Biodiversity in and A Plan of Action

Prepared by

Alistair Church Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Contents

Biodiversity Action Plan Process 3

Production of Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston 3

Broad Habitat Types 5 • Urban Habitats 5 • Farmland Habitats 7 • Woodland and Scrub Habitats 8 • Wetland Habitats 9

Habitat Action Plans 10 • Hedgerow 11 • Species rich grassland 12 • Mature tree 13 • Floodplain wetland 14 • Roadside verge 15 • Field ponds 16 • Springs and flushes 17 • Fast flowing stream 18 • Reedbed 19

Species Action Plans 20 • Black poplar 21 • Bat 22 • Water vole 24 • Otter 26

Biodiversity Action Plan Process

Biodiversity Action Plan Process In June 1992 at the ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio de Janeiro the United Kingdom and 150 other countries signed the convention on Biological Diversity. The convention is essentially a commitment to conserving and sustaining global Biodiversity (Jeeves et al. 1998). The UK response to the commitment to the biodiversity convention was launched in January 1994 with the publication of Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan. It included targets for the conservation of habitats and species within the UK and recognised the importance of local biodiversity action plans in identifying where action was needed locally to achieve national targets. The UK BAP also recognised that local BAP’s should include targets for habitats and species that are of value in the conservation of local distinctiveness. The , and Biodiversity Action Plan represents the means of delivery for the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in this area. The Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston document identifies the contribution which Oadby and Wigston can make to the achievement of the UKBAP and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland BAP and other local BAP’s which affect the borough.

The Production of the Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston document

Biodiversity action plans require an enormous amount of work in their production, and, because of this, and the staffing resources of the borough council, it seemed sensible to use the expertise already drawn upon in the Leicestershire Biodiversity Action Plan: Biodiversity Challenge (1996). Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston will concentrate closely on the actions identified in Biodiversity Challenge and working in tandem with the county action plan. A biodiversity audit of the borough of Oadby and Wigston to assess exactly what habitats and species may be relevant to the Leicestershire Biodiversity Challenge. The biodiversity audit has enabled the Council’s Environment Team to focus their efforts on those habitats and species within the county plan that occur within the borough. The habitats and species that were relevant to the county plan were established and the action plan was analysed to identify the responsibilities Oadby and Wigston Borough Council held as lead agency. This strategic approach will enable council officers to clearly identify what actions need to be taken over the next five years, and increase the efficiency with which these actions can be carried out. Review and progress of BAP targets will be reported to committee and also to the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan Project Manager to assess Oadby and Wigston contribution to county targets.

Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston sets tough targets necessary for the conservation of Oadby and Wigston wildlife. Proposed actions within the plan are identified for the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council environment team but it is envisaged that local support and community involvement will play a major role in achieving these actions.

Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston summarises information which is currently available regarding the borough’s biodiversity. The plan identifies those species and habitats most under threat and sets an agenda for action.

The Oadby and Wigston targets are based in the range of local conditions and thereby reinforce the borough’s local distinctiveness promoting the conservation of species and habitats characteristic to the area.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 3 - The following section identifies the broad habitat types present within the borough. From these broad habitat examples of sites are listed that may have a significant impact on the biodiversity present within the borough. Habitat action plans have been developed from the range of areas present within these broad habitats; however, wildlife should be conserved in all areas and not just specific habitats mentioned. The broad habitats listed define where biodiversity stock may be concentrated with the borough and detail what threats, actions and priorities may be applied for the benefit of wildlife. Although small in size at 2,372 hectares the borough of Oadby and Wigston contains an array of differing habitat types further enforcing the need to apply actions to further conservation biodiversity.

It is important to note that the actions listed in the plan are those solely relating to Oadby and Wigston Borough Councils responsibility as lead agency. The document lists only these actions as it is intended to simply the councils’ role within the action plan process. For a full list of actions and responsibilities on a county-wide scale the references should be made to the Leicester, Leicester and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan.

The following text has been produced using the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan document and to reference every sentence would be counter-productive. The broad habitat types and action plans have followed the county plan closely and where relevant have mentioned Oadby and Wigston in context.

