Great Chishill

Little Shelford

[ Bayer CropScience Biodiversity Centres ] CONTENTS

1 Summary 3 2 Introduction and Objectives 4 3 Chishill 6 3.1 The Biodiversity Centre 6 3.2 Biodiversity Summary 7 Summary 3.3 Habitats 8 3.3.1 Hedgerows 8 3.3.2 Margins 10 3.3.3 Woodlands and Trees 12 Biodiversity – Action Plan (BAP) Species present on 3.3.4 Ponds 14 What does it mean? both sites; these have been identified 3.3.5 Ditches 16 through extensive monitoring. 3.3.6 Arable 17 Biological diversity, in short ‘Biodiversity’ Species present include Bullfinch, Turtle 3.3.7 Orchards 18 is defined as the ‘variety of life on Earth’ Dove, Skylark, Corn Bunting, a range of 3.4 Species 20 and encompasses all living beings, rare arable plants including Corn Marigold 3.4.1 Bullfinch 20 including humans, plants, animals, and Night Flowering Catchfly, Bluebells, 3.4.2 Yellowhammer 20 ecosystems and not just rare or Cowslips, a range of farmland butterflies endangered species. 3.4.3 Turtle Dove 20 including Brimstone and Gatekeeper. 3.4.4 Farmland Butterflies 21 The correct management regime is also Bayer CropScience have Biodiversity 3.4.5 Bumble Bees 21 in place to support a healthy population Centres at Great Chishill and Little of beneficial insects. 3.4.6 Rare Arable Plants 21 Shelford and both are managed with 4 Shelford 22 visible commitment to conservation and This document sets out to record 4.1 The Biodiversity Centre 22 the environment, whilst achieving their these habitats and species and give 4.2 Biodiversity Summary 23 primary role as sites for crop trials work. a more defined structure to future 4.3 Habitats 24 conservation planning on both sites. With the increasing environmental 4.3.1 Hedgerows 24 This approach will enable the Bayer challenges placed on farmers, Bayer 4.3.2 Margins, Tracks and Beetle Banks 26 CropScience Biodiversity Project to CropScience is always looking for achieve its full potential. 4.3.3 Woodlands, Spinneys and Trees 28 ways to successfully combine farming 4.3.4 The Pond 30 and biodiversity. Our Biodiversity What is a BAP 4.3.5 Arable Land 31 Both sites are Centres are a practical demonstration 4.4 Species 32 of that commitment. Species? 4.4.1 Skylark 32 managed with There are several key habitats 4.4.2 Corn Bunting 33 BAP stands for Biodiversity Action present on both sites. These include Plan. These species are rare or 4.4.3 Beneficial Insects 33 visible commitment hedgerows, ponds, grass margins, endangered now in the UK and 5 The Future 34 to conservation and trees, woodland, ditches and action plans have been put in place 6 Farm Maps 35 traditional orchards. All these habitats to highlight particular species’ nesting the environment. are actively managed for biodiversity. habits, food sources, etc. to try and There are several key Biodiversity encourage higher populations.

[02] [03] Introduction & Objectives

Sustainable agriculture communication that reflects what our customers, stakeholders and is a key objective for employees really are: our partners. Bayer CropScience. This document is based on a reporting Bayer CropScience are one of the partnership between FWAG and Bayer world’s leading crop science companies. CropScience and gives an overview of the With our expertise and experience conservation work and monitoring carried in providing high-quality innovative out at both Centres, as part of our solutions to the UK agricultural, garden Biodiversity Project. This includes maps and amenity markets, we are setting of environmental features, habitat and the standard in areas of product and species information and a summary of the environmental stewardship. monitoring information compiled to date.

As an innovative and research-based The overall aim of this document is company, we are committed to to give a direction and framework for developing and marketing solutions future work on each site. Both Centres for the safeguarding of crops and cover some 20 hectares of land and providing our customers efficient and support a wide range of species, habitats tailor-made solutions and pioneering and crop trials. The differences in soil type, new product developments. layout, history and landscape mean that whilst a common methodology can be At Bayer CropScience, we are used to promote conservation and dedicated to the principles and biodiversity, each of the Centres are practice of sustainable development considered separately. Individual and are determined to promote the conservation plans have been drawn Our Centres are a practical health and wellbeing of people and up for each site and will be updated the environment to the best of our annually, summarising the work carried commitment to Sustainable Agriculture. ability. We are committed to open out and monitoring results obtained.

