The below e-mails detail the information Parks and Countryside hold regarding meetings between Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) concerning Blacka Moor between the 1st April 2015 and 26th April 2016.

The first is from our Woodland Officer and relates to a site visit made on the 24th March with Nabil Abbas from SRWT and Chris Smith from SCC’s Ecology Team.

From: Gilpin John Sent: 08 April 2016 14:07 To: Smith Christopher Subject: Site Visits - Carbrook Ravine & Blacka Moor

Hello Chris

I really enjoyed the days out looking at both sites and their stark contrasts. Comments below; Carbrook Ravine • There’s quite a lot of historical tipping mainly along the site boundaries, requires immediate action. • Wooden sleeper bridge needs replacing/repair (fire damaged) • Access control needs improving i.e. A frame, Aughton Drive?. • Minor tree safety work required broken hanging branches. • Tree risk management - Nabil to provide most recent assessment and methodology. • Generally the site appeared run down with only periodic maintenance - requires additional/regular maintenance visits

Blacka Moor • Some erosion to steep PROW a number of water deflectors require repair/ maintenance and eroded areas filling. • Piles of brash need to be dealt with as could become a fire risk in dry periods. • Woodland management suggestion would be to carryout small-scale coppice/selective felling in the wet woodland compartment on say a 10-15yr rotation helping to create open areas and introducing uneven age structure to the stand. • Overall the site is well maintained with evidence of a number of recent habitat and access improvements.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards John G.

The second is from SCC’s Ecology Manager and provides the 2 annual monitoring reports that have been completed in respect of Blacka Moor.

From: Harris Richard Sent: 26 April 2016 10:15 To: Heeley Chris (DEL PWC) Subject: FW: Blacka Moor - New FOI 1797

Hi Chris,

Looking at our records we have visited Blacka and produced 2 reports in the period 01.04.15 to 05.04.16. Dates of meetings and SCC staff present included in reports.

Regards,

Richard

Richard Harris Ecology Manager Sheffield City Council Meersbrook Park Brook Road Sheffield S8 9FL Tel: 0114 2734481 E-mail: [email protected]

Attachment One - Blacka Moor Scrutiny Report 2015

Report Title: Scrutiny report to monitor and record compliance with the annual Service Level / Funding Agreement Client: Countryside and Environment Sheffield City Council Site: Blacka Moor Nature Reserve Report of: Michael Senkans, Biodiversity Monitoring Officer, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit Tel: 0114 2753618 Email: [email protected]

Date: 30.01.2015 & 20.03.2015 Purpose The purpose of this document is to report on measures in place and monitor and record compliance with the annual Service Level/Funding Agreement. Approach This report forms part of the approach taken to: 1. Review management plan annually and agree it. (Feb/March each year) 2. Review and agree costed work plan annually. (Feb/March) 3. 1 monitoring visit annually to determine compliance (combined office visit & site visit – dates to be agreed) 4. Sign off at year end monitoring reports and annual report (Feb/March).

Scope The annual review of the management plan is to make recommendations for any minor adjustments if necessary in light of monitoring, and to take into account up-to- date scientific knowledge. Full review, research, and consultation of management plans normally take place every 5 years. The reviews and site visits will be conducted by Sheffield City Council’s Ecology Section. A site visit was undertaken on 30.01.2015 with site manager Nabil Abbas, Living Landscapes Manager – South, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Tel: 0114 263 4335. Email: [email protected] Site description (Taken from the ‘Management Plan Extension for Blacka Moor Nature Reserve 2012 – 2015’

