A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire

1)1) ClayClay Mills, Egginton and Wetmore 2)2) UpperUpper Mills Farm 3)3) BranstonBranston and Drakelow 4)4) NewboldNewbold Quarry 5)5) TucklesholmeTucklesholme Quarry 6)6) BartonBarton Quarry and Catton Hall 7)7) WychnorWychnor 8)8) AlrewaAlrewasAlrewas Quarry, NMA and Croxall 9)9) WhitemoreWhitemore Haye Quarry 10)10) ElfordElford (North) 11)11) FisherwickFisherwick Woods, Elford Quarry (South) andand Darnford Brook 12)12) ComberfordComberford 13)13) HopwasHopwas Hays Wood 14)14) BroadBroad Meadow 15)15) WarwickshireWarwickshire Moor (West) 16)16) TamesideTameside Nature Reserve 17)17) DosthillDosthill and Middleton Hall Quarries

Location map for key sites. 57

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 1. Clay Mills, Egginton and Wetmore 58

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (1) Clay Mills, Egginton and Wetmore

Area 359 Hectares

Ownership Severn Trent Water, Forge Poultry Farm, Wetmore Hall Farm, Meadows Farm, Bass Brewers, East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC)

Overview This site is situated at the confluence of the River Dove and the River Trent. It is also an important location as it links DWT’s Repton Nature Reserve with other key sites in the Trent valley.

Recommendations Surveys and feasibility studies need to be carried out at STW’s Clay Mills site. EA’s LIDAR information together with soil samples, test pits, dipwells and bathometric information for the lagoons would help inform a re-wetting project which could help create new areas of marshy grassland and encourage the expansion of reedswamp and wet woodland habitats. (STW, EA, SWT). Clay Mills Sewage Treatment Works is due to be upgraded. Tertiary treatment using the lagoons to “polish” the effluent is to be discontinued. There is an opportunity to link the smallest lagoon to the River Trent . Spoil from the wetland creation works at the northern end of the site, instead of being removed from the 1:100 year floodplain, could be placed into the margins of the lagoons. This would help create a major area of reedbed in both lagoons. It is also recommended that STW purchase the additional land between the Trent at Dove opposite Newton Solney. This comprises of good quality marshy grassland and an area of wet woodland. Funding for this scheme should be sought through AMP5 (bids to OFWAT in 2007) and/or through the EA’s flood risk management programme. (STW, EA, OFWAT, SWT). Additional opportunites are available for a re-wetting project at Meadows Farm using a drain that runs north-west from the National Forest tender scheme area. The scheme could provide good habitat conditions for lapwing which are currently breeding on arable land across the river on the Wetmore Farm estate. (NE, FWAG, SWT, NFC, landowner).

Comments Further recommendations and plans have been produced by SWT for STW. The site has been divided up into compartments with target notes. Middlemarch Environmental has also assessed the site in the past and identified opportunities.

Exposed Riverine Sediments on the River Dove at Egginton (left) and at Clay Mills. 59

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Raise water levels in ditch network and monitor hydrology and key species (amphibians, snipe, skylark, invertebrates, etc.)

Encourage Severn Trent to purchase marshy grassland and wet woodland at the Dove-Tame confluence.

Protect veteran trees and existing dead wood. Retain and manage hedgerows.

Repair fencing along River Dove buffer strip and monitor invertebrates. Protect and monitor sand martin colonies. 60

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

View of treated effluent from Clay Mills STW entering the River Trent near Newton Solney.

Views of the Western (above left) and Eastern Lagoons at Clay Mills STW.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Upper Mills Farm, Burton-upon-Trent 62

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (2) Upper Mills Farm, Burton-upon-Trent

Area 60 Hectares

Ownership East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC)

Overview This site is at the southern end of the Trent Washlands SBI. Taken together, these sites provide a strategically important green corridor through the centre of Burton-upon-Trent. It is multi-functional in that it provides space for water during floods, amenity areas for public enjoyment and habitats for a host of wildlife from dragonflies to otters. Recommendations Secure a copy of the report produced for ESBC by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Advisory Service in 2003. (ESBC, EA, SWT.) Treat, remove and monitor the stand of Japanese knotweed located at the NW part of site close to the main entrance (ESBC, EA). Undertake major re-profiling project of the inside of the main meander on the River Trent at this site (approximately 6000 cubic metres of spoil). A Land Drainage Consent will be required and, almost certainly, a full planning application (- check with ESBC Planning Department). Remove all topsoil and ‘fines’ from the 1:100 year indicative flood plain. As part of Land Drainage Consent, seek permission to re-position the larger accumulations of gravels back into river to create important spawning habitats for fish off the ‘toe’ of the newly re-profiled meander. This work has been carried out at a number of locations in the Upper Trent Catchment from the mid-1990s and has been, in most cases, extremely successful at kickstarting natural geomorphological processes including the formation of exposed and submerged gravel shoals. The work also helps to increase the capacity of the river channel by approximately one third and so thus does not contribute to an additional flood risk. (EA, ESBC, SWT). Continue the good works undertaken by ESBC and EA (2003-2006). Identify sections where water levels can be raised or impeded. Create additional scrapes, pools, ox bows, ‘dragonfly’ ponds along the existing ditch networks. Undertake further checks to identify land drains left in from former agricultural use. These drains can be selectively blocked or broken open to help feed individual scrapes and pools or to increase dampness in the meadows. (ESBC, EA, SWT, NFC). The large area of amenity grassland at the NE part of the site could be managed to increase species richness. Advice from SWT and Prof. Truman (formerly Wolverhampton University) could be provided to trial reverting the grassland to a traditionally managed hay meadow. (ESBC, SWT, NFC). The grasslands at the southern end of the site should be grazed lightly with a rare breed (Dexter, Belted Galloway, Gloucester). Additional sporadic grazing of other parts of the site (including the wetlands and woodland edges would also be desirable. Monitor effects on vegetation and key species). (ESBC). Explore the option to notify Upper Mills Farm as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). (ESBC).

Comments Good site for scrub-loving birds, especially breeding warblers (including lesser whitethroat). Retain mature hedgerows throughout the site.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Treat and remove Japanese Knotweed at the entrance to the site.

Consider ditch re-profiling, raised water levels, on-line ponds and further scrapes adjacent to the main car park.