[04] [05] 3.2 BIODIVERSITY

SUMMARY KEY SPECIES MAMMAL Pipistrelle Bat – there may also be other bats present. Brown Hare – may use the hedge bottoms and grass margins. Chishill 3.1 THE BIODIVERSITY CENTRE BIRD Yellowhammer – benefit from extensive hedgerow and margin management. Bullfinch – benefit from extensive hedgerow and margin management and gain additional benefit from This Centre covers retention of the traditional orchard areas. Turtle Dove – benefit from extensive hedgerow some 20 hectares on a and margin management and would gain additional gently undulating clay benefit from the use of cultivated arable margins. Barn Owls – benefit from extensive margin plateau to the south management that should lead to increased field vole west of Cambridge, on populations. Song Thrush – benefit from extensive hedgerow and the Hertfordshire border. margin management and gain additional benefit from Whilst the surrounding wooded areas. agricultural landscape AMPHIBIAN Frogs, Toads and Newts – all these amphibians benefit from extensive management of ponds, ditches is very open, mature and field margins. hedgerows bound the INVERTEBRATE Bumble Bees – three main species of bumble bee are known to inhabit the Chishill Centre. All these Centre with trees, giving species benefit from the addition of pollen and nectar the site an enclosed feel. mixes and the continued extensive management of grass margins. Formerly an orchard producing both Butterflies – the many species of butterfly present on the site benefit from a range of measures recommended apples and plums, much of the farm including extensive margin management and the has been converted into combinable continued extensive management of hedgerows. crops for trial plots, whilst retaining a Dragonflies & Damselflies – benefit from the diverse range of habitats, including: recently extended ponds and extensive ditch management. KEY HABITATS Plum and apple orchards. PLANT Bluebells – these plants thrive in the hedge bottoms A number of small woodlands • Hedgerows and on the ditch banks adjacent to the pond field. and ponds. • Ponds Cowslips – the plants are present in many of the Trees and a pattern of old hedgerows. ditch banks and field margins around the site. Varied • Grass Margins management of these areas including annual mowing A network of grass margins. • Trees mean they continue to thrive. • Woodland Bee Orchids – these plants are known to be present These non-cropped areas are actively in margins on this site. Good margin management • Ditches managed to promote wildlife. mean any population can be encouraged. • Traditional Orchards Arable Plants – cultivated margins and continued • Arable Farmland monitoring should ensure these valuable populations survive.

[06] [07] In general, ancient hedges such as Hedgerow Benefits these will contain a wider range of shrub species apart from common Many farmland birds use hedgerows Hawthorn. The hedgerows contain and their associated habitats as either Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Ash and Oak. nesting sites or feeding grounds, these In addition to the range of species include Yellowhammer, Bullfinch and within the hedgerows, many also Turtle Dove; have remnant woodland flora at their base; species such as Bluebells and Farmland Butterflies such as the Habitats Stitchwort are present at Chishill and Brimstone rely on Blackthorn as egg these species indicate that some of laying sites. 3.3.1 HEDGEROWS these hedgerows are ancient features of the landscape. Pipistrelle Bats feed on insects along hedge lines and also use Ivy covered A further indication of the age of the hedgerow trees as summer roosts. Hedgerows are some perimeter hedges is demonstrated by the presence of several significant Ash Brown Hares use hedge bottoms for of the most important pollards in the hedgerow on the south- shelter and as foraging areas. habitats found on any eastern boundary of the land. farm and Chishill is Barn Owls use well managed In addition to these old hedgerows, hedgerows as hunting corridors. no different; there is several boundaries have in the past, been planted with poplars as over 2km of hedgerow windbreaks, to protect the commercial present on the site. orchards that existed on the site. Well managed hedgerows These are being replaced with more Well-managed hedges provide traditional hedgerow species. provide habitat and food cover and shelter for birds, insects and smaller mammals, which benefit It is worth noting that all the source benefits for many from the structure of the hedge itself, hedgerows and field boundary its foliage, fruits and flowers and the features on the site are buffered different species. microclimate that it creates. Hedgerows from arable operations by a 6 metre can also act as corridors between are pre-enclosure and are of high grass strip. isolated habitats, allowing the regular historic value, in terms of landscape movement of mobile species or the and wildlife. The Biodiversity Centre at Chishill has more gradual migration and dispersal been in a Countryside Stewardship of others. In many cases hedges such as these Scheme since October 1997 and the are remnants of the original woodland aim was to see the perimeter hedge The hedgerows and field boundary cover, which were left as boundary laid and restored. This work was features on the site are shown on markers during woodland clearance, completed in 2002. the Site Map. a process known as ‘assarting’. It is quite likely that many of the hedges The hedgerows on the site are The map above is a copy of the 1st on the site are at least two hundred currently managed in a sympathetic Edition OS Map covering the site, and fifty years old and some may be rotation where no hedge is cut more showing that many of the boundaries even older. frequently than every other year.