Blacka Moor is located on Sheffield’s south-western fringe, immediately south of the A625. It covers an area of 181 hectares (445 acres) and is centred on OS Grid Reference SK 287 806. Approximately 92 hectares is within the heathland grazing compartment, 31.64 hectares of in-by land (Strawberry Lee Pastures) and the remaining (mainly woodland) is approximately 57.36 hectares. Blacka Moor’s heathland, woodlands, steep-sided valleys, and drystone walls are typical of the fringes of the Dark Peak, and make an important contribution to the character of the surrounding landscape. The reserve is visible from the centre of Sheffield, and forms an integral part of the city’s skyline. From the moorland edge of the reserve, wooded valleys wind their way eastward towards the city, and add to the general impression of a rural landscape in close juxtaposition with the urban city centre. Perhaps the most significant quality of Blacka Moor in a landscape context is its location as a buffer area between the farmland to the east and the open moorland to the west. Blacka Moor’s topography is typified by a blend of steep stream gulleys, wooded hillsides, and more gentle slopes covered with heather and grasses. This gives rise to a ‘hidden’ landscape that provides added interest and a sense of exploration to visitors to the reserve, and is an important component of the overall character of the site. Much of the attraction of the reserve results from the fact that it forms a transition between the wooded lowland river valleys of Sheffield district, and the upland open moors of the . The landscape of Blacka Moor is characterised by a mosaic of woodland, copses, scattered trees, heathland, bracken, streams, wetlands and grasslands. The woodlands comprise a mixture of broadleaved woods, and mixed broadleaved and coniferous plantations, in varying stages of maturity. The open heathland typically consists of over-mature, leggy heather and bilberry, and the overall scene is complemented by a framework of drystone walls, in differing states of repair, that undulate across the moors, dipping in and out of view. The great variety of vegetation within a relatively small area also provides dynamic colour changes throughout the year, from the flush of bluebells and the fresh green of young birch leaves in spring, to the purple mantle of heather in summer, and the russet red of bracken in autumn. The open vistas provided by the heathland and wetland areas provide a pleasing contrast with the adjacent wooded areas, and patches of scrub colonising the heathland margins help to soften the gradation between the vegetation types.

Monitoring Comments2 site visits were undertaken. The first coincided with a deep snow fall which rendered looking at certain parts of the reserve difficult. The second visit took place after the snow had cleared and proved a more worthwhile visit. Woodland: • The main management concern is to return the existing woodland to upland oak / birch woodland (avoiding wet woodland). An ongoing process, some thinning work is planned along the NR boundary parallel to Road. Here sycamore will be removed. At present most felling is centred round safety work, especially along PROW’s. Cut timber is left in situ to create dead wood habitats (valuable for invertebrates, fungi and the species that feed on them). • Control the spread of rhododendron. Over the past 3 years 1/2 ha in total has been cut back, though shelter belts have been left along the Hathersage Road boundary and the lane leading to Strawberry Lee Pastures. As well as protecting the mature trees within the plantation from the prevailing winds, when in flower the rhododendron also provides a splash of colour for site users. In the past debris has been left in situ, though chipping will be carried out during further work and the resulting material used on nearby paths. Regrowth is cut back, though spraying may be an option. Rhododendron is host to the disease organisms Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae, which attack oak. Is this operation a risk? • Control the spread of other non – native species (sycamore, red oak, Etc). Ongoing. There are areas where memorial planting has introduced non – native and potentially invasive species. Though spread seems to be checked at present, these areas are being monitored for self-seeding. • Retain an element of conifer woodland, namely areas of Scots pine. Ongoing. • Retain and increase the reserves stock of dead wood and veteran trees. Where possible fallen or cut timber is left in situ as a deadwood habitat. Standing deadwood is left where there is no safety concern to the site users. This provides the ideal nesting sites for species such greater spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, marsh tit, Etc. These structures also provide potential for bat roosts. (Bats have been recorded feeding within the wooded areas of the reserve). • Create and enhance glades. This is being dealt with as resources allow. • Protect wet woodland. Non – native species such as sycamore are gradually being removed from wet woodland areas. Maintaining the path network in these sensitive areas is utmost and generally keeps site users away from damaging the ground flora.