Proposed actions re prioritised under High (H), Medium (M) and Low (L) and it is expected that these will take place within a five year time period.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 4 - Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston Broad Habitat Types

Habit: Urban Habitats

Definition: The Borough of Oadby and Wigston is predominantly urban area on the south- eastern edge of Leicester City. The proportion of countryside in the Borough is limited to small green wedges between the main settlements and an area of countryside in the eastern side of the Borough, which represents 40% of the total area. Within the Borough there are only 15 specifically identified Wildlife Sites. In this respect this limited number increases the importance of these habitats in this area. It is apparent through the Local Agenda 21 questionnaire that the public value their open spaces and wildlife areas, and there is opportunity to garner public support for the enhancement of biodiversity. The important wildlife sites that are contained within the borough are a rare occurrence within an area dominated by an intensified agricultural landscape , the encouragement of sympathetic management to urban habitat spaces and urban fringe can offer corridors of sanctuary to wildlife. If species can migrate freely around the borough and within the county, this should have a positive effect on not only the wildlife within Oadby and Wigston but the amount of wildlife that chooses to enter.

Wildlife habitats may be any of the following: • Remnants of old habitats such as ancient woodland and unimproved meadows • Buildings and other built structure • Derelict land, including disused industrial lands, demolition sites, and waste ground • Wetlands including rivers, brooks, lakes, flooded gravel pits and canals • Allotments • Parks and gardens • Golf courses • Railway lands • Plantations avenues of tree and scrub • Amenity grassland • Cemeteries and churchyards • Mature trees

Conservation priorities: The Borough of Oadby and Wigston is really a continuation of the conurbation of Leicester City. This aspect makes the borough an increasingly important area with regard to urban habitats especially as development pressure is forcing building out into the countryside with the only green wedge/buffer system to control this phenomenon. The Borough benefits from being on the urban fringe with its outer limits being mainly farmland. This is often a vital link between urban habitats and the wider open countryside so the conservation practice that the borough council and associated landowners adopt affects the relationship between rural and urban habitats. Apart form the obvious position of importance held from a habitat interaction role there is also the need to promote the educational value that urban wildlife has to offer. Many species in decline will use the urban habitats of Oadby and Wigston. For instance farmland birds under threat from agricultural intensification may find valuable food

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 5 - sources within synthetically managed parks, open spaces and gardens, creating opportunities to site and record rare birds. Further analysis needs to be carried out and this may lead to more species from urban habitats being added to the red data books.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 6 - Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston

Habitat: Farmland Habitats . (taken from Leics BAP Jeeves et al)

Farmland is the most widespread rural land use in Oadby and Wigston. The following wildlife habitats may occur: • Unimproved and semi-improved grassland • Improved grassland and ley • Arable land, including set-aside • Field margins, which occur both on arable land and grassland • Hedgerows • Woodland and scrub • Mature trees • Built structures including old buildings and walls • Field ponds

Conservation priorities (taken from Leics BAP Jeeves et al) Modern farming practices have made the survival of all but the most resilient wildlife very difficult. The loss of species- rich neutral grassland is one of the most pressing concerns of conservationists because this habit cannot be recreated. The identification and conservation of the remaining high quality grassland sites is therefore of the highest priority. To facilitate this, links with landowners must be improved within owners being provided with advice and information on their sites. The threat to old grasslands from development is not significant in comparison to improvement, ploughing and neglect. There needs to be a shift in emphasis amongst conservation organisations and local authorities in recognition of this fact, which may be addressed by the government’s rural white paper. Hedgerows are increasingly regarded as a redundant feature in the countryside, serving little purpose on arable farms. As a result many have been grubbed up and others are neglected or failed to such an extent that they are of little value to wildlife. There is a need to address this issue as old hedgerows are particularly important for many birds and insects. Considerable benefits could be gained for wildlife through small concessions such as leaving one metre wide grass margins around fields. Grants are now becoming available for options such as this one under the \Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 7 - Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston

Habitat: woodland and Scrub Habitats

Leicestershire is one of the least wooded counties in Britain, and Oadby and Wigston is one of the poorer wooded areas within Leicestershire. Within this area woodland and scrub may occur in the following forms: Pockets of Ancient woodland Broad-leaved woodland of secondary origin Pasture woodland Orchards Parks and gardens Hedgerows Scrub

Conservation Priorities Because of the protection woodlands receive only certain types have been identified as priority habitats by the county BAP, hence the following would be a priority for Oadby and Wigston: • Wet woodland • Semi-natural woodland • Hedgerows • Scrub • Lowland wood pasture

A Habitat Action Plan has been written for mature trees as these can be considered a local priority. Mature trees are found in pasture woodland in addition to other habitats such as hedgerows, ancient woodlands and urban areas. A separate action plan has been include for hedgerow, which are a linear scrub habitat. The restoration of coppicing, would possibly assist with the recovery of a number of species as well as producing more woodlands with displays of spring flowers.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 8 - Biodiversity in Oadby and Wigston

Habitat: Wetland Habitats (taken from Leics BAP Jeeves et al)

Definition: Wetland habitats occur where water is the dominant feature and may take the following forms: • Wet woodland • Rivers and streams • Flooded gravel pits • Field ponds • Canals • Floodplain wetlands • Reedbeds • Springs and flushes

Conservation Priorities The conservation of semi-natural wetlands has always been a difficult task, not just in Leicestershire; many sites are indirectly degraded through pollution or drainage. As wetlands are so rare in the country they do receive reasonable protection, however, declining features such as field ponds need special mention as they appear to be declining at an alarming rate compared to other wetland habitats. It is these transitional areas of wetland that cause fragmentation in the environment and leading to species decline. Wetland habitats can be easily created, as colonisation by birds and insects is more rapid than on land. (taken from Leics BAP Jeeves et al) As mentioned in the county BAP quite often conservation and recreation have conflicting interests, and threats to Oadby and Wigston sites would almost certainly come from an increase in boat traffic along the . Also various issues such as water quality on the R.Sence and the need to protect riparian habitats need to be addressed with the consent of relevant landowners. Aggressive non-native species need to be controlled especially any indication of invasion by the Signal Crayfish or Mink.

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 9 - Habitat Action Plans

• Hedgerow • Species rich grassland • Mature trees • Floodplain wetland • Roadside verge • Field ponds • Springs and flushes • Fast flowing streams • Reedbed

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 10 - Hedgerow Action Plan

Current Status A hedgerow is defined as a line of woody shrubs and trees, which may incorporate such features as grass margins, ditches and banks. Hedgerows are made all the more important within the borough because of the low % of woodland present. Many woodland species depend on hedges as a substitute habitat for their preferred woodland habitat. There are approximately 89kn of hedgerow within the Borough of Oadby and Wigston. Hedgerows are the main habitat for may bird species including many of the decline farmland species such as yellowhammer, bullfinch, turtledove and tree sparrow. They are also important as habitats in areas of intensive agriculture, and act as corridors linking less widespread habitats. Older species-rich hedgerows have greater biodiversity value due to their plant species diversity and ecological sustainability. Often the species-rich hedgerows contain indicator species which would not be found in newer enclosed hedges, such as Dogwood and Hazel. Many hedges are declining in biodiversity value due to lack of sympathetic management.

Current factors affect the habitat • Lack of sympathetic management leading to loss of structure • Removal for agriculture and development • Over management particularly hard trimming • Agricultural spray drift of pesticides and fertilisers • Close ploughing of roots, which also damages hedgerow trees • Planting of new hedges using non-native stock • Stock damage resulting in gaps

Current Action • Statutory protection of some hedges including old species-rich hedgerows under hedgerow regulations • Grant aid is available from a number of sources for management and planting • Advice on hedgerow management are available form a number of sources • Hedges surveyed in past by LMARS and some by Environment Officer