[08] [09] Margin Benefits

Well managed margins provide habitat and food source benefits for many different species; they will also provide a buffer for field boundary features, non-cropped land and arable production. It is important to have a range of different margins across the farm, to provide a variety of different habitats. This is achieved at Chishill by 3.3.2 MARGINS having a proactive approach to margin management.

Many farmland birds use margins Margins form very significant conservation benefit. All mowing is carried out over the summer and their associated habitats as either the margins have a well-established months on a 2 metre strip to ease nesting sites or feeding grounds, these important habitats for grass sward which contain Self Heal, access to the trial sites. This strip is include Yellowhammer, Bullfinch and wildlife in their own right Greater Plantain, Creeping Cinquefoil mown approximately 1 metre in from Turtle Dove; as well as providing and Cowslip; Bluebell and Stitchwort the cropped edge leaving an average are also found on the edge of these 3 metre buffer from the field boundary. Farmland Butterflies benefit greatly important links between margins against the hedge bottoms. This 3 metre buffer is currently cut on from the pollen and nectar sources that habitats. an ad hoc basis with most margins cut develop in the margins. The margins across the site are all every two years. There is an excellent network of well managed in the same way. Regular Many Butterflies such as Hedge Brown, established field margins at Chishill Meadow Brown and Ringlet, rely on the extending to some 5km. finer grasses in margins for both egg laying and caterpillar development. The field margins at Chishill, form essential areas between the cropped Bumble Bees use flowering plants land and the features such as found in margins as food sources; hedgerows, woodland, verges, they also use the tussocky overgrown watercourses and ponds, which areas of margins for over-wintering and are not farmed. Not only do they nest sites. provide a buffer zone from agricultural operations but if correctly managed Barn Owls use well managed tussocky can reduce the spread of weeds. This margins as hunting corridors. policy protects field boundary features and reduces the need for spraying hedgerow bottoms.

The margins have primarily been established to provide access to the various trial plots across the site but at the same time, they have provided

[10] [11] Trees There are no individual true in field trees on the site. There are however, There is a range of hedgerow trees a number of important trees along the across the site. The dominant trees banks of the wet ditch forming the are Ash and Oak and these are found southern boundary of Pond Field. The in almost all the hedge lines. Ash and Oak trees form an important 3.3.3 WOODLANDS historic and landscape feature on the On the south eastern boundary of the farm and will benefit greatly from the site there is a good selection of very removal of poplars from this boundary. AND TREES old Ash pollards that reinforce the The presence of Dog’s Mercury, Arum assumption that many of the boundary Lily and Bluebell indicate that as with features on the farm are ancient the hedgerows, these trees are on the landscape features. These trees are site of old semi-natural woodland. Woodlands Hawthorn and Wayfaring Tree. surrounded by grass margins. A good establishment has been Hedgerow and field trees are a achieved since planting; ongoing particularly important landscape management needs are limited to feature and will provide important maintenance of rides and areas of habitat for a range of birds, bats and open ground. specialist insects such as beetles and spiders. The woodland structure and management plan is reviewed every There are three blocks of woodland two years to establish the need for on the Chishill site; they are shown thinning and possible coppicing. on the Site Map in Section 5. This does not include any of the “old” Established areas of bramble are commercial orchards as these are beneficial for nesting sites, nectar dealt with separately. and food sources.