View of scrapes and wetland areas created circa. 2002.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Maintain hedgerows and areas of scrub for breeding warblers (including lesser whitethroat).

Re-profile the inside of the main meander along the River Trent.

A potential deposition site for spoil from the re-profiling project.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 3: Branston & Drakelow 66

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (3) Branston & Drakelow

Area 114 Hectares Ownership East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC), Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), Branston Properties Partnership

Overview The Trent floodplain has been squeezed by the railway and the infilling of the former Branston gravel pit with Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA). Currently, some water can back up during major floods into the land to the west of railway line via a minor brook course (the ‘Branston’ Brook) and two culverts. However, this land is not considered to be part of the Trent floodplain, but it has been subject of two recent planning applications for it to be developed to a combination of housing and light industry (these were withdrawn in April and October 2005, but may well be re-submitted). There are a number of issues and concerns here including: (1) The grassland area to the west of the railway earmarked for development is currently one of the main strongholds for breeding skylarks (Staffs BAP species) in the project area, (2) The area is a former part of the main River Trent floodplain, but retains important links through the ‘Branston’ Brook corridor. Part of this area would be better used as a washland and engineered to store water during major floods, (3) the Branston Brook is an important corridor for otters moving between the two potential breeding sites at Branston Water Park and Drakelow Nature Reserve. Developing these sites would be detrimental to this UK and Staffs BAP species. Recommendations Undertake major river re-profiling scheme on the inside of the large meander at DWT’s Drakelow Nature Reserve (approximately 20,000 cubic metres of spoil). ‘Lenses’ of gravels should be repositioned back into the River Trent to create crucial spawning habitats for fish. Remaining spoil should be used in the most appropriate parts of the open water lagoons to create additional shallows and reedbed habitat (spoil has be positioned below the summer water level). Design a number of floodplain compensation schemes that can be ‘on the shelf’ ready to offset the impact of future developments which impact directly or directly on the floodplain. The PFA land between the railway and the River Trent (the former Branston Quarry) could be lowered to increase floodplain capacity / storage and to re-create wetlands. A suitable receptor site would have to be identified or a potential use for the PFA (e.g. lightweight building blocks or road repairs / construction). Avoid developing the land between the A38 and railway line. This area would be a good candidate as a LNR. It is important as a major skylark breeding site and a corridor for otter movement. The reedbeds at the SW part of the site are some of the largest in the CRI area and support breeding reed bunting, sedge warblers and reed warblers. A LNR would provide a good framework for the sensitive management of the site (e.g. rotational hay cuts or low density livestock grazing for the grasslands, protection of the brook corridor and the wetland habitats. Additional wildlife ponds and ephemeral pools could be excavated at appropriate locations to diversify habitats at the site to attract a wider range of species. N.B. It would not be appropriate to plant trees at this grassland site. A LNR would also help encourage access and enjoyment of the site for people living in the area. (ESBC, SWT, NFC). There is an otters and rail issue on the Branston Brook. During high flows otters are unable to use the two culverts due to poor capacity and may well be forced to cross the rail line. Options need to be investigated to resolve this situation (e.g. thrust boring underpasses). (EA, ESBC, Network Rail, SCC).

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

The River Trent’s natural floodplain is “squeezed” by both the railway line and the A38.

The PFA land at the former Branston Quarry is now the main Reedbeds along the A38 corridor. stronghold for Skylark in the project area

Otter & Rail issue and Otters & Roads issue on the Branston Brook. The culverts display poor capacity to handle high flows. As a result otters are forced to cross the railway and the A38 at these sites.

The dead otter from Drakelow Good quality otter habitat on the Power Station in Dec.’99. River Trent at Swan’s Island. 68

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 4. Newbold Quarry. 69

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (4) Newbold Quarry

Area 101 Hectares

Ownership Aggregate Industries

Overview A quarry which provides a natural link between Branston Water Park to the NW and Barton Quarry and Tucklesholme Quarry to the south and SW. A female native black poplar tree is located on the ‘offside’ of the Trent & Mersey Canal at the main entrance to the quarry. This is the only known female native black poplar in Staffordshire. SWT were commissioned by Aggregate Industries during 2004 and 2006 to provide restoration and management advice for the main gravel pit at the southern end of the site and the large silt agoon at the centre of the site. Reports have been produced for the company that have more detailed recommendations and advise for the site. Recommendations A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is needed for the female native black poplar tree at this site. It is imperative that the tree is protected from damage or any future developments. Aggregate Industries, BW, ESBC, EA and SBAP should all liaise about the conservation of this tree. Silt lagoons are superb habitats for a diverse range of species. Shallow water over large deposits of mud, sand, silt and fine gravels mimic coastal conditions. Wading birds like snipe, lapwing, redshank and little ringed plover make use of these sites along with good numbers of shelduck, wigeon and teal. Silt lagoons are also attractive to range of specialist invertebrates that are drawn to the wet sand, exposed sediments and the structure provided by the pioneer vegetation and warm sandy cliffs. Ground-nesting solitary bees and wasps (Staffs BAP species) and hoverflies are good examples of the groups that specialise at these wonderful sites. Unfortunately silt lagoons are often filled in during the restoration phase. Generally, it would be exciting to see more imagination going into quarry “restoration” plans. Much of Newbold Quarry, which was former open water gravel pits, has been filled in and planted up with neat rows of broadleaved trees. This is not good enough! Yes, the National Forest has targets for woodland planting, but more time needs to be taken to look at what is most appropriate at individual sites, how they fit into wider ecological corridors and what ecological processes are already in place. There is an opportunity at Newbold and at other silt lagoons in the project area, to maintain a number of the habitats that have developed during the life of the active quarry. At Newbold it is recommended that, once extraction is completed, two sources of running water are diverted into the silt lagoon to bring in future inputs of silt and sand and also to provide much- needed scouring during rain storms. In all cases, natural processes should be used to help generate a range of early, mid and late successional habitats including running water, bare sediments, pioneer vegetation on sediments, fully vegetated sediments, reedswamp, shallow open water, deeper pools scoured out by high flows and scrub. Sporadic low density livestock grazing would be a useful management regime for this area in future.