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Promote the use of existing grant schemes (M) • Establish as register of important hedges within the planning department to enable effective implementation of the planning regulations (H) • Encourage the retention of hedges in new developments and where not feasible insist on replacement (H) • Implement hedgerow regulations (M) • Promote and advise on positive management to public and council departments (L) • Carry out surveys to evaluate accurately the extent of the borough’s hedgerow resource by 2003 (H) • Promote the value of hedgerows, their biodiversity and associated features such as old trees and good management (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 11 - Species Rich Grassland Habitat Action Plan

Current status This habitat action plan covers the unimproved and semi-improved neutral grasslands, i.e., those grasslands, which have not been substantially affected by agricultural improvement either by ploughing and re-seeding or by extensive fertiliser and herbicide use. It has been estimated that the extent of semi-natural lowland grassland in and Wales decreased by an estimated 97% between 1930 and 1984. There is no reason to assume that Oadby and Wigston is an exception to this trend. Due to this drastic decline, plants such as great burnet, green winged orchid, devils bit scabious and cowslip have become much more scarce.

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Conversion to arable and temporary grasslands • Conversion to high production grasslands through applications of fertilisers and herbicides. • Change from hay management to grazing. Grazing in the spring and summer leads to loss of those plants and animals adapted to the hay meadow regime • Change to intensive horse grazing • Loss of sites to development • Lack of management • Low grant rates do not supply sufficient incentive

Current Action There are no SSSI neutral grassland sites within the borough. A number of sites have been designated as SINCs although these are threatened because of a lack of statutory protection. SINCs are noted as ecologically important in local plans protecting against development. However, with the ease of destruction of neutral grasslands legal protection needs to be a priority Survey work carried out by the environment officer seeks to identify the best examples of neutral grassland.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Ensure all important conservation grasslands are identified as of ecological importance in local plans and are covered by site protection policies. (H) • Ensure appropriate incentives are available and explained to ensure positive management of grassland. (M) • Ensure appropriate site protection policies are applied in relation to development proposals affecting important grassland sites by 2003. (M) • Species rich grassland sites should be a priority for nature reserve acquisition and management. (L) • Conduct phase II survey of all grassland wildlife sites in the borough to establish extent, lo9cation and management of resources. (H) • Establish register of grasslands sites and monitor them against Wildlife Site criteria. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 12 - Mature Trees Habitat Action Plan

Current Status For the purpose of this plan ‘Mature Trees’ are defined as those old enough to hollow or contain rotting heartwood. They are also termed veteran trees or, when older than around 250 years, ancient trees. Decaying and dead wood is an essential habitat resource for many species of plants, fungi and animals in a wide range of ecosystems. Oak trees can live for several hundred years and thus provide long term continuity of habitat. Mature trees in the wider countryside, in hedgerows and urban areas are a valuable wildlife resource particularly where there are clusters in an area.

Current Factors Causing Decline • Disease especially affecting elm and ash trees • Loss of mature trees through changes in land management • Removal of trees for domestic and safety reasons • Reduction n value to wildlife by lopping of dead branches and removal; of fallen and cut branches • Drought induced stress and dieback in urban environments through compaction of soils and laying of tarmac • Lack of management especially to pollards

Current Action Local authorities are empowered under the Environment Act 1990 to protect trees that have public visual amenity value and are under threat Trees that are dead, dying, and dangerous are exempt In Oadby and Wigston the local planning department agreed a report that recommended playing a condition seeking the retention of mature trees. The report highlighted the trees ecological value and sought to explain the misconception that a mature tree is dangerous The ancient tree forum provides a medium for exchange of advice and information

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Continue to develop and provide advice on grant aid schemes for land owners for pollarding, retaining and planting standards in hedgerows. (L) • Designate all mature trees as Wildlife Sites. (H) • Ensure retention of existing riverside pollards and creation of new ones. (M) • Provide advice on the management of mature trees in woods parks and hedgerows. (L) • Arrange awareness training for those involved in hedgerow, woodland and parkland management. (L) • Establish a widely accessible register of ancient trees in Oadby and Wigston using public participation. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 13 - Floodplain Wetland Habitat Action Plan

Current Status After the last Ice Age river valleys contained large amounts of swampy woodland. The flow of rivers would have been impeded by trees and other debris in the river channel, so that at times of high rainfall the rivers would have regularly burst their banks and flooded valleys to create back swamps. Trees were removed and drainage introduced so that wetland habitats on floodplain which were rich in wildlife became scarce and many brooks and streams that used to flood regularly ceased to do so.