These three blocks of woodland were all planted as part of a Woodland Grant Scheme in the 1994/95 planting season. The main canopy planting is dominated by Beech and Ash interspersed with Field Maple and Wild Cherry. The Woodland Grant Schemes can form part of canopy and shrub layer has been planted with Hazel, Crab Apple, the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) payments.

[12] [13] Pond One Pond Two

Pond One has been present on the Pond Two was excavated in the winter site for some considerable time. of 2004. It is an inline pond formed by excavating the existing ditch as it The pond is believed to be fed by leaves the site in the south western a combination of a spring and field corner of the Pond Field. This small drainage. The original pond was pond is developing into a valuable extended in 2004 and a programme habitat with both Rush and Sedge 3.3.4 PONDS of pollarding willows has also establishing themselves as marginal been started. vegetation on all banks.

A newt survey was carried out in Pond Benefits Ponds provide valuable 2004 recording smooth newts on site. habitat for a wide range Well managed farmland ponds There is evidence of green algae are very valuable features when of aquatic life, emergent being present in the pond; this is considering landscape, history and and marginal plants. usually an indication of increased wildlife benefits. At Chishill; levels of nutrients in the water; it can also be present in recently There is no “ideal pond” for wildlife Farm ponds are important habitats excavated and exposed ponds where and conservation although it should be for the survival of Dragonflies and the introduction of more light can noted that 60% of wildlife associated Damselflies. Eggs are laid into floating encourage the growth of the algae. with any pond relies on the shallows plant material and marginal vegetation. The pond is well buffered from the and mudflats around the edges. Larvae are aquatic until they emerge arable operations by 6 metre as adults. grass margins. At the Chishill Centre, there are two separate ponds, shown on the Frogs, Toads and Newts all rely on The marginal vegetation around the site map. ponds for breeding. There are areas pond is limited to Sweet Reed Grass, of rough grass and scrub close to the present around the dipping platform pond where they can feed. Water is an on the northern banks. The southern banks were exposed as the pond Many farmland birds such as Reed important component was extended and have yet to be Bunting and Bats feed on the insects colonised by marginal or emergent that are associated with ponds and for conservation. vegetation. their surrounding habitats.

[14] [15] 3.3.5 DITCHES 3.3.6 ARABLE

Drainage ditches are Ditch Benefits Arable land is itself Separate areas of wild seed mix and Phacelia were established in a number important features on an important habitat. The ditches at Chishill provide added of fields. a farm for biodiversity value to the network of wildlife Numerous specialised reliant on damp corridors across the Site. plants are totally reliant Arable farmland can support a range of specialised plants that rely on environments. They provide excellent feeding sites on cultivation for their annual cultivations for their survival. for Bats. life cycle. Bayer CropScience participates in There are three main ditches on the the South Cambridge Arable Weed Chishill Site and these margins provide The banks of the ditches support a A number of declining farmland Survey. The results of this survey show a buffer to protect the watercourse number of interesting plants, including; birds rely almost entirely on the that Loose Silky Bent, Round Leaved by reducing the sediment deposition Dogs Mercury, Bluebell and Cowslip. management of arable land for and Sharp Leaved Fluellen were as the plough line is moved from the survival. present on the site. immediate bank edge. Ditches are important habitats for the survival of Dragonflies and Damselflies. The variety of cropping and cultivation Limited areas of arable land can be that take place on the site mean cultivated but left unsown to try and there is always a diversity of habitats encourage germination. and food sources available to both farmland birds and beneficial insects.

The cropping on the site is dictated by business requirements. Opportunities to increase the overall diversity by effectively using arable areas not required for production in any one year have been successfully adopted.

[16] [17] 3.3.7 ORCHARDS

The mature Marjorie Tracks and glades have been Traditional orchards and their established in the Marjorie Plum importance to wildlife have also been plum orchard has been Orchard and it is important to ensure included in the Habitat Action Plan recognised as important that this resource is managed to its for Cambridgeshire. Some of its for the biodiversity, maximum potential. objectives are; landscape and history In addition to this there is a small To halt the loss of all traditional orchards of this area. apple orchard at the northern end of through neglect by encouraging Pond Field. Both orchards provide an appropriate management. The apple orchards remain an excellent “over-grown” habitat that important part of the commercial is directly linked to the pond. The Establish new orchards, planted in function of the site. importance to the overall biodiversity a traditional manner, with traditional of the site should not be over-looked. varieties. The two areas of traditional orchard The unmanaged nature of these are both very important to the overall areas means they provide excellent Increase knowledge and appreciation diversity of the site and remain the over-wintering and feeding habitat for of the value of old orchards, both in subject of major invertebrate surveys. amphibians that use the pond as a their contribution to biodiversity and summer breeding habitat. their landscape and cultural value.