Comments A pair of black-necked grebes has successfully bred on the main gravel pit at the southern end of the site in recent years.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Images of the silt lagoon with a variety of early successional habitats including bare sediments and mud, reedbeds and shallow water.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

South facing sandy cliffs provide excellent habitats for invertebrates including ground nesting solitary bees and wasps.

Two small watercourses could be diverted into the silt lagoon to influence geomorphological processes in the lagoon once sand and gravel extraction has been completed.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 5. Tucklesholme Quarry. 73

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (5) Tucklesholme Quarry

Area 75 Hectares

Ownership Aggregate Industries

Overview An area of sheep grazed pasture with a network of hedgerows intermingled with mature and veteran trees. The site also retains an area of wet woodland and reedswamp. Key species using the site include otter, sand martin (nest on opposite bank of the Trent) and reed bunting. The SW part of the site has been designated a Biodiversity Alert Site. The site is at the beginning of its aggregate extraction period.

Recommendations Aggregate Industries have proposed to create a 1.8 kilometre braided channel for this site. This would be the largest scheme of its kind in the UK and would be an exciting opportunity to create a mosaic of habitats along the river channel that are generally absent from most lowland rivers. These include exposed riverine sediments, bare mud, sand, gravels, backwaters, wet woodland, riverine woodland, reedswamp and accumulations of coarse woody debris (CWD). The existing wet woodland and reedswamp will help provide a ‘reservoir’ of species to speed up colonisation. It will be important for company to liaise closely with local communities to promote the scheme. (Aggregate Industries [AI], EA, ESBC, SWT, NFC). The remainder of the site should be as messy as possible! A complex mixture of shallow open water with sinuous channels, spits, peninsulas, islands, backwaters, lagoons, areas of reedswamp should all be incorporated along with areas of grazing marsh, vertical sandy cliffs, pockets of bare ground and a generous scattering of clusters of ephemeral pools of all shapes, sizes and depths. (AI, SWT, EA, ESBC, NFC).

Comments Seek to protect as many mature and veteran trees as possible during the extraction period.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

The stand off strip at Tucklesholme Quarry. It is proposed that a ROMP be secured to extract the mineral from this strip and to widen the River Trent to create a 1.8km braided channel.

Wet woodland and reedswamp habitats at the site.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Overgrazing with sheep on the floodplain at Tucklesholme.

This watercourse could be diverted through the site during the restoration phase to help ‘feed’ the created wetlands. 76

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 6: Barton Quarry. 77

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (6) Barton Quarry and Catton Hall Estate

Area 367 Hectares

Ownership Hanson Aggregates, Catton Hall Estate

Overview Barton is a large quarry owned by Hanson Aggregates which is being extracted and “restored” from the north to the south. Proposals for the creation of ox bows and a braided channel along the western shore of the River Trent at the northern end of the site were contested by residents from Walton-on-Trent. The current restoration scheme has an overall emphasis on leisure, recreation and fishing with the establishment of a vast two kilometre long regatta lake. Liaison with David Southgate in July 2006 was undertaken via a site visit. At this time Sport England had not been able to confirm its commitment to the proposed regatta and canoeing facility at this site. Hanson has already carried out some valuable and imaginative restoration work to create new habitats. The silt lagoon is developing a good mixture of bare sediments, reedbed and shallow water. Ox bows, ponds and wildlife ditches have been excavated. Standing and fallen deadwood has been left a key places within the floodplain. The Catton Hall Estate has embraced the National Forest tender scheme since its introduction. The estate provides an important wooded corridor for otter movement. The main conservation issue is the large population of American signal crayfish which have become established at Catton Lake fishery. The population is probably in the tens of thousands. This lake connects to the River Trent during major floods and there is little doubt that these alien crayfish will have colonised the Trent. They are also a major threat to the River Mease SAC which is less than 300 metres away from the pool.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Recommendations Secure a final decision from Sport England as to whether it is interested in the original proposals to create a facility for a 2km regatta lake. If not, there is an opportunity to revise the restoration to create a large nature reserve which includes canoe trails and bird hides. Permission should be obtained to work the 50 metre stand off strip along the River Trent (as was carried out by Hanson at Middleton Hall Quarry) and create a braided channel. There would also be an opportunity to re-establish Cherry Holme (part of the Catton Hall estate) as a river island. One option for the large lake would be for it to be divided up into a cluster of smaller, shallower lakes and pools with peninsulas, hundreds of lake islands, reedbeds, spits, sand bars, areas of mud flats. Deep channels (approximately 1.5 metres in depth) would serve a number of purposes: to provide crucial ‘edge’ habitat through areas of reedswamp and wooded wetland, to help connect the various lakes, pools, oxbows and backwatwers via flowing water, to provide pathways for floodwaters to and from the River Trent, and to provide safe routes for the canoe trails. Another option for the lake would be to retain it simply as a large, deep body of water with naturalised margins and several islands. (Hanson, SCC, ESBC, EA, SWT, Sport England). If the decision is confirmed that the option for the regatta lake is to go ahead, much could be done to continue the impressive restoration works which Hanson has undertaken for the former silt lagoon and the central parts of the site. More lake islands, spits and peninsulas in the main lake could be created without affecting the 2km open channel required for the regatta events. These features would help break up the fetch and reduce shore erosion. It would also provide some good habitats for key species like common terns and otters. Selective river braiding could still be carried out where there are opportunities and a host of ephemeral pools, ditches and ox-bows would provide suitable conditions for water voles, amphibians and invertebrates (conditions which would be largely absent from the main lake and the fishing pools. Monitor the American signal crayfish population at Catton Fishery and establish whether this species has successfully colonised the River Trent and the Lower Mease. (EA, SWT, Catton Fishery). A river re-profiling project has been promoted by SWT to the Catton Estate for the inside of the large meander immediately downstream of the Ryelands Plantation. This scheme needs to be re-evaluated in respect to Hanson’s river braiding proposals nearby. Spoil from the project would have to be removed from floodplain. Ideally, gravels would be re-positioned back into the River Trent to provided fish spawning habitat. (Catton Estate, EA, DWT, Hanson, NFC). Additional river islands could be created at appropriate locations by securing freshly cut willow branches into riffles and allowing the adventitious roots to begin the natural process of island formation. Trials for this work are planned for summer 2007 at the National Memorial Arboretum. If successful, other sites will be evaluated and permission sought to continue the scheme. The Trent from the Mease confluence to the Ryelands Lodge would be an ideal stretch to continue this innovative work. (SWT, EA, Catton Hall, Hanson, DWT, NFC).

