was a defensive boundary Ecology and Heritage ecology of the site. To this end we are for the 5th century AD settlement Atomic Weapons Establishment currently undertaking a breeding bird survey, a specific survey for black redstarts and a survey for damsel and dragonflies. This is because only a road separates an on-site pond from Decoy Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest where no fewer than 23 species of these insects have been recorded. Also, when time allows, we try and use the skills of the conservation group to help the local community, most recently trying to breathe some life back into the wildlife area of a local school that had been neglected for some time.

AWE’s sites also contain some interesting heritage assets ranging from the Iron Age, World War II, through to the Cold War. Arguably the most Two conservation group members surveying for great crested newts © Crown

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Anglesey

1 RAF Valley

reaffirmed RAF Valley’s continued commitment towards nature conservation and our enduring partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council in managing local environmental protection concerns.

So what next for 2014? Well there are plans for another beach clean event in July, a plan in place to repair the sea defence wall and in the autumn exciting plans for a volunteer project to uncover and preserve an important piece of RAF Valley history, the old Battlefield HQ. This old bunker, built into what is known locally as ‘Tacan Hill’, has over the years become completely Damaged sea wall Cymyran Beach RAF Valley © Crown overgrown and hidden by foliage. So who knows what undiscovered RAF Valley is situated on the Isle of experienced serious sand erosion, treasures may await our intrepid band Anglesey - Ynys Môn, North Wales. beach defence damage and a large of Indiana Joneses once they get Located in an Area of Outstanding build up of waste along its shoreline in there! Natural Beauty (AONB) RAF Valley is and dunes. The fight back to help surrounded by eleven Sites of Special return the beach to its former beauty Robert A Hughes Scientific Interest, two Special began in earnest on the very first week Station Environmental Protection Advisor Protection Areas and two Special Areas back following the Christmas stand- and Coastal Path Project Officer of Conservation. down. A very successful Station beach clean event was held on 8th January The storms that battered Britain last 2014, effectively removing a large winter impacted heavily on RAF Valley proportion of the accumulated waste. and its local environment. The storms In addition, Friends of Anglesey Coastal left widespread structural damage and Path organised two separate litter severe flooding in their wake. sweeps of Cymyran and Crigyll during A particularly sad aftermath of the March 2014, an event which was storms were the large numbers of dead supported by volunteer personnel from sea birds, mostly razorbills and RAF Valley and Isle of Anglesey guillemots, washed up along the County Council. shoreline of nearby Cymyran Beach. RAF Valley contributed to a nationwide April 2014 marked the second survey by working in close partnership anniversary of RAF Valley’s agreement with RSPB Wales to help identify the with the local authority to ‘adopt’ a numbers, locations and species of section of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal these sea birds. Path; this path is a 200km route that circumnavigates the island, passing Cymyran and Crigyll Beaches, just through the largest designated AONB beyond the Station boundary, in Wales. The renewal of this agreement Rubbish collected during the beach clean © Crown

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2 Angus Barry Buddon

events, including clay, full bore, pistol and small bore events.

Talking about the Games, Lt Col Peter Hollins, Commander DIO SD Training for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said:

“Barry Buddon training centre is proud to have been able to support this significant international sporting event. The event also enabled us to forge and develop new relationships between ourselves, the wider DIO and our Industry Partners and demonstrated how well we work under pressure. I can’t thank my team enough!”

After the Games ended the team worked closely with the CWG venue Barry Buddon Open Day May 2014 © Crown manager to ensure that there was an effective hand back of the areas that We had a very productive two days at We made our way to the Barry Loch / had been used. Plans were also put in the Barry Buddon Training Centre’s Yeomanry Pond area where we came place to make sure that any (BBTC) Nature Weekend in May 2014 across green hairstreak butterfly, a first remediation work on the Site of Special where, with the help of Zero Waste for Barry Buddon. In the same area we Scientific Interest was carried out Scotland and Angus and Dundee added orange tip, peacock and several effectively. Cadets, managed to clean 200m of the green veined whites. These were Barry beach, filling 160 bags with all quickly forgotten when we discovered Capt (Retd) Harry Roy sorts of debris for removal. a very big surprise waiting for us in the Training Safety Officer shape of another first for Barry Buddon, BBTC We then had the pleasure of hosting a female emperor moth. Bob McCurley and the Angus and Dundee Bird Club with over 80 Our day list had now reached a very members attending. respectable 61 bird species, including nine migrant species newly in from The bird watchers headed for the coast their winter quarters in South and Mid and the Monifieth reed bed where a Africa including blackcap and wheatear. variety of birds were seen; most notable Five butterflies and the same number the red throated diver, eider and of moths were also recorded. All this sandwich terns. Upon arriving at the added up to a highly satisfying Open reed bed; the call of the sedge warbler Day success story and all present was picked up and then to our delight indicated they had thoroughly enjoyed the reel of the grasshopper warbler was their day out at BBTC. clearly heard. This was an unexpected treat enjoyed by all who could make BBTC took centre stage at the out the unfamiliar reeling bird. Also in Commonwealth Games (CWG) in July The Commonwealth Games comes to Barry Buddon the same area was reed bunting! when it hosted all of the shooting © Crown

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Buckinghamshire RAF Halton

managed to ensure they provide the common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza best potential to encourage a greater fuchsii, which is obvious with its diversity of plants and animals. Also, as unusually spotted leaves. Another RAF Halton has been under military orchid which is also becoming more occupation for over a century now, this common is the bee orchid Ophrys has resulted in the protection of these apifera which can mainly be seen on areas on the Station from other more the banks behind the old Corporals’ intensive land uses, such as modern Club. This quirky species got its name intensive livestock grazing and from its bee like flowers. These are pesticides and fertiliser application. thought to have evolved over time to greater attract pollinating bees. Chalk grassland, although relatively However, now the right bees do not common in the Chiltern Hills has been occur in the UK and this species in decline over the past few decades in is self-pollinating. the UK. Therefore it is the aim of the conservation committee to ensure that A first for the records, this year the these areas are protected and common twayblade Neottia ovata enhanced by sympathetic was also seen, perhaps not so management techniques. Chalk impressive, but good news for the grassland is renowned for orchids; they orchid population. depend on the presence of fungi in the ground to develop. Their seeds carry no The best time to get out and see the food reserves of their own for orchids is usually from June to July, with germination and growth, hence at first their best display towards the end of their relationship with fungi is parasitic. June. These orchids are wild flowers; This relationship decreases with hence they should be admired where orchid maturity. they are growing and not picked to take home. It is also recommended to For the past couple of years, the Station go and see the orchids of Aston Clinton Conservation Officer has been Ragpits. There they boast ten species of monitoring the orchid population in orchids compared to RAF Halton’s six. Happy Valley and on the Station Nevertheless, the populations here are boundaries. Each year it is so pleasing certainly on the up, here’s hoping for a to see the management techniques Military Orchid next year! Pyramidal orchid © Sgt Steven Kelly paying off. This year, the area was inundated with an impressive Emily Haddock We are so fortunate at RAF Halton to population of aptly named pyramidal Station Safety Health and benefit from some quite special areas of orchids Anacamptis pyramidalis. Environment Advisor conservation which perhaps the The population is so imposing, that it RAF Halton majority of personnel from around the almost resembled a carpet of purple community don’t even know exist. through the long delicate grasses.

An area on camp known as ‘Happy In amongst the pyramidal orchids, Valley,’ is perhaps the Station’s best occasionally you may also pick up on example of chalk grassland and the the aromas of the fragrant orchid long grasses are actually carefully Gymnadenia conopsea and see the lilac

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Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine

warning signs along the 11km sea front and we estimate over half of them have been washed away by the sea. The large beach warning sign and its supporting structure has been ripped from its concrete base with its whereabouts currently unknown. Tidal surges and large waves eroded large sections of the dunes and foreshore. The high water also brought large amounts of detritus above the high water mark, covering slip ways and entering the dunes. A clean-up and Dune erosion caused by tidal surges © QinetiQ repair programme is on-going. Unfortunately the bees that we had MOD Pendine is a unique Test and identified by Natural Resources Wales sited at MOD Pendine did not survive Evaluation ( T&E) Range in Carmarthen, (NRW ) as one of the most significant the winter due to the harsh conditions. South Wales which is managed by threats to the fixed dune grasslands QinetiQ under the Long Term across the site and last year was the first Headway is being made in surveying Partnering Agreement. Located within a phase of a long term programme to flora and fauna as part of the Integrated Site of Special Scientific Interest and reduce the overall extent of scrub, and Rural Management Plan. The Deer Special Area of Conservation due to its sea buckthorn in particular. Over 8.5ha Defence Management Team for DIO natural coastal features and of the sea buckthorn Hippophae came to MOD Pendine to survey the anthropogenic modifications, MOD rhamnoides was grubbed out and sika deer Cervus nippon. They observed Pendine houses a plethora of flora burnt. A follow-up chemical treatment two herds in the area, totalling 27 and fauna. will be required in future years to animals with a mixture of hinds, calves restore the dune grasslands. and stags. Bird surveys undertaken by Since reforming in 2012, the the Carmarthenshire Bird Club conservation group now boasts a Additional management to restore the documented a large number of birds strong membership and meets dune slack habitat and the fen orchid including Arctic skua Stercorarius biannually to discuss past, current Liparis loeselii is being modelled on a parasiticus and goshawks and future site conservation topics similar project at Kenfig Nature Reserve Accipiter gentilis. and surveys. with the collaboration of the Kenfig and Pendine staff. The Defence Katie Martin Last year we embarked on a significant Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Community and Environmental Liaison scrub management plan, mapping the NRW are also working with the local Officer flora of the site and identifying areas of farm tenants and the Welsh treatment required to restore the dune Government to deliver better grazing habitats and encourage re-growth of regimes and to reduce the extent of rare flora. Through surveys and winter grazing, which can cause historical knowledge, several excellent damage to the dunes. maps have been produced that show the extent of scrub across the site, as MOD Pendine felt the full force of the well as highlighting the location of rare winter storms in 2013, with all of its or invasive plants that need to be 11km of coast line being affected. managed. Scrub encroachment was Prior to the storms there were 50 One of the familiar faces amongst the dunes © Crown

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Cornwall and Devon DIO SD Training South West

Penhale Training Area is located approximately five miles south of Newquay in Cornwall and consists of 350ha of sand dunes let to Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Over the years, the Wildlife Trust employed Sarah Taylor as a warden to manage the site and make people aware of the special qualities of the area. Sarah has been a strong supporter of the MOD Conservation Group, the SAC Management Group, and a regular contributor to the Sanctuary Magazine. However, in 2013, Sarah left the Wildlife Trust and we would like to thank her for the work that she has done for the MOD over the years. The post has been taken over by Jon Cripps, who is welcomed by all those involved in the management of the Training Area.