Heathland: • Control spread of bracken. This has been attempted by using selective herbicide in larger areas and by hand pulling where the bracken is not as predominant. Spraying is carried out by trained and ‘ticketed’ staff from the Trust. Hand pulling is generally carried out on volunteer days. Both techniques are used by conservation bodies the country over. Flailing has also been used where the terrain allows vehicular access. The addition of grazing on site will also help to control its spread and help to break up the bracken litter which in turn will allow heathland species such as heather and bilberry to re - establish. • Control the increase of woodland and scrub within this habitat. Ongoing. Work has been carried out on the slopes of areas such as Lenny Hill and the lower slopes of Bole Hill. Woodland and scrub control in these areas will allow the heathland mosaic to develop / regenerate. Again, grazing will help maintain a healthy heathland mosaic • Conserve and enhance the heathland mosaic. This is being dealt with as resources allow.

Wetland: • Retain and conserve the floral diversity of Cowsick Bog. Recent scrub clearance has been carried out along the edges of Cowsick Bog using Higher Level Stewardship funds. In this case the cut timber is to be removed from the bog area to the adjacent woodland. • Preserve the reserves streamside’s from invasive non – natives. Ongoing. Red oak could become an issue where planted near Cow Sick. Monitoring of potential spread is underway. Sycamore is regular removed from streamside locations throughout the reserve. • Manage the wetland areas of the in – bye to benefit waders. Funding is being sought to create a wader scrape at the top of Strawberry Lee Pastures in an area dominated by soft rush. (Species such as curlew are present on the adjacent moorland). Rush cutting has also been carried out in the hope of luring local waders). Care should be taken that the location of the scrape does not infringe / damage any areas of fungal interest.

Grassland: • Conserve and enhance the grassland habitats on Strawberry Lee Pastures in – bye land. Recent proposals have included converting an area within SLP over to hay so as to encourage seed eating birds (Twite namely!). Once again the location of such an area would have to avoid damaging the fungal integrity of the site (SLP is rich in nationally declining grassland species such as waxcaps, earthtongues and the coral fungi). To keep grazing out of the proposed field, the dry stone walls would need to be rebuilt. This could be good for the local lizard populations. • Protect the areas of calcareous grassland found within the NR. There is the opportunity to increase one such area by the removal of scrub and encroaching bramble. This could be factored in during adjacent path maintenance.

Wildlife: • Ensure users are aware and comply with the laws governing access to the reserve during bird breeding time. The use of interpretation at site entrances is being used to encourage dog owners to control their dogs, especially during the bird breeding and lambing period (1st of March through to the 31st of July). Keeping dogs on short fixed leads is recommended. ‘Paws on the moors’ is such a campaign, aimed at reminding site users that we share these open spaces with other species. • Minimise recreational pressure on the remoter areas of the NR. A new bridleway is to be created linking an existing route (between Shorts Lane and Devil’s Elbow / A625) and a new route connecting the reserve to Whitelow Lane. Discussions with mountain bike and horse rider groups and organisations such as the Ramblers are crucial to keeping site users informed. Such discussions have led to the original route being adjusted so that the more remote areas of the reserve are kept that way and do not become over used. Towards the end of last year a small group of mountain bike riders were disturbed whilst creating an illegal off – road track within the reserve. Thankfully this destruction was halted and with the help of organisations such as Ride Sheffield it will not be an issue again on this and similar sites.

Biodiversity: • Detect changes in the extent and species composition of the reserves habitats. A bog asphodel flowering spike survey was carried out during the July of 2014. This is the first of its kind carried out at Blacka Moor. It will be used to monitor the effects of grazing upon the bog (cattle and deer being the joint culprits). 3115 spikes were counted and other notable species such as the heath spotted orchid were also identified. This will be a baseline survey for the purpose of future monitoring. • Collect species data to support an analysis of habitat quality. The bog asphodel flower spike survey goes some way to support this. • Use the data gathered to respond to changes in habitat extant or quality to ensure habitat and species aims are met. See above. • Share information and data about the reserve amongst local and national conservation organisations and with local experts. Sorby Fungus Group annually survey SLP in the form of a public foray and supply their findings to both the wildlife trust and the Sheffield Biological Records Centre (based the SCC Meersbrook Park offices). Local ornithological experts such as Jim Clarke regular supply data on the avian fauna of Blacka Moor. He has also commented on the draft management plan and offered suggestions on ways of managing parts of the site to encourage birdlife.