Floodplain Wetlands now take the form of: • Old sections of river, cut off from the main channel and often surrounded by trees, especially willows • Marshy ground caused by the water table being at or near the surface • Flooded gravel pits • Wet Woodland • Drainage ditched along field margins • Field ponds* • The river channel • Reedbeds* (*Covered by separate action plans)

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Land drainage schemes • Infilling usually with rubbish or waste • River engineering schemes • Eutrophication cause by fertiliser application • Development in floodplain

Current Action The River Scence has some stretches designated as Wildlife Sites

Propose Action as Lead Action • Ensure that all high quality floodplain wetland habitats are protected through development plans by 2002. (H) • The acquisition of floodplain wetland habitats as nature reserves should be a priority. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 14 - Roadside Verge Habitat Action Plan

Current status A roadside verge is defined here as that part of the highway which lies on either side of a road and is confined by a boundary, usually a hedgerow, all or fence and often incorporates a ditch of variable depth and width. Grassland verges can hold valuable communities of plants and animals.

Roadside verges are variable in characteristics and can be: • As little as 1m wide but may exceed 15m • Have an open aspect or be heavily shaded • Well drained and dry or poorly drained and wet • Variable in age • These factors interact to determine what flora and hence fauna can exist on any particular stretch or verge.

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Lack of communication between conservation bodies and those concerned with maintenance of roads or services • Re-seeding with appropriate seed mixes • Methods using ditching • Trenching for main services • Damage by car and lorry parking and by tractors to verge edges • Pollution and spillage from vehicles • Run-off and spray from salt on roads • Herbicide application and pesticide drift • Over management by adjacent landowners • Spread and growth of scrub vegetation • Planting and growth of large forest trees • Planting of cultivated plants e.g. Daffodils

Current Action Procedure of failing verge and hedge results in thick mulch, which suppresses all but the most vigorous weeds and grasses. Since the 1970s there has been a more relaxed approach and the current county council stand is: Two single swath cut (1.2m) at six-week interval in May and June followed twelve weeks later with a full width cut in early August Extra visibility cuts are made on major roads

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • The local authority should ensure that RVNR are specifically protected in the local plan. (M) • Liaise with highways authority and monitor all designated verges. (M) • Ensure landowners and managers are aware of the importance of roadside verge and that advice on management is available. (M) • Seek grant aid for sympathetic management of roadside verges. (L) • Re-survey roadside verges by 2005. (M) • Distribute rapid monitoring forms produced by LMARS aimed at volunteer recorders and implement monitoring programme. (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 15 - Field Ponds and Eutrophic Standing Waters Habitat Action Plan

Current Status • This action plan will cover Eutrophic standing waters which can include: • Lakes • Field ponds • Clay pits • Gravel pits • Although there may have been an increase over the past century lack, clay pits and gravel pits, field ponds have declined drastically through their redundancy in modern agriculture. • With the conservation of grazing land arable farming, field ponds no longer serve a purpose and so many have been filled in. • Field ponds and other atrophic standing waters are of vital importance for the great crested newt, other amphibian species, plant communities and invertebrates

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Filling in • Lack of sympathetic management • Eutrophication from fertiliser application to surrounding land • Conversion to fishing lakes with steep sides and deep water

Current Status Some sites in Oadby and Wigston have been declared as SSSI/SINC/RIGS or are within these designations Grants are available for management and creation as well as information from a number of sources Local authorities in England have a statutory duty of further conservation of wildlife.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Ensure best example of field pond receive protection from built development. (H) • Produce an inventory of Oadby and Wigston field ponds. (L) • Create or restore 3 field ponds/Eutrophic standing waters in Oadby and Wigston. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 16 - Springs and Flushes Habitat Action Plan

Current Status Springs occur where water wells up to the surface from underground aquifers, while flushes are areas of sloping ground with impeded drainage which are wet as a result of surface run-off. Most flushes of conservation interests are associated with springs which give them a long history of hydrological continuity. Springs and flushes occupy small areas within the borough and are therefore vulnerable to drainage and other operations such as pond excavation which can damage specialist flora and fauna.