The Conservation Group at Antony, Staddon Heights target butts wall which will become a scheduled monument © Oliver Turl Cornwall, have been busy bees - almost literally as they have been developing a WWII barrage balloon anchor stones The MOD have completed their rolling scheme to use a recently redundant and a huge 250m long, 14m high five yearly archaeological condition rifle range floor to promote the use former rifle butts wall. survey of Okehampton Ranges, and it of the area by Cornish black honey has been found that the condition of bees, the original bee of the British On Dartmoor, the MOD have been the archaeology has been improving. Isles. The grass on the range has been heavily involved with environmental This is a trend that is happening across cut regularly for approximately 100 work. The conservation group has had the Dartmoor Training Areas. years, but not fertilised, so it is very site visits to Willsworthy to view a new herb rich. The scheme will include fence installed by Landmarc (the MOD’s Finally, DNPA and the MOD have been the installation of hives to help save commercial partners), to protect the working closely on a number of the remnant population. range from cattle, and assist environmental projects which commoners manage their livestock. contribute towards the Dartmoor On the cliffs across the other side of National Park Management Plan. At the Plymouth Sound in Devon, MOD DIO The MOD have also been working with launch of the new Management Plan, staff have been working with English RSPB, Natural England (NE) and DNPA presented an award to the DIO Heritage to protect the historic Dartmoor National Park Authority Training Area Safety Officer - West Plymouth defences at Staddon Heights (DNPA) to safeguard one of the UK’s Devon, Capt (Retd) Ian Jarvis RN, in Training Area, whilst still enabling its highest conservation priority birds, the recognition of the co-operation and use for military training. The defences ring ouzel. Part funding by MOD has support provided by the MOD. include Palmerston Fortifications from enabled RSPB to study the breeding the 1860s, former coastal batteries, a success of the ring ouzel, and MOD are Nigel Sharpe pre-WWI anti-submarine mine working with RSPB, NE and the local Senior Estate Surveyor establishment, a complete set of rare farmers to improve nesting sites. Defence Infrastructure Organisation

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Cornwall Penhale

The MOD Conservation Group also collector will help achieve a more meets regularly inputting into the favourable ratio of scrub to species rich management of the dunes. grassland. We have had fantastic Conservation group members Dave swathes of thrift Armeria maritima, Thomas and Ian Bennallick recently led spring squill Scilla verna, common a very well attended wild flower walk, bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus attendees really appreciating the and kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria chance to explore normally inaccessible this year which is an indication that areas of the dunes. it is working.

The different ownership of the dunes The yearling cattle returned to site early brings about different challenges, but this year to improve food sources for from a habitat management point of the pair of choughs Pyrrhocorax view the approach is similar. Grazing pyrrhocorax that are again trying to nest has been the main tool for in the area. To the south of Holywell management over the last year. Gifting headland is Ligger Point, another of a farm in South East Cornwall to grazed area. This time with Shetland Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT ) and the ponies on loan from Natural England’s Grazing at Holywell headland © Jon Cripps need for grazing at Penhale brought Lizard reserves. Again they have done a about favourable circumstances for fantastic job grazing the headland Penhale Dunes Site of Special Scientific CWT to purchase a small herd of North opening up the vegetation through the Interest and Special Area of Devon cattle. The cattle currently spend winter months and shrugging off the Conservation (SAC) covers around late summer to early winter with calves mightiest Atlantic storms. We hope to 620ha of sand dune, beach and coastal a foot on coastal grassland at Holywell further increase the grazed area by grassland. The MOD and Haven headland, the northern boundary of installing pedestrian gates on the coast Holidays are the major land owners the SAC, and then return to CWT ’s path either side of Holywell Headland both holding Higher Level Stewardship organic farm. They have had a so the coastal frontage can be grazed agreements which amount to 460ha. noticeable effect on the site really and by creating a new compartment in opening up the sward and pushing in a scrubby area of MOD land. Partnership working with Haven, the under stands of blackthorn scrub, MOD, Landmarc and Natural England which will aid removal by hand. This, Cornwall College Newquay continues works very well and SAC management coupled with strategic scrub control to be involved at Penhale monitoring meetings are held bi-annually. with a tractor mounted flail and flail reptile tins and dormice within MOD land. We hope to set up annual flora monitoring with help from the conservation group and the college so we can assess the impacts of grazing long term.

Jon Cripps Penhale Dunes Ranger Cornwall Wildlife Trust and MOD Penhale Conservation Group

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Devon RMB Chivenor

Rare moths recorded Importantly, the rare and uncommon moths we found are all either The 18th June 2013 provided perfect associated with grassland or standing conditions for moth trapping. Mr John water, not with scrub. Bordered sallow Breeds, former warden of Braunton larvae feed on rest-harrow, reddish light Burrows (North Devon Biosphere arches on various grasses, M. metzneriella Reserve, adjacent to the site), and Dr on knapweed, obscure Wainscot on Rob Wolton of the Devon Moth Group common reed, and interestingly the set up three MV lights and two actinics. small china-mark has aquatic larvae The following is an account of the more which feed on duckweeds. notable species: In conclusion, the survey presented A cream-spot tiger Arctia villica was interesting and unexpected findings first to the lights. Followed by eight showing that Chivenor is indeed a very Small elephant hawkmoth © Chris Maple bordered sallow Pyrrhia umbra; this is good environment/habitat for the uncommon in Devon and rare in development of moths. As the areas of RMB Chivenor is located off the A361, North Devon. open, herb rich grassland and the approximately two miles south of ponds and ditches are managed Braunton in North Devon. The site is Four small china-marks Cataclysta sympathetically to enhance wildlife, it is approximately 5m above sea level and lemnata were recorded; previous hoped that future projects will show a is bordered to the South and East records are few in North Devon. similar success. boundary by the Taw River Estuary a Site of Special Scientific Interest. John identified a reddish light arches Sian Flaherty The Tarka Trail runs along the North Apamea sublustris a species he had seen Environmental Protection Officer and to the West there are water inlets, in France previously. This is a very rare RMB Chivenor marsh and farm land. The estuary has moth in Devon with just a handful of a wide tidal range, which at low tide previous records, most a hundred exposes large areas of mud flats, salt years old. marshes and sandbanks; via these, it supports many flora and fauna, both Four individuals of a previously resident and migratory. Within the RMB unrecorded species in this area and Chivenor boundary lies a mix of very uncommon in Devon, were caught habitats including herb rich grassland and after consulting with Mr Barry (the old airfield) and water bodies, both Henwood (also of the Devon Moth standing and temporary that form the Group) they were identified as obscure driver training area. Wainscots Mythimna obsolete.

RMB Chivenor has a long standing The final notable moth was a gelechiid conservation group and during a recent micro Metzneria metzneriella, another meeting it was decided new surveys new vice-county record. In all, 63 and research were needed on site to species were recorded (with a strange help show conservation was pug yet to be identified). Among these progressing; as part of this work, moth were four species of hawk-moth – surveys were undertaken. poplar, eyed, elephant and small elephant; who says moths are not beautiful! Reddish light arches © Chris Maple

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Essex Fingringhoe Ranges 9

The sea walls and remaining coastal grazing marshes of Essex harbour some of Britain’s rarest bees. Most of these marshes have been converted to arable farmland, but the MOD’s Fingringhoe Range retains much of the rich wildlife associated with this threatened habitat.

As well as its long list of wetland birds and scarce dragonflies, the marsh is home to several scarce bees. Most remarkable, is the aptly named ‘long horned bee’ Eucera longicornis. This furry ginger bee is distinguished by the exceptionally long antennae in the male. Although it is said to feed from the flowers of a wide range of plants, the Essex populations seem to be very strongly associated with meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. Males were observed ‘patrolling’ patches of this plant along the inner slope and folding of the sea wall, and occasionally stopping to take nectar from the The aptly named ‘long-horned bee’ Eucera longicornis © Ted Benton flowers. Females also seemed to collect pollen exclusively from the same plant A scarce and declining bee of southern Thames estuary has destroyed several species. The bee is said to nest in England, it had been recorded in Essex of the habitats for the shrill and brown- burrows constructed on bare or only once since the late 1960s until banded carders, but luckily they have, sparsely vegetated ground, but, owing several were observed along a stretch since the early 2000s, spread up the to limited access to the site, the nests of sea wall on 26th June 2012. Essex coast along the sea walls. So far, have not yet been located. The continued presence of the species the shrill carder bumblebee Bombus was confirmed in 2013 and it is hoped sylavarum has spread as far north as that it will be possible to carry out Mersea Island, and so it is hoped that it further studies in 2014. will soon colonise nearby Fingringhoe Range. Meanwhile, the scarce (UK The Essex marshes hold populations of Biodiversity Plan priority species) moss several rare ‘carder’ bumblebees, carder bumblebee Bombus muscorum including the ‘shrill’ carder, the brown- was found on the range, alongside the banded and moss carders. Before 2000 long-horned bee, in 2013. the shrill and brown-banded carders were found at a few sites along the Ted Benton lower Thames Estuary, while the moss Conservation Group member carder, which is believed to tolerate cooler and damper climates, was found

Moss carder bumblebee Eucera longicornis on a few stretches of sea wall along the © Ted Benton coast. New development along the

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10 Fife RAF Leuchars

A successful Beach Clean was Squadron before the route was closed; subsequently held on a lovely day in the tracks and sleepers remain to August with nearly a ton of plastic capture the imagination. waste collected by 13 military and civil service volunteers from the Leuchars To conclude, I have learnt a lot in this Conservation Group (LCG); fingers are past year and luckily for me I have had now crossed that we are able to some wonderful sources of support: my squeeze one more Beach Clean in predecessor KC Campbell, the late and before the RAF ensign at Leuchars is missed Gordon Johnstone, the staff at finally lowered. CESO (RAF), the local FCCT and some longstanding LCG volunteers. I believe My time in post has also highlighted to the final legacy of RAF Leuchars within me some of the wonderful flora and the conservation remit is a fantastic fauna that thrive on the Station. This relationship with the local includes the rare and beautiful northern environmental protection and marsh orchid dactylorhiza purpurella, conservation groups and I am sure the which has a flower spike covered in Army will pick up the baton and densely packed bright purple flowers. continue the good work.

