Biodiversity Strategy The Loddon catchment

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Protecting Wildlife for the Future Cover photograph: and Ancells Meadow SSSI Acknowledgements Courtesy of and Wildlife Trust This strategy has been produced by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with funding from Dormouse by Phil McLean the . Support and advice was Adder by Phil McLean provided by the Loddon catchment Biodiversity Silver Studded Blue by David Purslow Strategy Steering Group, comprising the following Lapwing by Dennis Garratt organisations:

! Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

! Environment Agency

! Unitary Authority

! , Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

! Countryside Partnership

! Wildlife Trust Data for the strategy was provided by:

! Hampshire County Council

! Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre

! Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

! Environment Agency

! Surrey Wildlife Trust

! Wokingham Unitary Authority

! Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership

! Hampshire Ornithological Society

! Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust This data has been analysed for the purposes of this project but remains the copyright of the data providers. Maps within the strategy have been produced by Naomi Ewald and remain the copyright of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency. Written by: Naomi Ewald, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Published by: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP. Company limited by guarantee and registered in , no. 676313. Registered charity no. 201081. Maps have been reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Environment Agency, 100026380, (2003). No part of this document may be reproduced without permission. Copyright: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust , Environment Agency, 2003.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 CONTENTS

SUMMARY 3 SECTION 1 AUDIT OF THE LODDON CATCHMENT 5 1.1 Introduction 5 1.2 Biodiversity in the catchment 6 1.3 Review of habitats 6 1.3.1 Deciduous woodland and hedgerows 6 1.3.2 Pasture woodland and parkland 7 1.3.3 Arable and improved grassland 7 1.3.4 Unimproved neutral grassland 7 1.3.5 Lowland wet grassland 8 1.3.6 Fen, marsh, swamp and reedbed 8 1.3.7 Lowland heath, bog and acid grassland 8 1.3.8 Standing open water 9 1.3.9 Chalk rivers 9 1.3.10 9 1.4 Review of designated sites 11 1.5 Review of significant species 13 1.5.1 Otter 13 1.5.2 Water vole 14 1.5.3 Great crested newt 14 1.5.4 Bats 15 1.5.5 Populations of wild birds 15 1.5.6 Other species 16 1.5.7 Invasive alien species 16 SECTION 2 THREATS TO THE CATCHMENT’S BIODIVERSITY 21 2.1 Habitat loss 21 2.2 Habitat fragmentation 21 2.3 Habitat degradation 22 2.4 Lack of information 22 2.5 Lack of co-ordination 22 SECTION 3 TARGETS FOR CONSERVATION 23 SECTION 4 STRATEGIC AREAS 25 4.1 Loddon and Lyde headwaters 29 4.2 33 4.3 37 4.4 Dinton Pastures 41 4.5 Blackwater Valley 45 4.6 Berkshire and Surrey Heaths 49 4.7 Hampshire Heaths 53 4.8 Hackwood Park 57 4.9 Park 61

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 1 References 65 Glossary 73 Summary Index 75 “The Loddon Strategy aims to APPENDICES protect and enhance the Appendix A Geology of the Loddon catchment 66 biodiversity of the Loddon Appendix B Existing policy and legislative drivers and links to other initiatives catchment and implement the in the Loddon catchment 67 relevant actions in the UK, Appendix C Calculations for catchment habitat targets 69 Regional and Local Biodiversity Appendix D Designated Sites in the Loddon catchment 72 FIGURES AND TABLES Action Plans”. Figure 1.1 Location of the Loddon catchment 4 Keeled Skimmer by Phil McLean Figure 1.2 Designated sites in the Loddon catchment 10

Table 1 Designated sites in the Loddon catchment 11 To achieve this aim an audit has been made of the catchment including information on habitats, species, Table 1.5.6 Biodiversity Action Plan Species in the Loddon catchment 17 designated sites and areas under positive land management. Analysis of the data has identified key core areas for biodiversity, important buffer zones and ecological corridors. Table 1.5.7 Invasive alien species in the Loddon catchment 17 To ensure that there is conservation benefit on the ground these have been translated into action plans for Key to Figure 1.3 18 key areas identifying targets, actions and organisations that will be able to deliver the work. Figure 1.3 Location of sites mentioned in Section 1 19 The 1994 UK Biodiversity Action Plan provides the policy framework for the Loddon Strategy. The national Table 3.1 Habitat targets for the Loddon catchment 23 lists of priority habitats and species were considered together with the targets developed by the Biodiversity Forum. This strategy is one of the first to implement the targets of the forum and will Table 3.2 Targets for designated areas in the Loddon catchment 23 report back to regional level in 2005. Figure 4 Strategic areas for action 24 Table 4 Generic actions for the Loddon catchment 26 Abbreviations and key for action tables 28 Objectives of the Loddon Strategy Figure 4.1 Loddon and Lyde Headwaters strategic area 31 Table 4.1 Actions for Loddon and Lyde Headwaters 32 ! Ensuring that key areas for biodiversity are adequately protected

Figure 4.2 River Whitewater strategic area 35 ! Creating stronger linkages between and around habitats to reduce fragmentation Table 4.2 Actions for River Whitewater 36 ! Influencing land use and planning to achieve sustainable development Figure 4.3 strategic area 39

Table 4.3 Actions for Basingstoke Canal 40 ! Providing conservation advice to landowners to enhance/restore habitats Figure 4.4 Dinton Pastures strategic area 43 ! Working with communities on public land to enhance and restore habitats Table 4.4 Actions for Dinton Pastures 44

Figure 4.5 Blackwater Valley strategic area 47 ! Conducting surveys on species and habitats where there is a lack of information to ensure that page 2 Table 4.5 Actions for Blackwater Valley 48 management decisions are based on the best available knowledge Figure 4.6 Berkshire and Surrey Heaths strategic area 51 ! Monitoring species and habitats to ensure that management is maintaining them in favourable Table 4.6 Actions for Berkshire and Surrey Heaths 52 condition Figure 4.7 Hampshire Heaths strategic area 55 ! Raising awareness of the ecological value of the Loddon catchment with key sectors of the Table 4.7 Actions for Hampshire Heaths 56 community Figure 4.8 Hackwood Park strategic area 59 ! Buying or leasing land to maintain and restore habitats where appropriate Table 4.8 Actions for Hackwood Park 60 Figure 4.9 Swallowfield Park strategic area 63 Table 4.9 Actions for Swallowfield Park 64

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 3 Section 1: Audit of the Loddon catchment

1.1: Introduction The Loddon catchment is located in the South East England Biodiversity Region (RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, 1998), straddling the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire (Figure 1.1). In the past this has resulted in a lack of co-ordination with regard to conservation policies and initiatives. This strategy aims to overcome administrative boundaries to work on a landscape scale, i.e. the river catchment, using existing policies and legislative drivers to ensure that work is implemented on the ground. The Loddon itself flows from the east of Basingstoke, north into Berkshire until its with the River Silver washed fritillary © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Thames. There are three main tributaries, the River Whitewater, and River Blackwater. The majority of the catchment is rural, although there are several large towns including Basingstoke and Reading on the . In contrast the River Blackwater is bounded by settlement and heavily modified by anthropogenic influences, although the numerous gravel workings in this area have created a valuable resource for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders. The defining feature of the Loddon catchment is the varied geology through which the rivers flow (Appendix A). The rivers arise from chalk aquifers at the junction of the Upper Chalk and less permeable London Basins and Clays. They flow north through areas which have a very different chemistry, including the acid sands and gravels of the Barton and Bracklesham Beds in the east of the catchment. It is this chemical transition which has meant that the Basingstoke Canal can support one of the widest range of macrophytic plants in Britain. The geology and wide floodplains have also resulted in a matrix of different habitat types, supporting a diverse range of species. page 4 Many strategies and projects have already been produced to look at the various issues affecting the catchment (Appendix B). This strategy seeks to take these initiatives and build on the work already underway considering all aspects at a detailed level. Implementation will be monitored by the Loddon catchment Biodiversity Steering Group.

Ancells Farm © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 5 1.2: Biodiversity in the Catchment 1.3.2: Pasture woodland and parkland The UK Biodiversity Action Plan identifies 18 key habitats and 489 priority species of conservation concern. Pasture woodland and parkland is a term used to describe the mosaic These have been considered in relation to the Loddon catchment with emphasis on local concerns in of grazed, wooded and open habitats formed as a result of traditional Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. management. The habitat is significant for its ancient trees, bird and bat populations and the many lichens and fungi that are dependent on A large amount of existing data was available from various sources and this has been summarised to give ancient trees. The mix of habitats and prevalence of dead wood also a flavour of the current status of the Loddon catchment and its importance to conservation. provides for an exceptionally rich invertebrate community, key elements in the food chain. What is Biodiversity? Although, the best pasture woodland in the south-east biodiversity region is confined to the , there are significant sites in the Biodiversity is a key word used to describe the variety of life on earth. This includes all species of Loddon catchment, despite degradation. The catchment holds 5% of plants and , their habitats and the complex interactions that occur between them. the SE resource (670ha). These sites include , Weston The Sustainable Development Framework (SEERA, 2001) considers biodiversity to be a crucial Common, Park, Common, The Vyne, Hackwood Park, indicator of the state of the environment and sustainable development. Park and Swallowfield Park. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan is the Government’s commitment to conserving our most threatened species and habitats. It aims to protect the UK’s Biodiversity and reverse the decline.

Parkland by Alison Fowler 1.3: Review of habitats The following section describes the UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitats found in the Loddon catchment. 1.3.3: Arable and improved grassland Examples of places where this habitat can be found are given in the text with an accompanying map on Farming has been a source of food in Britain for pagelongifolia 19. Many of these sites have either statutory or non-statutory designations which will be looked at in detail in Section 4. Full names of designated sites are given in Appendix D. thousands of years. Over this time man has created and transformed the landscape in and around farms creating a niche for certain species such as corn 1.3.1: Woodlands and hedgerows gromwell Lithospermum arvense. Improved Ancient semi-natural woodland is significantly important for the assemblages of ground flora, lichen, fern grassland is intensively managed and species poor, and saproxylic fungi communities. Significant species include narrow-leaved helleborine Cephanlanthera but can be significant for ground nesting birds such and dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius. There are ancient woodlands in the Loddon catchment as lapwing Vanellus vanellus if tended infrequently with over 50 ancient woodland indicator species which makes them of exceptionally high quality (Ralphs or with low stocking densities. pers. comm.). Significant woods include Butter Wood, Sheephouse Copse, Black Wood, Hen Wood and As in most of southern England the Loddon Odiham Common catchment is dominated by arable and improved The Loddon is a well-wooded catchment with grassland habitat, approximately 50% of the land 8010ha (9% of the SE resource), although many of Farmland biodiversity by Phil McLean area (34,030ha). It is possible to maintain and these woods are less than 2ha as a result of enhance the diversity of any farm through the fragmentation. Often remnants of woodland exist as integration of simple management techniques as part of the farming system, using the wide range of hedgerows criss-crossing the valley, providing available grants to benefit conservation. Where arable land and improved grassland has been identified ecological corridors between woods. The catchment within the floodplain, they have been highlighted as potential areas for wetland restoration. is also significant for wet woodland (553 ha) especially at the headwaters of the Loddon and Lyde. It is felt that if otters Lutra lutra were to return to this area this would provide ideal habitat for 1.3.4: Unimproved neutral grassland them (see section 1.5.1). In the Loddon catchment unimproved grasslands include remnants of page 6 Iron Age farming systems, common land, village greens and churchyards. Good examples can be found at Odiham Common, North Warnboroughmeleagris. Green, Sherfield Village Green and Churchyard. Species characteristic of this habitat include Devil’s-bit scabious Succisa pratensis, pepper saxifrage Silaum silaus, green winged orchid Orchis morio and snake’s-head fritillary Fritillaria

There has been a reduction in unimproved grassland due to agricultural intensification, only 358ha remain in the catchment. The remaining fragments are often less than 2ha in size which makes them difficult to manage in the long term. Management advice is required to encourage sensitive management and buffer these sites from external influences.

Greater spotted woodpecker by Phil McLean Snakeshead fritillaries by Phil McLean

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 7 1.3.5: Lowland wet grassland 1.3.8: Standing open water Lowland wet grassland describes all unimproved The Loddon catchment has over 300ha of standing open water habitat. grassland found within the floodplain. Species-rich Ponds and lakes are a priority habitat supporting many species of floodplain meadow is one of the most rare and conservation concern including great crested newt Triturus cristatus. threatened habitats in the UK. Although the They also act as ecological corridors, essential for species migration catchment retains only 1% of the SE resource and dispersal. Water bodies are a natural feature of the floodplain but concentrations of habitat remain at the headwaters many are also man made, created to provide water for livestock, for of the Loddon, Lyde and Whitewater and at fishing, as a result of mineral extraction and for nature conservation. Swallowfield, Stanford End Mill and Dinton Pastures The complex of lakes along the Blackwater, provide a corridor of in Berkshire. natural habitat through the conurbation in the east of the catchment. Improved and semi-improved grasslands have the Dinton Pastures to the east of Reading is an important mosaic of lakes potential for reinstatement as functioning wet Moors © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust linked by rivers and surrounded by woodlands and grasslands. Other grasslands by altering water levels. There is notable lakes include , and the ponds of evidence of existing simple water control structures in Hampshire (Oxford Archaeological Unit 2000), but Bramshill Plantation. Water bodies are significant for nature reinstatement of these should be based on the value of existing habitats. conservation but also act as a valuable educational and amenity resource for the local community.

1.3.6: Fen, marsh, swamp and reedbed Beautiful demoiselle by Phil McLean This is the most fragmented and scattered habitat in 1.3.9: Chalk streams the catchment with only 62ha remaining. However, this is equal to 3% of the total resource of fen, The chalk rivers of the Loddon, Lyde and Whitewater are slow and marsh, swamp and reedbed found in the whole of meandering creating broad and shallow valleys, criss-crossed by the SE, making it very significant. These habitats braided streams and ditches. The water of chalk streams is considered commonly grade into carr woodland creating a matrix toplaneri, have generally stable flow and temperature regimes providing ideal of habitats supporting a rich flora and fauna. conditions that support a rich diversity of invertebrate life and game fisheries (Environment Agency, 2000). Priority species include the fine- Examples of this habitat type are found adjacent to lined pea mussel Pisidium tenuilineatuma, brook lamprey Lampetra the river at Fen, Basing Fen, Greywell brown trout Salmo trutta, bullhead Cottus gobia and water vole Fen and where there are areas of standing open Arvicola terrestris. water, such as Fleet Pond, Mytchett Mere and Dinton Pastures. There are significant areas of degraded The Loddon, Lyde and Whitewater flow for 71km, 5% of the SE Fen meadow fen in the upper Lyde, East Moor, Moor and resource, making them regionally significant. The upper Loddon, Lyde . This habitat type should be targeted and Whitewater are already classified as Salmonid rivers and during for active promotion of restoration. the production of this strategy they were designated as Local Wildlife Sites.

1.3.7: Lowland heathland, bog and acid grassland Kingfisher by Phil McLean Lowland heathland, bog and acid grassland is internationally important for many species because of the matrix of Ericaceous heath and dwarf shrubs, rich series of mires, wetlands and acid grasslands. The Loddon catchment contains 7% of the south-east resource which, with appropriate management 1.3.10: Canals could form an unbroken swathe from in Berkshire to The Basingstoke Canal flows for 32km through the Loddon catchment. One of the most important in Hampshire and east to the page 8 characteristicsterrestris of the Canal is the pH gradient that exists as it passes from the calcareous substrate of the Surrey heaths. west, to the acidic sands of the east. There is a diverse flora and fauna including species such as downy In addition most of the heaths and bogs form part of the Thames emerald Cordulia aenia and water vole Arvicola Basin Heaths pSPA complex, whilst Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and and an internationally important Chobham SAC borders the catchment. Example areas both within population of Natterer’s bats Myotis nattereri at and outside of these designations include Heath, Castle the . Bottom to Common, , Foxlease and Ancells The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest Meadows and and Bartley Heath. Initiatives such as SSSI managed by the Basingstoke Canal the Hampshire Heathlands and Surrey Heathlands Projects are Authority. There are specific issues affecting this being used to protect and enhance this habitat. site that will be considered separately under section 4.3 of this strategy.

Marsh gentian © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Greywell Tunnel © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 9 1.4: Review of designated areas Only 15% of the catchment has been designated for its nature conservation value, including international, national and local designations (Figure 1.2, Appendix D). The heathland complex in Surrey has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The Hampshire section of the is a complex of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and has also been proposed as a Special Protection Area (pSPA). There are 26 SSSIs in the catchment. In Hampshire these include Basingstoke Canal SSSI, SSSI and Warnborough Greens SSSI. Further north into Wokingham there are fewer designations, examples include Stanford End Mill and River Loddon SSSI, Longmoor Bog SSSI, Heath Lake SSSI and Lodge Wood and Sandford Mill SSSI. Table 1: Designated sites in the Loddon catchment

Designation Area (ha) Percentage of catchment (%) Local Wildlife Sites 5,217 8 Site of Special Scientific Interest 5,001 7 Special Protection Area (SPA) 3,728 5 Special Area of Conservation 538 1 Total protected area* 10,170 15

* The total protected area is less than the sum of the components as SACs and SPAs must first be designated as SSSIs. In line with national targets (SEEBF, 2002) it is the aim of this strategy to ensure that 80% of existing Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) are in favourable condition by 2004. The Thames Basin Heaths pSPA has been put forward to Europe for approval. All Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) should be in favourable condition by 2010. As most of the SSSIs within the catchment are in sympathetic ownership this target should be achievable. There are opportunities to restore habitats within local wildlife sites and also to link and buffer fragmented sites through the creation of suitable habitat. It is the aim of this strategy that all local wildlife sites should have been offered conservation advice by 2010. There is also a need for consultation between counties to ensure that criteria for designation of local wildlife sites is co-ordinated across administrative boundaries.