Infrastructure: • Maintain and rebuild boundaries. Ongoing. Over the recent years a total length 200m of drystone walling has been rebuilt. • Ensure that improvements to reserve infrastructure are in keeping with the character of the reserve and complement the landscape and surroundings. Recent works include creating a causeway on the existing path through Cowsick Bog. This has been constructed using recycled mill flooring slabs, a practice used throughout the Peak District to alleviate excessive path erosion (these are locally called ‘causies’ and can be found on sites such as , Burbage Moor and ). Footbridges have been rebuilt both on Cowsick Bog and within the adjacent plantation. • Work with the Highway Authority and other partners to maintain the reserve’s rights of way network (and major desire lines). Funding is being sourced from the Peak & Northern Footpath Society to upgrade a desire line in to a designated PROW. This will be flagged (like the path that transects Cow Sick Bog) and bridged (sleeper bridge?). • Increase the accessibility of the reserve to the public. The above works go some way to achieving this aim.

Landscape: • Retain the mix of habitats – open heathland, copses, wooded cloughs, scrub, mire, scattered trees, woodland, wetland and grassland on the reserve.

Archaeology: • Conserve and protect archaeological features and repair if appropriate. • Increase both public and professional understanding of the reserve’s archaeological resource through the appropriate provision of information, research, volunteering opportunities and interpretation. Perhaps more could be done via interpretation boards or perhaps by leaflets to explain the archaeology of the site as a whole.

Community Engagement: • Provide a variety of avenues for those with an interest in the reserve to learn more about, and participate in, its management. Regular volunteer work days occur on the site, twice a month. This gives volunteers the chance to partake in conservation tasks that benefit the site. Activities such as bracken pulling, scrub clearance, path maintenance, Etc • Encourage and support people of all ages and backgrounds to use and enjoy the reserve. Volunteer student involvement is currently being utilized to clear scrub from the lower slopes of Bole Hill. This involves a mix of students from surrounding universities coming together to carry out conservation tasks on local wildlife sites. • Monitor, record and respond where possible to the opinions, behaviour, use and perceptions of reserve users. See ‘Updating the Blacka Moor Management Plan - capturing your ideas’ which is a record of comments received by the trust during September 2014. These were collected at the following events: A drop - in onsite event (13/09/14), a stand at the Dore Show (13.09.14) and an evening workshop (18.09.14).

Conclusion On the whole, and with financial restraints, the site is being managed in accordance with the management brief. There is evidence of on-going involvement and care of the site by the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust. This is a relatively large reserve and the evidence can be seen on the ground, be it bracken or scrub control or path maintenance. Though the reintroduction of grazing to the reserve was deemed by the minority as controversial, using cattle for conservation grazing is a widely accepted practice. Low numbers of cattle are unlikely to cause significant disturbance to breeding birds. Furthermore cattle will also help to maintain a mosaic of both open and dense vegetation and with control of invasive bracken will benefit the assemblage of target species of breeding birds. Blacka Moor is within the Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. It has natural features that we have an obligation to manage for their special conservation interest. Furthermore there are habitats of principal importance at Blacka Moor (designated under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) and local authorities have a role to play in ensuring the protection of these habitats (Upland heathland and upland oakwoods both occur with the Blacka Moor NR). The aim is to restore and enhance these habitats and the approach taken by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust is in accordance with this. Conclusion The site is being managed in accordance with the management plan. There is evidence of on-going involvement and care of the site by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

To be provided • Update of annual work plan to be provided.

Recommended actions In addition to the management prescriptions contained in the management plan consideration should be given to: • Regular habitat condition monitoring and species monitoring • Habitats and species records to be shared with Sheffield Biological Records Centre (care of the SCC Ecology Unit).

Where these are taken forward they should be listed in the next Work Plan from S&RWT 2015/16.