Additionally, the Station Headquarters Sharon Callaghan is home to a maternity roost for Conservation Officer pipistrelle bats which seems to be RAF Leuchars expanding with recent additional satellite roosts found in nearby accommodation blocks. The northern marsh orchid © Sarah Stone The LCG has also continued to work Change is in the air as the Leuchars closely with local conservation groups, estate transitions from RAF to Army and this year a call was made by the Fife control in April 2015 and on a more Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT ) for personal level as a ‘newbie’ to the sightings of grey squirrels to be environmental protection and reported to them, as the Earlshall Muir conservation worlds I have had to hit SSSI, which borders the Leuchars estate, the ground running. is home to the native red squirrel. Fortunately the sightings established One of my first tasks in post was the the only greys in close proximity were a annual Beach Clean of the Eden Estuary small group in the nearby Earlshall Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Castle grounds. Initially, and mistakenly, I was under the impression that I had to calculate the It is also great to see work undertaken a tide times and after a frustrating time of few years ago continue to enhance the adding hours to days I was delighted to local amenities such as a nature trail discover this was the forte of the Fife established in Leuchars village. This is Ranger, Ranald Strachan, and I didn’t particularly pertinent to RAF Leuchars have to worry about miscalculating and as the trail features the railway sidings holding a Beach Clean at high tide! that transported goods to Supply Leuchars railway sidings and nature trail © Sarah Stone

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Gloucester Duke of Gloucester Barracks

A reptile and amphibian survey has also been carried out in order to gain baseline data for the areas around DoG Bks; grass snakes have already been seen under the tin sheeting.

We are planning a commemorative planting of a pair of black poplar, the nationally endangered tree. The Conservation Volunteers, an external volunteer organisation is planning to visit us and assist with small projects in the near future.

The conservation group is not the only part of the environmental work being carried out; the station has successfully The grassland survey underway © Crown used the Environmental Management System and the Commanding Officer’s After its first year of hard work, our Gloucestershire Farming and Wildlife Safety, Health and Environment and newly set up conservation group is Advisory Group came and conducted a Sustainable Development Action Plan delivering improved biodiversity and site wide grassland survey. This survey to great effect, delivering improved sustainability at Duke of Gloucester allowed us to formulate a plan to create sustainability and environmental Barracks (DoG Bks), South Cerney in and restore the valuable and nationally performance. Utility usage is regularly South East Gloucestershire. In June diminishing habitat of lowland monitored and efficiencies have been 2013 the first meeting of the DoG Bks calcareous grassland. This grassland is made to lighting, building insulation conservation group took place and was very herb-rich in a local context, with installed and boilers upgraded, all well attended. There are also various lady’s bedstraw, common bird’s-foot helping to make savings. internal and external organisations that trefoil and hairy violet. have contributed time and expertise to The construction of a no-cost waste the various projects. The objective of Gordon Kirk, regional representative for and recycling centre on site has the group was to make a positive the British Trust for Ornithology has increased recycling from less than 1% impact on conservation and carried out a number of bird surveys; to 53% in less than a year. Water biodiversity at DoG Bks thus creating the last survey was carried out at DoG consumption on site has also been environmental resilience and a Bks over five years ago. In the first reduced with the lowering of the sustainable ethos for the entire military survey, he found many species were still stations water pressure. and civilian community. present and thriving, we are now looking for the rarer tree sparrows that This year the group is proud to have From the outset, plans and ideas were were previously seen at DoG Bks. been selected as Sanctuary Award discussed for a woodland walk route Further surveys are planned for the runner up under the Environmental incorporating the planting of winter months and records are being Projects category. commemorative trees, education and sent to Bird Track. information boards, activities for SSgt Paul Staley families and children and the We have had a team in to check our 29 Regt RLC identification of baseline data essential buildings for the presence of bats with Duke of Gloucester Barracks for future planning. a view to a full survey taking place.

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Hampshire DCPG Southwick Park

the fishing experience and safety, but also to encourage and enhance the habitat for the varied mammal, bird and insect communities. New reed beds have been created and waterlilies have been introduced in the main lake. The Association is working closely with the Southdown National Park Team to enhance the water vole population. Frequent visitors to the lake include kingfisher, moorhen, heron, cormorants, buzzard and red kites. Numerous bird and bat boxes have been strategically placed, and routes to assist eel migration created.

The anglers have invested over £15,000 of their membership subscriptions into the project during the last five years and has spent untold man-hours creating and maintaining a fantastic Southwick Park Lake © Ken Law fishing lake in a very beautiful and natural part of Hampshire. The way Covering over 5.5ha and nearly 1km Recreation Centre and Southwick Lake forward is to continue the current water long, Southwick Lake is one of the - maintained and operated by the Royal management strategy and implement MOD’s hidden treasures located at Navy and Royal Marine Coarse Angling a programme of further improvements Southwick Park just north of Association. that will enhance the lake and its Portsmouth. Southwick Park was surroundings for anglers, the multitude requisitioned by the government The Association has been involved with of other visitors and the wildlife. during World War II and compulsorily the lake since 1972 and Ken Law, the It should be mentioned that there is no purchased in 1950 from the Water Manager, together with his recognised public access, however, if Thistlethwayte family who continue to willing team of volunteers (in people wish to visit the Recreation own and manage the surrounding conjunction with the Environment Centre for a round of golf or English 2,850ha estate. Now home of the Agency and Hampshire and Isle of Heritage’s Augustinian Priory (AD1145 Defence College of Policing and Wight Wildlife Trust) have undertaken a 53), the lake is within sight! Guarding, the MOD estate extends considerable amount of work to 112ha and comprises of a secure conserve the amenity and its Phil Greaves technical and training site containing immediate surroundings. This has Senior Estate Surveyor Southwick House (famous for its historic involved a significant amount of Land Management Services association with the Supreme HQ Allied clearance work in the lower canal and Defence Infrastructure Organisation Expeditionary Force’s co-ordination of ‘Rooks Pond’ area to increase the flow the 1944 D-Day operations by Ramsay, of the River Wallington. Eisenhower and Montgomery – the original Chad Valley manufactured map Work has also been undertaken to still hangs frozen in time at H-Hour), the remove dead and decaying trees from surrounding Southwick Park Naval around the lake, not only to improve

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Hampshire DIO SD Training South East

sedentary species, often not moving more than a few metres from where it emerged making it very site bound and unlikely to naturally colonise any new sites. Lowland heaths are extremely vulnerable to attack from colonising species like birch, gorse and scots pine which can quickly shade out and destroy the heathland.

Two other Red Data List butterflies are also thriving here; the dingy skipper and the grizzled skipper are spring species which have prospered as the annual mowing has enabled carpets of spring wildflowers to bloom, i.e. wild strawberry, violets, tormentil, primroses and birds-foot trefoil.

This success demonstrates how a Silver-studded blue Plebejus argus © Iain Perkins balance can be reached between management for nature improvement Silver studded success at season, the ground shimmers with and management for military purposes. Bramshott blue butterflies, an amazing The Longmoor Conservation Group is wildlife spectacle! an important interface between the Bramshott Common training area in MOD and people interested in wildlife. East Hampshire has become a haven The silver-studded blue has a very I have been attending the group for for endangered butterflies thanks to interesting life cycle and lays its eggs several years and am really impressed at the active site management which has at the base of heather plants. how a positive approach can produce proved to be very much to their The caterpillar hatches out and feeds measurable local wildlife benefits. benefit. It is a really varied site with on the heather and develops a 28-30 butterfly species recorded there symbiotic relationship with black ants. It is now one of the finest ‘off-chalk’ in a typical year. The open areas are The caterpillar secretes honeydew butterfly and wildflower sites in the extensively mowed each winter. This is which feeds the ants and in return, the South of England. With continued essential to remove encroaching trees ants protect the caterpillar. active management by the MOD, it and scrub to ensure that the wildflower The caterpillar normally pupates within will hopefully remain so for many species can emerge and prosper. the ants nest, and when it hatches into years to come. a butterfly, it crawls to the top of the The colony of silver-studded blue heather plants and pumps up its Arthur Greenwood Plebejus argus butterflies is of national wings in the sunshine. Longmoor Conservation Group member importance. This is a Red Data List species, amongst the most threatened Only the males of the species are blue, of British butterflies. In 2010 and 2012 the females are brown. Its average life is Bramshott Common had the highest only 3-5 days although it can live recorded day count of any site in the longer. It definitely has breeding on its UK. During the peak of their flight mind during this time! It is an extremely

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Sand lizard introduction on The selected area had been specially granted by Defence Infrastructure Longmoor prepared for the sand lizards by ARC Organisation. The area around with management of invasive scrub Longmoor Camp forms Woolmer Forest On Thursday 12th September 2013 a and bracken, and the mechanical Site of Special Scientifc Interest, a group of 50 rare sand lizards Lacer ta exposure of bare sand. These patches of nationally important site for reptiles and agilis were given the VIP treatment at bare sand will form the egg laying areas amphibians with the unique distinction Longmoor Camp. The two month old that are essential for this species once in Britain of having 12 of the 13 native lizards were escorted by Lt Col Dickie they reach maturity (they also species present (all bar the pool frog Bishop, Kathy Stearne of Natural incidentally benefit many rare which was only recently granted native England and Matt Dowse of Amphibian invertebrates including heath tiger status). ARC’s conservation work on site and Reptile Conservation (ARC) to beetle). The release area is some is funded by a Natural England Higher Palmer’s Ball, an area of lowland heath distance from the nearest sand lizard Level Stewardship grant. on the Longmoor training estate. Here colony and, given their limited dispersal they were gently ushered into their ability, it is unlikely that the species The hatchling sand lizards had been new home where it is hoped they will would have naturally colonised it bred in captivity by a group of zoos and breed in due course and help to secure without assistance. ARC manage notable experts in order to repopulate and extend the range of this iconic Palmer’s Ball and several other areas on areas of heath and dunes where they species on the Longmoor estate. the Longmoor estate under a licence have previously become locally extinct. The captive breeding forms part of a Recovery Plan for the sand lizard which is a rare and protected species in Britain notified under the European Union’s Bern Convention. The sand lizard was considered to be on the brink of extinction in the Weald in the 1970s with just four small populations extant. Thanks to re-introductions they are now present on 27 heathland sites from Hampshire to Kent, but on-going, appropriate site management is always necessary to maintain these colonies.

Rob Free and Matt Dowse Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Male sand lizard in breeding condition © Iain Perkins and Longmoor Conservation Group

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Hampshire Defence Munitions Gosport

Several dragonflies and butterflies have also been reported during this summer.

On Friday 14th March Caroline Dinenage, Gosport MP visited DM Gosport to walk through the Bedenham Grasslands, which now boast five butterfly glades. Representatives from DM Gosport’s Grounds Maintenance Team One Complete Service (OCS) and Mike Gwilliam from the South Hants Butterfly Society also attended.