Cambridgeshire is a county of There is a mix of commercial orchards and the growth of orchards in Cambridgeshire was both traditional and encouraged by the jam making The unmanaged nature of these areas means they will industry. Since the 1930’s, more modern orchards than 50% of the orchards present in provide excellent over-wintering and feeding habitat Cambridgeshire have been lost and at Chishill. these are still on the decline. for amphibians that use the pond as a summer breeding habitat.

[18] [19] The favoured nesting habitats for 3.4.5 Bumble Bees 3.4 SPECIES Turtle Doves are tall hedgerows and areas of scrub over 4 metres tall. They prefer thorny species such as Hawthorn. They generally prefer The Biodiversity Centre 3.4.2 Yellowhammer feeding on weedy areas especially where the vegetation is short and at Chishill provides sparse. The hedgerows, along with ideal habitat for many the well established grass margins, different species. limited areas of fallow land and stubbles provide the ideal habitat There are a large number of species for visiting Turtle Doves. A varied programme of monitoring of Bumble Bee and they rely heavily on and survey work has been ongoing extensive management of uncropped across the site since 1993. The 3.4.4 Farmland areas of farmland. A wide range of habitats are used by different species. species highlighted in this section are Butterflies all known to be present on the site at The Yellowhammer is a year round All require somewhere to form nests different times of the year. resident in the UK and is also an (areas of grass with tussocks, dead RSPB Red List species. wood piles and underground mammal nests) and areas of flowering plants for 3.4.1 Bullfinch The Yellowhammer is recognised as food. Several species including; Bombus a bird of mixed farmland habitat. It is terrestris and Bombus lapidarius, as important that it has access to dense with many of the other species on the hedgerows, field margins with long site, benefit directly from areas sown with grass, scrub or edges of woodland for Phacelia and pollen and nectar mixes. breeding success. The Chishill Centre Brimstone therefore, provides ideal nesting habitat for Yellowhammers. Farmland butterflies have many 3.4.6 Rare Arable Plants different requirements for both food and habitat. Such as sheltered 3.4.3 Turtle Dove hedges and hedge bottoms, The Bullfinch is a year round resident permanent pastures and wildflower in the UK and it is a UK Biodiversity meadows. Butterflies need areas Action Plan (BAP) Species. that will be undisturbed while the eggs hatch and caterpillars develop. The favoured habitats of the Bullfinch Established hedges are important are the edges of broad leaved woodland, as butterflies’ associate with specific Loose Silky Bent areas of scrub, large hedgerows and locations. The Chishill site with its orchard. They prefer to live in an area network of grass margins, hedgerows Chishill takes part in the South with a mixed farming landscape. A and orchard areas play host to a Cambridge Arable Weed Survey. The combination of the old orchard areas, The Turtle Dove is a summer visitor varied butterfly population, including; results of a recent survey show that Loose extensively managed hedgerows and to the UK, arriving in late April and Brimstone, Common Blue, Small Silky Bent, Round Leaved and Sharp well established grass margins mean returning to the Sahel region of Africa Heath and Gatekeeper. Leaved Fluellen were present on the site. that the Chishill Centre provides an at the end of August. It is a UK BAP Environmental management ensures ideal habitat for this rare bird. Species and is on the RSPB Red List. plants such as these thrive at Chishill.

[20] [21] 4.2 BIODIVERSITY

SUMMARY KEY SPECIES MAMMAL Pipistrelle Bat – there may also be other bats present.