Comments Unlike Middleton Hall, Barton Quarry is owned by Hanson. Thus, there should be additional freedom to work with the company to create an imaginative and inspiring ‘restoration’ for this site.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

An old silt lagoon at the northern end of Barton Quarry

Ponds, ephemeral “dragonfly” pools, sinuous ditches and ‘ox bows’ have been excavated.

There is an excellent opportunity to create a braided channel along the river Trent and to restore Cherry Holme (above right) as a river island.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Dead wood has been left on the floodplain at a number of locations.

View of the main lake at the southern end of the site.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Hare’s foot clover. rare in Staffordshire, but in good evidence at Barton Quarry. 82

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 8: Alrewas Quarry, NMA & Croxall. 83

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (8) Alrewas Quarry, NMA and Croxall

Area 214 Hectares

Ownership Lafarge, NMA, STW, Willowbrook Farm, SWT, CHADS

Overview A key area where the River Tame and the River Mease SAC join the Trent. Quarrying is mostly complete at these sites with Croxall having been restored to a deep oblong lake with part of the site having been filled in with PFA from Drakelow Power station. SWT and CHADS now manage Croxall as nature reserves and have carried out works to increase habitat diversity. Part of Alrewas Quarry has been handed over the NMA where a great deal of the site has been restored to grassland and then planted with memorial trees. Junction Pit Lagoon is currently active as a silt lagoon and has a good diversity of wildlife habitats. This area will also be passed onto the NMA in the near future.

Recommendations Junction Pit Lagoon needs to be ‘restored’ sensitively. Existing habitats should be maintained. A potential feed of running water should be identified to divert into the lagoon to help maintain areas of mud flats and bare sand and to help scour out deeper pools within the reedbeds. This would be an excellent area for visitors to the NMA to do some birdwatching. (NMA, Lafarge, SWT, EA). The creation of a new river island is planned immediately downstream of the railway line on the River Trent which is managed by the NMA and SWT. Freshly cut willow branches will be secured to shallow sections of the river bed and should produce adventitious roots and begin the process of island formation. The work will require a Land Drainage Consent from the EA and will be closely monitored. (NMA, SWT, EA). The EA and SWT have been discussing a scheme to link Croxall Lake to the River Tame via a newly excavated channel. This will be monitored closely, but perceived benefits include: a large fish refuge and nursery area away from the river, an improved drawdown zone along the lake margins for waders, an improved flood attenuation area. (SWT, EA). There are opportunities to carry out a series of small-scale enhancements at the NMA including the excavation of a backwater fish refuge area at the junction of the main drain and the Trent. The drain could also be selectively re-profiled with scalloped edges, bays and on-line ponds. (NMA, EA, SWT). The shoreline at the main lake at Alrewas Quarry is developing some marginal habitat, but is generally quite sparse. The lake would benefit from additional features such as shallows, peninsulas, spits and islands. This would be a good potential receptor site for inert fill or spoil from a floodplain excavation project (e.g. river re-profiling). (Lafarge, STW, EA, SWT, NFC, SCC).

Comments SWT carried out a repeat otter, water vole and crayfish survey of the NMA in August 2006. More specific recommendations for the NMA were made via a report.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

An aerial view of the River Tame at Croxall. A heavily The EA recommend linking Croxall Lake to the River Tame

engineered channel. © Environment Agency

View of the large river island at the NMA (above left). This is an important site for water vole (see old burrow entrances above right), otter, harvest mouse, fish (see gravel shoals below) and dragonfly species.

The beginnings of a new river island (above left) forming on the River Trent at the NMA. Trials for river island creation are being considered for the River Tame close to the Trent confluence point at the NMA and Croxall Lakes nature reserve. 85

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

The largest lake at Alrewas Quarry.

Views of habitats developing at Junction Pit Lagoon.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Annotated map for Site 7: Wychnor. 87

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Site (7) Wychnor

Area 174 Hectares

Ownership Mercer Farming, BW.

Overview There is an overlap here with Staffordshire Washlands. Part of this site (Potters Meadow and Wychnor Bridges) has been entered into a National Forest tender scheme and has been planted up with a ‘wet woodland’ mix (c.2000). Wychnor Meadows itself has just been entered into the Higher Level Scheme (1/1/07) which provides a good framework for habitat management. Capital works have been carried out to create a series of wader scrapes, some re-profiled ditches, raised water levels, willow pollarding and hedgerow coppicing with the aim of attracting breeding waders and wintering wildfowl and waders. There are also proposals for two hydraulic rams to maintain water levels in these scrapes and ditches. SCC’s Historic Environment Team has recently confirmed that a large part of the Wychnor site has well- preserved water meadow features including brick sluices, carriers and channels. Part of the site still functions as a washland (i.e. it has been designed to encourage flood waters onto areas of pasture). The site is a attractive to large numbers of lapwing as well as snipe, redshank, wigeon, teal and shelduck. There are a wealth of other archaeological features at this site including medieval fish ponds, a moat and an abandoned village. Essington Meadows and parts of Wychnor Meadows also have some recovering species-rich grassland.

Recommendations Initial discussions have taken place about priorities for this site. SWT is keen to carry out an information gathering exercise for this area looking at the possibility of combining the restoration of a water meadow with flood storage and biodiversity benefits. As far as we know this has not been carried out in the UK. However, a cautious approach is required. This is the most sensitive key site in the project area. The following information needs to be gathered and analysed: Historical maps, estate records, archive material (William Salt Library), topographical data, LIDAR, soils, vegetation, species and current flood storage and inundation patterns. It is proposed to study the site over a three year period and make recommendations based on survey results and information collected. The restoration of some of the water meadow fields using a passive system would help re-wet parts of the site and deliver objectives for flood attenuation by taking pressure off flood defences downstream (Burton-upon- Trent, Nottingham, etc). Parts of the site are indundated for approximately 3-5 weeks a year. A 2D or 3D hydraulic model is required to show current flooding patterns and to simulate the patterns based on the various proposed scenarios. (Mercer Farming, NE, EA, SWT, SCC).

Comments EA are planning to secure LIDAR coverage for this site shortly.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Wychnor Meadows is an historic water meadow. Parts of the site are inundated from six breach points (below left) along the Trent & Mersey Canal. In the past water was also brought onto the site via sluices on the River Swarbourn (below right).