Local Wildlife Sites Local Wildlife Sites are a non-statutory designation which recognises good quality habitat outside of statutory designations. Each county produces its own criteria for Local Wildlife Sites and refers to them as follows Berkshire – Wildlife Heritage Sites (WHS) page 10 Hampshire – Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) Surrey – Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 11 1.5: Review of significant species The diverse range of habitats in the Loddon catchment support a multitude of species. To review them all is beyond the scope of this document, however there are certain species which have been identified for action because they meet one or more of the following criteria; 1. They are a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan 2. They have statutory protection 3. They have been identified as an indicator of sustainable development 4. They are a flagship species for the Loddon catchment 5. They are an invasive alien species which is threatening native biodiversity Sections 1.5.1 – 1.5.7 review the current status of these species in the Loddon catchment and the actions required to determine their current status, halt declines in their population and raise awareness of the issues with the local planning authorities and local communities. 1.5.1: Otter Lutra lutra Despite a drastic decline in the population between 1950 and 1970, otters are expanding their range again. However, they are still vulnerable to disturbance, accidental road death and a lack of suitable habitat. Otters are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Habitats Directive (Annex II and IV), the Bern Convention (Annex III) and are listed as ‘globally threatened’ on the IUCN Red Data list. The unpolluted, undisturbed nature of the Loddon and the habitat structure within the floodplain seems to be appropriate for colonisation by otters. Otter © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Until recently, the last records for this species were the late 1950s. However there have been more anecdotal records at Mytchet Lakes near Farnborough and at Greywell Fen, as recently as 2002. It was thought that these may have been mistaken for mink, but in 2002 the report of a dead otter sparked a search and fresh spraints were found on the Loddon in Berkshire. These individuals may have moved down the Thames from Oxfordshire. Immediate action requires the identification of potential spraint sites and a thorough survey. Training in identification techniques will help to distribute work between partners in different areas. Habitat management advice and information on agri-environment schemes to benefit otters should be promoted, including building artificial holts. Where sites are identified, potential conflicts such as accidental road page 12 death should be investigated and steps taken to mitigate the threats.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 13 1.5.2: Water vole Arvicola terrestris 1.5.4: Bats Chiroptera The water vole is one of the UK’s most All species of bats are fully protected threatened species having declined in its range under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & by as much as 94% in the last century (Strachan, Countryside Act 1981, The Habitats 1999). They are currently protected under Directive 1994 (Schedule 2), the Bern Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act Convention 1982, the Bonn Convention 1981 and are an UK priority BAP species. Their 1992. Guidance is also given in Planning decline is due to a number of factors including Policy Guidance note 9. The Greywell habitat loss and predation by non-native Tunnel SSSI is internationally important American mink Mustela vison. for hibernating Natterers, and current research is confirming it as a huge Water vole are widely distributed across the swarming site for this species. The Loddon catchment. Surveys have been Basingstoke Canal itself provides an conducted in Berkshire (BBOWT, 1996), on the extensive linear foraging site and forms River Blackwater (EA and SWT, 1990), a link between the main rivers. (Netherton, 2000) and the River Whitewater Water vole © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Brown long-eared bats © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust (HWT, 2000). There have also been sporadic The woodland, parkland, farmland and records of water vole sightings outside of formal aquatic habitats of the catchment are important for a wide range of bat species. Research on the surveys. However, the exact status of the water vole on the River Loddon is not known because some Blackwater Valley has shown how all lakes, even those heavily stocked with fish, have great value for information is out of date and because sections of the river have not been surveyed. noctules, Daubenton’s and pipistrelles. The woodlands around the lakes support long-eared and Natterer’s bats. These findings are probably applicable to the other open waters such as Hawley Lake, Dinton A systematic survey of the River Catchment is required to identify strong populations of water vole. The Pastures and Fleet Pond. A number of bat box schemes are in place especially in the Blackwater Valley / habitat at these sites needs to be managed sympathetically, targeting landowner advice between Basingstoke Canal area. populations to restore suitable habitat and encourage natural re-colonisation of the river. There is also an opportunity to raise awareness of this species to encourage local community involvement and to inform the The catchment is under-recorded for bat species. This must be resolved to identify foraging and roost sites, local planning process. including the use of buildings, and to determine the effects of existing management schemes on bats. The results of surveys must be widely disseminated to support the popularisation and understanding of bats 1.5.3: Great crested newt Triturus cristatus with the general public and landowners. The great crested newt has declined nationally due to habitat loss as a result of development, abstraction, agricultural intensification and lack 1.5.5: Populations of wild birds of management. They are protected under The status of populations of wild birds Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act has been identified as a biodiversity 1981, the Habitats Directive (Annex II and IV) and indicator in the Sustainable the Bern Convention (Annex II). Great crested Development Framework. Bird newts breed in ponds during the spring and populations can also identify the need spend the remainder of the year foraging on for national and international land. They prefer a cluster of relatively large designations. The Loddon catchment is ponds linked by suitable terrestrial habitat which significant for both breeding, wintering should extend for at least 1km to allow adequate and migratory species, because of the foraging and hibernating habitat. Other ponds variety of habitats present. These should be located within this 1km to act as Great crested newt by Phil McLean include heathland (nightjar, woodlark, stepping stones for species dispersal. hobby, etc,), farmland (lapwing, golden In the Loddon catchment there is a known concentration of great crested newts around Dinton Pastures. plover, corn bunting, etc.) and wetland This information is being used to identify areas for pond creation which could help to strengthen the (snipe, redshank, bittern, etc.) habitats. pagepopulation. 14 Ponds have also been identified to the north of Basingstoke in a proposed development area. The Thames Basin Heaths have been Mitigation will ensure that the population remains viable. The remainder of the catchment has no recent House Sparrow by David Purslow proposed as an SPA because of the records for great crested newts. This does not indicate absence, merely a lack of records. The first aim for heathland bird species they support. the catchment should be to survey all potential sites to determine a true pattern of distribution. This will aid The farmland to the east of the catchment remains relatively non-intensive and retains many wet grassland the forward planning and development control process and target areas for conservation management. habitats. Open water including Fleet Pond, Hawley Lake, Tundry Pond, Moor Green Lakes and Dinton Pastures, are some of the largest of this habitat in the south east and as such are significant on a regional scale for bird species. Data on bird species is collected by local ornithological societies and disseminated to national bird conservation organisations. It is important that information is disseminated to local conservation organisations to inform management decisions.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 15 1.5.6: Other species Table 1.5.6: Biodiversity Action Plan Species in the Loddon In addition to the species detailed for catchment action, there are many other BAP priority Triturus cristatus great crested newt Ctenidium molluscum a moss Gentianella anglica early gentian species found in the Loddon catchment. Formica rufa southern wood ant Lophozia herzogiana a liverwort Gnaphalium sylvaticum heath cudweed Andrena gravida a mining bee Apatura iris purple emperor Juniperus communis juniper For example species such as pillwort, Carabus intricatus a ground Argynnis paphia silver-washed Lathryrus aphaca yellow vetchling marsh gentian, tower mustard, red-tipped sylvatica heath fritillary Leersia oryzoides cut-grass Donacia bicolora a reed beetle Boloria euphrosyne pearl-bordered aestivum Loddon lily cudweed, sword-leaved helleborine, Graphoderus zonatus water beetle fritillary Lynchnis flos-cuculi ragged robin Loddon lily, Loddon pondweed, barbel, Hylis olexai a click beetle Boloria selene small pearl-bordered Oenanthe fluviatilis river water-dropwort Lucanus cervus stag beetle fritillary Orchis morio green-winged orchid wild brown trout and bullhead. The Meotica anglica a rove beetle Eurodryas aurinia marsh fritillary Potamogeton trichoides hair-like pondweed catchment is also notable for its Prionus coriarius a sawyer beetle Hamearis lucina Duke of Burgundy Ranunculus arvensis corn buttercup Tomoxia bucephala a tumbling flower Hesperia comma silver-spotted Scandix pecten-veneris shepherd’s-needle dragonfly populations including brilliant beetle skipper Viola lactea pale dog violet emerald and hairy dragonfly. Maintaining Acrocephalus palustris marsh warbler Plebejus argus silver-studded blue Vulpia ciliata ssp.ambigua bearded fescue Acrocephalus scirpaceus reed warbler Satyrium w-album white-letter Poronia punctata nail fungus the diversity of habitat types in the Alauda arvensis skylark hairstreak Apodemus flavicollis yellow-necked catchment should ensure sustainable Anas strepera gadwall Gryllus campestris field cricket mouse Anser albifrons white-fronted goose Metrioptera brachytera bog bush cricket Arvicola terrestris water vole populations of these species. A full list of Bullhead by David Purslow Aythya ferina pochard Austropotamobius Eptesicus serotinus Serotine bat BAP species found in the Catchment has Botaurus stellaris bittern pallipes white-clawed Lepus europaeus brown hare Burhinus oedicnemus stone curlew crayfish Lutra lutra otter been included in Table 1.5.6. Caprimulgus europaeus nightjar Chirocephalus diaphanus fairy shrimp Micromys minutus harvest mouse Carduelis cannabina linnet Ceriagrion tenellum small red damselfly Muscardinus avellanarius dormouse There are local naturalists and naturalist groups and societies recording information on all taxa in the Cettia cetti Cetti’s warbler Cordulia aenea Downy emerald Myotis bechsteinii Bechstein’s bat catchment. These individuals and groups should be supported. Information should be incorporated in to Circus cyaneus hen harrier Libellula fulva scarce chaser Myotis daubentonii Daubenton’s bat Circus pygargus Montagu’s harrier Orthetrum coerulescens keeled skimmer Myotis mystacinus whiskered bat county, national and international databases to determine status and set future conservation priorities. Coccothraustes Platycnemis pennipes white-legged Myotis natereri Natterer’s bat coccothraustes hawfinch damselfly Neomys fodiens water shrew Coturnix coturnix quail Somatochlora metallica brilliant emerald Pipistrellus pipistrellus pipistrelle bat Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s swan Lycopodiella inundata marsh clubmoss Chordeuma proximum a millipede Dendrocops minor lesser spotted Lycopodium clavatum stags-horn clubmoss Melagona scutullare a millipede woodpecker Pilularia globulifera pillwort Nanogona polydesmoides a millipede 1.5.7: Invasive alien species Egretta garzetta little egret Cottus gobio bullhead Polydesmus coriaceus Emberiza cirlus cirl bunting Lampetra planeri brook lamprey (inconstans) a millipede Mink Mustela vison were first introduced Emberiza schoeniclus reed bunting Asilus crabroniformis hornet robberfly Ashfordia granulata a snail in to this country for fur farming in the Falco columbarius merlin Brachyopa bicolor a hoverfly Pisidium tenuilineatum fine-lined pea Falco subbuteo hobby Cheilosia semifasciata a hoverfly mussel 1920s. Since this time deliberate Gallinago gallinago snipe Chrysotoxum Pseudanodonta releases and accidental escapes have Jynx torquila wryneck octomaculatum a hoverfly complanata depressed river Lanius collurio red-backed shrike Lipsothrix nervosa a cranefly mussel seen a marked increase in the numbers Locustella naevia grasshopper warbler Microdon devius a hoverfly Vertigo moulinsiana Desmoulin’s whorl of animals breeding in the wild. Mink Lullula arborea woodlark Thyridanthrax fenestratus a bee fly snail Luscinia megarhynchos nightingale Adonis annua pheasant’s eye Cucullia lychnitis striped lychnis have a significant negative impact on Mergus albellus smew Arabis glabra tower mustard Dicycla oo heart moth native wildlife. In particular, the decline Mergus merganser goosander Arum italicum spp. Dyscia fagaria Grey scalloped bar Milaria calandra corn bunting neglectum Italian Lords and Eilema sororcula orange footman in water vole and waterfowl. Action to Milvus milvus red kite Ladies Heliothis maritima control this species needs to be co- Muscicapa striata spotted flycatcher Cephalanthera longifolia sword-leaved warneckei shouder-striped Panurus biarmicus bearded tit helleborine clover ordinated on a catchment scale, with a Passer montanus tree sparrow Chamaemelum nobile chamomile Hemaris tityus narrow-bordered programme of survey and monitoring to Perdix perdix grey partridge Cicendia filiformis yellow centaury bee hawk Pernis apivorus honey buzzard Dactylorhiza traunsteineri narrow-leaved Jodia croceago orange upperwing leniusculus determine the effect of control on mink Pluvialis apricaria golden plover marsh-orchid moth and on the recovery of other species. Pyrrhula pyrrhula bullfinch Damasonium alisma starfruit Meganola strigula small black arches Regulus ignicapillus firecrest Deschampsia setacea bog hair grass Microthrix similella a pyralid moth The dramatic decline of the white- Saxicola rubetra whinchat Drosera rotundifolia round leaved Minoa murinata drab looper Mink © The Wildlife Trust Streptopelia turtur turtle dove sundew Mythimna turca double line clawed or native crayfish Sylvia undata Dartford warbler Elatine hexandra six-stamened Paracolax tristalis Austropotamobius pallipes has been Tetrao tetrix black grouse waterwort (derivalis) clay fan foot Tringa totanus redshank Epipactis phyllanthes green flowered Pechipogo strigilata common fan foot attributed to fungal plague introduced in to waterways on the non-native signal crayfish Pacifastacus Turdus philomelos song thrush helleborine Rheumaptera hastata argent and sable . Competition from signal crayfish is also considered to have affected the native population. Tyto alba barn owl Filago lutescens red-tipped cudweed Lacerta agilis sand lizard Vanellus vanellus lapwing Galium parisiense wall bedstraw Vipera berus adder Signal crayfish are a recognised cause of the degradation or river and canal systems because of their Campylostelium saxicola a moss Gentiana pneumonanthe marsh gentian Chrysis fulgida ruby-tailed wasp pageburrowing 16 and foraging activities. The last records for the native crayfish species on the River Loddon were Homonotus a spider wasp prior to 1999. More recent records (2001) exist for the Firgrove Stream a tributary of the Blackwater. sanguinolentus Whether these populations still exist is unknown, but it is thought unlikely. Methods of survey and eradication need to be developed and importantly awareness raised to prevent spread of this alien species. Table 1.5.7: Invasive Alien Species in the Loddon catchment An increasing problem in the waterways and ponds of the UK is the introduction of invasive non-native Aponogeton distachyos water hawthorn weeds. These include species such as Australian Swamp Stonecrop Crassula helmsii and Japanese Azolla filiculoides American water fern Cabomba caroliniana fanwort knotweed Fallopia japonica. These species are more competitive than our native species and result in a Crassula helmsii Australian swamp stonecrop loss of biodiversity. Eradication programmes for these species are being developed but there is a need to Elodea nuttallii Nuttall’s waterweed raise awareness amongst the general public about the dangers of introducing garden waste in to natural Heracleum habitats. A list of invasive alien species has been included in Table 1.5.7. mantegazzianum giant hogweed Impatiens balsamifera Himalayan balsam Lagarosiphon major curly waterweed Mustela vison mink Myriophyllum aquaticum parrot’s feather Pacifastacus leniusculus signal crayfish Reynoutria japonica Japanese knotweed Sand Lizard Rhododendron ponticum rhododendron by Phil McLean

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 17 Key to Figure 1.3 To put Section 1 in context the following map shows the location of all sites mentioned in the text.

Target Place name Target Place name note note 1 Andwell Moor 22 Heath Lake 2 Ash to Brookwood 23 Hen Wood 3 Bartley Heath and Hook Common 24 Lodge Wood and Sandford Mill 4 Basing Fen 25 Longmoor Bog 5 Black Wood 26 Mapledurwell Fen 6 Bourley and Long Valley 27 Moor Green Lakes 7 Bramshill Park 28 Mytchett Lake 8 Bramshill Plantation 29 Mytchett Mere 9 Butter Wood 30 Green 10 Castle Bottom to Yateley Common 31 Odiham Common 11 Dinton Pastures 32 Stanford End Mill 12 East Moor 33 Sheephouse Copse 13 Eelmoor Marsh 34 Sherfield Village 14 Fleet Pond 35 South Warnborough 15 Foxlease and Ancells Meadow 36 Stratfield Saye Park 16 Greywell Fen 37 Swallowfield Park 17 Greywell Tunnel 38 The Vyne 18 Hackwood Park 39 Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham cSAC 19 Hartley Wespall 40 Tundry Pond 20 Hawley Lake 41 Weston Common 21 Figure 1.3: Location of sites mentioned in Section 1

Bartley Heath by Albert Roberts

Basingstoke Canal Flashes © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust page 18

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 19 Section 2: Threats to the Catchments’ Biodiversity

The remnant woodland, fens, wet meadows and heathland within the Loddon catchment would once have been part of a much larger habitat complex, with natural succession creating a gradient of habitat types. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan has identified that in order to sustain and enhance biodiversity in this country we must first recognise the issues that are causing the declines. 2.1 Habitat loss Anthropogenic influences have had a marked effect over the last 100 years. The differing intensities of farming systems within the catchment has determined what semi-natural habitats remain or whether there is a monoculture of arable and improved grassland. The remaining habitats are under significant pressure from built development, loss of mixed farming, eutrophication, planting of woodlands and heaths with conifers, landfill and mineral extraction, to name a few. At present development and its associated threats is one of the greatest causes for concern. In particular Basingstoke and Reading, but also the villages of Fleet, and Hook which have expanded in recent years and remain under pressure from development. Secondary birch invasion by Albert Roberts 2.2 Habitat fragmentation Man’s impact on the landscape has not only caused the direct loss of habitats but of more concern is the isolation and fragmentation of remaining habitats. Small blocks of land are more susceptible to degrading influences along their perimeter. Of particular concern in the Loddon catchment is the fragmentation of ancient woodland, heathlands and wetlands, which at one time would have formed part of a larger habitat block. Management advice should encourage establishment of lost habitat, expansion of existing habitat fragments and linking fragments to create ecological corridors.

Best practice Designated areas in isolation are not sufficient to ensure habitats and species are maintained at optimum level. A buffer is needed around these sensitive habitats and preferably corridors of habitat should be created between semi-natural habitats to ensure species dispersal and allow genetic page 20 exchange. Planning decisions should prevent habitat fragmentation and encourage the incorporation of wildlife corridors and sustainable development. Farm advisors can encourage habitat management techniques to buffer habitats and create links, using grants and other incentives.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 21 2.3 Habitat degradation Although many of the fens, wet Section 3: Targets for conservation meadows and woodlands have been designated as local wildlife sites for The Loddon Strategy aims to implement the broad objectives in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan 1994. These their high biodiversity value, they are have already been translated in to regional targets in the South East England Biodiversity Forum: Action for not necessarily under favourable/ Biodiversity in SE England (SEEBF, 2002). The regional targets have been translated in to targets for the positive management. In order to Loddon catchment. maintain many wetlands and woodlands there needs to be some Table 3.1: Habitat targets for the Loddon catchment form of active management. For some wetland habitats this is often best achieved through reinstatement of Habitat Ref.+ Current resource* Restore* Create* measures to control water levels and Deciduous woodland A ha 8010 160 80 grazing. In woodlands a range of options should be considered e.g. ride Wet woodland B ha 553 11 6 widening, removal of conifers and Urban dumping © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Hedgerows C ha - 50% - reinstatement of coppicing. Pasture woodland and parkland D ha 670 13 - In the east of the catchment a priority is the maintenance of the Thames Basin Heaths which are bounded by development and degraded due to extensive coniferisation. These problems are being dealt with under Unimproved neutral grassland E ha 358 - 29 the Hampshire Heathlands and Surrey Heaths projects which aim to revert land to heathland and increase Lowland wet grassland F ha 189 2 17 conservation grazing. Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed G ha 62 20 47 2.4 Lack of information Lowland heath and bog H ha 837 - 159 During the formulation of this strategy it has become apparent that there is a lack of information in some Acid grassland I ha 134 - 58 areas of the catchment, especially with regard to the priority species. In order to ensure protection and Standing open water J ha 360 realise opportunities successful conservation management an increased knowledge of the presence and status of species is required. Up to date information on species will also help to inform the forward planning process. Chalk rivers K km 71 realise opportunities Where records do exist they are often not utilised by those making conservation decisions because they Canals L km 32 realise opportunities are held by individuals or local groups. This should be ameliorated in Hampshire by the Hampshire * For details of how these figures were calculated, please refer to appendix C Biodiversity Information Centre and in Berkshire by the new Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre. These will act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for biological information. In some cases the data for species and sites - Information is not available because there is no data on current area or there are no fixed targets from have not been updated for several years, and as biological systems are dynamic and changing, new SEEBF studies are needed. +Identifies the priority habitat in section 4 2.5 Lack of co-ordination It is considered that the above targets are achievable within the scope of this strategy. However these should be seen as minimum targets and work should seek to maximise the potential for biodiversity gain. To implement conservation work effectively there needs to be consultation and co-operation. Different This is especially true where no target has been set for a habitat. The SE has a variety of target dates for organisations have different strengths to offer, and by working together there is a greater chance of the completion of work from 2010 to 2020, with a review session in 2005. The Loddon Strategy will also achieving high quality results on the ground. It is the aim of this strategy to bring other partners into the report back in 2005 and will aim to have the minimum restoration and creation targets achieved by 2015*. project to obtain the most up to date and relevant information in order to prevent duplication of effort and target work where it is needed most. Table 3.2: Targets for designated areas in the Loddon catchment All three counties have existing local record centres at different stages of development. There needs to be communication between these centres to provide a basis for cross-boundary working. Designation Condition Target area (%) Target date page 22 SPA/SAC Favourable 80 (100) 2004 (2015) SSSI Favourable 100 2010 Local Wildlife Site Favourable 100 2015 Species Some species do not occur within priority habitats or designated areas or they migrate between several areas. To ensure they are adequately protected and their status maintained they have been considered separately in section 1.5. * Achievement will include projects underway

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 23 Section 4: Strategic areas for action

So far we have identified the current status and distribution of habitats in the Loddon catchment (section 1.3) and the threats that are facing them (section 2). The South East England Biodiversity Forum provided baseline targets for restoration and creation, which have been translated into targets to enhance biodiversity in the catchment (section 3). It is important to reiterate that greatest conservation benefit can be achieved where habitats are buffered against deleterious effects and where habitats are expanded and linked providing ecological corridors through the Basingstoke Canal Flashes © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust landscape. With this in mind the catchment has been analysed to identify strategic areas on the ground where restoration and creation projects would enhance biodiversity most effectively (Figure 4). This work has been assigned to individuals and organisations with target start dates for implementation. The list of actions is not exhaustive and will be dependent on opportunity and funding. It may also act as a tool to attract funding by demonstrating how projects fit within an overall scheme. All actions are subject to landowner discussions and approval, and liaison with relevant organisations. Maps of the strategic areas have been produced using GIS. These show areas where broad biodiversity targets can be achieved and also sites for specific conservation management. These maps have been made available electronically to the conservation organisations assigned to implement the work which will aid monitoring. Some actions are generic to all strategic areas and applicable to the catchment as a whole and these have been tabulated first showing the timescale by which work should have begun and the organisation responsible for implementing them.