Caroline was briefed on recent management activities, which aim to further improve the glades and enhance butterfly and moth habitat. Grizzled skipper enjoying the glades © Crown The glades provide perfect conditions for butterflies and are home to a vast During March 2011 Kevin Cooper the Over a two week period, seven ponds range of species including grizzled Environment Manager at DM Gosport were excavated, all of differing sizes and skipper, white letter hairstreak and the contacted the Million Ponds Project depths; this mix of profiles creates slight moth Coleophora vibicella, all of which Team to enquire about the potential to habitat variations, attracting a variety of are included in the UK Biodiversity create ponds on the site. The Million flora and fauna. The main aim was to Action Plan and are thriving in the Ponds Project, of which the MOD is a enhance the area for frogs, grass snakes grasslands area. The management aims partner, is a national project which aims and great crested newts. The newts to maximise the botanical diversity to reverse the loss of ponds by creating were recorded living in an adjacent within the grassland and maintain a a network of new ponds across the UK. pond. The spoil from the excavation mosaic of short and long grass was used to create banks around the conditions. Encroaching scrub that A site visit from the Freshwater Habitats ponds to afford some shelter from wind could shade out the habitat has also Trust (formally Ponds Conservation and predators. During the construction been removed. Trust) was arranged to assess the of the ponds, a local archaeological suitability of the land and discuss expert was present in case historical The site is important in a local context, potential locations. A suitable location artefacts were unearthed. Although as there are few areas of extensive was found in the non-explosive area, several artefacts were found, including unimproved grassland on the Gosport on the site of the old golf course which pieces of smoking pipe and fragments peninsula. Ongoing surveys will be is no longer used due to the general of pots, there was nothing of carried out along the glades to monitor wet condition of the area during significance and thankfully no ‘big butterfly and moth populations. winter time. bangs’ were found. Kevin Cooper After detailed planning and The ponds have now begun to realise Environment Manager consultation with the Freshwater their potential and several species have Defence Munitions Gosport Habitats Trust, contractors, the local been drawn to the area and are authority and the Wildlife Trust, enjoying the ponds. These include planning permission was granted and mainly herons and egrets, whilst ducks the project could move forward. and swans have also been sighted.

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Isle of Wight Newtown Ranges

Island and certainly on the training estate at Lambsleaze and Elmsworth is doing well. There was a dip in their numbers which caused some concern. Richard has compiled a report into the hare habitats and behaviour on the Island.

The Rookery which occupied the oak trees over the main entrance to the site for several years has moved! Hurray… they and their mess will be sadly Newtown Range Conservation Day bird ringing demonstration © Crown missed; the rooks never seemed to miss the Camp signs when the nesting It is difficult not to talk about the by Barry Angell, the Conservation season was in full swing. atrocious weather we have had over Group entomologist. All the moths the winter period, but what is worth were trapped on the range. Sightings of red squirrel during the mentioning is the dedication of our The dormouse population are doing autumn and winter were rare. Group Ornithologists John Willmott and well, a total of 9 juveniles were recorded One explanation maybe that there was Bob Green who have battled the when clearing the 40 bird boxes we plenty of food in the copse with acorns elements to complete the monthly have in Locks Copse and surrounding and hazel nuts to store away for the Wetland Bird Survey on the training areas. Not such good news for the blue winter. Our two legged friend from last area. The results are recorded and and great tit families with 31 boxes year, Stumpy, has not been seen to passed on to BTO/RSPB and the local unsuccessful. We think it might be date, we hope he has survived the county record centre. related to the bad winter and spring. winter and look forward to seeing him Interestingly wood mice have decided later in the spring. A successful open day and wildlife walk to take up residence in the boxes, in May provided an opportunity for some 11 nests were noted. Maj (Retd) Dave Maidment interested members of the public to Range Officer and see what we do here as well as to show Our AGM was held in November. It was Training Estate Manager them around the range and training nice to see a full house with area to see our excellent flora and representatives from the National Trust, fauna. Members of the conservation Natural England, Hampshire and Isle of group were on hand to act as guides Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT ), tenant and answer questions on their area farmer, Local Council Ecology Officer, of expertise. Defence Infrastructure Organisation ecologist and other members from our The osprey has been sighted in the conservation group. The meeting was Estuary, busy fishing, fattening up chaired by Col (Retd) Chris Booth A dormouse on its nightly travels © Barry Angell before migration and hopefully taking Deputy Chief Executive SE RFCA . note of the nesting platforms erected This excellent forum discusses current the previous year. activity on the Island, reports from the year and plans for the future. During We are in the process of putting this meeting our mammal expert

together a collection of over 80 Richard Grogan HIWWT informed us The displays highlighting the biodiverse flora and photographs of different moths taken that the brown hare population on the fauna of Newtown Range © Dave Maidment

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Kent and East Sussex DIO SD Training South East

Europe in 1955). The Society was also impressed by the quantity of the moss Tortella flavovirens in the coastal zone.

On the tenanted estate, a special mention must go to Rod and Helen Vincent who at the end of 2013, following semi-retirement, relinquished 129ha of CPTA pasture. For over 40 years they produced quality beef cattle on chalk downland (including Arpinge Range) which due to their good stewardship has encouraged important assemblages of rare and scarce species. The land has been successfully re-let by DIO Land Management Services (LMS) The unique Lydd Holmestone hollies © Crown and as the new licensees already farm other designated sites within CPTA, the Across the Cinque Ports Training Area rabbit control. The browse line on future of these sensitive areas looks (CPTA), the spread of ash die-back many hollies has recovered and some assured despite the uncertainties over Chalara fraxinea has been dramatic. re-generation was evident. Additionally agri-environment schemes. Over 100ha of woodland are now the visit was an opportunity for Sean showing signs of the disease. Clancy of the Sussex Emerald Moth With the recent UK winter floods The majority of mature ash coppice Partnership Project to inform the group ensuring that coastal protection appears to be infected as was shown of the work in progress on adjacent remains a priority, the production of by a lack of foliage in upper crowns. land (the RSPB Reserve and nuclear detailed design proposals by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation power station) to monitor and Environment Agency (to protect Hythe (DIO) forester SE organised a Chalara encourage this Red Data Book species and Lydd complexes) are underway workshop at CPTA in September 2013. Thalera fimbrialis. Following the visit, a with MOD contributing to the funding. The attendance on the day was high bid was submitted to enable the Ground investigations have been and participants from all over the UK inclusion of MOD as a funding partner. carried out and options for protection including DIO, Forestry Commission Arpinge Range was also visited by the are expected in 2016. Habitat surveys and Commercial Partners. group and guided by Peter and Alfie have been undertaken and agreement The workshop provided a forum for Gay, plants recorded included woolly on mitigation will be required. In April discussion between forestry and thistle Cirsium eriophorum, man orchid 2014, CPTA and LMS staff visited other disciplines regarding future Orchis anthropophora and hound’s Medmerry RSPB reserve in West Sussex, management and enabled woodland tongue Cynoglossum officinale. April guided by the Agency and Tim managers an opportunity to identify 2014 saw the British Bryological Society Callaway (RSPB), to look at a recent the symptoms out in the field. visit Lydd Ranges. Despite the arid coastal re-alignment scheme to inform nature of the range, a good selection of on the implications of any similar The CPTA and Pippingford Conservation mosses and liverworts were recorded proposal at Lydd. Groups remain active and have carried including Bryum torquescens and out ecological surveys across the estate. Lophocolea semiteres both new to the Richard Goslet Lydd Holmestone hollies were vice-county of East Kent (although the Land Management Services visited by the CPTA group to view latter is an introduced liverwort from Defence Infrastructure Organisation improvements following concentrated the southern hemisphere first found in

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Lincolnshire

17 ATR Air Weapons Range Holbeach

North West corner of The Wash and with a good two metres of sea wall on the range to keep the water at bay, we had some protection before swift action would have been deemed necessary. The rodents that live on the green marsh congregated on banks built to take the sting out of a rough sea before it hits the sea wall. When the walls were washed away or covered by the tide the animals had to swim and many did not make it. To our surprise the bodies of two stoats were found; all the local predators must have had easy pickings that night.

The aftermath of the surge tide caused a great number of birds to leave the marsh and travel inland, those that Damaged bridge caused by tidal surge © Graham Wall were left changed their patterns and until the spring they had not settled Holbeach Conservation Group oversees wildfowlers being the eyes and ears of back into their usual pattern of life. the salt marsh on the west bank of The the group, and with all the wet The common gulls are back on their Wash between the rivers Nene and weather and tidal surge, there was colony this spring and going about Welland and has 576ha of green marsh plenty to report. their business as usual and we have a with four to five times this amount of bridge to repair ready for the next mud reaching out to low water mark Firstly the salinity of the marsh was big tides. depending on the state of the tide. down due to all the rain water coming from inland forcing a change in the Graham Wall The group members consist of the plant life that grows on the green shore. Head Marsh Warden Defence Infrastructure Organisation It also affected all the marine life from Holbeach Wildfowlers Conservation Team, the local council, green shore crabs to the young fish Holbeach Conservation Group the wildfowling clubs that rent the nurseries of the creeks and pools shooting rights over the mud (from the causing them to move further out to Crown Estate) and green shore (from where the salinity was more to their the MOD). The group regularly updates suiting. Lowering of the salinity means each other on what is going on either there is far less food for the wading on the range or in the local area. birds and in return less food for the The subjects discussed vary from range raptors so the whole natural balance of usage to marine shell fish and bird the marsh changes. This puts pressure counts as well as local developments on the birds as they become more affecting the area such as wind farms spread out and harder to accurately and tidal gauges. count.

The period from August 2013 to spring During last Decembers tidal surge, the 2014 was far from quiet; with the water was as flat as a millpond in the

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Northern Ireland 18 DIO SD Training NI

practice trenches. The archaeological recording and documenting of the physical remains of the trenches on the camp will hopefully go some way to further inform this narrative which is presently a rather absent chapter in the historical knowledge of the camp.