The site is a hotspot for biodiversity. Ditch networks (above left), the high water table and suitable grazing provide a good sward for breeding lapwing (above right). 89

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Essington Meadows is a recovering grassland with increasing species diversity, including meadow saxifrage (top).

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Annotated site map for Site 9: Whitemore Haye. 91

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Site (9) Whitemore Haye

Area 282 Hectares

Ownership Gilmour Farms, Lafarge

Overview Whitemore Haye is a predominantly arable area which is a stronghold for a number of farmland species including corn bunting, reed bunting, linnet, tree sparrow, skylark, grey partridge and brown hare. A large proportion of the quarry is destined to be restored to intensive arable farmland with two large open sailing lakes and a planned outdoors centre at the northern end. The proposed restoration is generally poor for biodiversity. SWT met up with the landowner and his representatives (consultants) on three occasions during 2006 to discuss a revision to the current restoration and to create a conservation / wetlands area towards the southern end of the site. This would complement the wetlands across the river at the restored Elford (North) Quarry. River braiding and a complex of floodplain grazing marsh, reedswamp and open water has been promoted which the landowner has agreed to consider and to discuss with Lafarge (see below).

Recommendations Revise the restoration plan (ROMP) to include a braided channel, farm ponds, open ditches and a complex of wetlands and grazing marsh. If a suitable depth of mineral is available, Lafarge could secure some additional profit by working the 50 metre strip along the River Tame. It would also help to form a better connection between the river and the proposed wet grassland area. (Gilmour Farms, Lafarge, EA, SWT, SCC, LDC, NE). The landowner is also keen to re-profile the River Tame at the northern end of the site adjacent to the proposed outdoors centre. This would be carried out for safety purposes, but, in places, would also have biodiversity benefits. (Gilmour Farms, EA, SWT, LDC). Removal of the peripheral quarry bunds often creates areas of exposed shingle which is good for birds like ringed plover, little ringed plover and oystercatcher. At Whitemore Haye, several pairs of ringed plover were seen prospecting these areas at the start of the bird nesting season. It is recommended that this habitat should be created at this and other locations around the quarry as bunds area removed. (Gilmour Farms, Lafarge, WMBC, SCC, SWT). Investigate the possibility for converting the WWII pill box as a secure bat roost site. Assess the site for its suitability for Environmental Stewardship. Additional field margins, buffer strips, hedgerow management, protection of mature trees (perch sites for corn buntings), ditch re-profiling, etc. One field at the NW extreme of the site has been identified for arable reversion. This field becomes inundated during the winter and early spring but is currently sown with a rape seed oil crop. Monitoring has shown that the field is a focal point for lapwing and reed bunting. The field could be grassed down and re-wetted by raising water levels in the peripheral drains and by breaking open or blocking any land drains. Wader scrapes could be excavated and ditch margins re-profiled to create additional foraging opportunities for waders. (FWAG, NE, Gilmour Farms, WMBC).

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

Sailing lakes created at the north end of the site with adjacent grassland sown with perennial rye grass (above right). This part of the site is poor for biodiversity.

Summary of restoration recommendations for river braiding and wetlands at Whitemore Haye Quarry.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

View of Brown’s Island.

Views of proposed Conservation area at Whitemore Haye post gravel extraction. (Above right) The proposed river braiding area.

Consider modifying the pill box as a bat roost site. One of the proposed farm pond locations.

Removal of the bunds creates excellent habitat for breeding bird Flooded arable land at Whitemore Haye. specialists like ringed plover and oystercatcher. 94

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Annotated map for Site 10. Elford (North). 95

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Site (10) Elford (North)

Area 135 Hectares

Ownership Hanson, Birmingham City Council (BCC), City & St James Properties, Park Farm

Overview This former quarry owned by Hanson was restored to a mixture of wet grassland, lakes and reedswamp at the northern end and arable at the southern end. The wetlands are an important site for wintering birds. Much of the arable land was inundated at the time of survey and would seem to be costing the tenant farmers a small fortune in land drainage expenses.

Recommendations There is scope here for a major arable reversion scheme to re-create an extensive area of wet grassland. Remove or block all land drains, raise water levels in all ditch courses and re-profile margins to create bays and scalloped edges. Excavate a series of scrapes, ephemeral pools and farm ponds. Undertake further re-wetting of grassland further to the north and alter the management of drains. A HLS would provide an excellent framework for these proposals. (NE, FWAG, BCC, Hanson, RSPB, SWT). Carry out an SBI survey for the broad leaved woodland at the northern end of the site. (BCC, LDC, SWT, NE).

Woodland areas that require an SBI survey. 96

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View of main lake with well established shoreline habitats.

Hanson created a number of ponds, backwaters and wader scrapes at the site following sand and gravel extraction.

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

An example of insensitive ditch management at the site.

Views of failed drainage and standing water on a large area of arable farmland. This site would be an ideal candidate for arable reversion to lowland wet grassland and raised water levels through HLS.

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Annotated map for Site 11. Elford (South), Fisherwick and the Darnford Brook. 99

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Site (11) Elford Quarry (South), Fisherwick and the Darnford Brook

Area 318 Hectares

Ownership JPE, Birmingham City Council (BCC), Fisherwick Dairy Farm

Overview During 2006 a number of meetings were arranged to discuss the restoration of Elford Quarry. JPE, the current operators, undertook a Revision of the Mineral Plan (ROMP). This involved an Environmental Statement, various surveys including those for selected protected species, which was used to submit a planning application. SWT attended these pre-application meetings, liaised with JPE, the Friends of…group, SCC, SBAP and the EA and provided recommendations for a major revision of the proposed restoration plan for the site. These included the protection of an existing lake with high nature conservation interest, the use of inert fill to create shallows, peninsulas and islands in two of the larger lakes, the reduction in tree planting at the site, the creation of a large number of ephemeral pools in combination with bare-ground and grassland habitats. SWT also provided proposed conditions for the restoration via the planning application consultation. Additional surveys carried out in 2006 identified that the Fisherwick and Darnford Brooks are important for both native white-clawed crayfish and otters. These had not been selected for survey by the ecological consultants representing JPE.