ENDS

Attachment Two - Blacka Moor Scrutiny Report 2016

Report Title: Scrutiny report to monitor and record compliance with the annual Service Level/Funding Agreement Client: Countryside and Environment Sheffield City Council Site: Blacka Moor Nature Reserve Report of: Chris Smith, Biodiversity Officer, Sheffield City Council Ecology Unit Tel: ext. 36951 Email: [email protected]

Date: 24th March 2016 Purpose The purpose of this document is to report on measures in place and monitor and record compliance with the annual Service Level/Funding Agreement. Approach This report forms part of the approach taken to: 5. Review management plan annually and agree it. (Feb/March each year) 6. Review and agree costed work plan annually. (Feb/March) 7. 1 monitoring visit annually to determine compliance (combined office visit & site visit – dates to be agreed) 8. Sign off at year end monitoring reports and annual report (Feb/March).

Scope The annual review of the management plan is to make recommendations for any minor adjustments if necessary in light of monitoring, and to take into account up-to- date scientific knowledge. Full review, research, and consultation of management plans normally take place every 5 years. The reviews and site visits will be conducted by Sheffield City Council’s Ecology Section. A site visit was undertaken on 24.3.2016 with Nabil Abbas, Living Landscapes Manager (South), Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Tel: 0114 263 4335. Email: [email protected] John Gilpin, SCC Woodlands Officer (South) was also in attendance. Tel: ext 34133. Email: [email protected]

Site description Blacka Moor is located on Sheffield’s south-western fringe, immediately south of the A625. It covers an area of 181 hectares (445 acres) and is centred on OS Grid Reference SK 287 806. Approximately 92 hectares is within the heathland grazing compartment, 31.64 hectares of in-by land (Strawberry Lee Pastures) and the remaining (mainly woodland) is approximately 57.36 hectares.

Blacka Moor’s heathland, woodlands, steep-sided valleys, and drystone walls are typical of the fringes of the Dark Peak, and make an important contribution to the character of the surrounding landscape. The reserve is visible from the centre of Sheffield, and forms an integral part of the city’s skyline. From the moorland edge of the reserve, wooded valleys wind their way eastward towards the city, and add to the general impression of a rural landscape in close juxtaposition with the urban city centre. Perhaps the most significant quality of Blacka Moor in a landscape context is its location as a buffer area between the farmland to the east and the open moorland to the west.

Blacka Moor’s topography is typified by a blend of steep stream gulleys, wooded hillsides, and more gentle slopes covered with heather and grasses. This gives rise to a ‘hidden’ landscape that provides added interest and a sense of exploration to visitors to the reserve, and is an important component of the overall character of the site. Much of the attraction of the reserve results from the fact that it forms a transition between the wooded lowland river valleys of Sheffield district, and the upland open moors of the Peak District.

The landscape of Blacka Moor is characterised by a mosaic of woodland, copses, scattered trees, heathland, bracken, streams, wetlands and grasslands. The woodlands comprise a mixture of broadleaved woods, and mixed broadleaved and coniferous plantations, in varying stages of maturity. The open heathland typically consists of over-mature, leggy heather and bilberry, and the overall scene is complemented by a framework of drystone walls, in differing states of repair, that undulate across the moors, dipping in and out of view. The great variety of vegetation within a relatively small area also provides dynamic colour changes throughout the year, from the flush of bluebells and the fresh green of young birch leaves in spring, to the purple mantle of heather in summer, and the russet red of bracken in autumn. The open vistas provided by the heathland and wetland areas provide a pleasing contrast with the adjacent wooded areas, and patches of scrub colonising the heathland margins help to soften the gradation between the vegetation types.

(Taken from the ‘Management Plan Extension for Blacka Moor Nature Reserve 2012 – 2015’) Monitoring Comments One site visit was made on the 24th March 2016, conditions were generally fine and dry, although cold and windy on the more exposed areas. Brief spell of light rain.

Management aims taken from ‘Management Plan for Blacka Moor Nature Reserve April 2015 – March 2023’.

Monitoring comments incorporate those made by John Gilpin.