Achieving broad biodiversity targets There are three broad approaches to conservation of species and habitats: 1. Maintain: Habitats that are well managed and under no immediate threat, identified as areas within existing designations both statutory and non-statutory. Aim to ensure that there is no deterioration in status and extent. 2. RestoreRestore: Habitats that are degraded. Introduce positive management to prevent further loss. This applies to habitat that has been identified inside and outside of designated sites. page 24 3. Create: Land that has little or no current biodiversity value. Alter management or implement creation schemes to enhance biodiversity. Where possible this should provide a buffer around sensitive sites or ecological corridors between sites.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 25 Table 4: Generic actions for the Loddon catchment Action Target date Organisations Involved (see page 28 for key to abbreviations) C6 Implement monitoring of groups of bird species, leading to management advice, and site protection 2005 OS, RSPB Action Target date Organisations Involved C7 Ensure that there is a programme of habitat and A. Site and Species Policy and Protection species monitoring following restoration projects, A1 Ensure that local plan policies provide protection particularly through the planning process On going All for important biodiversity areas On going LAs C8 Ensure communication between local record centres A2 Raise awareness of the responsibility of local to overcome boundary issues 2005 BVCP, HBICTVERC, SWT authorities to restore habitats and identify D. Communication, Promotion and Awareness ecological corridors Ongoing ALL D1 Hold an event in each strategic area to A3 Ensure the biodiversity of the Loddon catchment is demonstrate its ecological significance, and gain recognised in all decisions related to development support for conservation projects, one area HWT (with support from and any impacts are mitigated, aiming for at least targeted per year 2010 partners), BBOWTSWP no net loss and ideally biodiversity gain in all planning decisions OnGoing LAs D2 Promote the need for whole farm management plans and mixed farming, aim to provide advice on A4 Ensure that mineral plans recognise the importance agri-environment schemes to at least one of the Loddon catchment and potential for landowner in each strategic area per year On going DEFRA,WT,BVCP,EA,FWAG,LA restoration to enhance wildlife after extraction On going LAs D3 Raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity A5 Where large blocks of land can be brought in to with key sectors of the community e.g. schools, positive management seek to designate as Sites business etc., 1 key sector per year 2010 WT,LA of Special Scientific Interest if they meet the criteria 2010 EN D4 Raise awareness of the problems of invasive alien A6 Promote policies to support a viable grazing species and promote eradication, investigate economy in the Loddon catchment to provide potential for awareness raising leaflet, approaching sustainable management 2010 ALL garden centres for support On going EA,WT,BCA,BVCP B. Site and Species Management D5 Raise awareness of the ecological value of the B1 Ensure that all local wildlife sites have been notified Loddon amongst local people using varied and to the landowners 2005 LWS Projects most effective means. E.g. a comprehensive B2 Re-survey local wildlife sites on a rolling website, a series of booklets / leaflets, site programme, 20 per year On going LWS Projects interpretation boards, video, schools programme, B3 Provide conservation advice to local wildlife sites, walks, talks and events. This could be done as a 20 per year On going LWS Projects whole for the catchment or per strategic site On going WT,EA,WU,BVCP,BCA B4 For priority habitat currently not designated, seek D6 Ensure that there is effective communication enhancement through management, to reach the between all land managers, landowners, local minimum criteria for designation as a local wildlife authorities and recreational users that are involved site 2010 ALL in each strategic area. Set up liaison groups in B5 Seek resources to enable long term management each area to achieve a consensus on targets & WT,EA,BVCP,BCA,LAFWAG,MoD, of any sites requiring conservation work On going ALL objectives 2005 LFC,FE B6 Target land adjacent to designated areas for E. Monitoring the success of the strategy management advice to buffer priority habitat On going ALL, DEFRA E1 GIS layers showing areas under positive B7 Seek to determine the distribution of invasive alien management, restoration and creation projects, species. Implement programme of control 2010 ALL species surveys and raising awareness projects will be maintained in each strategic area. Copies of all pageC. Research, 26 Survey and Monitoring layers will be held by the Environment Agency 2003 EA,BVCP,WU,BBOWT,SWT,HWT C1 Water vole surveys, minimum of 5km stretch per E2 Loddon Strategy Steering Group to meet twice a year using volunteers, rolling programme. Leading WT,EA,WU,BVCP,BCA, year to update on project progress and make to management advice On going BBOWTWVP amendments as necessary On going WT,EA,BVCP,WU,EN C2 Otter and mink surveys based on national E3 Organisations to promote projects which have methodology, one species per year per area. made significant progress towards implementation Leading to management advice On going WT,EA,WU,BVCP,BCA of the Loddon catchment BAP through existing C3 Great crested newt surveys to determine newsletters On going ALL distribution and status and to inform development E4 Email group of wider partners to be created, with control. Target one strategic area per year On going WT,WU,BVCP,Spp.Groups information about current projects to maintain C4 Survey of woods for dormouse using volunteers, communication 2003 EA leading to management advice. Target one E5 Report back to SEEBF on progress towards Loddon catchment Biodiversity strategic area per year On going WT, Spp. Groups achieving BAP targets 2005, 2010 Strategy Steering Group C5 Survey of priority BAP species on a rolling pro- gramme each year. Leading to management advice On going WT,WU,BCA,BVCP,Spp. Groups All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner. All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner. Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 27 Abbreviations and key for action tables 4.1 Loddon and Lyde headwaters Habitat Type This area lies between Deciduous woodland A Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed G Basingstoke in the west and Hook Wet woodland B Lowland heath and bog H to the east, south to Blackdam Hedgerows C Acid grassland I and Mapledurwell and north to Pasture woodland and parkland D Standing open water J , where the Unimproved neutral grassland E Chalk rivers K Lyde joins the main River Loddon Lowland wet grassland F Canals L channel. The landscape is Biodiversity Targets predominantly rural but is strongly Site and species policy and protection A influenced by its proximity to Sites and species management B Basingstoke. Public access is Maintain B1 limited, but there is potential to Restore B2 increase the value of the area as Create B3 an aesthetic and educational Research, survey and monitoring C resource for the local community. Communication, promotion and awareness D Although the area is poorly designated with only one SSSI and Organisations Involved a scattering of Local Wildlife Sites, Mapledurwell Fen © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust All organisations and individuals working in the catchment All it is an important and largely Amphibian and Reptile Groups ARG unspoiled area for wildlife. Borough Council BDBC Basingstoke Canal Authority BCA Anthropogenic impacts have always had a significant effect on this section of the Loddon valley. Medieval Basingstoke Canal Conservation Working Party BCCWP clearance of the woodland to exploit the fertile soils for agriculture resulted in a landscape of wetlands, Bat Groups BG farmland and woodland copses connected by hedgerows. In the late 19th and 20th centuries these habitats BBOWT Sustainable Wetlands Project BBOWTSWP were fragmented by the intensification of agriculture. Intensification also reduced the diversity of species BBOWT Watervole Project BBOWTWVP which had become dependent on the low intensity farmed landscape, such as farmland birds and rare Bear Wood College BC arable plants. Wetland habitats have also been affected. Traditionally the fens were worked for their peat, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust BBOWT constantly creating new open habitats at or below the water table which would have prevented succession Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership BVCP to carr woodland. Most of the peat habitats have been drained and are currently under improved grazing English Nature EN land or arable cultivation. Water control structures used to promote early growth for grazing were not as Environment Agency EA prolific here as on the other chalk streams within the county of Hampshire and therefore the unimproved Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group FWAG neutral grassland remained floristically rich. However, the cessation of grazing, and neglect has meant that Flora Groups FG many of these habitats have degraded into rank swamp and alder carr communities. Forest Enterprise FE Currently the greatest threat is from development. The built landscape is generally characterised by Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre HBIC dispersed villages and hamlets. However, the existing developments of Basingstoke, and Old Hampshire County Council HCC Basing at the river’s source have a marked effect on the rest of the catchment. Significant expansion of Hampshire Wildlife Trust HWT these communities would not only cause the direct loss of habitat, but can also create increased surface Council HDC water runoff and flood risks, increased demand on water supplies and increased need for wastewater Heathlands Projects (Hampshire and Surrey) HP treatment. This could result in changes in water levels and water quality which would in turn impact on the Land Management Advisors LMA habitats and species currently found there. With the headwaters of this fragile ecosystem already at Local Authorities LA carrying capacity, it is doubtful that mitigation would be sufficient to prevent degradation of the remaining Local Wildlife Sites Projects LWS Projects habitats. London Fisheries Consultative LFC Mammal Groups MG The fragmented pockets of ecologically rich habitat should not be viewed in isolation. It is the combination Marwell Zoo MZ of features and species and habitats of ecological significance at the source of the Loddon that sets it pageMinistry 28 of Defence MoD aside from the typical. The river and its tributaries act as a valuable corridor unifying the landscape and National Farmers Union NFU providing the potential for species to colonise new areas with the resumption of appropriate management. National Trust NT Ornithological Societies OS Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB Rushmoor Borough Council RBC South East England Development Agency SEEDA Species Groups Spp. Groups Surrey Wildlife Trust SWT Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre TVERC Wildlife Trusts (HWT, BBOWT, SWT) WT Wokingham Unitary Authority WU

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 29 Target notes for the Loddon and Lyde Headwaters 1. Basingstoke – expanding town, many local naturalist groups. 2. Blackdam nature reserve - ponds created at the springs of the River Loddon for fishing. Restored for education and nature conservation. The site is managed by BDBC. 3. Basing Fen LWS – matrix of wetland communities. Not managed, becoming degraded. Woodland retains structural diversity, good succession grades habitat into wetlands. 4. and Basing Common - buffer to Basing Fen, forms green gap between Basingstoke and Old Basing. Site shows historical importance of the river valley. 5. Loddon Valley Open Space – public access grassland managed by BDBC. Mowing regime creating diverse sward. HWT supporting local group. Water vole recorded. 6. Little Basing Wood LWS – matrix of ancient wet woodland, wet flushes and organic sumps. Species include marsh valerian Valeriana dioica and water avens Geum rivale. 7. Bottom Row – potential for restoration of ponds within the floodplain. 8. Upper and Lower River Row - matrix of wetland habitats. Evidence of water control structures. Migratory corridor for wintering wildfowl and habitat for breeding waders. 9. Woodland fragments east of Basingstoke - fragmented ancient woodland, once part of a larger woodland block. 10. and 11. Arable and pasture land - characterised by small fields and series of wet ditches criss-crossing the valley linking Loddon and Lyde. Hedgerows need management. 12. Wildmoor - once part of the Park Pale, many fragmented ancient woodland LWS. Ancient trees remaining in inter-linking hedgerows. Land currently under CSS. 13. Springs of the - improved grassland, evidence of water meadow sluices. 14. Mapledurwell Fen SSSI - small (0.5ha) fen meadow, managed by HWT. Once part of Mapledurwell Common. Two LWS lie adjacent to the reserve (15). 16. Second tributary of the Lyde - relatively poor area of arable and semi-improved grassland. Potential for restoration. 17. The Hatch - floodplain with scattering wetland and woodland LWS. 18. Ashmoorptarmica. Copse and Hilly Copse - riparian woodland LWS interspersed with wet meadow. Habitat of better quality on east side of the river, due to a lower intensity of farming on this side. Records of water vole. 19. 20. and 21. Confluence of Loddon and Lyde - wide floodplain, improved pasture interspersed with unimproved pasture, high potential for wetland restoration. 22. Hartley Wood Common - floristically diverse ancient woodland managed through WGS. 23. Loddon Fen LWS - species such as greater burnet Sanguisorba officinalis and sneezewort Achillea