The outcome from the analysis of recently flown LiDAR, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence will be evaluated alongside more traditional methods of archaeological investigation in an effort to detect related WWI features on the training estate landscape, later producing a substantial visual and historical catalogue of the chronological development and use of Ballykinler 1914-18. It is also hoped that through combined efforts of myself and the archaeological team at Queen’s University Belfast, Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork (QUB/CAF), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the DIO SD Training NI that the excavation and subsequent WWI practice trenches at Ballykinler © Crown reconstruction of a section of the trenches can be undertaken, allowing WWI Trenches Ballykinler In 1914, Ireland became a hub of future generations of servicemen and military activity for the raising and women in addition to schools and In recent months we have witnessed training of three Volunteer Divisions of other community groups an the identification of previously lost or Kitchener’s New Army; thousands of opportunity to explore and experience forgotten World War I training these recruits passed through the WWI trenches first hand. landscapes across the UK, many of Ballykinler which to date has been well The discovery and future representation which still remain as part of wider identified as the main training camp for of these features at Ballykinler will help Ministry of Defence training estates the 107th Infantry Brigade of the 36th to bring part of Ireland’s history and such as, the Browndown trenches Ulster Division. The focus of the current involvement in the WWI into the public highlighted in March 2014 in project is to understand the domain for generations to come. Hampshire. Northern Ireland is no development of the wider camp and exception and as part of a wider project ranges at Ballykinler, its use and the Heather Montgomery of archaeological investigation into level of training provided to new PhD Student British WWI training camps in Ireland recruits, including the suitability of the Queen’s University Belfast we have identified what is believed to training as a precursor to the reality of be a comprehensive network of WWI War and where possible to identify men practice trenches at Ballykinler. who may have originally dug the

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Major Tony Canniford, Senior Training at Downpatrick Racecourse, Safety Officer for Ballykinler Training meandered through the beautiful Centre said: South Down countryside along tracks, fields and three of the counties’ “ Whilst SD Trg NI’s priority is to support our breathtaking beaches. armed forces as they prepare for operations, Ballykinler is a diverse training area, which With horses starting on the course at also offers a number of secluded locations, 0700hrs, a number of BTC staff ideal habitat and hunting grounds for barn volunteered to support this event, owls to live and breed. We are hoping that which was an outstanding success. by working together with the Ulster Wildlife The route followed the recently opened Trust on this project that we can help to Permissive Way, which normally allows increase the numbers of this iconic bird.” local residents to walk along a path around the perimeter of the training Fiona Weir area and down on to the Ballykinler BFBS NI beach. By the removal of a number of gates, horses and riders had the opportunity to pass through this area Ballykinler hosts a stage of the and out onto the Ballykinler beach for Inaugural St Patrick’s Coast an uninterrupted 3km stretch of sand Horse Endurance Race and water, with the mountains of Mourne as a backdrop, before passing The staff at Ballykinler have also been onto the neighbouring fields. The busy supporting the first International marshals spent twelve hours on the The majestic barn owl © Dr Lewis St Patrick’s Coast Horse Endurance Race ground and I cannot start to imagine held on Saturday 26th April, along with how tough it must have been on the Barn owls in Northern Ireland over 40 other local landowners. horses and riders. Helping to facilitate this event has been a good community Barn owls in Northern Ireland are being They all opened up their gates to engagement opportunity and given a new lease of life thanks to the allow access and welcomed over 100 enhances the MODs reputation in NI. work that the Ballykinler Conservation horses and riders participating in the Group are doing with Ulster Wildlife. event over distances of 16km to 120km. Maggie Haigh Meticulously planned and hosted by DIO SD Trg NI Staff at Ballykinler have been working the Irish Long Distance Riding with conservation experts to construct Association the event, which started and erect twelve bespoke barn owl nesting boxes to provide additional nesting sites within the training estate including the Todds Farm complex, Strip Woods and in Beston village.

John Willesley from Ulster Wildlife has been heavily involved and explained that barn owls are being threatened by extinction with as few as fifteen breeding pairs left. The nesting boxes will hopefully encourage the birds to come onto the training estate to nest, as we already know they hunt up and down the tree belts and at the back of the ranges. What is encouraging is that once barn owls take up residence in nesting boxes they come back year after year, so hopefully this project will be a success as we have a local breeding pair not far from the training centre. Rider on St Patrick’s Coast Horse Endurance Race © Gillian Wheeler photogilly.com

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Pembrokeshire Castlemartin

Due to the intensity of military training across Castlemartin during July 2013 and it being a hot, dry month, there were numerous fires caused by the heat of the tracer rounds within the ammunition fired. The size and location of the fires was mapped and a total of 292,394m2 was burnt during the month and will continue to be closely monitored. Although fires can be devastating for any egg, larvae or young present, it can also promote the regeneration of vegetation.

Pembrokeshire Ranges Conservation October 39 were born across In the summer of 2013 I decided to Group (PRCG) has been active for over Castlemartin Range. The population in count the heath spotted orchid 40 years and covers Castlemartin, South West Wales is the most southerly Dactylorhiza maculate population Penally, Manorbier and Templeton population in Europe and the grey seal growing in the middle of Penally Rifle Ranges. The group is involved in the is one of the least common species in Range. Previously mapped but never annual monitoring of numerous species European waters. counted, members of the PRCG were of flora and fauna as well as performing amazed when the number of flowering additional surveys when necessary. Only eight pairs of chough bred across spikes counted was 17,062. This is a the range in 2013 (19 pairs in 2003) locally notable species, however it was Castlemartin Range though they did manage to fledge 22 only classed as a secondary feature in youngsters. There are ten pairs nesting the Integrated Land Management Plan In 2013 surveys of green winged orchid at present. as it was thought that the majority of Orchis morio, moonwort Botrychium the orchids were hybrids (heath x lunaria and goldilocks aster Aster In January 2014, 25 young, grafted common spotted). Photographs taken linosyris, recorded stable populations apple trees were planted in Brownslade during the 2013 counts suggest that and surprisingly, a survey of fen Orchard. The cuttings had been taken this may now not be the case. pondweed Potamogeton coloratus, in 2013 from the fifteen remaining old found it to be in four new locations; on apple trees in the orchard and attached The MOD changed the mowing regime an easterly extension across the range. to rootstock. At least ten of the original of the orchid patch in the 1990s to Fen pondweed is included on the IUCN trees have been lost since 2003 due to benefit the orchid population and to Red List as being of least concern due a lack of management; however the allow the population to flourish. This to its widespread existence, but it can introduction of a mowing regime, has been a huge success and future be vulnerable to the loss and pruning and the prevention of entry by checks will hopefully reveal the true degradation of its habitat. livestock should ensure the future of identity of these orchids! the orchard. Three of the original 2013 was the best year for grey seal varieties were identified from the fruit Lynne Houlston Halichoerus grypus pup births since last year (Bramley’s Seedling, Mere de Authority Ranger recording began in 2004. Normally an Menage and Ribston Pippin) and it is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park average of 25-30 seal pups are hoped that the remaining species can recorded, but between August and be identified in the future.

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Shropshire RAF Cosford 20

Although RAF Cosford may not have the vast open spaces or the beautiful coastline of many of the sites across the Estate it does have a dedicated (albeit small!) band of guardians of the countryside! The Cosford Conservation Group has been established for over ten years now and the members have a broad rage of interests from birds, bats and bees to mammals and plants and everything in-between.

It was back in 2009 that we took part in the Million Ponds Project and created a small pond in a mixed-species coppice that lies between the Respirator Testing Facility and the High-Ropes Training Area, a little bit of wilderness nestling in amongst the military infrastructure. Rather than ‘stock’ the pond with specimen or non local flora or fauna, it was literally left to its own devices and has now become the home to a multitude of species and an essential part of the wider habitats of many visiting species. Local inhabitants of the pond making their great escape during the survey © Martin Noble

The group use the nearby hide to colonies. Unfortunately they do have a the history of the group and gives record bird species (uploading the habit of breaking out of the cavity walls much of his time and money and effort records to Bird Track), have undertaken through air vents and into classrooms too...in support of the work of the water quality surveys (using the OPAL and cause a little angst amongst both group. Graham is due to retire (for the protocols) and also carry out regular instructors and students alike. Several second time) in the very near future amphibian surveys there. No great swarms have been relocated to the and his commitment and influence will crested newts at this site though, hives we have next to the pond. be sorely missed by all here at RAF although great to see they are still In addition, we have several resident Cosford. Thank you Graham, for thriving on the far side of the runway. bat populations across the camp, everything that you have done for all It is a great stress-reliever to get out of including a pipistrelle maternity roost the residents of Cosford, be they wild the office and spend half an hour down site that also makes the most of or otherwise! there just observing the comings and Fulton Block. goings of our local wildlife. FS Martin Noble It would be remiss of me if I were to Conservation Group Fulton Block (a Grade II listed building close this update without a note of RAF Cosford dating from 1938 and used by thanks to one of our most stalwart thousands of trainees passing through members in the guise of Sqn Ldr No2 School of Technical Training) has Graham Lee. Graham has been an long supported a number of honey bee active member throughout much of

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West Sussex Thorney Island

Thorney Island is within the Chichester This is now topped with a wooden vegetation taking a hold. Working Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural structure and used as a bird hide. with volunteers from the Friends of Beauty. The airfield at Thorney was built Chichester Harbour, and the company in 1938 for fighter aircraft, which were Between 2004 and 2007, Chichester SSE, the Conservancy led a series of involved with the Battle of Britain. RAF Harbour Conservancy co-ordinated a work parties to tackle the priority sites Thorney Island was subsequently major Heritage Lottery funded project, with eight cleared during 2013. transferred to RAF Coastal Command ‘Rhythm of Tides’ . This included This showed significant dedication by for the protection of shipping and learning more about the history and the volunteers as the weather was other various roles. Thorney Church archaeology of the harbour. One of the generally horrendous. cemetery contains both British and outcomes was the establishment of a German graves. monitoring programme and for the last CDAS will continue with the monitoring seven years Chichester and District and the Friends of Chichester Harbour Thorney now houses Baker Barracks Archaeology Society (CDAS) has carried are ready to undertake further work and is occupied by two regiments of out condition assessments for each of parties. The Conservancy’s Education the Royal Artillery. Many of the original the fifteen smaller WWII sites on team are now using Thorney Island’s World War II buildings and Thorney. An annual report is provided WWII features as part of a tour for infrastructure are still in use. Smaller, by CDAS to the Conservancy and school groups studying WWII history. redundant structures, often on the the MOD. periphery, have either disappeared or Ann Davies are being increasingly submerged and As at spring 2013 the bird hide was Chairman Chichester and District undermined by invasive vegetation. being regularly maintained and one or Archaeology Society (CDAS) An exception is a rectangular brick two sites had been cleared. However, a emplacement, which possibly housed majority of the sites were deteriorating light anti-aircraft equipment. at an increasing rate with invasive

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Wiltshire Bulford

being brought to the surface by the badgers. Many of the graves were accompanied by wonderful grave goods showing a range of 6th century AD artistic talents – from gilded button brooches (such as seen on the Sanctuary cover) through to glass and amber beads and brooches, some of which are Roman ‘heirlooms’ or curios. Appealing to military team members perhaps were the numerous finds of weaponry and artefacts associated with warrior identify – shields, knives, spears, drinking vessels and in 2014 a wonderful sword with gilded bronze fittings, beads and a bone handle grip. Unearthing one of the Saxon skeletons © Crown The artefacts are being conserved prior The End of Beowulf to their eventual deposition at Devizes Museum and will be subject to a Then the Geat people began to construct Beowulf ’s barrow publication report. The skeletons will a mound on a headland, high and imposing, undergo further analysis – a study of a marker that sailors could see from far away, their teeth hopefully telling us whether and in ten days they had done the work. these people were local Wiltshire folk, It was their hero’s memorial; what remained from the fire East Anglians, or even migrants from they housed inside it, behind a wall the European continent. as worthy of him as their workmanship could make it. And they buried torques in the barrow, and jewels Having tried several methods, over and a trove of such things as trespassing men many years, to end the disturbance to had once dared to drag from the hoard. the monument, in this instance hey let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, excavation seemed the only respectful gold under gravel, gone to earth, way in which to deal with the as useless to men now as it ever was. archaeology. The mound is now Beowulf (translation by Seamus Heaney) restored and future badger activity will not denude our understanding of this important site. From 2012 to 2014 Exercise Beowulf archaeologists from Wessex worked to recover the archaeological Archaeology, Landmarc Support Richard Osgood remains from a Bronze Age barrow on Services, DIO, and serving personnel Senior Archaeologist Salisbury Plain that were being including those from The Rifles and on Defence Infrastructure Organisation disturbed by badgers at an alarming ‘Operation Nightingale’. rate, hence the site being placed on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ list. The project The excavations have now yielded 75 team was composed of local volunteers Saxon skeletons which would (including several from the Bulford otherwise have been lost amongst the conservation group), professional burrows with only the occasional find

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Wiltshire Imber

recorder of micro moths, arranging a hunt for Brighton Wainscott over four weekends in summer 2013. Alas this ‘thought to be extinct species’ was not found, though over seventy other species were recorded in one evening - a highly commendable total reflecting the quality of the habitat. Of particular interest was the presence of the very attractive garden tiger and declining lappet.