Recommendations Undertake native crayfish and otter surveys for Elford Quarry in July-Oct 2007 (JPE, Consultants, NE, EA, SWT). Use the results to create a method statement for wet working at the site during restoration. Include disinfectant routine using iodine-based product. (JPE, Consultants, NE, EA, SWT). Undertake a crayfish survey of the Darnford and Fisherwick Brooks to assess the overall population status. Produce a habitat management plan for the brook corridors which tackle any perceived threats – e.g. diffuse pollution, point source pollution, insensitive management. (SWT, EA, NE, BCC). Promote HLS to all riparian landowners in the Fisherwick and Darnford Brook catchments to reduce run off, increase water quality and habitat quality for native crayfish, otter and other key species. (NE, EA, LDC, FWAG, SWT). Assist JPE to help realise the restoration plans. (SWT, EA).

Comments More specific recommendations for Elford Quarry have been submitted to JPE and SCC 9via the Planning Application for the ROMP.

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Darnford Brook © S.Peay. Sections of the brook which have been left mostly unmanaged provide good quality habitat for crayfish, otters and a number of other species.

Darnford Brook © S.Peay. White-clawed crayfish were found in good numbers (up to 15 per square metre) in amongst fibrous root systems and accumulations of leaf litter, mud and Coarse Woody Debris (CWD). 101

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Parts of both the Fisherwick amd Darnford Brook catchments need buffer strips to increase the suitability of the habitat for crayfish and other freshwater species.

Evidence of white-clawed crayfish and otter were identified throughout the lower sections of the Fisherwick Brook (which feeds the main lakes at Elford Quarry).

SWT providing advice to JPE to revise the restoration plan for Elford Quarry through the ROMP. 102

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Annotated map for Site 12. Comberford. 104

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Site (12) Comberford

Area 92 Hectares

Ownership Manor Farm, Sheepwash Farm, Comberford Lodge Farm

Overview This part of the Tame river corridor is something of a biological hotspot. Manor Farm comprises of damp riverside pasture with a large oxbow lake: a pond which was surveyed in 2006 and graded a Biodiversity Alert Site. Great crested newt, grass snake, water vole and otter have all been recorded here and there are anecdotal reports of white-clawed crayfish from the River Tame at the Comberford Brook confluence. Manor Farm is signed up to the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) and Sheepwash Farm is several years into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS).

Recommendations Investigate options for the Sheepwash Farm estate to transfer from CSS to HLS to release new capital works funding. Or, as a second option, modify the existing CSS agreement to undertake some additional enhancements at this site. This could help the site with its future application for HLS after the ten year agreement has run its course. 15 metre margins along the River Tame, 6 metre margins for all other boundary features, the excavation of several amphibian ponds, raised water levels in the ditch network, re-profiling to create wet berms and scalloped edges would be positive measures to tackle diffuse pollution and to benefit a number of wetland and farmland species. (FWAG, NE, EA, SWT). At Manor Park Farm good work has been carried out by the landowners to buffer the pond on one side from grazing. Additional ponds could be excavated along the drain courses to create further opportunities for amphibians (especially GCNs), grass snakes and dragonflies. (SWT, EA, NE). This site would be another good location to create a river island using living willow branches from the Manor Farm landholding. (SWT, EA). Undertake surveys and monitoring for crayfish, water vole, GCN, otter, grass snake and barn owl. (SWT, EA).

Owl & hawk box erected by the EA in c.2000.

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Living Large Woody Debris (LWD) at Comberford. The landowner is happy to leave the tree in position and to monitor. LWD provides additional habitat for fish, invertebrate species (e.g. crayfish) and otter.

“The Gravel Pit”. A pond at Comberford which has been stocked with coarse fish. GCNs were not recorded at this site in 2006. 106

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View of GCN pond at Comberford.

Buffering for the pond provided by temporary electric fencing.

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Annotated map for Site 13 Hopwas Hays Wood. 108

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Site (13) Hopwas Hays Wood

Area 262 Hectares

Ownership Ministry of Defence, Tarmac, Tamhorn Park Farm, Coton Hall Farm

Overview Hopwas Hays SBI is the largest area of woodland in the SE Staffordshire. It is especially important for Southern wood ant and a number of Red Data Book (RDB) invertebrate species including the cranefly Tanyptera atrata. (RDB3). It is also a key site for grass snake, slow worm, adder, Vivaparous lizard and otter. There is anecdotal evidence that the hydrology of this site has been disrupted by sand and gravel extraction at Hints Quarry which is located to the west. Survey work undertaken by SWT in 2004 and 2006 identified breeding populations of great crested newts, but a number of the pools had dried out by May. Many specimens were emaciated. If there has been disruption to the aquifer as a result of quarrying, this will need to be investigated to identify possible solutions. Tarmac has also investigated the potential to quarry the southern half of Hopwas Hays for sand and gravel (2004). No further information is available at this stage.

Recommendations Investigate possible disruption to aquifer at Hopwas Hays. (EA (CAMS), Tarmac, MOD, SWT). Undertake an SBI survey for the woodland between the River Tame and the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Use results to promote an extension to the SBI. (SWT, Wildlife Sites Grading Committee, LDC). Protect the wooded river island. (MOD, LDC, EA). Identify suitable locations to create further river islands using living willow branches secured to shallow sections of the River Tame. (SWT, EA). Treat and remove the Japanese knotweed stand adjacent to the canal towpath near the Sewage pumping station. (BW, EA, LDC, STW). Promote HLS to Cotton Hall Farm. Identify options to re-wet the floodplain pasture and to excavate a number of amphibian pools. (FWAG, NE, EA).

Wet woodland between the River Tame and the Coventry Canal. View of large river island at Hopwas Hays.

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An active otter ‘resting site’ identified near Hopwas.

Dead, shattered and rotting wood on the river island at Hopwas Hays. The stunning cranefly, Dictenidia bimaculata, -a ‘Local’ species- was recorded at this location in 2004. 110

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Southern wood ant Formica rufa © G.C.Slawson Hopwas Hays is one of only three sites for this species in Staffordshire.

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Parts of the Tame floodplain would benefit from arable reversion and re-wetting options. This would help tackle diffuse pollution and provide improved ecological corridors (to benefit key species such as great crested newt, grass snake, otter, crayfish and water vole). 112

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SBI surveys are required for additional areas of woodland at Hopwas Hays.