24. Longbridge Mill - potential area for restoration of river beds and banks. 25. a. and b. North Foreland Lodge School – LWS woodland and pond, encourage school groups in becoming involved in species surveys. 26. Sherfield-on-Loddon - species rich dry meadows with records of snake’s-head fritillary. 27. Bramley Camp - MoD owned site. Matrix of habitat types, potential for advice to enhance site for wildlife. 28. CP - semi-improved wet grassland, river morphology makes land in suitable for wetland restoration. 29. Bow Brook – tributary of Loddon with wide floodplain, potential for water vole surveys and wetland Priority targets pagerestoration. 30 Ref Restore Create 30. The Vyne – ancient woodland and wet meadows adjacent to the Bow Brook, owned by National Trust, Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 managed under Countryside Stewardship. Records of great crested newt. Wet woodland B ha 11 6 31. Morgaston Wood LWS – part of the National Trust land at the Vyne, this ancient woodland site is Hedgerows C ha 50% - particularly significant for its woodland bird species including spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata and Unimproved neutral grassland E ha - 29 turtle dove Streptopelia turtur. Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 32. Wood LWS – ancient woodland separated to some extent from larger woodland block by Fen, carr, marsh, A340. swamp and reedbed G ha 20 47 Chalk rivers K ha realise opportunities 33. Woodland Copse adj. Bow Brook – wet woodland grading in to deciduous woodland 34. Petty’s Brook – restoration of stream with public access. 35. Chineham Woods LWS – fragmented woodland LWS, need for raising awareness. 36. Great Binfields Copse LWS – ancient woodland on edge of a major development area. 37. Basing Forest LWS – National Trust ancient woodland, records of great crested newt. 38. Popley Pond – significant population of great crested newt. 39. Hedgerows – potential corridor for movement of newts between site 37. and 38.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 31 Table 4.1: Actions for the Loddon and Lyde Headwaters 4.2 River Whitewater The headwaters of the River Whitewater Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved have been recognised as significant for 4.1.1 Work in consultation with BDBC to achieve targets its wetland, heathland and woodland for biodiversity 1 A-L A,D On going HWT habitats. In total 719 hectares are 4.1.2 Potential to increase the value of the area as an designated as either a Site of Special aesthetic and educational resource for the local Scientific Interest (SSSI) or as a Local community 1 A-L D 2005 2010 HWT Wildlife Site (LWS). The focus in this 4.1.3 Engage with local naturalist groups and local strategic area is to build on this work by communities 1, 35, 36 A-L C,D On going HWT improving the condition of existing sites 4.1.4 Use Blackdam to engage public 2 J D On going BDBC through appropriate management. There 4.1.5 Enhance Basing Fen through appropriate HWT are also pockets of land which retain management 3 G B2 2004 2010 EA characteristics of priority BAP habitat but 4.1.6 Hold event at Basing House, link ecological and are in a degraded state, such that they historical value 4 A-L D 2005 2005 HWT are not designated. The second aim of 4.1.7 Enhance LVOS, through appropriate management BDBC this strategy is to ensure that all priority 5 E B2 2003 2010 HWT habitats not currently within a Greywell Moors by Albert Roberts 4.1.8 Potential to manage site for wildlife, need to HWT designation are bought up to the ameliorate impact of visitors 6 B B2 2004 2010 HCC required standard by 2010 and to ensure 4.1.9 Potential for pond restoration at Bottom Row 7 J B2 2005 2008 LMA that pockets of habitat are linked through the creation of new habitat. Importantly organisations need to 4.1.10 Potential for woodland planting or hedge laying 9, 12, 31 liase to prevent duplication of effort and ensure that work is focused. There is also a need to maintain to link fragmented blocks of woodland 32,33,37 A,C B3 2004 2010 LMA communication with the local community, to ensure that they are an integral part of the conservation of the 4.1.11 Potential area within the floodplain for wetland 8, 19, 20 area. Public access is good, including two Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust Reserves and many public creation 21, 28 E-G B3 2004 2010 LMA footpaths. 4.1.12 Offer advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance biodiversity 10, 11 - B,D 2004 2010 LMA The habitats in this area have developed as a result of management by man, especially use of the land for 4.1.13 Potential land at the head of the River Lyde for grazing and manipulation of water levels by sluices. The wetlands have resulted from springs at the head habitat enhancement 13 E-G B2,3 2004 2010 HWT of the River Whitewater, which would have provided early spring growth for livestock. In the past these fens 4.1.14 Maintain Mapledurwell Fen, enhance adj. would have been almost devoid of trees as a result of grazing pressure, but due to post war cessation of through appropriate management 14, 15 G B2 2004 2010 LMA grazing, wet woodland and scrub have invaded. This probably helped to preserve the floristic diversity of 4.1.15 Potential area for restoration to create the site whilst others of a similar nature became improved with fertilisers. Management of the wetlands by habitat for breeding waders 16 F B3 2004 2010 LMA Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust includes the re-introduction of grazing and scrub clearance. 4.1.16 Potential land at the Hatch to restore and link HWT The other major habitat types in this area are the ancient woodlands, heathlands and grasslands of Bartley habitats 17 E-G B2,3 2004 2010 BDBC Heath, Hook Common, Butter Wood and Odiham Common. These would have been part of a large unbroken 4.1.17 Potential to enhance Ashmoor Copse, Hilly Copse complex of commons and woodlands used as a resource by local people for grazing livestock and and adj. meadows 18 B,E B2 2003 2010 HWT commoning activities. With the cessation of grazing these grasslands and heaths became invaded with 4.1.18 Seek to find cause of degraded river profile and scrub and secondary woodland. Traditional management of the woodland also ceased such as the practise advice accordingly 18 K C,D 2003 2010 EA of coppicing and pasture woodland grazing, resulting in an overall decline in diversity. 4.1.19 Conduct great crested newt surveys 37, 38,39 J C 2003 2005 ARG 4.1.20 Conduct surveys for dormouse 9, 12, Fragmentation of these habitats has occurred due to agriculture and development, although it has 1831, remained relatively small scale. There are only two large villages, Hook and Odiham, and the M3 and A287 32,33 A C 2003 2005 MG which quarter the heath. Management work has begun on their restoration including the clearance of 4.1.21 Seek to maintain priority habitat at Hartley secondary woodland and the resumption of grazing. Restoration needs to be accompanied by appropriate Wespall through monitoring and appropriate management of adjacent habitats, to prevent deleterious effects such as agricultural run-off impacting on management 22, 23 E B1 2003 2010 LMA the sites. This makes the area a target for landowner advice to enhance farmland biodiversity. page4.1.22 32Investigate potential for restoration at Sherfield- on-Loddon to extend area of priority habitat 26 E-G B3 2004 2010 EA Target notes for the River Whitewater 4.1.23 Engage with local schools 25a, 25b A-L D On going HWT 4.1.24 Seek to identify quality of stream habitat, conduct 1. Bidden – source of the River Whitewater, rising from the chalk aquifer. Land use of arable and semi- species surveys, investigate potential for restoration 24, 2934 E-G,K B2,3 2004 2010 EA, HWT improved grassland. Some landowners in this area are already under CSS. 4.1.25 Make MoD aware of Loddon Strategy, offer advice 2. Greywell Fen SSSI – section of SSSI under private ownership, potential to enhance this habitat through on management 27 A-I D 2005 2015 HWT the provision of management advice. 4.1.26 Investigate potential for habitat restoration at the 3. Greywell Fen HWT reserve - restoration of fen and adj. grassland through grazing. Removal of Vyne 30 E-G B2 2003 2010 EA, NT secondary woodland. 4.1.27 Investigate potential for pond creation/habitat ARG 4. Greywell Fen SSSI – section of SSSI under private ownership, significant section of the valley to target restoration to enhance for amphibian population 37, 39 J B3 2003 2008 BDBC management advice, it forms a link between areas of land under positive management. 4.1.28 Conduct survey for great crested newt, advise on 5. Arable land – potential to provide advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance biodiversity. Land SINC designation 38 J C,D 2003 2005 ARG has good public access in the form of a long distance path. All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner. 6. Land adj. to Greywell Fen – arable land on higher ground to the fen. Potential to incorporate buffer to prevent agricultural fertilisers seeping in to the mire.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 33 7. Greywell – hamlet in keeping with landscape character. Links to Basingstoke Canal (Section 4.3) 8. North Warnborough – local community with interest in the Valley, local group Whitewater Valley Preservation Society aiming to preserve the character of the valley. 9. SSSI - owned and managed by HWT. Floristically rich unimproved wet grassland, alder copse, wet ditches, managed by grazing. Monitoring of groundwater levels and movements, undertaken by EA, concern about possible changes in recent years. 10. Mill – wet grassland and woodland within wide floodplain. Potential location for wetland restoration and management advice. 11. River Whitewater North of M3 – floodplain linking tributaries. Pond in floodplain adding diversity. 12. East of Holt – agricultural land, good public access, potential to enhance farmland biodiversity. Evidence of former water meadows. Public access grassland owned by Hook Parish Council. 13. Borough Court - water meadow structures in improved grassland. Potential to restore. 10. to 13. Whitewater: M3 to Dipley – potential for restoration of the river corridor including selective tree removal to allow light to the river, thereby increasing habitat quality. 14. 15. and 16. Hook Common and Bartley Heath SSSI – once part of the common lands of the Thames Basin. Managed by HWT. Sites of wet heath, acid grassland and ancient woodland. Secondary birch woodland is undergoing a phased programme of removal. 17. Butter Wood SSSI – ancient woodland with public footpath access, potential for dormouse. There are also a number of silted ponds which would benefit from restoration. 18. Hang Wood LWS – ancient woodland. In close proximity to SSSI complex. Management advice should be provided to the landowner to ensure that the site remains in good condition. 19. Hook – expanding village with commuter links to London. Need to raise awareness of the issues affecting the countryside and provide opportunities for public involvement. 20. Woodlands north of Hook – ancient woodland once part of large woodland block. Woods drained by series of ditches, contain diverse ground flora, bird life, dormouse and badgers. Potential to link. 21. West Green Common/Dogtails Copse LWS – remnant fragments of the larger ancient woodland block, target for restoration and monitoring. 22. Large lake – target for amphibian surveys. 23. – local community with commuter links to London. Target area for raising awareness of the importance of the surrounding countryside. 24. Blacklands Copse, Furzy Moor, Tossell Wood LWS – remnant fragments of the larger ancient woodland block, potential for restoration and monitoring. 25. Odiham Common with Bagwell Green and Shaw SSSI – pasture woodland and pasture. Mixture of acid and calcareous woodland and grassland, exceptionally rich flora and fauna. Management required to restore habitats to fulfil their potential. 26. Piller’s Park LWS – part of Odiham Common but separated by Basingstoke Canal. Potential for restoration of grassland, ditches and pond. 27. Park – farmland which may retain remnant ancient trees, once part of the parkland. Some land already under CSS. Potential area for farmland advice to enhance biodiversity. 28. Hillside Fen LWS – improved valley-side pasture and unimproved fen meadow. Dense tussocks to short, grazed, sedge-rich lawns. Good succession from fen meadows to riverine communities. 29. Odiham – local community should be supported and encouraged to get involved in local conservation initiatives. 30.pageFields 34 around Odiham – site has been recognised as a prime area for farmland biodiversity, particularly farmland birds. Currently managed under CSS. Priority targets 31. The Strings, Newnham – unimproved wetland. Sneezewort recorded. Potential for restoration. Habitat Ref. Restore Create 32. Newnham Village Green – unimproved grassland, with a number of wet flushes. Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 33. Tylney Park Golf Course – network of ponds, may be suitable for great crested newt. Hedgerows C ha 50% - 34. – local community, encourage involvement in conservation projects. Pasture woodland and parkland D ha 13 - 35. Black Wood and Street End Copse – ancient woodland, potential for dormouse. Unimproved neutral grassland E ha - 29 Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 36. Winnels Copse LWS – ancient woodland, part of a series of woodland fragments. Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed G ha 20 47 37. Farmland near Newnham – arable and pasture land significant for farmland biodiversity. Lowland heath and bog H ha - 159 Acid grassland I ha - 58 Chalk rivers K ha realise opportunities

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 35 Table 4.2: Actions for the River Whitewater 4.3 Basingstoke Canal When the majority of canals were built Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved between the 1750s and 1830s their 4.2.1 Potential area for wetland creation 1 - B,D 2004 2010 LMA importance in terms of nature conservation, nearly 200 years later, 4.2.2 Seek to enhance SSSI through landowner advice 2 E,G A,B2,D 2003 2010 LMA could not have been predicted. The 4.2.3 Continue restoration of Greywell fen. Maintain some woodland for diversity 3 E,G A,B1B2 2004 2010 HWT sluggish waters and continuity of habitat 4.2.4 Respond to results of water level monitoring created by long term management have on Greywell fen 3 G B1,C 2004 2010 HWTEA been utilised by many species. Canals 4.2.5 Seek to enhance SSSI through landowner advice 4 E,G A,B2,D 2004 2010 LMAEN also act as ecological corridors linking 4.2.6 Potential land for advice on agri-environment 5,1227, other linear features such as rivers and schemes, to enhance farmland biodiversity 30,37 - B2,D 2005 2010 LMA hedgerows but also provide a link 4.2.7 Seek to influence management of land to buffer between manmade and natural habitats. the Fen from run-off 6 E,G B2,D 2004 2010 HWTLMA There is good public access along the 4.2.8 Maintain status of Warnborough Green respond tow path. to results of water monitoring 9 E,F A,B1 On going HWTEA Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey have a 4.2.9 Potential area for grassland restoration and scattering of navigable canals and Basingstoke Canal © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust landowner advice 10 E B2,D 2005 2010 LMA waterways but the only sizeable one 4.2.10 Conduct survey for great crested newt 10,2233 J C 2003 2005 ARG remaining is the Basingstoke Canal. This begins to the east of Basingstoke at Greywell Tunnel, dissecting 4.2.11 Potential area for wet grassland restoration the headwaters of the Loddon catchment and flowing east into the Wey catchment. The 32km of canal for breeding waders 11,13 F B2,D 2005 2010 LMA within the Loddon catchment (54% of the total length) equate to 0.5% of the UK resource as a whole and 4.2.12 Investigate potential to remove secondary 14% of the total extent of Canal SSSI in England. tree growth along river 10-13 K B2 2008 2015 EA 4.2.13 Continue restoration and management of The Basingstoke Canal is owned by Hampshire and Surrey County Councils and managed by the habitat through birch removal and grazing. A,B1 Basingstoke Canal Authority. A number of disused side waters create additional habitats including Eelmoor, Monitor effects on diversity 14,15 16 H,I B2,C 2003 2015 HWT Claycart and Rushmoor Flashes which are managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The 4.2.14 Potential to reinstate coppicing in Butter Wood A,B2 canal was re-opened for recreation in 1991, used for fishing, boating and as a local amenity area. Since this to increase diversity, conduct survey for dormouse 17 A C,D 2003 2015 LMA time there has been a need to protect and enhance the nationally important ecological value of the canal, 4.2.15 Investigate potential for pond restoration within A,B2 whilstnatans accommodating the many user groups. The canal was designated as a SSSI in 1955 because it is Butter Wood to increase habitat diversity 17 J D 2005 2010 LMA nationally important for aquatic plants and invertebrates. 4.2.16 Engage owner of Hang Wood, offer advice on management. Link to work at Butter Wood 18 A B2,D 2005 2015 LMA One of the most important characteristics of the Basingstoke Canal is the pH gradient that exists as it passes from the calcareous substrate of the west, to the acidic sands of the east. At its origin water 4.2.17 Potential to link fragmented woods through wood- 20,21 A,B2 B2,B3 land planting or sympathetic hedge management 24,35,36 C D 2005 2015 LMA crowfoot Ranunculus pencillatus, starwort Callitriche obtusangula and fool’s Apium nodiflorum 4.2.18 Conduct dormouse surveys 17,18,20, dominate. These are replaced by arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia, broad-leaved pondweed Potamogeton 21,24,35 A C 2003 2005 MG and spiked water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum as the pH becomes lower. 4.2.19 Develop management plan for Odiham Common, A number of threats have been identified on the canal including problems of turbidity, water quality, low ensure this is sustainable 25 D A,B2,D 2003 2010 ENLMA flows, tree shading, bank erosion and invasive alien species. A combination of these factors have reduced 4.2.20 Reinstate coppicing in Odiham Wood to improve the diversity of the flora and fauna of the canal. The canal is currently in unfavourable condition according floristic diversity 25 A A,B2,D 2003 2015 ENLMA to English Nature’s Condition Assessment. These topics are considered in the SSSI management plan for 4.2.21 Potential for adivce to restore Piller’s Park to the Canal and reviewed by the Basingstoke Canal Conservation Working Party (BCCWP) who meet on a standard of SSSI, review designation 26 D A,B2,D 2004 2015 LMAEN regular basis to tackle issues. English Nature is currently funding a programme of tree removal to address 4.2.22 Maintain diversity of flora and fauna at Hillside some of these issues. This strategy recognises the importance of the Basingstoke Canal as an ecological Fen with continuity of grazing 28 E B2,D 2005 2010 LMA corridor across the catchment. Close liason will be maintained through the BCCWP. 4.2.23 Potential area to link Hillside Fen with page 36downstream habitats 28 F B2,D 2005 2010 LMAEA 4.2.24 Use headwaters of River Whitewater as best practice example for floodplain management - A-L D On going ALL 4.2.25 Investigate potential for wetland restoration 31 E B2 2010 2015 LMA 4.2.26 Potential to enhance Newnham Village Green with involvement from local community 17 E B2 2004 2005 HWT All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 37 Target notes for the Basingstoke Canal 1. Up-Nately – canal to the west of the Greywell Tunnel. Water vole population has not declined here, as it has across the remainder of the canal. This is possibly due to isolation from mink. Restoration work by the BCA has removed shading by trees, improving diversity of the aquatic flora. 2. Greywell Tunnel SSSI – the last boat passed through the canal in 1914 and a partial roof collapse in 1932 stopped access through to the other side. Nationally significant for its bat population, with up to five species using the site for winter hibernating. There is a good interpretation board with history of the canal and information about wildlife on the canal. 3. Greywell – diversity of flora in this section has declined over the last 20 years. The causes for this decline are not fully understood. 4. Three Castles Path – long distance path from Winchester to Windsor. Crosses most of the Loddon catchment following the course of the Basingstoke Canal from Greywell almost to Dogmersfield. Opportunity to use interpretation along this path to show how habitats link through the catchment and how the catchment fits in to the country’s landscape. 5. River Whitewater – the river passes below the canal at this point. Mink probably use the canal as an easy corridor between the rivers which would explain the lack of water vole along this stretch. 6. – ruined castle, popular attraction for walkers drawing them on to the canal. Potential for more interpretation about the canal. The castle stands adjacent to the winding hole, which marks the western extent of navigation by motor boats on the canal. 7. Colt Hill – there is concern about the water quality of the canal. This may be due to agricultural run-off from the surrounding land which is higher than the canal. Water quality will be monitored to determine if this is significant. 8. Broad Oak – the canal passes through Odiham Common a site considered in the River Whitewater Strategic Area. The Canal can be seen as a significantly important wildlife corridor through the whole of the catchment linking all areas together. This is also the border between underlying calcareous and acidic geology. 9. Lousey Moor LWS – ancient woodland adjacent to the canal. 10. Dogmersfield – management by BCA to reduce shading of the canal by bank side trees. 11. Coxmoor Bridge – location of boat counter, used to monitor boat movements which is currently limited to 1,300 annually. There is some concern about the efficiency of these counters. 12. Chequers Bridge – the River Hart passes below the canal at this point. Mink probably use the canal as an easy corridor between the rivers which would explain the lack of water vole along this stretch. 13. Housing adjacent to the canal – gardens backing on to the canal could have a significant impact on the canal, especially with regard to garden waste and the threats of alien invasive species. Currently New Zealand Swamp Stonecrop Crassula helmsii is not found west of Fleet. Awareness of the importance of the canal to the local community should be promoted. 14. Pondtail – BCA management work to clear bank side trees, with the aim of increasing floristic diversity. Regeneration has not happened as quickly as expected. This suggests that other factors such as turbidity may be preventing growth. Turbidity could be the result of leaf sediment, disturbance by fish or boats, or a combination of other factors. Create 15. Eelmoor Marsh SSSI – acid bog supporting over 250 species of vascular plants and grasses. The species-rich grass heath on this site is rare outside of the New Forest. Of particular interest is the Restore population of pale dog violet Viola lactea which is the largest population to be found in northern realise opportunities pageHampshire. 38 Another rarity on the site is a population of nail fungus Poronia punctata rarely found outside of the New Forest. 16. Eelmoor, Claycart and Rushmoor Flashes – part of the Basingstoke Canal SSSI disused side waters

create three shallow ponds along a mile stretch of the canal. Managed by Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Ref. Trust at a variety of water depths to increase floristic diversity. Nationally important populations of Odonata. Fishing and boating are not allowed on the flashes. 17. Ash Lock – aqueduct constructed to take canal over A331 Blackwater Valley relief road. 18. Great Bottom Flash – part of the Basingstoke Canal SSSI is a significant site for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders. 19. Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre – ideal location to promote the biodiversity of the canal and the links it makes with the landscape of the catchment. Also well placed to raise awareness of the threats from invasive alien species. Deciduous woodlandLowland heath and boggrasslandAcid A HStanding open waterriversChalk ha ha 160Canals - J I ha 80 159 realise opportunities ha K - ha L realise opportunities 58 ha Habitat

20. Deepcut – cutting where boat counters are installed. Doubt over the accuracy of these counts, but they Priority Targets are due to be replaced. The canal now leaves the Loddon catchment.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 39 Table 4.3: Actions for the Basingstoke Canal 4.4 Dinton Pastures Dinton Pastures strategic area covers Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved the stretch of wide floodplain from 4.3.1 Monitor restoration work to determine effect on to Arborfield. This section of the water vole population 1 L C 2003 2005 BCA Loddon catchment is particularly 4.3.2 Implement regular surveys for water vole and mink vulnerable to development. However, to determine status 1 L C 2003 2005 BCA where development has been 4.3.3 Continue bat monitoring projects, ensure data is unavoidable, mitigation has ensured that passed on to local records centre and relevant BCA restoration work can take place within organisation, local authorities etc. 2 A,L C 2004 2005 BG the flood plain, to increase biodiversity. 4.3.4 Investigate decline in diversity on the Canal. Once The main aims for this section will be to known implement programme of action, reverse continue this restoration work to link up decline, achieve favourable condition 3 L A,B2,D 2003 2010 BCA the existing habitat and ensure that all 4.3.5 Investigate potential and cost of interpretation designated sites are in favourable panels for the Three Castles Path to provide information about the Canal, the Loddon BCA condition by 2010. Surveys for protected species will also inform the forward Catchment and ecological corridors 4 L D 2005 2010 HCC River Loddon © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust 4.3.6 Link mink control programme with work on the BCA planning process and to provide River Whitewater and River Hart, target areas HWT information on the most beneficial area where water vole are still present 5, 12 K,L C,D 2003 2005 EA to create new habitats. For example providing a corridor of newly created ponds to strengthen existing 4.3.7 Investigate potential for interpretation about the great crested newt Triturus cristatus populations. Canal at Odiham Castle 6 L D 2003 2005 HCC Accurate data on the distribution of phase 1 habitat was not available at the time of writing this strategy. 4.3.8 Investigate movements of boats at the western extent The first aim of this area should be to accurately map the habitat type at least to Phase 1 level, which can of navigation, determine viability limit if necessary 6 L B2,C 2003 2005 BCA then be used to calculate targets and determine levels of achievement. This data needs to be housed in a 4.3.9 Install new boat counters to monitor boat central location so that it is easily available and can be analysed as necessary, for example the new movements, limit as necessary 11, 20 L B2,C 2003 2005 BCA pseudonarcissus Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre. 4.3.10 Implement monitoring of water quality along the canal. Implement programme to improve if necessary 7 L B2,C 2003 2005 EA Wetlands and woodland are the characteristic habitat types for this area. The woodlands are notable for 4.3.11 Ensure awareness of the importance of the Canal theirterrestris populations of Loddon Lily Leucojum aestivum and contain approximately 10% of the total UK as an ecological corridor, with key sectors of the population. The enriched soils do not support a very diverse ground flora or under storey but there are community 8 L D On going BCA some notable species including bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta and wild daffodil Narcissus 4.3.12 Implement survey of ancient woodland adj. to the . The sites have also been surveyed for mosses and liverworts, a total of 22 species have canal. Provide management advice to ensure been recorded. continuity 9 A B2,C 2005 2010 BCA 4.3.13 Continue programme of tree removal to reduce The wetlands in this area are a mixture of open water, river and floodplain habitat types. The ponds were shading of the Canal where possible, monitor 10 L B2,C 2003 2005 BCA created as a result of gravel extraction and now provide a habitat for species such as water vole Arvicola 4.3.14 Raise awareness of the importance of the Canal , great crested newt Triturus cristatus and winter wildfowl and breeding waders. Due to the with local residence 13 L D On going BCA proximity of these resources to the local community, they provide an excellent opportunity to raise 4.3.15 Continue to monitor fish populations identify awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the threats that could cause its decline. The visitor and imbalances/ impacts, control as necessary 14 L B2,C 2003 2005 BCA study centre at Dinton Pastures County Park provide a focus for the dissemination of information. 4.3.16 Provide management advice to Eelmoor Marsh and HWT The farmland to the east of the River Loddon in this area is relatively non-intensive. The network of provide volunteers to conduct ecological surveys 15 H,I B2,C 2003 2005 MZ hedgerows and small fields provides a good opportunity for species diversity including a local stronghold 4.3.17 Enforce bylaws to prevent fishing and fish stocking HWT for water vole. Provision of advice on agri-environmental grants would be beneficial. There is also the of the Flashes 16 J D On going LFC opportunity to involve the smaller communities outside of Reading in the management of the wider 4.3.18 Continue to monitor populations of wild birds countryside. along the Basingstoke Canal 18 L C 2003 2010 OS page4.3.19 40Use Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre to raise awareness of the importance of the Canal and the potential threats 19 L D On going BCA 4.3.20 Investigate spread of invasive alien weeds on the Canal and implement programme of eradication 19 L B2,C 2003 2005 BCA 4.3.21 Produce overall Canal Management Plan - L B 2005 2005 BCA