Species recording is as important as ever and 2013-14 saw an improvement in our performance (over 3500 individual records) using our website, this is sent onto the DIO ecology team Brown hares are often seen on the western side of Salisbury Plain © Iain Perkins to assist with the management of Salisbury Plain and also shared with the For the Imber Conservation Group The church really is attracting a lot of Wiltshire Biological Records Centre and (ICG), 2013-14 has been a year of interest these days particularly at Easter other specialist organisations nationally. continued progress in many areas with and Christmas. some notable successes. Amongst The ICG would like to express its thanks these have been; the series of well ICG assisted DIO with the ‘Horseshoe to Landmarc and Aspire Defence for attended familiarisation walks and a Vetch Project’ that undertook their support over the last few years – it Warminster Danger Area Bio blitz experiments to establish best practice makes such a difference when income organised by Andrew Bray; the re for the translocation of this larval food is very limited. emergence of limited scrub clearing in plant for the adonis blue butterfly, support of conservation projects as a which involved seed collection, sowing, STOP PRESS: The award of the Silver major activity, effectively led by Andy (both in-situ and off-site) and Otter to our Owl and Raptor Group is Palmer; the installation of swift boxes in transplanting plant-plugs and fully richly deserved, and we are thrilled. Tilshead water tower by the Owl and grown plants to enhance the butterfly’s We are delighted too that the Individual Raptor Group. distribution across the Plain. A similar Award has gone to Paul Castle, an project that involves members award that also recognises years of The ICG Ornithology group supported collaborating with Natural England and valuable ornithology in support of all PhD student Jenni Taylor with her Butterfly Conservation Trust ( Wiltshire three conservation groups on the Plain. whinchat surveys and continued their Branch) is now underway to collect Finally, the Op NIGHTINGALE Award to annual winter (before dusk) hen harrier seeds and grow cowslip plant-plugs to Richard Osgood will please all those survey to identify potential new plant out to promote the duke of volunteers across the Plain who do so roosts in the west with teams braving burgundy in an area where scrub was much for archaeology, both ancient the cold. recently removed. and ‘modern’.

Imber Church continues to be popular We have seen a welcome return of Lt Col (Retd) Mike Jelf with further work being done to moth nights with Michael Smith, our Chairman maintain the churchyard, all under the longest serving member (part of the Imber Conservation Group overall direction of Neil Skelton. original group in 1977) and county

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Wiltshire Larkhill and Westdown

Many butterflies were seen including barn owls but it is hoped that they also dark green fritillary Argynnis aglaja and will do well this year. marbled white Melanargia galathea. After a picnic lunch, members were Members have continued to contribute given a barn owl ringing demonstration to the DIO Salisbury Plain Butterfly by Maj (Retd) Nigel Lewis and then Survey during the year, concentrating visited the Great Bustard project. on the priority species including the chalkhill blue. DIO aim to produce a The Archaeology Sub-group under Butterfly Atlas showing the distribution Mark Khan has been very active of species on the Plain. excavating a Spitfire Mark 1a that crashed at Upavon Airfield in October Finally, yet another year of lengthy wet 1940 following an attack by a weather spells has probably taken its Messerschmitt Bf110. This project is part toll on the native roe deer on the Plain, of Operation Nightingale, a project to reports Deer Manager Matt Wilcock. provide recovery and learning In April the deer were still showing their opportunities for soldiers returning dark greyish winter coats. Unlike 2013, from Afghanistan. Significant parts of the winter has not been so cold for the the aircraft were recovered by the team, deer, but the heavy rainfall must have which included members of 5 and 6 affected the populations’ ability to Rifles and the RAF. forage. Roe deer spend almost 24 hours a day in some form of food gathering Dark green fritillary on tuberous thistle © Dick Clayton The Ornithology Sub-group had a very activity whether it be actively foraging successful year trapping 2679 birds of and feeding, or just ruminating. After a fine summer and autumn in 39 different species at Westdown; the A severe change in weather may have a 2013, the winter brought continuous highpoints were a great reed warbler profound effect on their important heavy rain over long periods on and a pallid harrier in September. Many feeding cycle. The Deer Management Salisbury Plain. Many of the slow early nests failed but once the warm Sub-group will continue to observe and winterbourne streams on the Plain weather arrived in June, replacement record effects on the fecundity rate became wide, fast flowing rivers which clutches and second broods were very during the year. have flooded many of the surrounding successful and the breeding season villages. This has had a significant effect continued through the summer into Lt Col (Retd) Richard Clayton on the wildlife in low lying areas. the autumn. Conservation Group Secretary

The new LWCG Chairman, Tony It turned out to be a record year for Rowlands, arranged a successful juvenile birds caught and ringed, but Ecology Day in July to explore the downside was the late season; we Penning Down. Tony treated members were still catching young birds well into to a masterly explanation of the origins October, many of which were under of Salisbury Plain and its geological and weight and unlikely to survive the agricultural history from the Cretaceous rigors of migration. Period to the present day. The botanists identified several interesting downland Already in 2014, good numbers of plants including tuberous thistle breeding tawny owls, little owls and Cirsium tuberosum and squinancywort kestrels have been found on the Plain Asperula cynanchica. with high egg counts. It is still early for Male roe deer © Crown

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East Yorkshire 25 DST Leconfield Carrs

Following up on an earlier lead, the BBC Countryfile team made contact with the conservation group to plan a programme around activities and projects taking place at the Defence School of Transport (DST ) Leconfield, in East Yorkshire.

After much discussion and a site visit, we decided to feature the balance of nature with what is a very busy training area, along with Operation Turtle Dove, bird netting, and some innovative deer surveying. Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur © Dave Kjaer

The team, including presenter Julia to have had them returning to the site great success prior to the visit, but on Bradbury were with us for three days, for a couple of years. During the the day were beaten by atrocious and whilst ferrying the researcher to interview one could be heard purring weather conditions. where the filming was taking place, we from a nearby tree, but remained had to wait patiently for a roe doe to camera shy throughout, much to the Meanwhile Dr David Chesmore and I cross the road. Ironically this would frustration of the BBC crew. were attempting to conduct some prove to be the best opportunity to moth trapping. Whilst we featured see any of the deer during the visit. The programme also featured bird briefly on the footage from the Sea netting and ringing from a team King, our efforts were again thwarted Julia was hosted by a number of comprising members from all four by the weather, although the instructors, giving both her and viewers services. Lt Col Roger Dickey, Gp Capt advantages of Lucie goggles were a flavour of the myriad of vehicle types Martin Routledge, Lt Cdr (Retd) Julia noted for future events. and terrain on the site. She also spoke Springett, and Chief Petty Officer Mark with Comdt DST Col Rob Peacock Cutts, set up the nets over a couple of Later in the year I hosted a bat survey about recent events in Afghanistan days and managed to ring quite a few by Geoff Wilson and members of the relating to these vehicles. birds including whitethroat and long East Riding Bat Group. Using bat tailed tit. detectors we started surveying around Chris Tomson from the RSPB was the site buildings first, picking up both interviewed regarding Op Turtle Dove. Then onto the main event, utilising the pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus and The turtle dove Streptopelia turtur is our infra-red camera on board a Sea King soprano Pipistrellus pygmaeus, then only migratory dove species and helicopter to track the location of the moved out onto the training area, numbers are in serious decline, due deer population, in an exercise lovingly where we identified daubentons Myotis partly to persecution during its labelled as Op Bambi by Sqn Ldr Stu daubentonii skimming the lakes, and migration through Europe and Africa as Gwinnutt, OC E Flt 202 Sqn RAF. a lone noctule Nyctalus noctula well as lack of habitat and food during flying high. their short breeding season. Op Turtle The operation continued on the Dove is a RSPB project to try and ground with instructor Jason Figgett Alan Bakewell MCMI improve the birds fortunes by offering and a number of willing volunteers Conservation Officer expert advice on improving habitat and accompanying the BBC crew using food sources. DST Leconfield has ideal Lucie 2 night vision goggles. The habitat for these birds, and is fortunate conservation team had recorded

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North Yorkshire 26 Catterick Training Area

Catterick Training Area was conceived several years ago and finally this idea has become a reality. With the support of DIO funding and the establishment of an editorial team the book has now been published.

Entitled ‘From Farms to Arms – The History of Catterick Military Training Area’, the book is richly illustrated throughout with archive photographs, military maps and images of the remarkable Dales landscape in which the training area is situated. The book will be available at a break-even price of Lapwing chick about to be ringed © Crown £10, which will cover the cost of the printing. The hardback publication Reasonably clement weather as Moth trapping has taken place on a running to 136 pages is designed opposed to the cold, wet and windy weekly basis with some very satisfying to meet three objectives: to springs of the past few years have results and new or rarely-recorded commemorate the centenary of World brought real benefit to the wildlife and species in the egg boxes. The number War I, to mark 100 years of military natural environment at Catterick. of species of moth recorded now is 503. training at Catterick, and to celebrate Lush grasses and plentiful wild flowers the achievements of the Catterick have sustained a variety of insects, On the bird ringing front it has been a Conservation Group. which in turn have provided a welcome productive year although there was an food source for many young mouths obvious lack of adults early on and The book is available on request from during a productive nesting season. some of the smaller warblers took a hit the Executive Officer, DIO SD Trg Numbers of occupied nest boxes have during a really wet spell in late May/ North at Wathgill and cheques should been better than average and more early June. It doesn’t take much to be made payable to ‘DIO SD Trg importantly productivity in the nest flood out chiffchaff and blackcap nests, North Fund’. boxes has been significantly higher. and the willow warblers and garden warblers suffered a similar fate. Young Maj (Retd) AJ Crease Frogs and toads have spawned in large black grouse have been seen in small Deputy Commander quantities and were noted leaving the groups, meadow pipits and skylarks are DIO SD Trg North ponds as transformed beings, in droves, thriving, and the success of tawny owl early in July. and kestrel nest boxes has more than doubled what they achieved last year Botanically it has been tremendous with more than 50 of the former and with hundreds of orchid spikes in 60 of the latter being ringed. Lapwing evidence and other less widespread have been more abundant than in species appearing in areas where they recent years and the range bases had never been seen before. Members have seen five species of waders of the conservation group and the breeding well. Foxglove team have been out walking trails with some of the best butterfly The conservation group’s aspirations to and dragonfly results in recent years. produce a book on the History of Toads making the most of the warm spring © Crown

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North Yorkshire 27 RAF Fylingdales

working relationship that RAF Fylingdales has with the North York Moors National Park Authority and the good work carried out to conserve and enhance the protected moorland surrounding the base.