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat Appropriate management for this habitat is need to prevent succession of woodland occurring on open spring and flush habitats. This management may take the form of scrub clearance, but moderate grazing by cattle is particularly important to achieve the mosaics of cover and bare ground required by many invertebrates. • Drainage through agriculture and development activities. • Inappropriate pond excavation leading to loss of spring and flush flora and fauna. • Drought leading to isolation of sites through loss of species • Eutrophication caused by fertiliser application to surrounding land • Lack of appropriate management • Overgrazing leading to poaching and removal of cover • Groundwater abstraction leading to lowering of water table

Current Action There are no suites given protection in Oadby and Wigston and no objectives targeted towards management yet.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Maintain best remaining examples of spring and flush habitat and enhance by appropriate management especially cattle grazing by 2005. (H) • Ensure that all high quality spring and flush habitats are protected through development plans by 2002. (H) • Identify and assess spring fed flush resource in Oadby and Wigston. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 17 - Fast Flowing Streams Habitat Action Plan

Current Status Fast flowing streams are for the purposes of this plan defined as any stream or brook flowing over a substrate mainly composed of gravel or coarser particles. Fast flowing streams support a number of specialist plants and animals including white clawed crayfish, bullhead, brook lamprey and native brown trout. Riparian habitats are also important plants and invertebrates. Riparian features of particular value include moss-covered boulders and exposed shingle deposits. Fast flowing streams are found throughout Oadby and Wigston with examples being the washbrook, etc.

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Land drainage increasing storm flow and fine sediment load • Nutrient rich run-off from agricultural land leading to eutrophication • Channel straightening resulting in removal of important habitat features • Diverse and pint source pollution • Drought and water abstraction leading to low flows

Current Action Parts of the River Scence and the Washbrook have been designated as SINCs and receive some protection within local plans. The environment agency has obligations to control water abstraction, pollution and channel worked along designated main rivers and larger streams, The environment officer for the borough council has completed some river corridor surveys.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Ensure continued recognition of watercourses as important landscape feature within local plan. (M) • Provide advice on stream management to riparian owners. (M) • Promote buffer strips. (H) • Identify most important streams to ensure Environment Agency recognise their value. (H)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 18 - Reedbed Habitat Action Plan

Current Status Reedbeds are wetlands dominated by but not necessarily purely composed of stands of Common Reed, Phragmites australis. It includes areas of reed that are both wet and dry at their base but where the water table is at or above ground level for much of the year. The largest area of reedbed within the borough is at , which has been designated as an LNR and is leased and managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Current Factors Affecting the Habitat • Small total area of the habitat and critically small national population sizes of several key species dependant of the habitat. • Lack of or inappropriate management of existing reedbeds leading to dying out. • Pollution leading to an accumulation of poisons in the food chain

Current Action The most significant area of reedbed in Oadby and Wigston is designated as an LNR and district Wildlife Site. The document reedbed management for commercial and wildlife interests handbook provides advice on management and creation of reedbeds.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Promote the creation of reedbeds and a preferred condition of after use for mineral extraction sites and in effluent treatment. (H) • Ensure all reedbeds over 0.5Ha are included in development plans. (H) • Ensure development proposals do not affect the integrity of existing and proposed reedbeds. (H) • Develop contacts with national experts in reedbed conservation to exchange experience. (L) • Create at least 1 hectare of reedbed by 2003. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 19 - Species Action Plans

• Black poplar • Bat • Water vole • Otter • White-clawed Crayfish

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 20 - Black Poplar Species Action Plan

Current Status The black poplar includes many varieties, subspecies and cultivars of the species Populus Nigra. The tree was a distinctive feature of lowland river valleys but for a variety of reasons it is now scarce and the remaining populations are scattered. As a result the black poplar is now the most endangered native timber tree in Britain. It is predominantly a tree of open ground, not woodland and will not tolerate side shade. The species has separate male and female trees. The female is now very rare, having been selectively removed because of the large quantities of fluffy seeds produced in spring. The native black poplar has probably always been rare in Leicestershire with current estimates of about 13 in the country. There is at least one tree in Oadby and Wigston with the possibility of a cutting taken from a tree in Quorn being native. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence for unauthorised persons to uproot black poplar trees.