BIRD Skylark – benefit from the presence of the 4.1 THE BIODIVERSITY CENTRE combination of spring cropping, fallow land Shelford and beetle banks. Corn Bunting – benefit from the presence of the combination of spring cropping, fallow This Centre, to the There are several key habitats on land and beetle banks. the site, these include: KEY HABITATS Yellowhammer – benefit from extensive south of Cambridge, hedgerow and margin management. • Hedgerows covers some 20 Areas of woodland and trees. Bullfinch – benefit from extensive • Ponds hedgerow and margin management and A pond that is complimented by hectares of land that • Grass Margins gain additional benefit from the adjacent an area of native grasses and band of deciduous woodland. is essentially one field wildflowers. • Beetle Banks divided into separate Well managed perimeter hedgerows. • Trees AMPHIBIAN Frogs, Toads and Newts – all these • New Woodland amphibians benefit from extensive trial blocks by a network An excellent network of grass management of the pond and field margins. margins, tracks and beetle banks. • Arable Farmland of tracks, margins and INVERTEBRATE Bumble Bees – Bumble Bees are known beetle banks. These non-cropped areas are actively to inhabit the Shelford site. All species managed to promote wildlife without benefit from the addition of pollen and Mature hedgerows surround the detriment to the overall purpose of nectar mixes and the grass margins. Butterflies – the many species of butterfly site on three sides with a belt of the site as a field trial station. present on the site benefit from extensive deciduous woodland forming the management of margin and hedgerows. northern boundary. Dragonflies & Damselflies – benefit from the newly dug pond. The open nature of the site is beneficial to many target conservation PLANT Cowslips – the plants are present in the species, including the Skylark. The area of grassland surrounding the pond and the field margins around the site. nature of the soil, sandy loam over Varied management of these areas chalk, means both spring and winter including annual mowing mean they crop trials can be supported, adding continue to thrive. to the overall diversity of the site. Arable Plants – cultivated margins, fallow land and continued monitoring ensure these valuable populations survive.

[22] [23] Hedgerow Two

Habitats 4.3.1 HEDGEROWS

Hedgerow Two The perimeter Hedgerow One Hedgerow Three Pictured above, forms the boundary hedgerow at Shelford along the roadside. The hedge has a is an important feature good overall structure. of the site. Hedgerow Three Hawthorn dominated and typical Hedgerows are present on three of enclosure hedges found on of the four boundaries on the farm. many arable farms, the structure is The northern boundary of the farm generally good. There are several is formed by a belt of deciduous mature hedgerow trees at the north woodland that dominates a mature, eastern end of this hedge. managed Hawthorn hedge.

It is worth noting that all the Hedgerow One hedgerows and field boundary This hedgerow was planted in the features on the site are buffered autumn of 2003 as part of a landscape from arable operations by a 6-metre and biodiversity grant given from grass strip. South Cambridgeshire District Council and forms the perimeter boundary The hedgerows on the site are along the access track to the farm. managed such that no hedge is cut This hedge has established well with more than every other year. a polythene mulch providing good weed control. The planting density is good and a range of species including Occasional trees have been placed Hawthorn, Hazel, Dogwood and Field along the full length of the hedgerow, Maple are present. especially oak.

[24] [25] Beetle Banks

A Beetle bank is generally recognised as a 2 metre wide ridge sown with tussocky grasses and used to divide large fields.

At Shelford, there are four separate beetle banks running east to west 4.3.2 MARGINS, TRACKS across the trial plots and connecting the access tracks described previously. AND BEETLE BANKS These features have been enhanced by the addition of a 2 metre wide strip of pollen and nectar mix, dominated by Clover, to the south of each raised There is an excellent Access Tracks bank and a 2 metre wide strip of fine leaved grasses to the north of each network of well raised bank. There are three access tracks running established field margins from north to south across the site. and beetle banks at the These tracks have been established Beetle Bank Benefits by sowing a good grass sward Shelford site extending consisting of fine leaved grasses such The central section of these Beetle to some 3km. as Fescues and Meadow Grasses. Banks provide excellent habitat for ground nesting birds, including; Skylark, At Shelford, the margins provide These tracks are all managed in the small mammals and beneficial insects. access to the various trial plots across same way; the central portion is mown the site but at the same time they three to four times during the summer The provision of a strip of pollen and have provided significant conservation with the crop side one metre strip nectar mix to the south of this strip of benefit. All the margins have a well- being allowed to grow on through tussocky grass provides an excellent established grass sward that contain out the summer. Due to the amount food source for nectar feeding insects a range of plants, including; Plantains, of access required, patches of bare including Bumble Bees and butterflies. Creeping Cinquefoil and Cowslip. ground have developed and act as They also use the tussocky grass as basking areas for many invertebrates a nesting or over-wintering habitat. The margins across the site are all on the site. managed in the same way. Regular The provision of a fine leaved grass mowing throughout the summer strip adds diversity to an already rich months on a 2 metre strip allows habitat. access to the trial sites. It is mown approximately 1 metre in from the cropped edge leaving an average 3 metre buffer from the field boundary. This 3 metre buffer is currently cut on an ad hoc basis with most margins cut every two years.