• Return woodland areas of the reserve (excepting wet woodland) to upland oak/birch woodland by 2100. o Work is planned along the A625 Hathersage Road site boundary to remove some of the sycamores, with a suggested ratio of 1 in 4. This is ongoing. o Rhododendron clearance. Much has been completed already, with some of the work carried out through NIA funding, although the plan is to leave some in situ as a shelter belt along the windswept, north-facing boundary. Further work elsewhere on Blacka Moor is ongoing. o Open up and enhance glades. This is being carried out as resources allow. o 3 year tree safety survey is due to be carried out this year. o Tree safety work. Some dead or dying trees near to footpaths and bridleways will require attention. o A separate woodland management plan is planned for the coming year. • Encourage greater structural diversity amongst the reserve’s woodlands and improve them for wildlife. o Selective removal, thinning and maintenance work ongoing.

• Protect and conserve wet woodland areas. o Maintain these as they are. Gradual removal of non-native species such as sycamore is ongoing. o Suggestion (John G.) would be to carry out small-scale coppicing/ selective felling in the wet woodland compartment on say, a 10-15 year rotation, helping to create open areas and introducing an uneven age structure to the stand.

• Retain a rich but dynamic heathland mosaic on the reserve and diversify habitats at the microhabitat level. o Heathland conservation is a site priority. o Bracken control. 4-5 ha completed to date, with work ongoing. o Fire contingency. Fire breaks have been put in on some of the heath areas. A Fire Plan has been suggested. Piles of brash need to be dealt with as they could become a fire risk in dry periods. o Woodland encroachment. Selective removal of trees is ongoing. • Conserve and protect the reserves wetland habitats o A new flagstone path was laid across Cowsick Bog in December 2015. o Whilst invasive species are not too much of a problem at Blacka Moor, small pockets of Himalayan balsam occur occasionally and these are removed accordingly.

• Conserve, protect and enhance the reserve’s grassland habitats for wildlife. o Grassland conservation is a site priority. o Areas of acid grassland look in favourable condition. o Grazing at Blacka Moor is ongoing. This is carried out using Aberdeen angus cattle, with no horns and without calves. This year the Trust will be upping numbers from 12 to 20 animals. o Wildlife scrapes are planned on the hill on Strawberry Lee pasture.

• Minimise disturbance to wildlife from recreational activity, and safeguard the more remote parts of the reserve for quiet enjoyment by walkers and other pedestrians. o Use of footpaths by mountain-bike riders is an issue on some parts of the site. SRWT are aware of this and will need to monitor, particularly where there may be a risk of disturbance to sensitive species.

• Survey and monitor the biodiversity of Blacka Moor in sufficient detail to evaluate progress towards aims 1-7.

• Ensure that Blacka Moor’s management links to local, regional and national plans for habitat and species recovery, recreation and landscape scale conservation. o The management plan clearly explains the various conservation designations, plans and policies that apply to the site.

• Maintain and restore the reserve’s boundaries and access infrastructure. o Work to repair and reconstruct sections of dry-stone wall was evident during the site visit. o Some of the bridleways have been degraded through water damage during winter. A number of water deflectors require repair/ maintenance and eroded areas filling. o There are plans to install revetments on some of the bridleways where the surface is eroding.

• Protect and conserve the open views across the nature reserve. o This is evident through the selective management practices carried out across the site.

• Protect, preserve, research and communicate the reserve’s archaeological and historical interest and significance.

• Promote recreational access to the reserve to people of all ages and backgrounds, and promote public participation in its management. o SRWT continue to pursue and promote good relationships with various user groups at Blacka Moor, principally walkers, horse riders and mountain- bikers.

• Continue to develop ongoing sources of grant aid and other income to support the management of the nature reserve.

Conclusion Blacka Moor is being managed in accordance with management plan. The site is well maintained and there is evidence of on-going involvement and care of the site by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. There have been a number of recent habitat and access improvements.

To be provided • Update of annual work plan to be provided.

Recommended actions In addition to management prescriptions contained in the management plan consideration should be given to: • Regular habitat condition monitoring and species monitoring. • Habitats and species records to be shared with Sheffield Biological Records Centre

ENDS