All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 41 Target notes for Dinton Pastures 1. Land between A327 and M4 – farmland with wide floodplain, unimproved wet grassland and woodland LWS, area subject of investigation by the 2. Land north of M4 – land owned and managed by WU, plans for restoration. Links to Mill LWS. Floodplain forms wildlife corridor between developments. 3. – development work proposed to west, could impact on the wet meadow LWS. Mitigation could be used to restore and create an ecologically rich habitat. 4. Bear Wood Lake – significant area of standing open water, management should seek to enhance lake for biodiversity including provision of wetland habitats, such as reedbed. 5. Bear Wood College LWS – secondary woodland and remnant heathland. Owned and managed by Bearwood College. Site provides recreational resource. 6. South Lake and Highwood LWS – sites under considerable pressure from external influences but provide amenity resource for local population. Sites owned by WU. 7. Aldermoors Waingels Copse WHS and Ashenbury Park – woodlands situated between floodplain and expanding population. Provide valuable habitat resource and offer amenity area for local population. Owned by WU. 8. Wokingham – Tributary of the Loddon flows from heathland sites in east and provides link between community and wider countryside. Threat of pollution from flowing through heavily built up areas. 9. Dinton Pastures Country Park LWS – education and amenity resource for local community whilst improving biodiversity. Gravel extraction up to 1979 created series of lakes. Valuable resource to wintering and breeding wildfowl. Adj. habitats include extensive reed beds and wet grasslands grading in to carr woodland. 10. Dinton Pastures – habitats support rare species incl. Loddon Lily Leucojum aestivum and tower mustard Arabis glabra. Species managed as part Dinton Pastures, and also act as flagship species indicating the importance of the site. 11. Sandford Farm – large development planned to the east of Reading. Mitigation has secured land for nature conservation. Forms a corridor between lake complexes. 12. Sandford Mill and Lodge Wood SSSI – BBOWT nature reserve. Wet woodland containing 10% of the UK population of Loddon lily. Only site designated as a SSSI in area, therefore strategically important. Potential to use site as best practice example. 13. Twyford Lakes/ Charvil Country Park – created following restoration after gravel extraction. If aggregate workings were to expand, opportunity to enhance the ecological value of area. Owned by WU, part leased to BBOWT. 14. Charvil – large area of floodplain owned by WU. Currently not designated (will be designated as an LNR in future), management advice in area should seek to restore wet grasslands to provide resource for breeding wildfowl and wintering waders. 15. Hurst Village – series of ditches and drains. Maintains strong population of water vole and great crested newts. Adj. farmland should be targeted for landowner advice. 16. Waltham St Lawrence – large area in indicative floodplain, fragments of ancient woodland designated as LWS. Potential for water vole due to network of ditches. Area should be targeted for landowner advice and wetland restoration schemes. 17. Buckland Farm area – identified from maps as being situated in the middle of floodplain. Surveys required to determine current status of habitat, potential for wetland restoration. Priority targets page18. Reading 42 – large town adj. to floodplain, bordering the catchment. Creates a potential threat to the wider Habitat Ref. Restore Create countryside due to development pressure, water resources, pollution and invasive alien plants. Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 Community also use Loddon and associated habitats as an aesthetic and amenity resource. They Hedgerows C ha 50% - should be made aware of the value of the countryside, potential threats and encouraged to become Unimproved neutral involved in conservation projectsBinfield – Farmland and fragmented ancient woodland LWS. Area grassland E ha - 29 should be targeted for advice on agri-environment schemes to benefit farmland biodiversity. Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 19. Hare Hatch LWS – ancient woodland fragments in farmed landscape. Target area for landowner advice Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and sympathetic hedge management schemes. and reedbed G ha 20 47 20. Bowsey Hill LWS – ancient semi-natural woodland complex that has 50+ AWIS with good public access. Provides an amenity and educational resource for the nearby town of Reading. Part of site threatened by extraction permission (IDO). 21. Arborfield Weir LWS - potential to enhance habitat through river corridor restoration.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 43 Table 4.4: Actions for Dinton Pastures 4.5 Blackwater Valley This strategic area provides an Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved ecological corridor through the towns on 4.4.1 Conduct phase 1 ecological survey of the eastern side of the Loddon floodplain and surrounding landscape - A-L C 2004 2006 BBOWT catchment. The Blackwater Valley links 4.4.2 Investigate opportunities for joint partnership these urban areas with the rural working with Reading Uni 1 - C 2003 2005 BBOWT countryside at the heart of the 4.4.3 Develop wetland restoration plan for land 2,6,7,9 B2,B3 WU,EA Catchment. It also lies at the centre of owned by WU 10,1314 F,G,J C,D 2003 2005 BBOWT the Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey 4.4.4 Ensure all mitigation proposals include sustainable Heaths and is linked to these via the management plans and monitoring programmes - - A,B,C D On going WU many heathland streams draining into 4.4.5 Seek opportunities to link existing habitat 2,3,5,6 BBOWT the River Blackwater. Work in this area fragments 7,9,10 B,F,G,J B2,B3 2003 2010 EA, WU will firstly require establishing the extent 12,13 of the current resource and then focus 4.4.6 Potential to maintain woodland, seek to promote FWAG on improving and enhancing the hedgerow management to link site to other 16,19 B1,B2 BBOWT ecological value of the area. woodland fragments 20,21 A,C D 2003 2015 WU Encouraging local recorders to become Reeds and gravel pit by Phil McLean 4.4.7 Potential to maintain diversity of wetland habitats 2,3,4,9 involved in surveys and monitoring will 12,14 G,J B1,B2 2003 2005 BC be beneficial in gaining accurate 4.4.8 Ensure local records from site are passed to information to aid management decisions. central location to inform management of the BC wider countryside 4,5 - C,D On going TVERC A strong emphasis for the Backwater Valley is its potential as an educational, amenity, and recreational 4.4.9 Potential to maintain LWS within built-up area, WU resource, including interpretation along the riverside path. A major role of the Blackwater Valley will be to use to raise public awareness 6,7 A B1,D On going BBOWT cater for outdoor recreation for the urban population so taking pressure of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. 4.4.10 Explore potential for creation of ecotone between EA, WU Co-ordination of management work, advice and conservation awareness is undertaken by the Blackwater river and woodland 7 F,G B2,B3 2005 2010 BBOWT Valley Countryside Partnership. This plan has been written in consultation with this organisation and it is 4.4.11 Raise awareness of the significance of the river to EA expected that they will facilitate the implementation of the majority of the actions in this section. local community 8 - D On going BBOWT 4.4.12 Use centre as best practise example, involving The River Blackwater has suffered in the past from pollution and channel modification to allow for local community in conservation projects 9 - B1,D On going WU development and flood control. However, in recent years where new developments have been needed such 4.4.13 Continue to monitor species to ensure as the Blackwater Valley Road, mitigation measures have been used to improve the quality of the river and management is effective, investigate potential for BBOWT recreate natural features. designation as SSSI 10 A-L A,C 2003 2010 EN, WU The Blackwater Valley has over 80 water bodies resulting from gravel workings between Aldershot and 4.4.14 Potential to maintain Lodge Wood SSSI, potential to manage adjacent habitats to buffer from . These lakes now provide a variety of uses including angling, boating and wildlife conservation. deleterious impacts, seek to extend area of wet A,B1 BBOWT Gravel pits are currently active at both the southern and northern ends of the Blackwater Valley with woodland around site 12 E,F,G B2,D 2003 2005 EA, WU mineral reserves remaining in the northern section to enable many years future extraction. There is 4.4.15 Potential for wetland creation/restoration between enormous potential to restore current and future gravel pits to incorporate nature conservation objectives. Twyford Lakes and Dinton Pastures to complete B2,B3 EA, WU This would build on the value of existing sites to create a wetland park of national significance for a whole ecological corridor 13 F,G D 2005 2015 BBOWT suite of aquatic and wetland species. However obtaining the resources to sustain long term management 4.4.16 Potential for wetland creation to link fragments EA will be critical. and identify areas within floodplain for natural B2,B3 FWAG flood defence 16,17 F,J D 2003 2010 BBOWT Knowledge and mapping of the habitats and species present in the Blackwater Valley, is hampered by its 4.4.17 Offer advice to landowners promoting water vole, BBOWT lying within 3 counties and hence having triplicate administrative areas for the counties, English Nature advise Highways Agency about water vole to FWAG and biological records centres. Access to a local record centre with GIS capabilities covering the whole ensure verge clearance does not damage habitat 15 - D 2003 2005 EA catchment is particularly relevant to this strategic area. It is required to establish base line data and 4.4.18 Hold events to raise awareness of the significance progress against targets. page 44of the surrounding countryside. Engage with local recording and naturalist societies 18 - C,D 2004 2004 BBOWT 4.4.19 Potential to provide advice on agri-environment B2,B3 BBOWT schemes 19 - D 2005 2010 FWAG 4.4.20 Potential to promote sympathetic management at Hare hatch, including hedge management to link B2,B3 BBOWT fragments 20 A,C D 2005 2010 FWAG 4.4.21 Potential for enhancement of river corridor B2,B3 around Arborfield Weir 22 F,G D 2005 2010 EA All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 45 Target notes for the Blackwater Valley 1. Rowhill Copse LNR – source of the River Blackwater, managed as a working coppice, good public access and visitor centre. 2. Badshot Lea Ponds – fishing lakes, with the potential for enhancement for wildlife. 3. Farnham Quarry – gravel extraction. Restoration plan currently under review, high potential. 4. Land around Badshot Lea – degraded landscape, with project between Waverley BC, Farnham TC and BVCP to restore landscape and improve access focussed on hedgerow restoration. 5. Tongham Pool LWS – site restored sensitively after extraction. Owned by Local Authority but unmanaged and under threat from invasive alien species. 6. South of the Basingstoke Canal – fishing lakes and riverside grasslands of varying quality. Better grassland is a LWS with a seed source to enable restoration of the adjacent sites. 7. Lakeside Park LNR – owned and managed by Guildford BC, adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. Restored for nature conservation with involvement from local community. Site holds a mosaic of wetland habitats; reed bed, grassland, ponds and wet woodland. 8. Hollybush Hill and Park LWS – restored following household refuse tipping and gravel extraction. Sown but flower rich grassland, marsh and scrub habitats. 9. Mytchett Mere & Coleford Farm LWS – restoration following gravel extraction. Lakes, wetland and woodland habitat supporting good bird & reptile populations. 10. Coleford Bridge Lake and Meadow LWS – restoration following extraction. Boating lake with reed bed and adjacent meadow, regularly used by wildfowl. Requires management. 11. Frimley Hatches LWS – restoration following extraction. Lakes, scrub, grassland marsh, reed bed and woodland habitats. Valuable habitat for wildfowl and supports a range of different species. Used for angling, de facto public access around largest lake. Site would benefit from conservation management. 12. Blackwater Valley Road landscaping – c.50ha of land managed for ecological and landscape mitigation measures, habitats includes alder carr, grassland, plantations and a string of balancing ponds some with reed beds. 13. Hawley Meadows LWS – active flood plain grassland, some areas flower rich, managed by grazing. Opportunities for restoration and expansion. 14. Queen Elizabeth Park – owned by Rushmoor BC, managed by community group. Planted native and exotic trees, grasslands and some open water. Site overgrown with Rhododendron. Diverse woodland bird community. Of benefit to wildlife in urban setting. 15. Greenway – project involving Rushmoor BC, BVCP, Environment Agency, local landowners and community group. Project aims to improve conservation status of the Brook by improved management of floodplain, naturalisation of the river channel, creating better links to adjacent habitats, and improvements to public access and recreation. 16. Blackwater Valley SSSI – structural diversity ranging from riverine habitat to deciduous woodland. Eastern part of SSSI with some adjacent fields, owned by Bracknell Forest BC (Shepherd Meadows). Heavily used for recreation and valuable for local wildlife. Fields to the west of river channel are grazed; those to east cut annually for hay. Area to west of railway not managed for wildlife and suffers from urban fringe problems. Priority for management, this may require purchase by a suitable body. 17. Meadows LWS – adjacent to western end of SSSI, suffering similar problems. 18. Yateley and Eversley gravel pits LWS, lake complex used for angling, value for wildfowl and bat species. Priority targets Management to improve their role for wildlife conservation could be implemented without compromising Habitat Ref. Restore Create page 46 their recreational value. Wet woodland B ha 11 6 19. Church Farm – lakes restoration nearly complete, no management as yet. Management regime is Unimproved neutral required to maximise wildlife value and integrate this with the angling use. grassland E ha - 29 20. Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve LWS – restored specifically for nature conservation. Site notable for Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 wintering and breeding bird populations. Diverse wetland flora and fauna. Site threatened by Fen, carr, marsh, swamp invasive alien plants. Managed by RMC with assistance of local community group. Diverse wetland flora and reedbed G ha 20 47 and insect fauna Standing open water J ha realise opportunities 21. Eversley Quarry - currently being restored mainly for angling, and playing fields. Area of wet woodland/ Chalk rivers K ha realise opportunities marshy grassland already established, suitable for management. 22. Manor Farm Quarry - extraction on progress adjacent to Moor Green Lakes. Restoration plans specify a substantial reedbed, with open water, woodland & grassland. Could form a significant extension to Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve, requires resources for long term management. 23. Fleethill Farm Meadows – mainly agriculturally improved and arable land underlain by mineral deposits. Part is LWS characterised by unimproved wet grassland grading in to drier grassland. if quarried would have high potential for creation of floodplain or aquatic habitats, and linking LWS to other grasslands.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 47 Table 4.5: Actions for the Blackwater Valley 4.6 Berkshire and Surrey Heaths Berkshire and Surrey heaths strategic area covers Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved the remnant fragments of heathland habitat to the 4.5.1 Conduct Phase 1 survey of Blackwater Valley using north and east of the Blackwater River. These aerial photographs - - C 2003 2005 BVCP heathlands are part of the Thames Basin Heaths, 4.5.2 Maintain Rowhill Reserve, establish links to rest B1,B2 which at one time spread south to the edge of the of the valley 1 B,G D 2003 2010 RBC chalk downland of Hampshire and east in to Surrey. 4.5.3 Potential to manage ponds and grasslands to Large areas of this heathland still remain in increase conservation value, establish matrix of B2,B3 Hampshire and Surrey, although much of this is in wetland and grassland habitats 2,7 G,J D 2005 2010 BVCP unfavourable condition. In the Berkshire and Surrey 4.5.4 Potential to restore landscape and improve access, heaths strategic area, the heathland has been lost focus on hedgerow restoration 4 F B2,B3 2003 2010 BVCP mainly through development. 4.5.5 Ensure mineral restoration plans include wildlife conservation objectives, including restoration/ A,B2 The aim of this area will be to restore habitats to creation of habitats - C,B,F,G B3,D On going BVCP increase species biodiversity and to link these 4.5.6 Investigate potential to create wildlife corridors habitat fragments to the larger areas of heathland in to link priority habitats 5 C,F,G B3 2005 2010 BVCP Hampshire and Surrey. Sites that have been 4.5.7 Investigate options for control of invasive species identified are designated as either a Special Area of throughout Blackwater Valley - J B2,C,D 2003 2005 BVCP Conservation (SAC), proposed Special Protection 4.5.8 Continue management of Lakeside Park, use as A, B2 Areas (pSPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) example of best practise 7 B,F,G,J C,D 2003 2010 BVCP or Local Wildlife Site (LWS), therefore there is a 4.5.9 Potential to implement management to improve need to ensure that they are in good or favourable floristic diversity of grassland and increase condition by the target deadlines set by SEEBF (see diversity of habitats 9 B,E,G,J B2 2003 2005 BVCP section 3). These is also a need to buffer the 4.5.10 Monitor effects of restoration, ensure that isolation substantial blocks of heathland in Surrey and from other sites does not result in deterioration 10 B,F,G,K B2,C 2003 2010 BVCP Hampshire from the deleterious effects of the urban 4.5.11 Write and implement plans to restore diversity, B2,B3 environment that they are adjacent to in this area. integrate access and improve site interpretation 11 G,K C,D 2005 2010 BVCP 4.5.12 Potential to implement management, to increase In order to achieve these aims, there needs to be diversity. Establish new reedbed, remove invasive close liaison between conservation organisations woodland. Control visitor pressure, raising 5,6,11 and landowners. It is recognised that habitats have Heathland by David Purslow awareness of habitat through on site interpretation 19 B,G,J B2,D 2005 2010 BVCP remained because of ownership by landowners such 4.5.13 Conduct surveys to asses success of mitigation C,B,E, as, the Ministry of Defence and Forest Enterprise. These government departments have management plans measures, use results to inform management 12 F,G,J C 2003 2003 BVCP for their land which can be used to enhance biodiversity. By maintaining communication between 4.5.14 Continue/monitor restoration, increase area of conservation organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts and English Nature, the plans can be adjusted to species-rich grassland 13 E, F B2,C 2003 2010 BVCP complement other work in the area, co-ordinating effort to achieve greatest biodiversity gains. 4.5.15 Seek to enhance Park for species diversity 14 - B2,C D 2003 2015 RBC 4.5.16 Maintain/restore, continue links with local 15 C,F B2,D 2003 2010 RBC,EA An integral part of the restoration and maintenance of these habitats is to raise awareness of conservation community BVCP issues with the general public. Many of these sites have good public access and also a local community 4.5.17 Ensure SSSI buffered from adverse management interested in the way they are being managed. The need for management and the overall objectives for the on adj. Sites. Ensure that management of all SSSI BFBC, site can be disseminated through on-site interpretation and a programme of walks and talks. is sympathetic to conservation, consider land C,E,F, A,B2 EN, Another significant aim is to collate and monitor the status of species associated with heathland habitats. purchase to achieve aims 16,17 G,J C,D 2003 2010 BVCP This will help to monitor the health of the habitat, but will also provide information on the ability of species 4.5.18 Develop management plans to enhance biodiversity and integrate conservation with 17, 18 B,E,F, B2,B3 to move between sites. Species dispersal and the maintenance of a diverse genetic stock is essential for a other uses 19, 21, 22 G,J C,D 2003 2005 BVCP sustainable population. Local recorders and species groups should be supported. The data they collect 4.5.19 Maintain and monitor. Ensure that records are should be passed to conservation organisations, to inform management and to be incorporated in to county page 48passed to central location to inform management B1,C and national databases. process - E,F,J D 2003 2010 BVCP 4.5.20 Conduct surveys of priority species to inform management process, involve local community - - C,D 2003 2015 BVCP All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 49 Target notes for Berkshire and Surrey Heaths 1. Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC – Annex 1 habitat, depressions of peat substrate, dry heaths and North Atlantic wet heath with crossed-leaved heather. Total area 5138ha, only part of which occurs in the Loddon catchment. The site is internationally important for its invertebrate species including white faced darter Leucorrhinia dubia. The habitat also supports populations of heathland birds and scarce reptile such as smooth snake Coronella austriaca. 2. Mytchett – adjacent to SAC, site does not qualify for SAC status but is still a significant heathland habitat area. It also acts as a buffer to the SAC itself. 3. Mytchett Lake – part of the Basingstoke Canal SSSI. Provides a valuable open water, reedbed and wetland habitat for wildfowl and breeding waders. 4. Deepcut LWS – heathland habitat adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal forms habitat adjacent to the SAC and provides a strategic corridor to the SSSI of Colony Bog and Bagshot Heaths. 5. Colony Bog – Part of the Colony Bog and Bagshot Heaths SSSI. Extensive area of wet heath and bog part of the Thames Basin Heaths pSPA and Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC. The bog is within the MoD danger area. The species and habitats here are protected from disturbance but are also under recorded. 6. heath golf club LWS – site with ancient woodland fragments, managed under woodland grant scheme 7. - tributary drains Wishmoor Bottom and retains important valley bog species. Potential for wetland restoration. 8. Bagshot Heath – Part of the Colony Bog and Bagshot Heaths SSSI. Dry and wet heaths, valley mire, base poor ponds, neutral grassland and broadleaved woodland. Broadmoor Bottom and Wishmoor bog are notable valley bog habitats. Loddon catchment contains part of the 1697ha site. Significant for is invertebrate and heathland bird populations in particular Odonata, nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. Site is part of the proposed SPA for the Thames Basin Heaths. 9. Wildmoor Heath nature reserve – this site forms part of the internationally important Thames Basin Heaths pSPA. Managed by BBOWT/BFBC. 10. Little Sandhurst LWS – fragment of remnant heath to the north of Little Sandhurst. Owned and managed by the National Trust. Site is under pressure from the effects of isolation. Links need to be made to other habitats in the area. 11. Sandhurst Lodge LWS – ancient woodland sites, owned and managed by National Trust. Good public access. Corridor of woodland linking this site to Edgebarrow nature reserve. 12. Finchampsted Ridges LWS – second fragment of woodland within Sandhurst Lodge. Links need to be maintained between the two woodland to increase biodiversity. Simon’s Wood currently has 7ha heathland, potential for additional 7ha. 13. Gorrick Plantation - on the edge of the proposed SPA, acts as a buffer to SPA. Owned by Forest Enterprise. Mostly plantation with patches of remnant heath and alder carr woodland. Potential to restore to heathland habitat. 14. Heath Lake SSSI – owned and managed by WU. Only acid lake in Berkshire to support characteristic rare flora. The lake is surrounded by secondary woodland and a few small glades of wet and dry heath. Sites has potential for 9ha of heathland to be created. 15. Fleet Copse LWS – ancient woodland, on the edge of the Blackwater Valley floodplain, potential to Priority targets enhance wetland habitat adjacent to site. Habitat Ref. Restore Create page16. Longmoor 50 Bog SSSI – managed by Wokingham DC. Mosaic of woodland, fen heathland and open water. Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 Whilst the site is only approximately 13ha in size it supports rare fen and heath communities and Unimproved neutral associated species. grassland E ha - 29 17. Conurbation of Aldershot, Farnborough and Camberley – development pressure in the past has led to Fen, carr, marsh, swamp habitat loss and fragmentation. The threats to the remaining habitats include visitor pressure, pollution, and reedbed G ha 20 47 fires, domestic pets and barriers to species dispersal, such as roads. The Blackwater Valley outdoor Lowland heath and bog H ha - 159 recreation and amenity facilities are helping to deflect pressure on the SPA heathlands Acid grassland I ha - 58 Standing open water J ha realise opportunities