Views of the dried out former amphibian breeding ponds at Hopwas Hays.

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Annotated map for Site 14. Broad Meadow, Tamworth. 114

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Site (14) Broad Meadow, Tamworth

Area 111 Hectares

Ownership Tamworth Borough Council (TBC), Dunstall Farm

Overview Broad Meadow SBI is effectively a large river island in between the River Tame and a large flood relief channel. The site suffers from areas of contaminated ground due to its proximity to a former paper processing plant. Broad meadow is in the process of being transferred to Tamworth Borough Council by a developing company. The land comes with approximately £70K to be used for management and the development of the site into a Local Nature Reserve. Broad Meadow is one of only two sites in Staffordshire with a population of snake’s head fritillary. This small meadow has been maintained by Tamworth Borough Council and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who have arranged hay cuts. There has been no grazing at the site for many years. The grassland is rank and losing its botanical diversity. Scrub coverage is increasing. Constraints for the site also include poor access for machinery. An engineer’s report considers the main access bridge at the NW part of the site to be unsuitable for all vehicles and machinery. A check during 2006 has identified that a 20 tonne excavator could access the site from the A51, but arrangements would have to be made with TBC and SCC Highways. A further constraint is that removing spoil from the 1:100 year floodplain would be expensive (the nearest deposition site would be at the Dunstall Farm estate. A draft management plan has been produced for this site by TBC in the late 1990s.

Recommendations Continue to carry out hay cuts for the fritillary meadow and monitor the population. Extend the hay cuts to a wider area (approx. 0.5 hectares) to encourage the population to spread. Grass cuttings ideally need to be removed from the site. (TBC, SWT, NE). Secure a copy of the draft management plan from TBC and update with proposals to notify Broad Meadow as a LNR. (TBC, NE, SWT). Undertake a contaminated ground survey for Broad Meadow. Use the results to modify recommendations in the management plan. (TBC, SWT). Secure access for a 20 tonne excavator to carry out some initial wildlife ditch and pool work. Promote grazing of the main grassland using appropriate hardy livestock. (TBC, SWT, NE). Cost up a more ambitious plan to rehabilitate wetlands at Broad Meadow. The recreation of open water, pools, backwaters coupled with grazing would be a desirable outcome by 2012. Promote HLS to Dunstall Farm including options to raise water levels and re-wet a number of the riverside fields. This is a potentially suitable site for breeding lapwing. Consider lowering the height of the weir at the upstream end of the site and remove the boards from the weir next to the old paper mill. This would help the restore geomorphology to the river. (EA, TBC, Fishing Club).

Comments Broad Meadow was an important breeding site for water voles until approximately 1999. No evidence of this species has been confirmed since.

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The River Tame. Arrowhead. Dead standing wood.

Marshy grassland and ephemeral ponds at Dunstall Farm.

View of the fritillary meadow. 116

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Snake’s head fritillary at Broad Meadow. One of only two sites in Staffordshire. 117

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Annotated map for Site 15. Warwickshire Moor (West). 118

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Site (15) Warwickshire Moor (West)

Area 15 Hectares

Ownership Tamworth Borough Council (TBC)

Overview Warwickshire Moor (West) is part of a larger SBI and is a proposed LNR. In 2006, this site was selected by SWT and TBC to undertake a series of wetland rehabilitation measures. The work is being used to inspire similar wetland schemes at other suitable locations. Monitoring of the habitats and key species is underway to assess the effectiveness of the project and to identify other areas of the site where further enhancements would be appropriate.

Recommendations Monitor water levels, habitats and key species (invertebrates, great crested newt / amphibians, grass snake, water vole, otter, reed bunting, etc.) (SWT, TBC, EA). Raise water levels in the main SuDS pond to help re-wet degraded reedbed area and fen vegetation. Monitor closely. (SWT, TBC, SCC Highways, EA). Complete access work and boardwalk. (TBC, BTCV, SWT). Use results of monitoring to recommend additional habitat work to be undertaken via the site management plan in 2007-10: ‘bed lowering’ to increase reedbeds and fen vegetation, river re-profiling, river backwater areas and the creation of further channels and ephemeral ponds. (SWT, TBC, EA, SCC). Identify a suitable receptor site outside the 1:100 year flood plain to deposit and landscape the soil from additional excavations. (TBC, EA, SWT).

Comments Warwickshire Moor is supported by a “Friends of…” community group.

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Summary of wetland rehabilitation project undertaken by SWT at Warwickshire Moor SBI in December 2006.

Views of site before rehabilitation scheme.

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Recreating open water.

One of the completed SuDS ponds.

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New ditch created at the Southern part of the site. Raised water levels will help to re-wet the reedbed.

One of ten ‘dragonfly’ ponds which were excavated throughout the site. (left in Dec’06; right in April’07).

View of the ditch four months after excavation. 122

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Four months on. Phragmites is re-colonising the ditch margins.

Part of the new boardwalk.

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Annotated map for Site 16. Tameside Nature Reserve. 124

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Site (16) Tameside Nature Reserve

Area 31 Hectares

Ownership Tamworth Borough Council (TBC)

Overview Tameside is a proposed LNR and is supported by a “Friends of…” group who help deliver the site management plan. The lake, islands, pools and ditched at the site support a host of wildlife. Otter, water vole and marsh frog were all recorded during the 2006-7 surveys. It is also a good site for wintering birds. TBC has approximately £35K to spend at this site plus some additional Section 106 moneys.

Recommendations TBC and SWT have discussed proposals to re-profile a 275 metre section of the inside a meander on the River Tame (see annotated map below). The work would generate approximately 3000 cubic metres of spoil which would be transported and re-positioned into the northern end of the lake to create an additional 0.3 hectares of reedbed. There would be great benefit for both flood risk management and biodiversity by re-profiling an additional 386 metres of the River Tame adjacent to the main lake. The spoil (approximately 3500 cubic metres) could be used to create a further 0.62 hectares of reedbed. Further recommendations include the creation of a series of ‘dragonfly’ and amphibian pools and the excavation of bays along the main ditch to provide additional habitat for key species such as water voles, dragonflies and amphibians. (TBC, SWT, EA, SCC). Ongoing surveys and monitoring for water vole, mink and otter. (SWT, EA). Ongoing monitoring of the non-indigenous marsh frog population. (EA, TBC, SWT). Create new river islands using fresh-cut willow branches and secure to shallow sections of the River Tame in mid-channel. Monitor closely. (SWT, TBC, EA).