Current Factors causing Loss or Decline • Scattered nature of the population • Decline in the demand for timber and wood products from the native black poplar • Removal of hedgerows and the trees that grow in them • Loss of appropriate habitat for germination as a result of drainage, river engineering schemes and agricultural improvements • Possible agricultural damage from ploughing, etc. • Hybridisation with non-native poplars resulting in seed of doubtful providence

Current Action • TPO protection • Survey by local naturalists • Nation black poplar working group concerned to retain the local value of the species

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Ensure that all trees are protected within the development plans. (H) • Work with tree wardens to protect known trees and to identify new one. (M) • Maintain a database of know trees and monitor the condition of each by 2003 and every 5 years thereafter. (L) • Work with tree wardens to propagate known black poplar populations and plant successful cuttings in suitable locations. (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 21 - Bat Species Action Plan

Current Status It is not known how many of the UK species occur within the borough, but the two species that are considered common, Pippistrelle and Brown Long-eared, have been recorded. All species of bats have suffered declines in number in recent decades. As a consequence all species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the habitat regulations 1994.

Current Factors causing Loss or Decline • Bats are insectivorous, occupying many habitat types. With their complex lifestyle they need warm summer breeding roosts and cold secure hibernation sites. • Agricultural intensification and unsympathetic land management leading to a loss of insect rich feeding habitats. • Widespread misunderstanding of the legislation protecting bats, leading to a loss or damage of many roosts when consultation procedures have been ignored. • Decline in feeding habitat through loss of insect rich rough grassland, wetland, hedgerows and tree lines as well as Bat flyways. • Loss of winter roosting sites • Loss of roosting sites within buildings due to deliberate exclusion and toxic timber treatment.

Current Action • Legal protection for all bats and their roost sites • Survey work conducted by LBG and BCT • Advice given on Bats by English Nature and LBG • Bat box schemes to provide safe roosting sites • LBG raises the profile of Bat conservation through educational activities

Proposed Actions as Lead Agency • Consider the obligations of the species and habitats directive and agreement on the conservation of bats in Europe to develop appropriate policies to promote insect foraging habitats close to maternity roosts. (L) • LA’s should have policies in place which will ensure that all departments consider the needs of bats at an early stage when any work is planned which could effect them. This included roads, bridges, tree work, tunnels, watercourses and all types of buildings. (H) • Review and if necessary improve effectiveness of monitoring planning applications where roosts may be threatened by building conversion or renovation. (H) • Encourage wider respect for legislation and needs of bats in the buildings industry and allied trades through building regulations, etc. (L) • Ensure that all woodland management including nature reserves, country parks, takes into account possible presence of bats. (M) • Develop and lease with Leicestershire Bt Group[ on the criteria for conserving trees of value for bats and their insect prey and promote good practice in consultation with tree surgeons and highway departments. (M) • Increase the number and scope of bat box schemes in suitable habitat (these should not be thought of as a substitute for tree roots) (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 22 - • Promote sympathetic land management for foraging bats among landowners and managers. (M) • Promote legal status and conservation needs of bats to the public, the building industry and others whose actions may affect bats. (M) • Survey and monitor local bat populations using skilled fieldworkers. (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 23 - Water Vole Species Action Plan