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 51 Table 4.6: Actions for Berkshire and Surrey Heaths 4.7 Hampshire Heaths The Hampshire Heaths strategic area to Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved the south of the River Blackwater forms 4.6.1 Promote value of heathland fragments as stepping part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. It stones for species dispersal between heaths of HP is recognised that the Thames Basin Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey - H,I D 2003 2015 BBOWT Heaths themselves extend in to 4.6.2 Ensure fragments are recognised in local plans and Berkshire and Surrey, these have been development control, seek to buffer from impacts A,E,H LA investigated in Section 4.6. The of development - I,J A,D 2003 2015 BBOWT Hampshire Heaths area represents some 4.6.3 Work in close liaison with the landowners to HP, WT of the most significant lowland ensure management plans provide gains for 1,2,4,8 A,B MoD heathland habitat outside of the New biodiversity 17 H,I C,D 2003 2015 FE Forest and the area is recognised as 4.6.4 Raise awareness of importance of habitats with A,E,H internationally important for its bird general public. Keep regular users of sites - I,J B,D 2003 2015 HP, WT populations, including nightjar, Dartford informed of management proposals MoD FE warbler and woodlark. The matrix of wet 4.6.5 Engage with community adjacent to heathland, and dry heaths, valley mire and acid make aware of pressures on habitat especially on A,E,H grassland are also significant for their urban fringe 1,2,4,8 I,J A,D 2003 2015 HP, WT © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust invertebrate populations, particularly 4.6.6 Continue to monitor sites to determine site condition and species status, encourage local dragonflies and also rare plants such as sundews and pillwort. ecologists to forward data to a centralised point A,E,H The Hampshire Heaths strategic area is afforded one of the highest levels of protection in the Loddon to aid conservation management 1,2,4,8 I,J C,D 2003 2015 HP, WT catchment. A large area from Bramshill Plantation to Hawley Common has been proposed as a Special 4.6.7 Potential to restore habitat to status of adjacent 2 H,I A,B2 2003 2015 HP, EN Protection Area. The aim of this area should be to maximise the amount of heathland under conservation SAC and consider designation SWT grazing, viewing the swathe of habitat as one contiguous block. When viewing the area on the GIS it is BBOWT apparent that this is possible because of a lack of urbanisation between habitat fragments. The roads that 4.6.8 Ensure management of Mytchett Lake provides dissect the heath limit the movement of stock to some extent and military use of land may require removal matrix of wetland habitats to support the greatest diversity of species, continue species monitoring 3 J B2,C 2003 2010 SWT of stock at certain times. These issues can be overcome with a detailed grazing plan and lay-back land to 4.6.9 Work in close liaison with landowner. Continue A,B HP, EN move stock to, when necessary. Landowner advice needs to be targeted between heathland sites to species monitoring and habitat restoration 5 H,I C,D 2003 2015 MoD provide information about agri-environment schemes to introduce grazing and link habitats. SWT Despite the long term security of designation, management is still needed to restore land to a heathland 4.6.10 Offer support to Camberley Heath golf club to SWT habitat. Large areas of former heath have been used for commercial forestry, mineral extraction, landfill maintain site 6 A B1 2003 2005 LA and aviation; leading to a reduction in the area of habitat suitable for heathland species. The remaining 4.6.11 Potential area for wetland restoration of tributary heathland has been protected to some extent by ownership by the Ministry of Defence, but has only been of River Blackwater 7 G B2,B3 2004 2010 EA,WT actively managed for nature conservation relatively recently. The heaths are also used as a recreational 4.6.12 Investigate potential for linking fragmented resource and suffers to an extent with the impacts of being on an urban fringe, for example fly tipping and habitats. Monitor status and protect from effects BBOWT of isolation 9,10 11,12 A,H,I B2,B3 2004 2010 LA, NT accidental fires. 4.6.13 Offer advise to land managers of Gorrick Survey and monitoring of species to gauge the success of this management will be crucial. This data Plantation about potential for linking site to should be passed to the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC) for incorporation into national other heathland in area. Promote favourable BBOWT and international databases. In order to improve communication between individuals to prevent duplication management, including regeneration of heathland 13 H,I B2,D 2003 2015 LA, FE of effort, a database of recorders and projects should be entered on to a GIS layer. A central point of 4.6.14 Potential to restore at least 9ha of Heath Lake BBOWT contact for this area is the Hampshire Heathlands Project, a Hampshire County Council and English Nature site to heathland providing study on lake concurs 14 I,J B2,D 2003 2015 LA, FEEN initiative to restore the Thames Basin Heaths. 4.6.15 Investigate potential for wetland creation BBOWT (e.g. bog) adj. to woodland 13 A,G B2,B3 2004 2005 LA 4.6.16 Potential to promote restoration of land to WU page 52heathland adjacent to SSSI 16 H B2 2005 2010 BBOWT EN 4.6.17 Investigate potential for ecological corridor between bog and heathland habitats to the LA south, to improve species dispersal 15 I,J B2,B3 2003 2010 BBOWT All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 53 Target notes for Hampshire Heaths 1. Bramshill Common – part of Bramshill SSSI, recognised as significant ecologically for over 20 years despite continuous use by man. Mosaic of habitats include relic heath, ponds, ditches, scrub, grassland, plantation, woodland, and bare ground. 2. Bramshill Ponds - 13 ponds on site which are very rich in wildlife and not used for recreation. Some ponds are becoming shaded and require management. 3. Bramshill Park –a farmed area which could be targeted for management advice to create links between Warren Heath and Hazeley Heath. 4. River Hart, Hazeley – fragmented ancient woodland LWS .Grassland within floodplain. Potential to create range of dry heath to floodplain habitats between heathland sites. 5. Hazeley Heath SSSI – common land with a variety of heathland habitat types. Whilst this habitat does not support any rare species, it is a significant area of habitat, with potential for restoration and linkages to Warren Heath. 6. Warren Heath Pond – part of Bramshill SSSI, series of disused gravel workings with adjacent wet and dry heath habitat. Ponds have been identified as being of particular significance for dragonflies and rare flora. Management/ restoration required. 7. Castle Bottom to Yateley and Hawley Commons SSSI – managed under cattle grazing by HCC. Heath grading into valley mire, supporting good populations of heathland birds and a population of water vole. 8. Eversley Common and Yateley Heath Wood – large expanse of heathland habitat with some mineral extraction. Restoration following extraction should seek to enhance heathland habitat and create links under A30 to allow species dispersal. 9. Blackbush Airport LWS - bounding airport is large area of acid grassland, supporting good assemblage of species. Managed by HCC, forms part of Yateley Common complex. 10. and 11. Yateley Common Country Park – heathland habitat with a variety of recreational users, including for education. Management plan balances uses with conservation. Largest complex of heathland habitat outside of New Forest. Managed by HCC. Would benefit from conservation grazing and link between heathland north and south of the A30. 12. Hawley Lake and Hawley Common – important heathland site, well recorded for its wintering and breeding bird species. Suffers from urban fringe effects. 13. Wood – land owned by MoD, potential to enhance through grazing to link Yateley Heath Wood to Hawley Common. Area currently undesignated. 14. Foxlease and Ancell’s Meadows SSSI - mosaic of acid grasslands, wet heaths, mire, carr and ditch habitats. Considered to be one of the best examples of acid grassland community remaining in SE England. Expanding through land purchase by group of organisations incl. Hampshire Heathlands Project, HWT and RSPB. 15. Elvetham LWS – site of development, mitigation used to enhance remaining habitat, including a ranger post with remit to educate and raise awareness to the local community 16. Fleet Pond SSSI - largest expanse of open water in Hampshire owned by Hart DC. Lake is shallow, surrounded by wide fringe reedbed, grading into alder carr and oak woodland. Concern about biodiversity loss, WLMP has now been produced to address this issue. 17. Pyestock Hill LWS – ancient woodland, heathland and acid grassland, owned by Defence Estates. Priority targets 18. Farnborough airfield LWS – adj. to Eelmoor Marsh SSSI, retains acid grassland communities and species. Habitat Ref. Restore Create page19. Bourley 54 and Long Valley SSSI – wet and dry heath, acid grassland, scrub and woodland. Includes two Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 valley mires, Bourley Bottom and Long Bottom. Rare species include ruby-tailed wasp Chrysis fulgida Hedgerows C ha 50% - and downy emerald Cordulia aenea. Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 20. Heath Brow SSSI – linked to Bourley and Long Valley SSSI by network of LWS which could be enhanced Fen, carr, marsh, swamp to increase are of heathland under favourable management. and reedbed G ha 20 47 21. – farmed landscape, scattered ancient woodland LWS. Opportunities to enhance Lowland heath and bog H ha - 159 farmland biodiversity and link woodland with sympathetic hedge management. Acid grassland I ha - 58 22. Elvetham Farm area – farmland encompassing floodplain, part of the site within Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Standing open water J ha realise opportunities Potential to provide advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance biodiversity. 23. River Hart, Winchfield Hurst – fragmented ancient woodland LWS and farmed landscape along floodplain of River Hart. Target for advice on agri-environment shemes to enhance biodiversity. Investigate potential for wetland creation.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 55 Table 4.7: Actions for Hampshire Heaths 4.8 Hackwood Park Hackwood Park strategic area extends from Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved to and south to the border 4.7.1 Raise awareness of the significance of this area, HHP, of the Loddon catchment at Long Sutton. support SPA proposal - H-J A,D 2003 2010 LAHWT Hackwood Park has been highlighted as a 4.7.2 Support Hampshire Heathlands Project to strategic area because of the potential to maintain overview of all project work in this area HHP,LA achieve part of the BAP target for pasture encourage communication between organisations - H-J B,D 2003 2010 HWT woodland and parkland in the Loddon 4.7.3 Ensure heathlands are recognised in local plans catchment. The land use is predominantly and development control - H-J A 2003 2010 LA agriculture with scattered ancient woodland 4.7.4 Work in close liaison with the landowners to FWAG sites, designated as Local Wildlife Sites. A ensure management plans provide gains for HHP number of landowners are already under agri- biodiversity - H-J A,B,D 2003 2010 HWT, environment schemes which are being utilised MoD FE to enhance the biodiversity of the area. There 4.7.5 Raise awareness of importance of habitats. Keep is the potential to link the blocks of regular users of sites informed of management HHP,LA designated habitat and the areas under the proposals - H-J B,D 2003 2010 HWT, FE schemes to make Hackwood Park strategic 4.7.6 Ensure that population adjacent to heathland are area significant for farmland biodiversity. aware of pressures on the habitat especially on HHP,LA urban fringe - H-J D 2003 2010 HWT, FE A matrix of pasture woodland, ancient 4.7.7 Continue to monitor sites to determine site HHP, woodland and farmland managed condition and species status, encourage local HWT FE, sympathetically for wildlife can be beneficial to ecologists to forward data to a centralised point MoD Spp many species. These include farmland birds to aid conservation management - H-J C 2003 2010 Groups (e.g. corn bunting Miliaria calandra), rare 4.7.8 Promote area as an educational resource for arable weeds (e.g. corn gromwell schools and higher education establishments. HHP,LA Lithospermum arvense), bats (e.g. pipistrelle Encourage project work to fulfil aims of strategy - H-J C,D 2003 2010 HWT, FE Pipistrellus pipistrellus), small mammals (e.g. 4.7.9 Investigate potential to manage heathland as one 1,2,5,7,8, HCC, habitat block, rather than as separate units 9,10,11,12 H-J B2 2003 2015 FE,LA dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius) and dead 4.7.10 Seek to manage area as one habitat block, with MoD, wood species (e.g. fungi and invertebrates). In extensive grazing over site 18,19,20 H-J B2 2003 2015 HCCLA areas where there is a high concentration of these biodiversity species there may be 4.7.11 Potential to implement management to restore HHP, Snakeshead Fritillaries, Stratfield Saye Estate by Phil McLean heathland habitat, promote achievements of HWT FE, potential to develop criteria for designating landowners and land managers where positive 1,5,6,9,12 MoD, areas of farmland as Local Wildlife Sites. management has achieved biodiversity gain 13,18,20 H-J B2 2003 2010 RSPB, LA To achieve positive gains for biodiversity there needs to be widespread promotion of agri-environment 4.7.12 Manage ponds sympathetically including removal HDC, schemes. In general management should seek to create arable field margins, conservation headlands, of fish where eutrophication is a problem and HHP where considered appropriate, seek to influence HWT, FE, beetle banks, promote sympathetic hedgerow management and traditional woodland management such as adjacent land to buffer ponds 2,6 12,16 J B2 2003 2010 MoD LA, coppicing and removal of non-native trees and encourage grazing in pasture woodlands. EA, RSPB Actions for this strategic area are less specific than in other areas of the catchment because the ability to 4.7.13 Maintain heathland habitats, seek to increase area HHP, implement actions is dependent on opportunity. The primary objective of this area is to strengthen working under positive management 7,810,11, HWT FE, relationships and provide support for landowners and land managers because most land in the Hackwood 14,19 H-J B1 2003 2010 MoD EA, LA Park area is actively farmed under private ownership. There are three important issues to consider in 4.7.14 Potential for heathland creation, providing advice FWAG achieving this aim. Understanding the local economy means working with landowners on practical schemes on agri-environment schemes, potential as lay-back HHP, to enhance biodiversity, preferably through whole farm management plans. Landowners must also be given land for grazing stock 3 H-J B3 2005 2015 HWT a clear strategy of intent, including a programme of proposed surveys and co-ordinated visits from page4.7.15 56Potential area for wetland creation 4 F,G B2,B3 2005 2015 FWAG, landowner advisors to prevent duplication of effort and confusion. Finally, monitoring and support needs to EA offered following restoration work, because schemes may need to be adapted if they are not successful in 4.7.16 Provide advice on agri-environment schemes to the first instance. enhance farmland biodiversity, encourage 4,17,21, B2,B3, FWAG sympathetic hedge management 22,23 A,C D 2007 2015 HWT 4.7.17 Potential to restore heathland habitat to meet criteria for LWS designation in the first instance, A,B2, HHP, then SSSI/SPA designation in the long-term 13 H-J B3 2005 2020 HWT FE, MoD LA 4.7.18 Where development is unavoidable, ensure mitigation significant to enhance remaining heathland habitat 15 H-J A,B2 2003 2020 LA All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 57 Target notes for Hackwood Park 1. Hackwood Park LWS - substantial block of pasture woodland and parkland in private ownership. Good hazel coppice stands with signs of dormouse and records of sword-leaved helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia. Create Site is regionally significant for lichens (Branson, pers comm.) 2. Spring Wood – part of Hackwood Park estate that is currently undesignated. Grants are available for habitat

restoration to enhance biodiversity. Restore 3. Dicken’s Lane plantation – plantation on ancient woodland site, species dispersal from other woodland sites in the north has been prevented by the M3. Site is still significant because of the links to Hackwood Park and should be managed sympathetically. 4. Swallick Wood – plantation on ancient woodland. Forms a strategic habitat block between pasture woodland Ref. sites. Potential for sympathetic management to enhance biodiversity and sympathetic management of hedgerows as habitat corridors. 5. Cliddesden farmland – target area for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 6. Kingsmore, Allwood and Fryingdown Copse – large block of ancient woodland habitat. Advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. 7. Hen Wood - large area of plantation that is currently being managed under the Woodland Grant Scheme. Potential for restoration and management to benefit biodiversity.