There was much discussion around the potential conflicts between the desire to preserve the natural beauty of a place like the North York Moors and a national need for defence infrastructure. The group also considered whether arguably iconic military structures could contribute to an area’s sense of place.

Looking at what remains of previous military activity on Fylingdales Moor, in some cases little more than a concrete RAF Fylingdales © Mike Kipling NYMNPA base, they discussed how something which may harm one person’s Landscape at Heart Fylingdales Moor is managed by the enjoyment of what they see as a wild Hawk and Owl Trust purely for wildlife landscape, to another – an In September 2013, over 100 people and public enjoyment. At first glance it archaeologist for example – is an from across the UK met in the North seems to be a place relatively important marker of our social history. York Moors National Park to talk about untouched by man, but an extensive landscape, discussing what it means to fire in 2003 revealed both previously Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of the people and how it inspires. unknown prehistoric rock art and 20th North York Moors National Park Delegates representing the UK’s 15 century military activity. Jugger Howe Authority, said: “ Whereas National Parks National Parks as well as Areas of on Fylingdales Moor was one of the elsewhere preserve supposed wildernesses, Outstanding Natural Beauty and other principal static firing ranges of World many having displaced indigenous conservation organisations including War II and unexploded shells are still peoples in an attempt to free the land of Natural England and the Environment found on the site today. Shell craters human influences, Britain’s National Parks Agency, visited iconic places in the pock-mark the landscape and aerial have led the way in showing how vibrant, North York Moors to consider their photographs show the surface criss lived-in landscapes can be both protected significance to the landscape of the crossed with tank tracks. and evolving.” National Park. These signs of our military past were Kevin Phillips CMIOSH, MIIRSM One group headed to RAF Fylingdales contrasted with the current defensive Station Safety and Environment Advisor and the neighbouring moorland of the need for RAF Fylingdales. The group RAF Fylingdales same name, to look at the different enjoyed a very informative visit to the layers of history which make up the base; learning about its dual function as Rachel McIntosh landscape – from prehistoric to the a ballistic missile early warning system Communications Officer present day – and to discuss whether and in tracking space debris and felt North York Moors National Park Authority they are equally important and how there was still an overriding need for it. they should be managed. They also heard about the positive

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North Yorkshire 28 Ripon Parks

chiffchaffs were ringed (the greater majority being juveniles). Interestingly, several ringed at The Dubb in mid- August, were still present, two weeks, even a month later, taking time to put on fat for the long journey to Africa (some chiffchaffs now over-winter only as far south as Cornwall!). Fewer willow warblers were caught in 2013, just 48 (compared with 70 in 2012), numbers being affected by the delayed breeding season. Finally, a late blackcap was ringed on 29th October, caught in the adjoining copse, amongst a catch of thrushes, using ‘elevator nets’.

The elevator net poles (copied from a Swedish example), designed to be able to hoist mist nets high into the tree canopy, were positioned in a hawthorn copse adjoining The Dubb. When operating at full capacity, depending on available manpower, six 18m mist nets can be used, radiating in three different directions.

Tawny owl ringed on 16th October 2013 at the Copse © EDRG Target species were migrant thrushes, which arrive from Scandinavia in The cold, late spring of 2013 delayed attractive for both feeding and nesting mid-October to over-winter in the UK vegetation growth at The Dubb, a small, to migrant breeding species, such as and are particularly attracted to the seasonally wet area of willow and willow warbler, blackcap and chiffchaff. open pasture of Ripon Parks for feeding hawthorn. But with the warmer Additionally, resident breeding species once the berry crop has been depleted. weather, the willows grew rapidly, well such as reed bunting will benefit from Between mid-October and mid- above the level of the mist nets used by the management. We await the 2014 December, 278 redwing were ringed, members of East Dales Ringing Group breeding season with anticipation. with a supporting cast of 11 blackbird, (EDRG). With agreement from Natural 9 song thrush and 4 fieldfare. In total, England (the site is part of the larger Water levels in The Dubb delayed the 424 birds were caught using the Ripon Parks SSSI) and MOD, an start of ringing activities in summer elevator nets, including a lesser redpoll enthusiastic team descended in early 2013 – thigh waders would have been ringed in Nottinghamshire in December 2013 to coppice the willows required to access several ‘rides’ where January 2013. on the eastern boundary. This was mist nets were positioned! Late complemented by a further visit in summer and early autumn saw large Jill Warwick January 2014 when some larger, numbers of warblers passing through Ripon MOD Conservation Group and unmanaged willows were finally the area on migration, working their East Dales Ringing Group brought under control. Shorter willows way through the adjacent woodland. with vigorous growth are more Between late July and early October 79

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North Yorkshire 29 Strensall Common

on damp compost, and high levels of germination occurred within a day, which suggests that viability of seeds might decline rapidly in storage.

The bird-life of Strensall Training Area is continually monitored by the local Conservation Group and in 2014 the annual survey was carried out in late May, when good numbers of the usual resident and migrant breeding species were recorded. Although cuckoos are declining in other parts of the country, good numbers were again frequent, re-confirming the suitable management of the site for this evocative summer visitor. A pair of buzzard were also regularly seen and the black-headed gull colony on the ‘butt pools’ appeared to be thriving, Willow warbler with food at Strensall Common © Peter Reed which is very encouraging for an inland breeding colony. Good numbers of Strensall Common is the only English grazing and recent very hard winters, warblers, finches and skylarks were site for the dark bordered beauty moth, or a combination of these, are found although stonechats have not a Red Data Book species. It flies by day, possible candidates. yet returned since their disappearance mainly in July, and over the last few in the hard, snowy winter of 2009/10. years numbers have declined, both on The introduction of some fenced areas a monitoring transect and also to protect the food plant from grazing Woodlark at the northerly edge of their elsewhere on the site. Eggs are laid on is being considered. These ‘exclosures’ range are also present with about four creeping willow, a low-growing shrub, would be placed in areas where the pairs each year. Long-eared owls can be where they overwinter before hatching moth still occurs, and they need not be elusive and not recorded every year but in May about the time that the willow very large. Trials have been undertaken in early June three young were located produces its new leaves. The caterpillars by Butterfly Conservation, rearing by their characteristic ‘food-begging’ are ready to pupate by late June, a creeping willow in cultivation with a call in the pines and some young tawny cocoon is formed in the leaf litter at view to supplementing the plants in owls were also heard. The training area ground level, and after about three the exclosures. The initial results are is also frequented by passage migrants weeks the new adult emerges. very promising. Cuttings were taken and hen harrier and great-grey shrike from naturally growing willows at have been seen in recent winters. In recent years there has been a very Strensall, and 36 of 60 cuttings taken in striking decline in creeping willow, in winter were successful; rather fewer Terry Crawford both number and size of plants, in summer cuttings succeeded. Many Lepidopterist most areas of the Common, and it is cuttings flowered within one to two very likely that this is the main reason years. Plants are either male or female, Peter Reed why moth numbers have suffered. and the females produced seeds Ornithologist There is no firm evidence for what is following cross-pollination by bees or Strensall Conservation Group causing the willow’s reduction, but other insects. Fresh seeds were placed

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 97 AROUND THE REGIONS

Germany 30 Senne Training Area

to ensure that the maintenance of the land, while primarily in support of military training, continues to sustain the diverse, indigenous fauna and flora adapted to these open area habitats by, e.g. the introduction of heath sheep and the control of forestry succession.

In addition, the group assists in meeting obligations inherent in Natura 2000 nature conservation designations, as well as responsibilities arising from other National or European environmental law, such as the Water Framework Directive leading to the Senne heather © Crown removal of artificial reservoirs from the Senne (see Sanctuary 2013). This year marks the 30th anniversary of Working Group assists with nature the formation of the ‘Environmental conservation measures, including the The Working Group has applied Working Group - Nature and Military in mapping of flora, fauna and habitats, measures to support endangered the Senne Training Area’. Its mission: to the maintenance and development of species, erecting specialist nest boxes conserve the variety of habitats within these habitats and the specific for owls and bats, platforms for storks the training area, protection of the rich protection of species. and establishing steep banks on diversity of wildlife and rare species that streams to help kingfishers. Fields are live in the Senne whilst optimising Before the 1980s, information on nature also set-aside and areas fenced to military training activity. in the Senne was somewhat sparse, conserve orchids and other rare plants, due mainly to restrictions on access to such as arnica, juniper and the The Environmental Working Group military land. However, with the rare pasqueflower. meets annually and is chaired jointly by formation of the Working Group, a the Commander of the British Military systematic mapping of the training area The Environmental Working Group can Training Estate in Germany, the Head of began to obtain comprehensive and be justly proud of its last 30 years and is Environment for the Detmold District current data on the quantity and another example of the excellent Government and the Heads of the quality of species and habitats. All types cooperation that exists between the Federal Forestry and Estate of flora and fauna were examined, British Forces, Host Nation authorities Management Departments in North along with the monitoring of heath, and local conservationists. It is further Rhine Westphalia. Other members grassland, forests and streams. proof of how military activity along come from the British Forces, Federal with sustainable environmental Authorities and local environmental The characteristic open areas of heath practice serves to protect and enhance agencies, together with voluntary and grasslands that make-up this nature on military training areas. specialists including a botanist, historic and cultural landscape were entomologist, ornithologist and formed by a thousand years of livestock Mark F Johnson MSc hydrobiologist that provide expert farming on poor, sandy soils and Land Management Services advice to the managers of the estate. protected from ever more human Defence Infrastructure Organisation pressure as a result of military activity In addition to advising on the over the last one hundred years or so. stewardship of the training area, the A principle goal of the Working Group is