[26] [27] Hedgerow Trees woodland on the northern boundary. Ivy on trees is a very valuable habitat There are a range of hedgerow trees as it provides precious cover all year across the site. Hedgerow One has round and flowers and berries at had several trees planted within the important times of year. It flowers in hedge and these add significant value the autumn and carries developing 4.3.3 WOODLANDS, to the hedge as it matures. fruit during the winter. In March and April, the berries are ripe and because Several trees have been planted on of their high fat content are amongst SPINNEYS AND TREES the verge adjacent to Hedgerow Two the most nutritious of any wild fruit and Hedgerow Three contains several in the UK. In the autumn, the last maturing Oak trees. foraging Bumble Bees, wasps and a host of fly species are attracted to Woodland Spinneys There are several examples of Ivy the abundant pollen and nectar of on trees in the band of deciduous the Ivy flowers. This woodland There are two small spinneys on the site, which add to the landscape has been established value of the site and act as shelter with the South and roosting habitats to a variety of Cambridgeshire District farmland birds and small mammals. Council Biodiversity Trees Grant in 2003. Hedgerow and field trees are a There is one small area of woodland particularly important landscape situated at the south western corner feature and provide important habitat of the site. for birds, bats and insects, such as beetles and spiders. The species planted include: Oak, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, In the Cambridgeshire County Wild Privet and Dogwood. Council ‘State of the Environment Report 1998’, Cambridgeshire was There are several areas of mature listed as one of the least wooded woodland on the land immediately areas in the UK with only 2.1% Hedgerow and field trees are a particularly adjacent to the site and although woodland cover. This highlights important landscape feature and provide they are not under the management that wooded habitats have a vital of the site, their presence adds to role in the county not only as important habitat for birds, bats and the overall diversity. important wildlife habitats but also as landscape features. insects, such as beetles and spiders.

[28] [29] 4.3.4 THE POND 4.3.5 ARABLE LAND

The triangular area at This was planted with a selection of Arable land is itself germination. Annual surveys for native trees and a grass based pollen arable plants are undertaken and the north eastern side and nectar mix has been sown to an important habitat. limited areas of arable land are of the site is a valuable provide ground cover. Opportunities to cultivated and then left unsown to wildlife and conservation increase the overall try and encourage germination. Throughout the last century, agricultural area that acts as a ponds have been in decline and in diversity by effectively bridge between the Cambridgeshire alone, the number using arable areas not deciduous woodland has decreased by over 10%. required for production and farmed land. There has been stronger awareness in any one year, have in recent years of the environmental been successfully The pond was established in the impact of ponds at different spring of 2006. The excavation work progressive stages. The biodiversity adopted. was carefully carried out ensuring value of a pond can be increased by there is a varied profile to the shore its direct surroundings, highlighting the In 2006, a separate area of Phacelia line with bays created along the need for management. Hedgerows, was established in uncropped areas. banks. The shallows to the north east scrub and rough grassland maintained of the pond encourage an area of adjacent to a pond, act as gateways The Shelford site also participates warmer water for access to and from and corridors for amphibians to travel. in the South Cambridgeshire Arable the water for amphibians. Weed Survey. The results of a recent survey showed that several rare The water in the pond has been plants were present. These included allowed to find its natural level. The Corn Marigold, Round Leaved soil from the excavation was used Fluellen, Night Flowering Catchfly, around the immediate area to create Rough Poppy and Venus Looking a miniature rolling landscape. Glass. These plants all favour spring Corn Marigold

[30] [31] 4.4.2 Corn Bunting Wasps and species of Hover Fly is an indication of well managed “natural” habitats across a farm. These predatory insects will spread out from the uncropped areas on a farm and can help control crop pests. The extensive management of hedgerows and field margins mean there are good populations of 4.4 SPECIES beneficial insects present at Shelford.