Comments TBC commissioned SWT’s consultancy to produce a draft management plan for both Tameside Nature Reserve and the adjacent Kettlebrook / borrow pit in 2004. A full copy of this report is held by TBC.

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Views of the main lake at Tameside.

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Annotated map for Site 17. Dosthill & Middleton Hall Quarries. 128

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Site (17) Dosthill & Middleton Hall Quarries

Area 290 Hectares

Ownership RSPB, Hanson, SCC, TBC, Dosthill Diving Club

Overview Dosthill and Middleton Hall Quarries are now combined as a nature reserve owned and managed by the RSPB know as Middleton Lakes. The reserve is based on an imaginative and ambitious design created by Hanson (David Southgate) in partnership with SCC and the EA. A pioneering project has been completed at this site. The Environment Agency (Andrew Crawford and Iain Baird) designed and promoted a river braiding scheme for the quarry (over 1000 metres to date). SCC revised the planning permission for the site to allow Hanson to work the 50 metre buffer strip along the River Tame. The company extracted the extra mineral, doubled the width of the channel and left a string of river islands in place. The results have been stunning. Geomorphological processes have been activated to produce gravel shoals, sequences of riffles and pools, backwaters and deposits of mud and sand. This successful project has also helped to improve the connection between the river and its new floodplain level. It is being used as a demonstration site to inspire similar initiatives at suitable quarries regionally and nationally.

Recommendations Undertake further river braiding and re-profiling work at key locations and monitor. (Hanson, RSPB, SCC, EA, SWT, WCC, TBC, LDC, NWDC). Carry out a baseline native crayfish survey at Dosthill Pool (the hard rock quarry pool used as a diving centre) and for Gallows Brook. Register Dosthill Pool as a candidate national ‘ARK’ site for white- clawed crayfish. (SWT, EA, Dosthill Dive Centre, RSPB, UK Crayfish BAP Group). Bare ground habitats at the site are decreasing. Trial the excavation of new areas of bare ground (bluffs / clifflets and scrapes) of various areas and orientations (ideally the clifflets should face in a southerly direction). Monitor key species such as ground-nesting solitary bees and wasps (RSPB, Hanson, SWT, TBC, LDC). Monitor the ochre pollution problems at peripheral ditches at Dosthill and in the Dosthill Park brook courses. Investigate causes (i.e. ochre leaching from old mine adits?). (EA, TBC, RSBP). Carry out a hydrological assessment for Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve to model the movement of water across the site during flood events. Measure the flood storage and attenuation capacities for the area. In particular, study the contributuion wet woodland and floodplain woodland makes in terms of floodplain ‘roughness’ and slowing the flow during inundation events. (RSPB, EA). Undertake a full SBI re-survey for the nature reserve and surrounding area. (RSPB, SWT, EA, SCC, NE, TBC, LDC).

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The diving pool at Dosthill. This is an isolated site with an established white-clawed crayfish population. Accordingly, it needs to be assessed as a potential National ‘ARK’ site.

View of the restored Dosthill Quarry lakes.

Bare ground habitat at Dosthill Quarry. An important habitat for specialist invertebrates such as ground-nesting solitary bees and wasps.

Establishing reedbeds at Middleton Hall Quarry. Notice the microtopography.

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Views of habitats forming within the river channel following the ‘braiding’ work that was carried out on the Tame.

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A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7

References Cadman, D. (2002) Changes to Staffordshire Habitats (1979-2000) Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Candlin, P. (2000) The Status and Distribution of the Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) in Staffordshire in 2000: Action to Avoid Imminent Extinction Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Crawford, A.K. (2003) Fourth Otter Survey of England 2000-2002 Environment Agency Davies, AM (2006) Nature after minerals – How mineral site restoration can benefit people and wildlife RSPB Entec. (1999) Central Rivers Project Strategy – Final Report. Environment Agency (1998) River Habitat Quality: the physical quality of streams and rivers in the UK and the Isle of Man Environment Agency (2000) Focus on Biodiversity. The Environment Agency’s contribution to wildlife conservation. Mott, N. (2001) Otter, Water Vole and Mink Survey of the Upper Trent & Tame River Catchments 1999-2001 (Unpublished Report) Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. (2001) Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Second Edition. White, GJ and Gilbert, JC (eds) (2003) Habitat creation handbook for the minerals industry RSPB

Acknowledgements Thanks to the following people who helped to deliver this project: Craig Slawson from Staffordshire Ecological Records (SER) – production of species distribution maps. Ann Cantrell and Jez Squires – Phase I Habitat Survey and TVWP digitising. Felicity Clark – Digitising species information and CRI Phase I Habitat Survey digitising. David Cadman, Judith Weightman, Ann Cantrell, Jez Squires, Sue Lawley, Felicity Clark and Jenny Stuart – Re-survey of Tamworth SBIs. Andy Jukes and Naomi Waite – carried out independent surveys at Newbold Quarry. Sue Lawley – additional analysis of habitat data. Claire Waterson from Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan – input on the Elford Quarry restoration proposals. West Midlands Bird Club – regularly collate and send bird records to SER. David Wain from Elford Park Farm for hosting and speaking at the Landowners’ Day. Jo Williams from Ferndale Agri-environmental for speaking at, and helping to organise, the Landowners’ Day. Paul Ansell and John Smith from Lichfield District Council for providing background information on CRI. Kath Stapley, Wild About Tamworth Project Officer, and Graham Peake who organised and delivered the community and education elements of the project. Stephanie Peay from Scott Wilson - provided information on crayfish surveys undertaken at the Darnford Brook in 2002&5. Andrew Crawford and Kathryn Edwards from the Environment Agency for their comments on the draft report. Wetland Creations Ltd for their good work at Warwickshire Moor pLNR. All landowners and site managers within the project area who kindly gave their permission for the various surveys.

Thanks also to Kathryn Edwards (Environment Agency) and Jane Rochelle (Green Arc Partnership) for commissioning the Wildlife Trust to carry out this project.

Publication data Mott,N (2007) A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame and Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetland Project areas). Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, UK. © Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Registered Charity No.259558 www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7