98 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 AROUND THE REGIONS

Gibraltar 31 British Forces Gibraltar

This has been a successful year in Gibraltar; since the launch of the conservation group and signing of the Integrated Rural Management Plan (IRMP) last year there have been regular quarterly meetings allowing key parties to openly discuss a wide range of issues. This has involved visits around the estate including most recently a trip into REME Caves (old MOD workshops and stores). This has strengthened the relationship between the MOD, the Government of Gibraltar and NGO’s of Gibraltar; in fact it has been noted by the Government how beneficial this forum has been. Barbary partridge © Clive Finlayson (Gibraltar Museum) To gain a better understanding of the ecology and historic estate and enable Rock Gun artillery battery, located on the Gibraltar and its importance for protected further delivery of the IRMP, the MOD north face of the Rock of Gibraltar holds species, habitats and buildings of commissioned surveys and whilst we are the most important population of importance which make this charismatic currently awaiting the results of these Gibraltar saxifrage Saxifraga globulifera var. part of the Mediterranean unique. base-line surveys – early indications look gibraltarica, and therefore its stronghold positive including several extremely rare globally. All stands were mapped, with In addition, the MOD is hoping to assist plant species having strong holds in over 600 plants recorded. The limestone the Government of Gibraltar on its project the area. cliffs and rocky outcrops provide the to improve the breeding success of the perfect habitat for many other interesting barbary partridge Alectoris barbara within A single plant of a fern very rare in the plant species such as Gibraltar campion the Peninsula; the barbary partridge is the region, Asplenium sagittatum, was found Silene tomentosa. National Bird of Gibraltar. On an un growing on a rock face at Glen Rocky; disturbed part of the MOD estate the only one record of this plant in Gibraltar Findings such as these build on our Government of Gibraltar, working with exists, recorded in the 1960s. understanding of the estate within the local NGO (Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society), plan to release barbary partridge’s, as part of a captive breeding programme, into a small enclosure to enable normal behaviour whilst providing limited supplementary feeding. We are looking forward to seeing this project in action and hopefully more breeding partridges within Gibraltar as a whole.

Nicolas Andrews-Gauvain Environmental Advisor Overseas Environmental Team

Woodbine cigarette packet found during an archaeological base-lining survey of the MOD estate in Gibraltar Defence Infrastructure Organisation illicit smoking was as much of an issue then as it is now © Melissa Conway, Ramboll Archaeologist

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 99 CONSERVATION TEAM UPDATE Richard Brooks Principle Conservation Manager

The Infrastructure Professional Services Natural Environment Conservation and Environmental • Statutory assessments and approvals Planning Teams provide in-house for development processes, fulfilling expertise to DIO and the wider MOD by statutory duties through SSSI, providing specialist advice and guidance Stewardship and Integrated Rural in the fields of: Management Plan programmes, Access and Recreation Specialist ecological support/advice including Habitat Regulations • Technical and legal support on access Assessments and Protected Species and recreation legislation and management. Integrating training management of the public on the into designated landscapes MOD estate. Provides part of the ‘Safe Place to Train’ assurance Sustainable Development Support and Environmental Planning Forestry and Woodland • Advice and support regarding the • Providing and maintaining implementation and integration of woodlands and trees for military sustainable development and training and capability whilst Dominic Ash © Crown environmental planning best practice unlocking the sustainable economic into estate management returns. Legislation, policy, audit/ Congratulations Dominic assurance, industry best practice and The Conservation Team also supports safe working practices across the MOD Conservation Groups across the We would like to congratulate DIO Senior estate to ensure compliance and estate and is responsible for the Ecologist Dominic Ash on his nomination liability management Sanctuary Awards and the production of for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Sanctuary Magazine. We would Environmental Management (CIEEM) Historic Environment encourage all areas of MOD business Outstanding Professional Award and being including project partners and individuals highly commended for his contribution to • Advice and expertise allowing MOD to suggest articles for the 2015 Sanctuary nature conservation in the UK. to sympathetically manage the archaeological monuments and magazine and to consider putting Since joining the MOD in 1995, Dominic landscapes on the estate whilst forward projects and individuals for the has applied his deep understanding of enabling training capability 2015 Awards. ecological processes and excellent field As the magazine highlights, we actively skills to further the conservation of military • Providing support to meet encourage organisational collaboration training areas, most especially Salisbury Departmental Government targets, and project partnership and we would be Plain Training Area. including heritage appreciation, training and preservation of historic happy to discuss any ideas you have to He has used this knowledge to determine MOD archives. Advice and support further integrate conservation / mitigation strategies for EcIAs, EIAs, Habitat relating to historic buildings and sustainability into our business. Regulations Assessments and SSSI assents gardens to allow for the best use Please see the opposite page for all for hundreds of projects. of the buildings to support contact details. MOD capability Dominic is a bird specialist and has worked closely with the RSPB and other parties on the Wessex Stone Curlew Project to improve the breeding success of these birds which are now increasing in numbers. His personal commitment means he has undoubtedly ‘gone the extra mile’ to promote biodiversity and increase our understanding of wildlife across the MOD estate.

Submissions If you would like to contribute to Sanctuary Magazine or enter future Sanctuary Awards please contact Iain Perkins, Editor at: [email protected] Lydd Ranges © Crown

100 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 CONTACTS Foreword by Jonathan Slater Director General Head Office and Defence Infrastructure SD Energy, Utilities & Editor Commissioning Services Organisation Sustainability Team Iain Perkins DIO manages the MOD’s property The SD EUS team is responsible for Energy Hannah Mintram It has been another successful year infrastructure and ensures strategic Management, Energy Delivery and Payment, for the Sanctuary Awards with judges management of the Defence estate as a along with Water and Waste Policy whole, optimising investment and Implementation and Data across the MOD Designed by having to choose between some very providing the best support possible to estate both in the UK and Overseas. Aspire Defence Services Ltd impressive entries. I am delighted to the military. Multi Media Centre see that the Silver Otter trophy has Energy Management Team Secretariat maintains the long-term strategy Tel: 0121 311 2017 been awarded to the Owl and Raptor for the estate and develops policy on estate Editorial Board Nest Box Project on Salisbury Plain. management issues. It is the policy lead for Energy Delivery and Payment Team Julia Powell (Chair) This project has been running for sustainable estate. Tel: 0121 311 3854

Richard Brooks more than three decades and is still Water and Waste Policy Implementation thriving thanks to the huge Operational Development and Data Team Editorial Contact dedication of its team of volunteers. and Coherence Tel: 0121 311 2423 Defence Infrastructure The ODC Infrastructure Professional Services Organisation A new Sustainability Business Award (IPS) team provides professional support to FMC Cap Infra Building 21 has also been awarded for the first the MOD. IPS acts as a focal point for all FMC Cap Infra acts as the strategic Westdown Camp time this year, and whilst our industry environmental needs and enquiries across infrastructure planners and policy makers the estate providing a dedicated Tilshead partners have been regular recipients for Defence; taking a defence-wide Knapweed Broomrape © Crown team of professional experts in a variety of perspective on estate assets and Salisbury SP3 4RS of the other Sanctuary Award environmental disciplines. construction, and advice for capability Email: [email protected] It gives me great pleasure to categories, this award has been planning for estate and infrastructure. Tel: 01980 674807 welcome you to the 2014 edition of established to recognise the DIO Infrastructure Professional Services The opinions expressed in the magazine Building 21 Including agriculture, forestry, natural and are not necessarily those of the Ministry of Sanctuary Magazine which exemplary sustainability work carried Westdown Camp historic environments, access, planning and Defence. Notwithstanding Section 48 of Sanctuary is an annual showcases some of the great out by them. I would like to offer my Tilshead strategic engagement, waste management, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act Salisbury SP3 4RS publication about sustainable sustainability work taking place across congratulations to each of the energy, and environmental protection, Tel: 01980 674704 1988, the Ministry of Defence reserves the development in the Ministry of the MOD to benefit the MOD estate. Sanctuary Award winners and Greening Government Commitments and right to publish authors’ literary and Defence (MOD), and the runners up, all of which have shown IPS Natural Environment Team MOD’s sustainability strategy. photographic contributions to Sanctuary sustainable management of the Our estate is an essential enabler for outstanding commitment to Tel: 01980 674820 Contact: in further and similar publications owned natural and built assets across the delivering Defence capability. The improving the sustainability of the IPS Historic Environment Team [email protected] by the Ministry of Defence. This is subject Defence estate. It illustrates how following articles show that a estate. Tel: 01980 674718 to contrary agreement, which must be the MOD is undertaking its sustainable estate that is resilient and IPS Sustainable Development Support communicated to the editor in writing. responsibility for stewardship of adaptable to defence requirements, As you may be aware, these are Tel: 01980 674866 Authors’ contributions will be acknowledged with each and every the estate in the UK and overseas. now and in the future, is an integral exciting times for the Defence IPS Environmental Planning Team It is designed for a wide audience, part of Defence business. Infrastructure Organisation which has Tel: 01980 674665 publication. Maps in this publication are from the general public, to the recently welcomed its new Chief reproduced from the Ordnance Survey IPS Access and Recreation Team map, by Defence Infrastructure people who work for us or There are some fantastic initiatives, Executive Richard McCarthy who I Tel: 01980 674782 Organisation, with the permission of the volunteer as members of the including the Dartmoor Mires Project look forward to working with, along IPS Scottish Environmental Liaison Team controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery MOD Conservation Groups. restoring an area of blanket bog to with the rest of the incoming Tel: 01383 648042 Defence Office, Crown Copyright. improve the ability of the peat habitat Executive Management Team, to IPS Forestry Team Infrastructure Sanctuary is produced for the to provide clean water supply, absorb continue to drive initiatives for a Tel: 01980 674766 Organisation Unauthorised reproduction infringes MOD by the Defence heavy rainfall and carbon; water sustainable estate. Crown Copyright and may lead to Infrastructure Organisation. efficiency with the Aquatrine prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence Partners; and the Environmental and I hope you enjoy reading this year’s Number GD3189G. Sanctuary has been printed by Socio-economic assessment audit at magazine. the kind sponsorship of the the British Army Training Unit Industry Partners below: Kenya (BATUK). Cover image: A 6th Century Anglo-Saxon button brooch. The artefact depicts the snarling face of a possible warrior in a helmet and is made of copper alloy, covered in gold leaf. The brooch was one of a pair found in the grave of a young, high-status, female who also had the remnants of a cosmetic brush, square - headed brooch, rings and bead necklace with her. This brooch was found during the excavation at Barrow Clump, Salisbury Plain.

Sanctuary 43 • 2014 Sanctuary 43 • 2014 101 THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE Number 43 • 2014 THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE

MOD celebrates thirty years of conserving owls and raptors on Salisbury Plain

Climate change adaptation Number 43 • 2014 and resilience on the MOD estate

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