The Corn Bunting is a national BAP Species and is also on the RSPB The Biodiversity 4.4.1 Skylark Red List. It is a bird that prefers open Centre at Shelford farmland (like Shelford) or mixed also provides an farming systems. They nest on the ground in arable fields, set-aside land ideal habitat for many and unimproved pastures and will different species. also nest at the base of hedges and Lacewing bramble patches. Adults feed primarily A variety of monitoring on seeds and are particularly fond of and survey work cereal grains. Chicks almost entirely has been ongoing feed on invertebrates for their first few weeks of life. Breeding success relates since 1993. The Skylark is the definitive bird directly to availability of insect food. of open farmland, preferring larger arable and grassland fields. The openness and short vegetation 4.4.3 Beneficial allows sighting of potential Insects Ants predators. The open nature of the Shelford site combined with the variation in cropping employed means it is an ideal site for Skylarks to nest. A combination of traditional grass beetle banks alongside strips of pollen and nectar mix provide the ideal nesting habitat and an excellent source of insects for Ladybird feeding the chicks in the first few days of life. The Skylark is a national The presence of species such as BAP species and is also on the Ground Beetles, Hunting Spiders, RSPB Red List. Ladybirds, Lacewings, Parasitic

[32] [33] Farm Maps

Great Chishill The Future

The Biodiversity Centres Arable Flora Survey; to build on the With this in mind, we have been information previously established working with FACE (Farming and at both Chishill and by the South Cambridgeshire Arable Countryside Education) on many Shelford have a wide Weed Survey. different projects and have sponsored variety of important a distance learning version of CEVAS Butterflies and Bumble Bees; continue (Countryside Educational Visits environmental and with the existing monitoring. Accreditation Scheme), which is a conservation features. comprehensive course that allows Bat Survey; both sites offer excellent farmers to achieve an official qualification in hosting educational FWAG Conservation Plans for both opportunities for bats. There is an visits on their farms and helps reassure Centres are in place, the aim being to ongoing programme of monitoring. teachers and parents that their children Little Shelford build on the work already undertaken will receive a worthwhile experience and the current good management Small mammals; There is an ongoing in a safe environment. practices in place and establish a targeted programme, where those species rolling work programme. These flexible present, are monitored biannually. With these tools in place, our aim is plans focus on the required management to share our work and experiences Bayer CropScience will continue and give guidance on a structured and show how implementing these to manage their Biodiversity Centres programme of monitoring, which adds measures can actually have a positive with visible commitment to conservation to existing information and tailors the economic and environmental effect. management of habitats on the farm and the environment, whilst achieving to suit the different species recorded. their primary role as working farms. Our Biodiversity Centres provide a platform to discuss and demonstrate Such monitoring includes; We will continue to implement measures conservation farming to growers, to enhance the wildlife alongside distributors, consultants and Farmland Bird Survey; a continuation conventional farming, demonstrating agronomists and may be a way of of existing work to focus on key that the two can work hand in hand. educating the wider community species previously identified. With the increasing environmental and local schools of the changes challenges placed on farmers, Bayer that have taken place in modern Beneficial Insect Survey; establish CropScience is committed to researching agriculture. They are a practical a baseline survey of the beneficial ways to successfully combine farming demonstration of our commitment insects present at both Centres. and conservation education. to Sustainable Agriculture.

[34] [35] [

Bayer CropScience Biodiversity Centres

Should you wish to visit the Bayer CropScience Biodiversity Centres, please contact: 01223 226500 or email us at: [email protected]

If you would like any more information on the FWAG Landmanager programme, please visit the FWAG website and contact your local office. www.fwag.org.uk

]

Farming And Wildlife Advisory Group, Bayer CropScience Ltd. Stoneleigh Park, 230 Cambridge Science Park, Kenilworth, Milton Road, Warwickshire, Cambridge, CV8 2RX CB4 0WB www.fwag.org.uk www.bayercropscience.co.uk

Printed on part recycled paper