Current Status The Water Vole, Arvicola Terrestris, is found throughout Britain but is confined mainly to lowland areas near water. The population of the water vole throughout Leicestershire has declined dramatically with Oadby and Wigston being no exception. It is thought that factors affecting the survival of water voles have caused their distribution to become fragmented., so that the remaining sites and populations have become isolated and vulnerable. There are a number of watercourses within the borough that could potentially hold water vole populations. Some of the most important remaining site for the water vole are close to human habitations, possible indicating that these areas are not favoured but the vole predator the American Mink. The water voles habitat is protected from disturbance or destruction under regulations in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Current Factors causing Loss or Decline • Riverside work and flood alleviation schemes including channel engineering, these may cause a total loss of habitat along long stretches on watercourses. • Canalisation in urban areas will have the same effect. • Removal of bank and aquatic vegetation removes the vole’s food source and also the dense cover, which protects them from avian predators. • Agricultural intensification can threaten them with many arable fields cultivated to stream or river edge, whilst heavy grazing poaches the banks and removed tall herbs along the banks of the watercourses. • Predation by American Mink. Mick are able to follow water voles underwater and into their burrows making them a more rapacious predator. • Pollution. Poor water quality in waterways may possible result in direct poisoning of water voles. • Fragmentation of the population. • Water voles have been lost from many sites formerly occupied and tend to live in localised groups where conditions remain.

Current Action • Surveys have been undertaken in the countries to assess water vole populations but these were limited within the borough. • The council environment officer has undertaken training to carry out extensive water vole surveys with Oadby and Wigston to assess their current population. • The re-establishment of the otter within larger watercourses may help stabilise any water vole population’s present as it is believed that the otter will out compete the vole’s main predator the American mink. Although otters do predate water voles as well it is through that this is more opportunistic and the do not actively hunt through.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Include the needs of water voles in management of SSSI and wildlife sites where appropriate. (M) • Promote buffer zones through incentive scheme. (L)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 24 - • Avoid the use of herbicides in riparian habitats where water voles would be at risk. (M) • Identify potential sites for water vole habitation and secure agreements with landowners to control mink by appropriate means if these pose a threat to any population likely to establish. (H) • Establish the current distribution of the water vole in Oadby and Wigston and identify key populations. (H) • Pass information gathered on survey and monitored of this species to LMARS so that it can be incorporated in a local and national database. (M)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 25 - Otter Species Action Plan

Current Status Formerly widespread, the otter has declined rapidly since the 1950’s. It’s range contracted until it was effectively lost from central and by the 1980’s. The decline now appears to have halted and otters seem to be slowly re- colonising former habitats. There have been possible spraints found on the upper stretches of the River Scence although these need firm confirmation. Further surveys will be carried out in the summer by the environment officer with a view to perhaps providing some volunteer training through local experts. Otters were sited in 1996 were an adult and two cubs were observed in the Welland in South Leicestershire. The upper regionsof the Welland are close to the headwaters of the River Scence, so it is envisaged that otters may possibly re- populate within the borough if they have not already. The otter is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and schedule 2 of the conservation regulations 1994. The European sub-species is listed as being globally threatened.

Current Factors causing Loss or Decline Use of organochlorines and more recently PCB’s. These are considered to be the main cause of the decline of the otter, which is top predator in its ecosystem. Insufficient prey associated with poor water quality and unsympathetic riparian management. Pollutants may have an affect on fish stocks. Impoverished backside features. Otter is a secretive animal needing dense riparian vegetation and bank side trees for breeding. Features such as old trees with extensive overhanging root systems have in the past been removed. Road deaths. This is likely to have a greater effect on young animals. Disturbance. Especially through increased recreation on rivers, canals and reservoirs. Where recreational disturbance is heavy close to breeding site, the area may remain unsuitable for re-colonisation. Mink traps. These may be a threat caused by young cubs confused with mink and killed.

Current Action Otter release in the Welland Local surveys to establish distribution and spread of population.

Proposed Action as Lead Agency • Evaluate the habitat and food resource on watercourses in the borough and target areas for conservation, enhancement or restoration. (M) • Promote habitat creation for otters. (L) • Limit accidental killing of otters by providing underpasses on new and existing roads. (L) • Retrieve information on otter requirements and conservation through management guideline publications. (L) • Continue to survey possible otter habitats to establish their distribution within the borough. (H)

Oadby and Wigston Biodiversity Action Plan - 26 -