8. Park - pasture woodland which would once have been part of a much larger estate. Potential for Habitat Deciduous woodlandHedgerowsPasture Woodland Aand parkland ha D 160 C ha 80 13 ha 50% - - restoration and management to benefit biodiversity. Priority targets 9. Buckshorn Copse – ancient woodland site, isolated from other woodland in area, target for hedgerow management to link sites. 10. Herriard House – target area for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 11. LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 12. Brick Kiln Copse, Priest Wood LWS – fragmented block of ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 13. Pudding Copse, Sturts Copse LWS – fragmented block of ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 14. Green’s Copse LWS – ancient woodland site, isolated from other woodland in area, target for hedgerow management to link sites. 15. – target area for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 16. Agricultural land at – under Countryside Stewardship agreement. Mosaic of habitats which could be significant for farmland biodiversity species. 17. Shetlands Copse LWS – ancient woodland site, isolated from other woodland in area, target for hedgerow management to link sites. 18. Dean Copse LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 19. Little Park Copse LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 20. Humbly Grove Copse LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 21. Dean, Little Park and Humbly Grove Copse LWS – should be viewed as part of one woodland block. Ensure pagethat 58 there is potential for species dispersal between sites. 22. Great Park LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 23. Brick Kiln Common LWS – fragmented block of ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 24. South Warnborough – target area for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 25. Hester’s Copse LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 26. Vinney’s Copse LWS – ancient woodland, advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. 27. Sheephouse Copse LWS – species rich ancient woodland site, isolated from other woodland in area, target for hedgerow management to link sites. 28. Horsedown Common – ancient woodland LWS and unimproved grassland site. Advice should be provided on woodland grant schemes to support conservation management. Potential to link to other woodland habitat. Target area for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 59 Table 4.8: Actions for Hackwood Park 4.9 Swallowfield Park Swallowfield Park strategic area extends from Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved and the A327 south to Stratfield Saye 4.8.1 Organise landowner events to raise awareness of Park. This area is particularly significant as it is farmland biodiversity 1-28 - D 2004 2004 LMA situated at the confluence of the River 4.8.2 Investigate potential for demonstration farms Whitewater, River Hart and River Blackwater giving examples of best practise 1-28 - D 2005 2010 LMA where they flow into the main River Loddon 4.8.3 Surveys and monitoring for farmland birds, use to channel. If management here is effective, inform management 1-28 C C 2004 2015 OS species will have strong populations and be 4.8.4 Surveys and monitoring for arable flora, use to able to disperse to other areas. inform management 1-28 - C 2004 2015 FG In the north of this strategic area, there is 4.8.5 Surveys and monitoring for bats, including pressure from development around the village roosting and maternity sites, use results to inform management 1-28 A,C,D C 2004 2015 BG of Shinfield and Spencers Wood because of 4.8.6 Surveys for dormouse in ancient woodland and their proximity to Reading. The landscape suitable hedgerows, use results to inform becomes more rural east and south, in to a management 1-28 A,C,D C 2003 2005 MG farmed landscape with scattered ancient 4.8.7 Develop criteria for LWS designation in areas of woodland fragments. The floodplain is wide high farmland biodiversity 1-28 - A 2010 2020 HBIC and underdeveloped, although the lack of 4.8.8 Collate information on existing agri-environment designated sites suggests that there is schemes, offer support for post management work 1-28 - D 2003 2010 LMA potential for restoration. An aim of this area 4.8.9 Liase with other landowner advisors to prevent will be to liase with landowners and offer duplication of effort, target landowner advice in advice about agri-environment schemes to systematic rather than ad-hoc manner 1-28 - D 2003 2010 LMA enhance biodiversity. In Hampshire there is co- 4.8.10 Provide landowners with timetable of work/surveys ordination of advisors through the Land when providing advice to show clear statement of Management Advisors Forum. This prevents intent 1-28 - B,C,D 2004 2015 LMA duplication and targets effort where it is 4.8.11 Always gain landowner permission before Spp. needed most. A similar group would be undertaking surveys 1-28 - C On-going groups beneficial in the Berkshire area with contact 4.8.12 Offer advice to link fragmented woodland habitats maintained between the two groups. though sympathetic hedge management 1-28 A,C,D B2,B3,D 2004 2020 LMA 4.8.13 Potential area to buffer habitats and create areas There is one SSSI at Standford End Mill which Kestrel hunting over farmland by Phil McLean suitable for farmland biodiversity e.g. beetle extends north to include a section of the River banks, grass margins, conservation headlands 1-28 A,C B2,B3,D 2004 2010 LMA Loddon itself. Two other areas of note are the 4.8.14 Promote traditional management of ancient historic parks and gardens of Stratfield Saye Park and Swallowfield Park. These represent important areas woodlands. Investigate potential to remove non- for biodiversity because they contain a significant proportion of the pasture woodland and parkland native trees 1-28 A B2 2004 2010 LMA resource in the catchment. These historic parks and Wellington Country Park are under secure ownership 4.8.15 Survey and monitor pasture woodland sites to and provide an important amenity resource for the public. This means there can be long term management inform management. Provide support for agri- planning for restoration. Important species in the Swallowfield Park area include Loddon Pondweed and environment schemes 1-28 D C 2003 2020 LMA Snake’s Head Fritillary. 4.8.16 Promote sympathetic management of pasture woodland and parkland including resumption of Swallowfield Park strategic area covers the section of the River Loddon as it passes over the County border grazing 1-28 D B2,C 2003 2020 LMA between Hampshire and Berkshire. As such it illustrates the need for cross boundary management 4.8.17 Investigate potential to increase area of pasture planning. Ecological data for the Hampshire county is stored in a centralised location at the Hampshire woodland through creation of habitat adj. to Biological Information Centre (HBIC). In Berkshire the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre is under existing sites 1-28 D B3 2005 2020 LMA development, but habitat data is out-of-date. The first aim of this area therefore is to ensure accurate 4.8.18 Implement survey of ancient trees in open farm- mapping of the habitat in Berkshire to at least phase 1. There should be close liaison with HBIC in this page 60land and hedgerows, use to inform management 1-28 A,C,D C,B2 2004 2004 HWT process to ensure that systems are compatible. For example using the same habitat definitions and local 4.8.19 Promote agri-environment schemes, provide wildlife site criteria for designation. These measures will ensure consistency in the management of the information on new initiatives 1-28 - D 2003 2010 LMA River Loddon and floodplain habitats over the border, recognising that species and habitats do not conform 4.8.20 Promote whole farm management plans to achieve biodiversity gain 1-28 - B,D 2003 2010 LMA to political boundaries. 4.8.21 Provide leaflet to landowners on the initiatives available to them to increase biodiversity without increasing cost 1-28 - D 2004 2005 LMA 4.8.22 Review management plans regularly to ensure they are effective for conservation/acceptable to landowner 1-28 - D On-going LMA All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 61 Target notes for Swallowfield Park 1. Wellington Country Park - significant for pasture woodland habitat. Wellington Country Park is a visitor attraction and the management of the site is geared towards visitors however, the grazing in the deer park maintains a reasonable diversity. There is opportunity to enhance this park for wildlife and increase the educational value of the site through interpretation. The site is currently in a Woodland Grant Scheme which should provide funding to improve habitat quality. Large lake provides habitat diversity for wetland species. 2. Heath - currently undesignated part of Wellington Country Park. Under the woodland grant scheme, advise on restoration to enhance biodiversity. Determine historical habitat type and ensure that management is appropriate. Link to work in Thames Basin Heaths. 3. Wellington Monument - woodland forming a link between Wellington Country Park and Stratfield Saye Park. Liaison between managers could provide a large area of suitably restored habitat. 4. Confluence of River Hart and River Whitewater - fragmented blocks of ancient woodland, farmland, floodplain and wetland LWS. Target area on management schemes to link fragmented habitats. 5. Farmland west of Heckfield - fragmented block of ancient woodland in farmland. Target for advice on agri- environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 6. Farmland around Riseley - fragmented block of ancient woodland in farmland. Woodland already under Woodland Grant Scheme. Target for advice on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland biodiversity. 7. River Blackwater - after confluence with River Whitewater, currently undesignated. Investigate potential for wetland restoration. Ensure that management in this area does not affect quality of river downstream, for example diffuse pollution through agricultural runoff. 8. River north of Stratfield Turgis - floodplain around braided river channel, standing open water habitat. Investigate potential for wetland restoration, providing advice on agri-environment schemes. Instigate survey of ponds within the floodplain for great crested newt to advise management and local planning authority. 9. Stratfield Saye LWS - isolated ancient woodland in farmland. Target area for advice on agri-environment schemes. Ensure woodland is buffered from deleterious effects in wider countryside. Involve local communities in conservation for example through surveys for dormouse. 10. Stratfield Saye Park - maintains a large area of traditional pasture woodland. Under less pressure from visitors than other parks in area. Seek potential to construct otter holts. 11. Stanford End Mill and River Loddon SSSI - habitat of traditionally managed waterlogged hay meadows, cut in July followed by light grazing until the end of the year. Several notable species including snake’s head fritillary, Loddon Pondweed and rare river pea mussel, Pisidium . Instigate surveys for bats along rivers and in wider countryside to identify significant areas.tenuilineatum 12. Land adjacent to Stanford End Mill - wetland ditch restoration and wet meadow planting through partnership project under Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The restoration work has not only been ecologically beneficial. It has also increased the aesthetic value of a footpath that runs along the river. As well as providing an educational resource for local school groups. 13. Confluence of River Blackwater with River Loddon - investigate potential for restoration to extend work from Standford End Mill downstream. Ensure that agri-environment schemes are achieving biodiversity gain, modify if necessary. Ensure that this area is targeted for management work through liaison between organisations working in both counties, to allow co-ordination. 14. Swallowfield Park - Great wood LWS is a large expanse of designated coppice woodland forming a link to the other ancient woodland at Farley Hill. Much is now under Woodland Grant Scheme. There is also a Woodland Grant Scheme to plant a new linking woodland. The parkland is due to be surveyed in 2003 to pageassess 62 designation as an LWS. The remainder of the park is under Countryside Stewardship. If management is successful it will create an unbroken swathe from the River Loddon, through the floodplain and into Priority targets woodland. Habitat Ref. Restore Create 15. Farley Hill LWS - part of a complex of ancient woodland fragments within a farmed landscape. Deciduous woodland A ha 160 80 16. Farmland south of Shinfield - farmland within the floodplain to the west of the River Loddon, target for Hedgerows C ha 50% - restoration of wetland habitat. Provide information on agri-environment schemes to enhance farmland Lowland wet grassland F ha 2 17 biodiversity and to protect the River Loddon from diffuse pollution. Fen, carr, marsh, swamp 17. Shinfield - has been identified a potential area for wetland restoration. Development in Shinfield may provide and reedbed G ha 20 47 a means by which mitigation can secure the site for long term management. Ensure that LWS within the Lowland heath and bog H ha - 159 floodplain is buffered from any deleterious effects of development, ensure that links are made with other Acid grassland I ha - 58 suitable habitat to allow species dispersal. Standing open water J ha realise opportunities 18. Spencers Wood and Shinfield - ensure that the development pressures do not have an adverse effect on the floodplain and river habitats. Areas identified for development in the local plan must provide sufficient mitigation to enhance the biodiversity of the river corridor. For example a grassland corridor linking LWS to the floodplain.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 63 Table 4.9: Actions for Swallowfield Park References Action Target Priority BAP Start End Org. note habitat Target date date Involved Andrews, J. and Kinsman, D. 1990 Gravel pit restoration for wildlife. A 4.9.1 Form landowner liaison advisory group to BBOWT practicalGreywell manual. Fen SSSI RSPB co-ordinate work on the ground - - B,D 2003 2005 EA, WU FWAG Andrew Ward Associates 2001 Water Level Management Plan for Foxlease and Ancells. Unpublished Meadows Report SSSI for Hampshire Wildlife Trust. 4.9.2 Implement surveys for bats along the river BBOWT Vole Survey corridor to identify bat roosts and breeding sites - - C 2003 2005 Spp. Andrew Ward Associates 2001 Water Level Management Plan for Groups . Unpublished Report for Hampshire 4.9.3 Potential to increase interpretation at Wellington Wildlife Trust. Country Park on the significance of habitats and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust 1996 Water species found in area 1 D D 2005 2010 LMA , unpublished report. Records held on GIS by the 4.9.4 Potential to advise on management to enhance LMA EnvironmentReport. Volume Agency 1 and Thames 2 Region. biodiversity, including monitoring and reviewing 1,6 D B2,B2 2003 2010 BBOWT Biodiversity Steering Group. 1995 Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group 4.9.5 Seek to advise on restoration of habitat on Volume 1 – 7 . HMSO , link to other areas 2 A,H B2,D 2003 2010 LMA 4.9.6 Liase with managers of adjacent parks to ensure Biodiversity Steering Group. 1998 Biodiversity Group II Action Plan. plan that management is complementary 3,14 D B2,D 2003 2015 LMA . English Nature. 4.9.7 Potential land for management advice to enhance Biodiversity Steering Group. 1999 Reedbeds: A costed habitat action Valley and its Wildlife and Conservation farmland biodiversity and link fragmented 4,5,69, . http://www.jncc.gov.uk Bell heather woodland blocks 15,16 A,C B2,B3 D 2005 2010 LMA Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (pers. comm.) © Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust 4.9.8 Potential for wetland restoration, seek to ensure 4,7,8 EA Blackwater Valley Wildlife Conservation Group 1979 The Blackwater there is no adverse effect from diffuse pollution 13,16 E-G B2,B3 2005 2010 BBOWT . BVCP. 4.9.9 Identify populations of great crested newts, seek Edwards, J. (1994) Proof of Evidence DoE Ref: APP/N1730/A/93/230728. proof prepared on behalf of Hart District to manage habitat to enhance population. BBOWT Investigate possibility of pond creation both WU, Spp. Council. within and outside of the floodplain 8 J C 2003 2005 Groups English Nature 2001 Natural Areas: London Basin, Habitat: Standing open water and canals. http://www.english- 4.9.10 Ensure isolated woodland is not being degraded BBOWT nature.org.uk by external influences, engage local community in Spp. English Nature 1995 Ancient Woodland Inventory. English Nature. surveys 9 A C 2003 2005 Groups Environment Agency 2000 Focus on Biodiversity. Environment Agency 4.9.11 Determine status of habitat and species at Ecological Planning and Research 1996 Forest of Eversley: Feasibility of Heathland Forest Restoration, Draft Stratfield Saye Park. Potential to manage pasture LMA Report Hampshire County Council woodland to enhance biodiversity 10 A,D C,B2 2003 2005 BBOWT 4.9.12 Investigate potential for otter holt 10 B3 C 2003 2003 EA Gray, C. 1994 Fleet Pond Nature Reserve Management Plan. Unpublished Report. 4.9.13 Determine status of habitat and species at Hall, C. 1998 A new botanical evaluation of Bramshill Common and Heath Warren. Unpublished Report Hampshire Stanford End Mill. Manage accordingly 11 E-G A,B1,C 2003 2005 EA, WU Wildlife Trust. 4.9.14 Potential to influence management to include Hall,Heath C. Warren1998 A review of the Odonata and some other invertebrate groups occurring at Bramshill Common and needs of priority species at Stanford End Mill 11 - A,B1,C 2004 2006 EA . Unpublished Report for Hampshire Wildlife Trust. 4.9.15 Maintain Wyvols Court Farm through appropriate 12 E-G B2 2003 2005 EA, WU Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership 1998 Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Volume .1 Hampshire County management, monitor and review DEFRA Council. 4.9.16 Ensure co-ordination to overcome county Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership 2000 Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Volume .2 Hampshire County boundary issues 13 - D 2003 2004 ALL Council 4.9.17 Investigate potential for increasing area of pasture woodland and parkland at Swallowfield park BBOWT Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 2000 Water Vole Survey, unpublished report. Records held on Access though long term management programme 14 D B3 2005 2020 WU database by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. 4.9.18 Potential for wetland creation at Shinfield to Hares, R. and Ward, N. 2001 Effects of water pollution from roads. http//:www.sph.umich.edu.htm ensure buffer of LWS 17 E-G B3 2003 2005 EA, WU Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITE) and Pond Action. 1998 Lowlands Ponds Survey – Final Report. DETR page 64 Managed 4.9.19 Ensure ecological value of the area is recognised Low, M and Corbyn, I. 1998 Berkshire’s Wildlife Heritage Sites – How Well are They Being Protected and in local plans, ensure mitigation where . BBOWT. development unavoidable e.g. grassland corridor linking LWS to floodplain 18 - A,D On-going WU National Rivers Authority. 1993 Ponds and Conservation: A rough guide. NRA Oxford Archaeological Unit 2000 Hampshire Water Meadows Survey. Hampshire County Council. All actions are subject to liaison and agreement with the landowner. Netherton C. 2000 Water Voles in Urban Areas of Hampshire, unpublished report for the South east Otters and Rivers Project. Redgrave, L. 1995 Berkshire Unimproved Neutral Grassland Survey. unpublished report. RSPB and County Wildlife Trusts 1996 Biodiversity of the south west. SW Regional Planning Conference. South East England Biodiversity Forum. 2002 Action for Biodiversity in South East England. English Nature. South East England Regional Assembly 2001 Regional Sustainable Development Framework English Nature Strachan R. 1999 The water vole in Britain 1996 – 1998. The Vincent Wildlife Trust. London. Surrey Biodiversity Partnership 1999 Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan. Walter, A. 2001 River Hart Dogmersfield RCS. Environment Agency Thames Region. Walter, A. 2001 Basing Hale Farm Ditches RCS. Environment Agency Thames Region Wokingham District Council. 1999 Biodiversity Action Plan for Wokingham District. Wokingham Unitary Authority.

Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 65 Appendix B: Existing policy and legislative drivers and links to other initiatives in the Loddon catchment Biodiversity Action Plans - Local plans produced by each county to implement the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, part of the government’s response it made in signing the Convention on Biological Diversity during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies - produced by the Environment Agency following the government publication “ taking water responsibly”. The principle aim is to allow balance between the needs of abstractors and with those of the aquatic environment. To be determined in consultation with the local community and interested parties. Catchment Flood Management Plans - This is an Environment Agency initiative which will provide a strategic planning framework for integrated management of flood risks to people and the developed and natural environment in a sustainable manner. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 - This states that any Government department has a general duty to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity, which is defined as including restoration and enhancement. Community Strategies - Part I of the Local Government Act 2000 places a duty on local authorities to prepare ‘community strategies’, for promoting or improving the economic, social and environmental well- being of their areas, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK. It also gives authorities broad new powers to improve and promote local well-being as a means of helping them to implement those strategies. Forest of Eversley Strategy - Hampshire County Council partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission, Hart District Council and Hampshire Wildlife Trust. Initiative considers the broad objectives for the landscape between Basingstoke and the conurbation from Aldershot to Camberley. Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC - The Habitats Directive requires Member States to endeavour to encourage the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild flora and fauna. These features are those, which because of their linear and continuous structure or their function as stepping stones, are essential for migration, dispersal and genetic exchange. Examples given in the Directive are rivers and their banks, traditional field boundary systems, ponds and small woods. The Directive is also the mechanism that enables the designation of SACs which will form part of the Natura 2000 Network. The Hampshire Landscape Strategy: A Strategy for the Future (Hampshire County Council, 2000) - sets out a broad framework for district-level strategies. A mechanism through which the Council contributes to the delivery of the Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Draft 2003) - an umbrella framework to integrate the objectives of existing initiatives with those of the whole borough in a co- ordinated way. LEAPs and Local Contributions - LEAPs are plans that help the Environment Agency identify, assess and address environmental problems in the River Catchment whilst taking into account the views of the local community. The LEAP process has recently been superseded by a new strategy called “Local Contributions”. This is an over-arching document covering all the LEAP catchments and identifies the key environmental targets and outcomes that the Agency will be delivering over the next 5 years. Local Sites Systems (DETR Local Sites Review Group Report, 2000) - “The series of non-statutory Local Sites seek to ensure, in the public interest, the conservation, maintenance and enhancement of species, habitats, geological and geomorphological features of substantive nature conservation value. Local Site systems should select all areas of substantive value including both the most important and the most distinctive species, habitats, geological and geomorphological features within a national, regional and local context. Sites within the series may also have an important role in contributing to the public enjoyment of nature conservation.” Planning Policy Guidance 9: Nature Conservation - structure plans, local plans and unitary development plans must include policies in respect of the conservation of natural beauty and amenity of the land. It states that, ‘statutory and non statutory sites, together with countryside features which provide wildlife corridors, links or stepping stones from one habitat to another, all help to form a network necessary to ensure the maintenance of the current range and diversity of flora, fauna, geological and landform features and the survival of important species’. page 66 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003

page 67 Regional Sustainable Development Framework 2001, A better quality of life in the South East - produced by Appendix C: Calculations for catchment habitat targets regional government it sets out a vision for the region with four themes including effective protection of the environment and prudent use of natural resources. The objectives of the framework will be measured using ! Loddon catchment habitat resource was based on Phase 1 habitat data for Hampshire (HBIC, 2001). This indicators such as the extent and condition of key BAP habitats. was not available for Surrey or Berkshire. The area of habitat in these counties was estimated by assuming the same proportional quantity of habitat in Hampshire would be true of Berkshire and Water Level Management Plans - many SSSIs have a water level management plan which investigates the Surrey. (this is obviously not as accurate as it should be, but was based on the best available hydrological regime of each site and ensures that they remain in favourable condition. information).

Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC - Article 1 of the water framework directive states that signatories ! Area of Loddon catchment in each county. must “Prevent further deterioration, protect and enhance aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands”. ! Hampshire: 42,840ha Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - the presence of a protected species is a material consideration when a ! Berkshire: 20,400ha local planning authority is considering a development proposal, which, if carried out, would be likely to ! Surrey: 4,760ha result in harm to that species, or its habitat. ! Total area of Loddon catchment : 68,000ha Working with the grain of nature: A biodiversity strategy for England (DEFRA, 2002) - Government strategy with partnership of stakeholders in the public, voluntary and private sectors. The document sets out a Habitat Resource % of Estimated Total series of actions to make biodiversity a fundamental consideration in agricultural, water, woodland, marine in Hants. Hampshire habitat area catchment and urban policies and initiatives. (ha) catchment Berks. Surrey resource NB: This is not an exhaustive list of policies and initiatives relevant to the Loddon catchment, but acts as a land area (ha) (ha) (ha) flavour of supporting work for the Biodiversity Strategy: the Loddon catchment. Deciduous woodland 4991 12 2448 571 8010 Wet woodland 365 0.9 184 4 553 Hedgerows - - - - - Pasture woodland and parkland 418 1 204 48 670 Unimproved neutral grassland 232 0.5 102 24 358 Lowland wet grassland 114 0.3 61 14 189 Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed 40 0.09 18 4 62 Lowland heath and bog 585 1 204 48 837 Acid grassland 83 0.2 41 10 134 Standing open water 234 0.5 102 24 360 Chalk rivers - - - - 71km Canals - - - - 32km

- Information is not available because there is no data on current area or there are no fixed targets from SEEBF

Example of calculation - Deciduous woodland % of habitat in Hampshire section of the catchment = (4991/42840) x 100 = 12% Estimated area of habitat in Berkshire section of the catchment = 20400 x 12% = 2448 ha Estimated area of habitat in Surrey section of the catchment = 4760 x 12% = 571 ha Total area of deciduous woodland in the Loddon catchment = 4991+2448+571 = 8010ha

page 68 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 69 ! SE habitat resource and SE targets were based on the South East England Biodiversity Forum: Action ! Loddon catchment targets were calculated on the principal that we should be able to achieve the same for Biodiversity in South East England (SEEBF, 2001) and The Biodiversity of South East England: An percentage of target as those for the South East based on the current resource of habitat in Hampshire Audit and Assessment (Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, 1998). Habitat Catchment % SE %SE Hampshire targets Habitat SE Catchment Catchment % resource restore create Restore Create resource (ha) resource (ha) of SE resource (ha) target target (ha) (ha) Deciduous woodland 85555 8010 9 Deciduous woodland 8010 2 1 160 80 Wet woodland - 553 - Wet woodland* 553 2 1 11 6 Hedgerows - - - Hedgerows - 50% - 50% - Pasture woodland and parkland 12200 670 5 Pasture woodland and parkland 670 2 - 13 - Unimproved neutral grassland 5235 358 9 Unimproved neutral grassland 358 - 8 - 29 Lowland wet grassland 32000 189 1 Lowland wet grassland 189 1 9 2 17 Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed 1825 62 3 Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed 62 33 75 20 47 Lowland heath and bog 23000 837 4 Lowland heath and bog 837 - 19 - 159 Acid grassland 4100 134 3 Acid grassland 134 - 43 - 58 Standing open water - 360 - Standing open water 360 realise opportunities realise opportunities Chalk rivers 1498km 71km 5 Chalk rivers 71km realise opportunities realise opportunities Canals - 32km - Canals 32km realise opportunities realise opportunities - Information is not available because there is no data on current area or there are no fixed targets from - Information is not available because there is no data on current area or there are no fixed targets from SEEBF SEEBF * to achieve a target for wet woodland, the SE targets for ancient woodland were used. ! Targets for the SE as a percentage of the SE habitat resource.

Habitat SE target Restore target SE target to Create target Example of calculation - Deciduous woodland to restore (ha) as % of SE create (ha) as % of SE % restore target for South East = 2% resource resource Habitat resource in the Loddon catchment = 8010ha Deciduous woodland 1600 2 1150 1 Restore target for the Loddon catchment = 8010 x 2% Wet woodland 70 - 270 - = 160ha Hedgerows 50% 50% - -

Pasture woodland and parkland 200 2 25 sites - % create target for South East = 1% Unimproved neutral grassland - - 403 8 Habitat resource in the Loddon catchment = 8010ha Lowland wet grassland 410 1 2985 9 Create target for the Loddon catchment = 8010 x 1% Fen, carr, marsh, swamp and reedbed 600 33 1370 75 = 80ha Lowland heath and bog - - 4394 19 Acid grassland - - 1745 43 Standing open water realise opportunities Chalk rivers restore where deteriorated - Canals - - - -

- Information is not available because there is no data on current area or there are no fixed targets from SEEBF Example of calculation - Deciduous woodland Habitat resource for the south east = 85,555ha Restore target as a percentage of the south east resource = 1,600ha Restore target as % of the south east resource= (1600/85555) x 100 = 2%

page 70 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 71 Appendix D: Designated sites in the Loddon catchment Glossary Special Protection Area (SPA) Thames Basin Heaths Agri-environment schemes - schemes operating under the England Rural Development Programme as part of the EU Rural Development Regulation. Agri-environment schemes are currently under review. Intended to Special Area of Conservation (SAC) promote sustainable farming and promote the rural economy, the new Environmental Stewardship (ES) will Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham be launched in England in 2005. It will replace the existing agri-environment schemes (Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Countryside Stewardship and Organic Farming Schemes). Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Ancient woodland Indicator Species - plant species which are characteristic of ancient woodland; i.e. much Ash to Brookwood Heaths more common within ancient woodland than in secondary woodland. Basingstoke Canal Anthropogenic - caused or influenced by human impact on natural systems. Blackwater Valley Biodiversity - the diversity of life on Earth. Bourley and Long Valley Buffer zone - a strip that partially or fully encloses an area to protect the inner section from ecological disturbance by outside pressures; a transition zone between districts managed for different objectives. Bramshill Carr woodland - woodland, usually comprising alder and willow, naturally occurring in marshy conditions. Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heath Carrying capacity - for any given environment, the carrying capacity is the amount of activity that can be Butter Wood supported in a sustainable manner. If pressures of population, extraction of materials, or pollution exceed Castle Bottom to Yateley and Hawley Common this limit, the environment will suffer long-term damage. Colony Bog and Bagshot Heaths (bordering the catchment) Condition assessment – a methodology developed by English Nature to assess the condition of a site, based on indicative attributes. Eelmoor Marsh Coppice - trees which are cut back to near ground level every few years and which grow again from the Fleet Pond stump or stool. The many straight stems which grow from each stool are used for firewood, tools and other Foxlease and Ancell’s Meadows purposes. Greywell Fen Countryside Stewardship - an agri-environment scheme which enables farmers and land managers in England to enter 10-year management agreements to maintain or enhance certain landscapes and features Greywell Tunnel including chalk and limestone grassland; lowland heath; waterside land; coast; uplands; historic Hazeley Heath landscapes; old traditional orchards; old meadows and pastures; community forests; the countryside around towns and throughout England hedgerows and field boundaries which need restoring. Heath Brow Ecological corridor - the principle of connections between wildlife habitats. Closely related to the theory of Heath Lake fragmentation, ecological corridors aim to provide a corridor for migration of all species between suitable Hook Common and Bartley Heath habitat areas Lodge Wood and Sandford Mill Ecotone - a transition zone between two structurally different ecosystems. Longmoor Bog Ecosystem - the interactions of animals, plants, fungi, and micro organisms with each other and the non- living world around within a defined area. Mapledurwell Fen Eutrophication - the process of artificial enrichment of water bodies, usually by pollutants or agricultural Odiham Common with Bagwell Green and Shaw fertiliser run-off, which leads to over activation of the water-dwelling bacteria and microscopic life which in Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heath turn decreases oxygen levels in the water and causes many species of plants and animals to be lost from Stanford End Mill and River Loddon the water body. Warnborogh Green Flagship species - species, often with public appeal, that is used to promote the conservation of a habitat, e.g. otter for rivers. Wellington College Bog Fragmentation - the disruption of large areas of habitat into smaller, separate units. Involves both a total West Minley Meadow loss of habitat area and the isolation of remaining habitat patches, which prevents interaction between some organisms located in the fragments, and renders them effectively separate populations. Habitat - a place where animals, plants, fungi, and micro organisms live or, an association of plants, and fungi, for example that have become linked. Headwaters - upper tributaries of a river or stream; the water from which a river or stream rises. Improved land - land that has been improved for the purposes of agricultural production by the application of fertilisers. Invasive alien species - species from other countries not naturally found growing in Britain, with a tendency to dominate communities to the detriment of native species.

page 72 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 Biodiversity Strategy: The Loddon catchment 2003 page 73 Index

Key habitats - included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan because, the UK has international obligations, the Abbreviations Used 28 Hook 21, 29, 33 Aldershot 8, 45 Hook Common 8, 29 habitat is rare or at risk or, the habitat is important for key species. Ancells Meadow 8 Iron Age 7 Andwell Moor 8 Lamprey, Brook 9 Land Management Advisors Forum - a group of individuals and/or organisations who are involved in Arborfield 41 Lapwing 7, 15 providing advice to landowners and land managers, particularly with regard to agri-environment schemes. Arrowhead 37 Lichens 57 Bagshot 8 Liverworts 41 The group aims to prevent duplication of effort and provide a clear and efficient source of advice. Bartley Heath 8, 29 Local Planning Authority, see Planning Basing Fen 8 Loddon Lily 9, 16, 41, 61 Lay-back land - areas of land used in the management of stock for conservation grazing. Basingstoke 5, 14, 21, 29 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 29, 61 Basingstoke Canal 5, 9, 11, 15, 37 Lodge Wood 11 Local Biodiversity Action Plan - plans produced at county, district, parish or similar level to interpret the Bat(s) 7, 15, 57 Longmoor Bog 11 actions of the UK Biodiversity Action Plans. Bat, Barbastelle 15 Long Sutton 57 Bat, Daubenton’s 15 Lichens 7 Local Wildlife Site (LWS) - non-statutory designation. Sites are identified as being of at least county Bat, Long-eared 15 Lyde River 6, 8, 9, 13, 29 Bat, Natterer’s 9, 15 Mapledurwell 8, 29 significance for their habitats or species populations. Landowners, local authorities, and others are Bat, Noctule 15 Marsh Gentian 16 encouraged to enter them into protective management agreements, and local authorities are also Bat, Pipistrelle 9, 15, 57 Mink 13, 16 Bat, Serotine 15 Moor Green Lake 15 encouraged to steer harmful development away from them through recognition in local planning policies. Beetle Banks 57 Mosses 41 Berkshire & Surrey Heaths 49 Mussel, Fine-lined pea 9 Macrophytic plants - large rooted or floating aquatic plants. Bern Convention 13, 14, 15 Mytchett Lake 13 Biodiversity 6 Mytchett Mere 8 Niche - the unique set of resources used by a species within an ecosystem. Biodiversity Action Plan – UK 3, 6, 13, 21, 23 New Forest 7 Bittern 15 Newt, Great Crested 9, 14, 41 Priority species - those species on the short and medium lists of the UK Biodiversity Steering Group Report Black Dam 29 Nightjar 15, 53 (1995). Blackwater River 5, 9, 14, 15, 45, 61 North Warnborough Green 7, 11 Blackwood 6 Odiham 33 Bluebell 41 Odiham Common 6, 7, 29, 33 Ride - open track-ways cut through woods originally for the extraction of timber. Now important Bonn Convention 15 Old Basing 14, 29 conservation areas for butterflies, other invertebrates and wildflowers growing there due to the increased Bramshill Plantation 8, 9 Orchid, Green-winged 7 sunlight along the woodland edge. Bramshill Park 7 Otter 6, 13, 61 Butter Wood 6, 7, 29 Parrot Feather 16 Riparian - living or growing along the banks of a river. Castle Bottom 8 Peat 29 Charvil 41 Pilwort 16, 53 Chineham 29 Pirbright 8 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - an area of land notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Claycart 37 Planning 13, 14, 41 1981 as being of special nature conservation interest. The SSSI designation applies in England, Wales and Cliddesden 57 Pondweed, Broad-leaved 37 Scotland. In Northern Ireland sites are known as ASSIs. Sites are notified by the appropriate country Conservation Headlands 57 Pondweed, Loddon 9, 16, 61 Corn Bunting 15, 57 PPG9 15 conservation agency, in England this is English Nature. Corridors (ecological) 6, 21, 25, 29, 37, 41 Reading 9, 21, 61 Crondall 57 Redshank 15 South East England Biodiversity Forum - forum attended by leading voluntary and statutory nature Crayfish, Signal 16 Ringed Plover 15 conservation organisations, with a remit to provide advice to regional government and co-ordinate Crayfish, White-clawed 16 Rushmoor 37 Cudweed 6 Saxifrage, Pepper 7 biodiversity activity across the region. Daffodil, Wild 41 Scabious, Devil’s-bit 7 Dartford Warbler 53 Sheephouse Copse 6 Special Area for Conservation (SAC) - a site designated by the UK Government under EC Directive 92/43 on Dinton Pastures 8, 9, 14, 15, 41 Sherfield on Loddon 7, 29 the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Dormouse 6, 57 Snipe 15 Dragonfly 53 South East England Special Protection Area (SPA) - a site designated under Article 4 of EC Directive 79/409 on the conservation Dragonfly, Brilliant Emerald 16 Biodiversity Forum 23 Dragonfly, Downy Emerald 9 South Warnborough 7 of wild birds. Together SACs and SPAs form a network of European sites known as Natura 2000. Dragonfly, Hairy 16 Spensers Wood 61 East Moor 8 Stanford End 8, 11, 61 Strategic area - area selected for the purposes of this strategy. Identified because of the potential to Eelmoor Marsh 8, 37 Starwort 37 implement actions in the area to enhance biodiversity. Eversley 45 Stonecrop, Australian Swamp 16 Farming 7 Stratfield Saye Park 7, 61 - the gradual alteration of an area of vegetation changing by more or less natural processes, Farnborough 13 Sundew 53 Succession Fleet 21 Surrey & Berkshire Heaths 49 towards the natural climax community for that habitat. Fleet Pond 8, 9, 15 Swallowfield 8 Flood Plain 7, 8, 41, 61 Swallowfield Park 7, 61 Sustainable development - development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the Foxlease 8 Thames Basin Heaths 53 ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Fritillary, Snake’s Head 61 Thames River 13 Genetic Exchange 21 Tower Mustard 16 Greywell Fen 8, 11, 13 Tundry Pond 15 UK Biodiversity Action Plan - the UK’s priorities in biodiversity conservation, formulates a series of focused Greywell Tunnel 9, 11, 15, 37 Vole, Water 9, 14, 16, 41 action plans designed to achieve these objectives. Gromwell, corn 7, 57 Vyne, The 7 Habitats Directive 13, 14, 15 Waders 41 Woodland Grant Schemes (WGS) - grants from the Forestry Commission to create new woodlands and to Hackwood Park 7, 57 Watercress, Fool’s 37 encourage the good management and regeneration of existing woodlands. Hampshire Biodiversity Water Crowfoot 37 Information Centre 22, 53, 61 Water Fern 16 Hart River 5, 61 Waterfowl 16 Whole farm management plan - management plan to incorporate the conservation of species and habitats Hartley Wespall 8 Water-milfoil, Spiked 37 across a whole farm as part of sustainable farming practice. Hartley Wintney 21 Wellington Country Park 61 Hawley Lake 8, 15 Weston Common 7 Hazeley Heath 8 Wetland 7 Heath Lake 9, 13 Wey River 13 Helleborine, Narrow leaved 6 Whitewater River 5, 8, 14, 33, 61 Helleborine, Sword-leaved 16 Wildfowl 41 Hen Wood 6 Wildlife and Countryside Act 13, 14, 15 Hobby 15 Wokingham 11

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